Delhi Cost of Living 2024: Guide for Bachelors, Couples, and Families

The cost of living in Delhi is very debatable where; some people will tell you that it is expensive, while others will tell you that it is just like living in any other metro city in India. Overall, it is all about perspectives and how each individual, couple, and family spends on each of the categories, including accommodation, transportation, food, and basic utility. 

Yes, the inflation is hitting the market hard and is affecting middle-class families, but one can keep a check on the monthly expenses in Delhi, within the allocated budget if they are strategic in their expenses.

There are factors that affect one’s monthly budget in Delhi and the greatest threat to it is- the disparity between “wants” and “needs”. To maintain this optimally, you need to come up with a written bifurcation. It may be in the form of a chart or an excel sheet. 

In the above para, we talked about strategic expense habits- this means trying to reduce the cost where the investment is unnecessary for example- if you see that the commute between your place of stay to your college/office can be done seamlessly via public transportation, then go for it rather than depending on your bike/car. Secondly, you might choose a PG accommodation rather than a rental apartment if you are a bachelor. This will reduce your overall monthly expenses in Delhi drastically. There are many other ways you can minimize your expenses in Delhi, and we will talk about them later in this guide. 

What is the Average Cost of Living in Delhi?

The average cost of living in Delhi depends on how you lead your lifestyle. For example, suppose your family of four is living in a luxury rental apartment. In that case, the overall monthly charge can touch up to 1,00,000/- and can go beyond that too (this includes rent, transportation, medical exigencies, and miscellaneous costs).

But if you scrutinize your overall Delhi living expenses, you will notice that “rent” is taking up most of the percentage. So, if you mess up and select the wrong PG which is not fulfilling your daily utilities like housekeeping and meals, then it’s a waste of money and you will be spending over and above your budget eventually. Therefore, it is always better to get the right one from a reliable housing platform like Stanza Living. 

Cost of Living in Delhi For Couples

The cost of living in Delhi for a couple can be a tad easy as the overall cost gets evenly distributed among the two people. Let us see what Delhi takes from a typical middle-class couple, in certain categories-

Category	Approximate Cost	Notes
Rent per month	10,000/- to 20,000/- upto 2 BHK	This includes basic amenities like housekeeping services/meals/electricity
Medical Expenses	2,000/- to 5,000/-	Routine checkups and minor medical needs
Public Transportation	3,000/- to 6,000/-	Based on two people using Delhi Metro and buses for daily office commutes
Private Vehicle (fuel, maintenance and insurance)	4,000/- to 8,000/-	Based on special needs
Miscellaneous	8,000/- to 15,000/-	Based on shopping, parties and entertainment

Cost of Living in Delhi For Family

The cost of living in Delhi for a family comes with various expenditure heads hence we have come up with a holistic case study below for your quick understanding-

Case study- Family of four people, where a couple is working (along with their child) with an elderly person (probably one of their mothers/fathers). Let’s look at their approximate expenditure matrix-

Category	Approximate Cost	Notes
Rent per month	20,000/- to 40,000/- 3 BHKs	Based on standard PG accommodations including meals, housekeeping, electricity, WiFi, etc. Prices can go up if it is a luxury space and in a prominent locality like -Vasant Vihar, Hauz Khas, Saket etc
Public transportation	3,000/- to 6,000/-	Based on two people using Delhi Metro and buses for daily office commutes
Private Vehicle (fuel, maintenance and insurance)	6,000/- to 10,000/-	Based on special needs
School fees for the child	10,000/- to 20,000/-
Medical exigencies	5,000/- to 10,000/-	Routine checkups, medications, and unexpected medical needs
Miscellaneous	10,000 to 20,000/-	Includes shopping, parties, and entertainment

Cost of Living in Delhi For Students

The monthly expenses in Delhi for students can be cut down significantly if that student can be a bit aware of his/her budget. Let’s go through a case study where a student is studying at a university like the AIIMS New Delhi-

Category	Approximate Cost	Notes
Rent per month	1 BHK in nearby localities like Hauz Khas might go up to- 12,000/- per month	One can even get a better deal with basic amenities like AC, WiFi, meals and housekeeping from Stanza Living
Public transportation	2,000/- to 3,000/-
Medical exigencies	2,000 to 5,000/-	Due to unwanted accidents and injuries
Miscellaneous	5,000/- to 10,000/-	Includes stationeries, shopping and recreational activities

*Please note that we haven’t calculated the college fees here. 

Cost of Living in Delhi for Bachelor

Well, we can say that the cost of living in Delhi for a bachelor’s degree can be near the student’s matrix, as calculated earlier. This is because it is almost the same, while in this case- the person is going to an office rather than a college/institution. So, the college fees will be eliminated, and private vehicles might be added. 

In either case study, the elephant in the room is obviously the “monthly rent”. And that can be optimized very strategically if the concerned person can build up a team of roommates and plan for shared living. 

Factors Affecting the Cost of Living in Delhi

List of various aspects that decide the cost of living in Delhi:

Accommodation

Transport

Groceries

Utilities

Leisure & Entertainment

Childcare

Have recently shifted to Delhi and want a cozy place to live? Check out Stanza Living’s fully furnished PGs in Delhi and make your stay a breeze.

Accommodation

Home. Haven. Headquarters. Command center. Many names. Same space. As has already been made evident, the space you come back to is pretty important. It is important to face the next day, the next challenge, the next everything. So, you need to know what it’s worth. And we’re about to tell you.

When it comes to renting, location is everything. That’s why a 1BHK in the heart of the city costs Rs. 18,000 while away from the center a 1BHK goes for Rs. 10,000. In the same way, a 3BHK in the heart of the city can be rented for Rs. 50,000, while away from the center a 3BHK will go for Rs. 30,000. If putting such a burden on your pocket isn’t what you’re looking for, you’ll find coliving affordable PGs in Delhi starting at Rs. 7,599 per month.

Appartments Rentals in Delhi	Price Range
1BHK	Rs. 10,000/- to Rs. 18,000/-
2BHK	Rs. 8,000/- to Rs. 13,000/-
3BHK	Rs. 30,000/- to Rs. 50,000/-
Paying guest (PG)	Starting at Rs. 7,599/-

Transport

Spread out across 1,484 square kilometres, knowing the cost of travel in Delhi is of primary importance. A one-way ticket on local transport comes to Rs. 30, while a monthly pass will put you back by Rs. 1,000. If you’ve got your own car or motorbike, petrol is priced at about Rs. 83 a litre, while diesel sells at Rs. 73 per litre.

Groceries

You’ve got your paycheque. It’s time to get the groceries. But how much should you keep aside? Well, to give you a basic idea, a general grocery list of one litre of milk and one litre of water, a loaf of bread, a dozen eggs, one kilo each of rice, apples, oranges, potatoes, onions, and cheese will cost you around Rs. 850.

Utilities

A house is not just four walls. It still needs electricity to run your stuff, water to keep it and you clean, cooling and heating because the city gets very hot and very cold and somebody to get the garbage after all those awesome parties you’re going to have. So how much will all that cost in New Delhi? About Rs. 5,000.

Leisure & Entertainment

You’re in the capital of the country. And you’re going to have a nice night out. Maybe it’s a date away from the kids or just a date, period. Maybe you’re out with friends. How much should you have in your pocket? If you’re planning a movie and a meal with drinks, about Rs. 2,000 per person would be ideal. The cappuccino the next morning will cost you Rs. 150. And if you’re a fitness freak, that’s another Rs. 2,000 you need to account for. You’ll find everything you want in New Delhi; you’ll just have to afford it. 

Childcare

One of the best things about living in New Delhi is the opportunities you’ll be giving your kids. From nanny services for working parents that start at Rs. 10,000 a month to full-day preschools for Rs. 5,500 a month to the best schools in the country starting at Rs. 1,50,000 a month, your child’s future will want for nothing.

Tips on Reducing the Cost of Living in Delhi

To reduce the monthly cost of living in Delhi, one can-

• Opt for shared accommodation in sub-par localities
• Use public transportation more than private vehicles
• Cook by yourself at your PG accommodation, if the meal prices are higher
• Shop smartly
• Minimize the unnecessary utility cost
• Refrain from unnecessary subscriptions and memberships

Best Living Options in Delhi

The best localities to live in Delhi are- Vasant Vihar, Hauz Khas, Greater Kailash, Defense Colony, Saket, and South Extension. You will find each necessary amenity in these localities including renowned hospitals, colleges, and industrial offices. 

Along with the ease of commute, you are likely to get the best security services as compared to other localities. So, it is best to get the right deal from modern apartments listed on reliable platforms like Stanza Living. 

Conclusion

The cost of living in Delhi in 2024 can be tricky yet fulfilling once you have done the homework. Apart from that, the capital city will continue to attract diverse communities from around the globe as it offers a holistic environment, not only to Indians but beyond. 

FAQs on the Cost of Living in Delhi

 

PG in Laxmi Nagar

PG in GTB Nagar

PG in North Campus

PG in South Campus

PG in Shakti Nagar

PG in Barakhamba

PG in Rajiv Chowk

Is there a minimum rent that I have to pay?

In a city as vast as New Delhi, there will be living options for every pocket. While the costs above are an average, you’ll find living spaces that are far cheaper and far more expensive. There is no real minimum cost, as long as, you’re flexible.

Is New Delhi safe?

Contrary to popular belief, New Delhi is one of the safest cities in India. With increased vigilance and helpline numbers for women, increased police patrols, and self-defence education spearheaded by Delhi Government, you would be hard-pressed to feel safer. 

Which is better, PG or a flat in Delhi?

If you are a student, it is recommended to go for a PG in Delhi. This will reduce the monthly expenditure while giving you ample networking opportunities. Otherwise, go for a flat for more privacy.  

Where can I find the best rooms for students in Delhi?

To get the best rental rooms in Delhi for students, you can target these localities- Vijay Nagar, Lajpat Nagar, Mukherjee Nagar (North Campus), South Campus, Hauz Khas etc.

Try out Stanza Living to get the best deals within minutes via their smart website.

How much salary do I need to live comfortably in Delhi?

To live comfortably in Delhi, one needs to earn around 50,000/- to 80,000/- per month. While the rest of the story depends on their lifestyle, rent, and location preferences.