A country as vast as India has different languages and cultures, and there are many differences from one end of India to the other. A common question that comes to mind for those who want to travel to this country is “Is India expensive?” The answer to this question depends on many factors. If you are looking for a budget-friendly trip, India is the best option for a high-quality and low-budget vacation. The country has fascinating and enchanting attractions that you cannot find anywhere else in the world, including the Taj Mahal and other forts like the Hawa Mahal.
Even the cheapest cities in India satisfies every traveler on any budget. In the following, we will further explore whether India is expensive and examine the details of expenses in this country. The basis of this article is based on our authors’ research on living in India. The factors that make traveling to a country expensive include accommodation, food, transportation and tourist attractions, and internet and call costs. Below is a summary of prices in India, which are presented in a table for your convenience.
| Expense Category | Budget Travelers | Mid-Range Travelers | Luxury Travelers |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | ₹500 – ₹1,500 ($6 – $18) | ₹1,500 – ₹5,000 ($18 – $60) | ₹5,000 – ₹15,000 ($60 – $180) |
| Food | ₹200 – ₹600 ($2.50 – $7) | ₹600 – ₹1,500 ($7 – $18) | ₹1,500 – ₹5,000 ($18 – $60) |
| Transportation | ₹50 – ₹300 ($0.60 – $4) | ₹300 – ₹1,000 ($4 – $12) | ₹1,000 – ₹3,000 ($12 – $36) |
| Attractions | ₹100 – ₹500 ($1.20 – $6) | ₹500 – ₹1,500 ($6 – $18) | ₹1,500 – ₹5,000 ($18 – $60) |
| Total Daily Cost | ₹950 – ₹2,900 ($12 – $36) | ₹3,900 – ₹8,000 ($48 – $100) | ₹9,000 – ₹28,000 ($108 – $340) |
India is a cheap country, as you can see in the table above, the cost of living in India is much lower than in Western and European countries.
How Expensive is Accommodation in India?
When traveling to a new country, you want to spend most of your time immersed in the culture and attractions of that country. So, accommodation becomes a factor that is not very important and is usually used only for sleeping at night or taking a shower. If you want to have a budget stay in major Indian cities like Delhi, Mumbai and Bengaluru, you will pay around 800 to 2500 rupees per night per person.
For those who want to spend a little more, 2500 to 5500 rupees will allow them to stay in mid-range options for one night per person. If you want a luxurious stay, you can pay around 5500 to 20000 rupees and stay in 5-star hotels anywhere in India.
You may want to spend a long time in this beautiful country, in which case you can rent a one-bedroom apartment. A one-bedroom apartment in the city can cost around 20,000 to 40,000 rupees per month depending on its location, but if you find the same apartment outside the city center, you can rent it for 10,000 to 25,000 rupees per month.
Food and Dining Costs in India
Food is another important factor that influences your travel itinerary. India has a lot of options for eating, from which you can choose any one you like. In general, the Indian food culture is different from anywhere else in the world and they have dishes that are not cooked as well as Indians themselves, and you should definitely try them when you travel.
The price of street food for each meal can be 30 to 150 rupees, which is a fair price. If you do not want to eat a lot of street food, you can eat your meals in Indian restaurants, which cost about 200 to 600 rupees. For those who want to spend a little more to experience better quality food, they should keep the price of each meal in mind between 600 and 1500 rupees.
If you are staying in India for a long time or if you want to prepare your own food and cook it yourself, you should expect the average cost for a month to be between 2,500 and 5,000 rupees, depending on the type of ingredients you buy and the place you buy them from.
Is Transportation in India Expensive?
To be able to visit the places of a country, you need to know the route to get there, but you have to travel with them to take you. Using public transport is one of the best and most efficient ways to reduce transportation costs, as you can travel throughout a city without paying huge amounts of money. There are many ways to get around the city in India, which we will discuss below.
Buses and metros are the means of transport that you can use in big cities and reach your destination in the fastest time. Each ride on the metro and bus costs about 10 to 50 rupees, depending on the distance to the destination. Autorickshaws are another option in India. The basic fare for autorickshaws is 15 rupees, and a short trip can cost you about 50 to 200 rupees. Taxis are also a popular public transport option in India, charging between 20 and 30 rupees per kilometer, with the minimum fare being 50 rupees.
For those who want a longer-term option, they can get a monthly pass, which can cost around 1,000 rupees ($12.50) for the metro in cities like Delhi.
Cost of Attractions in India
India is a country that has witnessed many dynasties from ancient times to the present day, which has undergone many changes throughout history. This country has the best attractions in every field. For any traveler who wants to visit the attractions of this country on a low budget, consider about 100 to 500 for entry. If you want to participate in organized tours or special activities, you have to spend 500 to 1500. You can spend 1500 to 5000 rupees to participate in private guided tours that can bring unique and special experiences.
The cost of living varies from city to city in India. The reason for this difference is that each city has its own unique amenities. let’s see a brief comparison of the cost of living index in some major cities.
| City | Cost of Living Index (Global) | Average Monthly Expense (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Mumbai | 30th | 75,000 – 1,20,000 |
| New Delhi | 45th | 60,000 – 1,00,000 |
| Bengaluru | 60th | 55,000 – 95,000 |
| Chennai | 70th | 50,000 – 85,000 |
| Kolkata | 80th | 45,000 – 80,000 |
Conclusion
Is India expensive? This is not a difficult question to answer, and it must be said that India is a very cheap country for tourists. Whether you are planning to stay for a week or for months, you can see the costs of internet and even visiting a doctor in the table below. These are the costs per person in rupees.
| Expense Category | Cost Range (INR) | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | 800 – 3,500 | Budget hotels/guesthouses (₹800 – ₹2,000) to mid-range hotels (₹2,000 – ₹3,500). |
| Food (Daily) | 200 – 1,000 | Street food (~₹50 – ₹150 per meal) to dining in restaurants (₹300 – ₹500 per meal). |
| Doctor Visit | 400 – 1,500 | Consultation fees for general practitioners; varies by city and doctor. |
| Supermarket Costs (Groceries) | 1,500 – 3,000 | Monthly grocery expenses, including staple foods, fruits, and cleaning supplies. |
| Public Transport (Daily) | 50 – 200 | Local buses and metro rides; auto-rickshaw fares vary by distance. |
| Mobile Data/Internet | 200 – 800 | Monthly costs for a 4G data plan; higher for high-speed unlimited plans. |
| Utilities (Monthly) | 1,500 – 3,000 | Electricity, water, gas, and internet combined. |
| Clothing | 500 – 2,000 | Casual wear; costs vary depending on the brand and quality. |
| Entertainment (Daily) | 200 – 500 | Cinema tickets, local attractions, or events. |
| Fitness Membership | 1,000 – 3,000 | Monthly fee for a basic gym or fitness center. |
| Miscellaneous (Daily) | 100 – 300 | Additional costs for toiletries, personal care, or small purchases. |
👉 Don’t just read about it—experience it! Share your thoughts in the comments below or ask any questions you might have about traveling or living in India.
