Cost of Living in Delhi (2025-2026)
The cost of living in Delhi is 115% of the national average (India average = 100). Housing, utilities, food, transportation, and healthcare costs all contribute to the overall cost of living index.
Quick Answer
The cost of living in Delhi is 115% of the India average. Housing costs 125% of the national average, utilities 108%, food 112%, transportation 110%, and healthcare 102%.
Key Takeaways
- The cost of living in Delhi is 15% higher than the India national average (index: 115 vs. 100).
- Housing in Delhi is 25% more expensive than the national average.
- A salary of ₹600,000 in Delhi has the purchasing power of about ₹521,739 in an average-cost India area.
Cost of Living Breakdown
| Category | Delhi Index | India Average | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall | 115 | 100 | +15% |
| Housing | 125 | 100 | +25% |
| Utilities | 108 | 100 | +8% |
| Food | 112 | 100 | +12% |
| Transportation | 110 | 100 | +10% |
| Healthcare | 102 | 100 | +2% |
Base: India average = 100. Values above 100 indicate above-average costs.
Calculate Your Budget in Delhi
Use our free calculators to estimate your salary, mortgage, and taxes in Delhi.
Delhi Cost of Living Overview
The cost of living in Delhi is 115% of the national average, meaning residents pay approximately 15% higher for goods and services compared to the typical India household.
For context, a household earning the Delhi average salary of ₹600,000 per year has an effective purchasing power of about ₹521,739 when adjusted for national cost differences.
Housing Costs in Delhi
Housing is typically the largest expense for households, and in Delhi it is 25% above the national average (index: 125).
Use our mortgage calculator to estimate monthly payments based on current interest rates and home prices in Delhi.
Utilities, Food, and Transportation in Delhi
Beyond housing, the main cost categories in Delhi are:
Utilities (index: 108): Above the national average by 8%. Food (index: 112): 12% above the national average. Transportation (index: 110): 10% above the national average. Healthcare (index: 102): 2% above the national average.
Salary vs. Cost of Living in Delhi
The relationship between salary and cost of living is essential for financial planning. The average salary in Delhi is ₹600,000 per year. When adjusted for the cost of living index of 115, this salary provides a standard of living equivalent to earning approximately ₹521,739 in a typical India city.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Delhi?
The cost of living in Delhi is 115% of the India average, meaning expenses are 15% higher than the typical household.
How much does housing cost in Delhi?
Housing in Delhi has a cost index of 125 (national average: 100), making it 25% more expensive than the national average.
What salary do you need to live comfortably in Delhi?
Based on the cost of living index of 115, you would need approximately ₹521,739 in Delhi to maintain the same standard of living as the national average salary.
How does Delhi cost of living compare to other regions?
Delhi's cost of living index of 115 places it higher than the India national average.
Sources
- Government statistics, India
- Cost of living research data, India
- National real estate data, India
Last updated: June 2026