🇮🇳 Cost of Living in Delhi - Prices & Budget Guide
Last updated: March 2026
Economic Indicators
GDP per Capita (PPP)$11,160 (2024)
Inflation Rate5.0% (2024)
Health Spend per Capita$85 (2023)
Out-of-Pocket Health Spend43.9% (2023)
Education Spend (% GDP)4.1% (2022)
Source: World Bank Open Data
Delhi is a moderately priced city, offering a range of affordable options for accommodation, food, and transportation, making it an attractive destination for tourists and expats alike.
Quick Facts
Cost LevelModerate
Daily Budget (Backpacker)$20-40 USD
Daily Budget (Mid-Range)$40-80 USD
Daily Budget (Comfort)$80-150 USD
CurrencyINR
Tipping Customexpected (5-10% in restaurants and bars)
How Expensive Is Delhi?
Delhi, the capital city of India, is a bustling metropolis with a rich cultural heritage and a blend of traditional and modern amenities. Compared to other major cities in Asia, Delhi is relatively affordable, with a cost of living that is lower than cities like Tokyo, Seoul, or Hong Kong. However, it is more expensive than many other Indian cities, due to its status as the national capital and a major hub for business, politics, and tourism. Overall, Delhi offers a unique combination of affordability and accessibility, making it an attractive destination for visitors and expats.
In terms of global averages, Delhi's cost of living is generally lower than that of Western cities, but higher than many cities in Southeast Asia or Latin America. However, the city's diverse range of accommodation options, from budget-friendly hostels to luxury hotels, and its vibrant food scene, with a wide range of affordable and high-end dining options, make it an attractive destination for travelers with varying budgets.
Accommodation Prices
Type
Price Range (USD/night)
Notes
Hostel/Budget
$5-15
Basic dorms and private rooms, often with shared facilities
Mid-Range Hotel
$20-50
Comfortable rooms with private bathrooms, air conditioning, and basic amenities
Luxury/Resort
$100-250
High-end hotels with luxurious rooms, fitness centers, and fine dining options
Apartment Rent (monthly)
$200-500
1-bedroom apartments in city center, $100-300 for shared apartments or locations outside city center
Food & Dining Prices
Meal Type
Price Range (USD)
Street Food / Local Eatery
$1-3
Casual Restaurant
$5-10
Mid-Range Restaurant (2 people)
$15-30
Fine Dining
$30-50
Beer (local)
$2-5
Coffee
$1-3
Water (1.5L bottle)
$0.50-1
Transport Costs
Transport
Cost (USD)
Local bus/metro ride
$0.20-0.50
Taxi (per km)
$0.50-1
Domestic flight
$50-150
Fuel (per liter)
$0.70-1
Monthly Budget Breakdown
Category
Budget ($)
Mid-Range ($)
Comfortable ($)
Rent
200
400
800
Food
150
300
500
Transport
50
100
200
Utilities
50
100
150
Entertainment
100
200
300
Total
550
1100
1950
Money-Saving Tips
Consider staying in a hostel or budget hotel, which can be significantly cheaper than mid-range or luxury options.
Eat at local eateries or street food stalls, which offer delicious and affordable meals.
Use public transportation, such as buses or the metro, which are cheap and efficient.
Avoid traveling during peak hours or seasons, when prices for accommodation and transportation tend to be higher.
Take advantage of discounts or promotions offered by restaurants, bars, or shops, which can help reduce expenses.
Learn some basic Hindi phrases, which can help you navigate the city and interact with locals, potentially leading to better deals or more affordable options.