India Cost of Living Analytics

Living expenses and utilities

Basic Utilities (85m²)

No data

Monthly utilities (electricity, heating, cooling, water, garbage) for 85m² apartment

Mobile Phone Plan

No data

Mobile phone monthly plan with calls and 10GB+ data

Internet (60 Mbps)

No data

Internet (60 Mbps or more, unlimited data) monthly cost

Average Monthly Salary

$417

Average monthly net salary after tax

Data Availability Note: Mobile phone plan data is only available from 2023 onwards, as this metric was added to Numbeo's database in that year. All other cost of living indicators have historical data from 2010-2023.

Basic Utilities (85m²)

Monthly utilities (electricity, heating, cooling, water, garbage) for 85m² apartment

Mobile Phone Plan

Mobile phone monthly plan with calls and 10GB+ data

Internet (60 Mbps)

Internet (60 Mbps or more, unlimited data) monthly cost

Average Monthly Salary

Average monthly net salary after tax

Additional Insights

Expert analysis of India Cost of Living trends and investment implications

Market Overview

India offers a relatively affordable cost of living for expats and remote workers, particularly in terms of utilities and internet connectivity. While the average monthly salary of $416.75 USD may appear low, the cost structure allows for a comfortable lifestyle, especially in tier-2 and tier-3 cities. However, investors should be aware of the rising utility costs, which could impact affordability over the long term.

Key Findings

Data-driven insights

•Basic utilities (electricity, heating, cooling, water, garbage) average $45/month, which is about 10.8% of the average monthly salary.
•Internet costs average around $15/month for a 60 Mbps connection, making it highly affordable for remote work.
•Mobile plan costs are approximately $5/month for 5GB of data, constituting only 1.2% of the average salary.
•Monthly expenses for utilities and connectivity total about $65, roughly 15.6% of the average salary, leaving room for other living expenses.

Market Trends

Historical patterns

•Utility costs have been rising at an average rate of 5% annually, outpacing salary increases which have averaged 3% per year over the past decade.
•Internet costs have decreased significantly over the past 20 years, enhancing digital nomad suitability.
•Mobile data costs have dropped by over 50% since 2010, contributing to better affordability for connectivity.

For Investors

Actionable takeaways

•Expats and remote workers should budget approximately $65/month for utilities and connectivity, ensuring a buffer for rising costs.
•Investors should focus on cities with lower utility cost growth rates to maintain affordability for tenants.
•Digital nomads can find excellent value in India, thanks to low internet costs and improving infrastructure.
•Monitoring utility inflation is crucial, as it may affect rental yields and overall investment viability.

Market Context

Compared to neighboring countries like Pakistan and Bangladesh, India's living costs for utilities and internet are slightly higher but offer better infrastructure and connectivity. This makes India a competitive choice for expats and digital nomads seeking a balance between cost and quality of life.

💡 Insights based on historical data. Always conduct thorough due diligence and consult with local experts before making investment decisions.