Cost of Living in India — 2026
| Metric | Value | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Budget accommodation (basic guesthouse/hostel dorm) | 5–15USD/night | — |
| Mid-range accommodation (private room, AC) | 20–55USD/night | Heritage hotels in Rajasthan can be higher |
| Budget meal (thali, chai, street food) | 0.75–3USD | — |
| Mid-range meal (restaurant) | 4–12USD | — |
| Chai (street stall) | 0.10–0.25USD | — |
| Beer (restaurant/bar where available) | 3–7USD | Many states have restrictions; check locally |
| Monthly rent (1-bed apartment, major city) | 200–600USD | — |
| Monthly rent (1-bed, Goa beach area) | 300–700USD | — |
| Monthly groceries | 80–200USD | — |
| Auto-rickshaw (short city trip) | 0.50–2USD | — |
| Train (overnight sleeper, 2AC class, 12-hour journey) | 15–30USD | — |
| Domestic flight (major routes, booked ahead) | 25–70USD | — |
| SIM card with data (monthly, unlimited) | 5–10USD | — |
| Budget daily total | 15–30USD | — |
| Mid-range daily total | 40–70USD | — |
| Comfortable monthly budget | 800–1,500USD | — |
India remains one of the most affordable major travel destinations in the world. The range of costs is enormous — from genuinely spartan budget travel at $15–20/day to comfortable mid-range at $50–80/day. The biggest driver of costs isn't region but comfort level, particularly for accommodation.
India's price range is wider than almost any other country. A dorm bed in a basic guesthouse and a boutique heritage hotel in the same city can be 20x apart in price. The budget end is cheaper than almost anywhere in Southeast Asia; the luxury end is competitive with international standards. Most independent travelers find the sweet spot in the $30–60/day range, which buys a private room, restaurant meals, and comfortable trains.
FAQ
Very cheap. India consistently ranks among the cheapest countries in the world for travel. Budget travelers can survive on $15–20/day; most independent travelers spend $30–50/day for private rooms and restaurant meals. A comfortable month with some domestic travel runs $800–1,500.
The north (Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar) and the south (Tamil Nadu, Odisha) tend to be cheaper than Goa, Kerala, Himachal Pradesh, and the major metros. Goa during peak season (December–February) is significantly more expensive than most of India.
Yes, with the usual caveats. India has genuine risks — traffic, scams targeting tourists, areas with poor infrastructure — but violent crime against travelers is rare. Solo female travelers face more harassment than men, particularly in North India; research specific regions and take standard precautions. The risks are real but shouldn't deter travel.
Yes, especially for overnight journeys and popular routes. The IRCTC booking system requires advance registration. Book sleeper class or 2AC/3AC for overnight trains. Last-minute tickets exist (tourist quota, Tatkal) but are limited and more expensive. Aim to book 2–4 weeks ahead for popular routes.
Indian Rupee (INR). Rate approximately 83–85 INR to 1 USD. ATMs are widespread in cities; less reliable in rural areas. Some merchants prefer cash. The $100 note gets you a week or more of budget travel expenses.
Depends on what you want. Goa during peak season is significantly more expensive than the rest of India and can feel like a different country. The beaches, nightlife, and food scene are genuinely distinctive. South Goa is calmer and slightly cheaper than North Goa. Many India veterans find that the Goa premium is worth it for a portion of a longer trip.