Cost of Living in Chennai, India

Chennai has a cost of living index of 8/100 (New York = 100). It is 92% cheaper than New York. Data sourced live via AI — updated regularly.

8/100
Cost Index
$750/mo
Median Income
75/100
Safety Index
tropical savanna
Climate

Cost Breakdown by Category

HousingScore: 20/100
1-Bed Apartment (City Center)$122/month
1-Bed Apartment (Outside Center)$85/month
3-Bed Apartment (City Center)$300/month
Food & GroceriesScore: 18/100
Milk (1 liter)$0.5/liter
Bread (500g loaf)$0.35/loaf
Rice (1 kg)$0.4/kg
Dining OutScore: 20/100
Meal at Inexpensive Restaurant$2/meal
Meal for 2 (Mid-Range)$12/meal
McMeal at McDonald's$3/meal
TransportationScore: 12/100
Monthly Transit Pass$12/month
One-Way Ticket$0.18/trip
Taxi (1 km)$0.18/km
UtilitiesScore: 15/100
Basic (Elec, Heat, Water, Garbage) 85m2$30/month
Internet (60+ Mbps)$10/month
Mobile Plan (10GB+)$8/month
HealthcareScore: 28/100
Doctor Visit (15 min)$25/visit
Dentist Visit$35/visit
Prescription Medicine (avg)$4/course
EntertainmentScore: 22/100
Cinema Ticket (1 seat)$1.8/ticket
Theater Ticket$12/ticket
Museum Entry$2.5/ticket
FitnessScore: 20/100
Gym Membership (monthly)$15/month
Tennis Court Rent (1 hr)$5/hour
Swimming Pool (adult entry)$2/entry
Personal CareScore: 18/100
Haircut (Men)$3/cut
Haircut (Women)$8/cut
Shampoo (400ml)$1.5/bottle
ClothingScore: 25/100
Jeans (Levi's or similar)$25/pair
Summer Dress (Zara/H&M)$15/piece
Running Shoes (Nike/Adidas)$35/pair

Digital Nomad Profile

45 Mbps
Internet Speed
$150
Coworking/Month
fair
Café WiFi
moderate
English Level
growing
Nomad Community
55/100
Walkability

Best neighborhoods: T. Nagar, Nungambakkam, Besant Nagar

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Chennai cheap to live in?

Chennai has a cost of living index of 8/100, where New York = 100. It is 92% cheaper than New York. A single person can live comfortably for approximately $300–$420 per month.

How much does rent cost in Chennai?

A 1-bedroom apartment in the city center of Chennai costs approximately $122/month. Outside the center, expect to pay around $85/month.

Is Chennai good for digital nomads?

Chennai has a growing digital nomad community. Average internet speed is 45 Mbps, café wifi reliability is fair, and coworking spaces run about $150/month. English proficiency is moderate.

What is the average salary in Chennai?

The median net monthly salary in Chennai is approximately $750 USD. The income tax rate is around 15%.

How does Chennai compare to New York for cost of living?

Chennai (cost index 8) is 92% cheaper than New York (cost index 100). You could save roughly $2,300/month by moving from New York to Chennai.

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