New Delhi vs Chennai

Cost of living comparison for 2026. New Delhi is roughly 11% more affordable than Chennai (index 14 vs 16, New York = 100). Data sourced live via AI — updated regularly.

New Delhi
More affordable overall
11% cheaper than Chennai · Cost index: 14 vs 16

Life Power at $3,000/mo

The same salary ranks differently depending on where you live — from Beggar to King.

Head-to-Head Stats

14✓Cost Index16
520Median Income /mo1,710✓
55Safety Index62✓
15✓Income Tax %20
60✓Internet (Mbps)45
150Coworking /mo120✓

Price Breakdown

New DelhiCategoryChennai
$255/month
1-BR Apartment (Center)
30% ← cheaper
$179/month
$0.66/liter
Meal for One
9% ← cheaper
$0.6/liter
$4/meal
Restaurant (Mid-range)
25% ← cheaper
$3/meal
$16/month
Monthly Transit Pass
31% ← cheaper
$11/month
$47/month
Utilities (Monthly)
15% ← cheaper
$40/month
$30/visit
Doctor Visit
17% ← cheaper
$25/visit

Digital Nomad Profile

New Delhi

Internet60 Mbps
Coworking$150/mo
Café WiFigood
Englishmoderate
Communitygrowing
Walkability74/100

Chennai

Internet45 Mbps
Coworking$120/mo
Café WiFifair
Englishmoderate
Communitygrowing
Walkability48/100

Frequently Asked Questions

Is New Delhi cheaper than Chennai?

New Delhi is cheaper than Chennai. New Delhi has a cost of living index of 14/100 compared to 16/100 for Chennai (New York = 100), making it roughly 11% more affordable overall.

How much cheaper is New Delhi than Chennai?

New Delhi is approximately 11% cheaper than Chennai based on cost index scores (14 vs 16, where New York = 100). A person spending $3,000/month in Chennai could live a similar lifestyle for roughly $2,679/month in New Delhi.

What is the rent comparison between New Delhi and Chennai?

In New Delhi, a 1-bedroom apartment in the city center costs approximately $255/month. In Chennai, the equivalent is around $179/month.

Which city is better for digital nomads — New Delhi or Chennai?

Both cities have nomad infrastructure. New Delhi offers 60 Mbps internet and coworking at ~$150/month. Chennai offers 45 Mbps and coworking at ~$120/month. New Delhi has a cost advantage of 11%.

What is the average income in New Delhi vs Chennai?

The median net monthly salary in New Delhi is approximately $520 USD, compared to $1,710 USD in Chennai.

Compare New Delhi with…

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