Kolkata
India · Asia
$680
Monthly Cost
avg/person
24
Cost Index
NYC=100
20
Rent Index
NYC=100
54
Quality of Life
Moderate
52
Safety Index
Moderate
14.8M
Population
INR
Quality Indices
Currency
Data collected from contributors and public sources. Updated monthly. Prices are indicative.
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Meal (inexpensive) | $2 |
| Meal for 2 (mid-range) | $9 |
| McMeal at McDonald's | $3.5 |
| Domestic Beer (0.5L) | $1.9 |
| Imported Beer (0.33L) | $3.5 |
| Cappuccino | $1.5 |
| Coke/Pepsi (0.33L) | $0.45 |
| Water (0.33L) | $0.23 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Milk (1L) | $0.55 |
| Bread (500g) | $0.45 |
| Rice (1kg) | $0.45 |
| Eggs (12) | $0.95 |
| Chicken (1kg) | $2.4 |
| Beef (1kg) | $3.5 |
| Apples (1kg) | $1.15 |
| Banana (1kg) | $0.3 |
| Tomato (1kg) | $0.38 |
| Potato (1kg) | $0.3 |
| Onion (1kg) | $0.3 |
| Water (1.5L) | $0.23 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| 1-way Ticket (local) | $0.22 |
| Monthly Pass | $9 |
| Taxi 1km | $0.3 |
| Gasoline (1L) | $1.25 |
| Volkswagen Golf | $30000 |
| Toyota Corolla | $16500 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Basic (85m² apt) | $43 |
| Mobile Plan | $4.2 |
| Internet (60 Mbps) | $9.5 |
| Fitness Club/month | $23 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| 1BR Center | $440/mo |
| 1BR Outside | $250/mo |
| 3BR Center | $1,100/mo |
| 3BR Outside | $540/mo |
| Price/m² Center | $2,800/m² |
| Price/m² Outside | $1,350/m² |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Average Net Salary | $620 |
| Mortgage Interest Rate | 9% |
Cost of Living in Kolkata — Complete Guide (2026)
Monthly Budget Overview
The average cost of living in Kolkata, India is approximately $680 per month for a single person. This includes rent, groceries, local transport, and utilities. Compared to New York City (index 100), Kolkata has a cost index of 24, making it around 76% more affordable.
Rent and Housing
Renting a one-bedroom apartment outside the city center in Kolkata costs around $250/month, while a one-bedroom in the center is approximately $440/month. A three-bedroom apartment in the center averages $1,100/month. The rent index is 20 compared to New York City.
Quality of Life and Safety
Kolkata scores 54/100 on the quality of life index and 52/100 on safety. Healthcare is rated 60/100. The climate index is 52/100. These scores are based on factors including infrastructure, pollution levels, healthcare access, and crime rates reported by residents and contributors.
Salaries and Purchasing Power
The average net salary in Kolkata is approximately $620/month. With a purchasing power index of 40/100, residents can cover basic expenses and save modestly. The local currency is INR, though all prices on this page are displayed in USD for easy international comparison.
How does Kolkata compare to other cities?
Kolkata is located in Asia with a population of approximately 14.8M. At a cost index of 24 (NYC = 100), it is one of the most affordable cities in the world, ideal for budget-conscious expats, remote workers, and retirees. Use the free comparison tool to see how Kolkata stacks up against any other city worldwide across rent, groceries, transport, and salaries.