Table of Contents
Kolkata, often hailed as the cultural capital of West Bengal, possesses a magnetic allure that enchants both visitors and locals alike. With its storied past and architectural splendour, Kolkata stands as a testament to its colonial heritage and artistic vibrancy. Its economical living standards and a plethora of educational institutions make it an appealing choice for students and professionals alike. Understanding the nuances of Kolkata’s cost of living is paramount for residents to navigate their finances adeptly.
Kolkata offers a cost-effective lifestyle in comparison to many other Indian metropolises. Your financial planning in Kolkata encompasses considerations such as accommodation, food, transportation, utilities, and leisure activities. By adeptly managing these aspects, adapting to Kolkata’s rhythm becomes effortless, ensuring financial equilibrium and a fulfilling lifestyle. According to available data from Numbeo, the average cost of living in Kolkata for a family of four amounts to approximately ₹95,568.6excluding rent, while for a single person, it stands at 27,589.4.
Factors Affecting Cost of Living in Kolkata
Accommodation Cost in Kolkata
The overall accommodation cost in Kolkata depends on various factors such as the type of accommodation, location, size, and amenities offered. On average, renting a one-bedroom apartment (1 BHK) in Kolkata can range from ₹8,000 to ₹12,000 per month. For those seeking larger spaces, such as a two-bedroom apartment (2 BHK), rental prices may vary from ₹12,000 to ₹30,000 per month.
| Classification of Accommodation | Approximate Rent per Month |
|---|---|
| 1 BHK | ₹8,000 – ₹20,000 |
| 2 BHK | ₹12,000 – ₹30,000 |
| 3 BHK | ₹12,000 – ₹60,000 |
| Paying Guest | ₹4,000 – ₹10,000 |
Transportation Cost
Kolkata boasts an extensive transportation network, including buses, trams, the metro, and taxis. The cost of transportation depends on factors like mode of travel and distance. A one-way ticket on public transport typically costs around ₹15, while monthly passes range from ₹250 to ₹500. Taxi fares start at ₹50 for the initial fare, with additional charges per kilometre travelled.
| Transportation | Cost | Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| One-way Ticket (Local Transport) | 15.00 ₹ | 10.00-25.00 ₹ |
| Monthly Pass (Regular Price) | 250.00 ₹ | 180.00-500.00 ₹ |
| Taxi Start (Normal Tariff) | 50.00 ₹ | 30.00-100.00 ₹ |
| Taxi 1 mile (Normal Tariff) | 40.23 ₹ | 24.14-80.47 ₹ |
| Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff) | 100.00 ₹ | 50.00-200.00 ₹ |
| Petrol | 106.03 ₹ | 374.76-416.40 ₹ |
| Diesel | 92.76 ₹ | 1,000,000.00-1,800,000.00 ₹ |
Checkout: Cost of Living in Kanpur
Food Cost
Kolkata offers a diverse culinary scene, catering to various tastes and budgets. Dining out at inexpensive restaurants can cost around ₹200 to ₹500 per meal, while a three-course meal for two at a mid-range restaurant may range from ₹800 to ₹3,000. Street food options are also available at affordable prices, ranging from ₹25 to ₹200 per item.
| Restaurants | Cost | Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant | 200.00 ₹ | 100.00-500.00 ₹ |
| Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course | 1,200.00 ₹ | 800.00-3,000.00 ₹ |
| McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal) | 400.00 ₹ | 300.00-500.00 ₹ |
| Domestic Beer (1 pint draught) | 150.00 ₹ | 100.00-250.00 ₹ |
| Imported Beer (12 oz small bottle) | 300.00 ₹ | 180.00-500.00 ₹ |
| Cappuccino (regular) | 140.79 ₹ | 50.00-220.00 ₹ |
| Coke/Pepsi (12 oz small bottle) | 30.80 ₹ | 20.00-50.00 ₹ |
| Water (12 oz small bottle) | 14.20 ₹ | 10.00-20.00 ₹ |
Groceries Cost
Grocery prices in Kolkata vary based on factors like quality and location of the market. On average, monthly grocery expenses for a single person range from ₹1,500 to ₹3,000. Essential items like rice, vegetables, fruits, and dairy products are generally affordable, with prices subject to market fluctuations.
| Markets | Cost | Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| Milk (regular), (1 gallon) | 209.37 ₹ | 109.78-264.98 ₹ |
| Loaf of Fresh White Bread (1 lb) | 29.95 ₹ | 14.51-52.62 ₹ |
| Rice (white), (1 lb) | 25.91 ₹ | 18.14-36.29 ₹ |
| Eggs (regular) (12) | 78.27 ₹ | 60.00-90.00 ₹ |
| Local Cheese (1 lb) | 223.95 ₹ | 113.40-408.23 ₹ |
| Chicken Fillets (1 lb) | 110.03 ₹ | 72.57-136.08 ₹ |
| Buffalo Round (1 lb) (or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat) | 233.26 ₹ | 90.72-362.87 ₹ |
| Apples (1 lb) | 81.52 ₹ | 27.22-113.40 ₹ |
| Banana (1 lb) | 28.41 ₹ | 16.33-45.36 ₹ |
| Oranges (1 lb) | 52.73 ₹ | 27.22-90.72 ₹ |
| Tomato (1 lb) | 26.59 ₹ | 11.34-54.43 ₹ |
| Potato (1 lb) | 10.53 ₹ | 6.80-13.61 ₹ |
| Onion (1 lb) | 15.68 ₹ | 9.07-22.68 ₹ |
| Lettuce (1 head) | 41.94 ₹ | 20.00-100.00 ₹ |
| Water (1.5 liter bottle) | 28.47 ₹ | 20.00-40.00 ₹ |
| Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range) | 750.00 ₹ | 300.00-1,500.00 ₹ |
| Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle) | 149.15 ₹ | 70.00-250.00 ₹ |
| Imported Beer (12 oz small bottle) | 214.35 ₹ | 90.00-450.00 ₹ |
| Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro) | 340.00 ₹ | 200.00-400.00 ₹ |
THE ABOVE DATA IS FROM NUMBEO
Utility Cost
Utility costs in Kolkata include electricity, water, gas, and internet services. The monthly expenditure for utilities depends on factors like consumption and service providers. For a 915 sq ft apartment, basic utility expenses can range from ₹1,500 to ₹7,000 per month, including electricity, water, heating, cooling, and garbage disposal.
| Utilities (Monthly) | Cost | Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) | 2,676.13 ₹ | 1,500.00-7,000.00 ₹ |
| Mobile Phone Monthly Plan with Calls and 10GB+ Data | 289.74 ₹ | 150.00-500.00 ₹ |
| Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL) | 587.28 ₹ | 450.00-750.00 ₹ |
Shopping Cost
Kolkata offers a range of shopping experiences, from traditional markets to modern malls. Shopping expenses vary based on individual preferences and choices. Prices for clothing, electronics, and other goods may fluctuate based on brand and quality. It’s advisable to compare prices and look for deals to manage shopping costs effectively.
| Clothing And Shoes | Edit | Range |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Pair of Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar) | 2,129.63 ₹ | 1,000.00-4,000.00 ₹ |
| 1 Summer Dress in a Chain Store (Zara, H&M, …) | 1,966.00 ₹ | 600.00-4,000.00 ₹ |
| 1 Pair of Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range) | 3,000.00 ₹ | 1,500.00-5,000.00 ₹ |
| 1 Pair of Men Leather Business Shoes | 2,524.94 ₹ | 1,200.00-5,000.00 ₹ |
Checkout: Ten Renowned and Failed Brands in India
Entertainment Cost
Kolkata boasts a vibrant entertainment scene with options like theatres, cinemas, museums, and parks. Entertainment expenses vary based on the activities chosen and the frequency of outings. Costs for movie tickets, sports events, and recreational activities may range from ₹200 to ₹1,000 per person, depending on the venue and event.
| Sports And Leisure | Edit | Range |
|---|---|---|
| Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult | 1,679.12 ₹ | 500.00-3,500.00 ₹ |
| Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour on Weekend) | 696.11 ₹ | 300.00-1,500.00 ₹ |
| Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat | 300.00 ₹ | 200.00-480.00 ₹ |
Checkout: Best Gyms in India
Cost of Living for Couples in Kolkata
Couples in Kolkata typically allocate funds for rent, transportation, groceries, dining out, and occasional leisure activities, with an estimated monthly budget ranging from Rs. 25,000 to Rs. 40,000, depending on lifestyle choices and preferences.
| Expense Category | Estimated Monthly Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Rent | ₹8,000 – ₹10,000 |
| Groceries | ₹3,000 – ₹6,000 |
| Transportation | ₹1,500 – ₹2,500 |
| Utilities | ₹2,200 – ₹3,000 |
| Entertainment | ₹2,500 – ₹5,000 |
| Total | ₹17,200 – ₹26,500 |
Cost of Living for Families in Kolkata
Families in Kolkata need to plan for expenses including rent for a 2-3 BHK apartment starting from Rs. 20,000 onwards, school fees, groceries, utilities, and family outings, with an average monthly expenditure of approximately Rs. 95,568.6, taking into account the city’s living standards.
| Expense Category | Estimated Monthly Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Rent | ₹12,000 – ₹25,000 |
| Groceries | ₹6,000 – ₹24,000 |
| Transportation | ₹1,500 – ₹3,000 |
| Utilities | ₹2,200 – ₹3,000 |
| Entertainment | ₹2,000 – ₹5,000 |
| Childcare and Schooling | ₹3,000 – ₹10,000 |
| Total | ₹26,700 – ₹67,000 |
Cost of Living for Students in Kolkata
Students residing in Kolkata should budget for accommodation expenses, transportation costs, meals, study materials, and occasional recreational activities, with an average monthly expenditure ranging from Rs. 4,000 to Rs. 9,000, depending on accommodation choices and lifestyle preferences.
| Expense Category | Estimated Monthly Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Rent | ₹4,000 – ₹8,000 |
| Groceries | ₹1,500 – ₹3,000 |
| Transportation | ₹500 – ₹1,000 |
| Utilities | ₹1,500 – ₹2,500 |
| Entertainment | ₹4,500 – ₹7,500 |
| Total | ₹12,000 – ₹22,000 |
Cost of Living for Bachelors in Kolkata
In Kolkata, the rental rate for a 1BHK apartment is typically around Rs. 8,000 per month. For a 2BHK apartment with shared living arrangements, the monthly rent can be close to Rs. 12,000. Additionally, the maintenance fee for the home usually amounts to Rs. 5,000.
| Expense Category | Estimated Monthly Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Rent | ₹4,000 – ₹8,000 |
| Groceries | ₹1,500 – ₹3,000 |
| Transportation | ₹500 – ₹1,500 |
| Utilities | ₹1,500 – ₹2,500 |
| Entertainment | ₹4,500 – ₹7,500 |
| Total | ₹12,000 – ₹22,500 |
What are the Average Monthly Salaries in Kolkata
The average Kolkata salary is ₹ 7,74,805 per year or ₹ 373 per hour.
| Job Title | Range | Average |
|---|---|---|
| Software Engineer | ₹285k – ₹2m | ₹578,529 |
| Senior Software Engineer | ₹407k – ₹2m | ₹997,415 |
| Accountant | ₹122k – ₹502k | ₹232,699 |
| Software Developer | ₹197k – ₹1m | ₹503,203 |
| Operations Manager | ₹298k – ₹2m | ₹660,000 |
| Civil Engineer | ₹175k – ₹886k | ₹364,825 |
| Project Manager, (Unspecified Type / General) | ₹495k – ₹3m | ₹1,277,426 |
Checkout: Ultimate Job Search Guide
FAQ’s
Considering all factors, the typical cost of living for a working couple in Kolkata would amount to approximately Rs 25,000 on average.
Kolkata is relatively more affordable compared to many other metropolitan cities across India.
The top posh areas in Kolkata for luxurious living:
BT Road
Alipore
Diamond Harbour Road
New Alipore
Rajarhat
Salt Lake City (Bidhannagar)
EM Bypass (Eastern Metropolitan Bypass)
Chennai and Kolkata, both major Indian metropolises, boast lower cost of living indices compared to other urban centers. Chennai offers superior job prospects and work culture compared to Kolkata, yet Kolkata is more economical than Chennai.
The cost of living in Kolkata is generally quite low compared to other metropolitan cities. Rent for a single BHK apartment is around 3K per month. Daily expenses for food and travel amount to approximately 150 rupees for lunch and dinner, totalling 3500 rupees per month.
Kolkata stands out as one of the most affordable metropolitan cities in India, boasting a notably low cost of living. Beyond economic factors, the city offers an efficient and budget-friendly public transportation system, enhancing the ease of commuting within its bounds.
Life in Kolkata is vibrant and dynamic, especially when it comes to its nightlife scene. The city boasts numerous restaurants, pubs, and bars, offering plenty of options for entertainment. During festivals, Kolkata’s nightlife comes alive with fervour, making it a safe and enjoyable city to explore even at night.
Comparing the cost of living between Delhi and Kolkata, you would require approximately 113,169.8₹ in Kolkata to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with 140,000.0₹ in Delhi.
The most affordable places to live in Kolkata include Salt Lake City, Dum Dum, Rajarhat, Tollygunge, and Ballygunge, among others.
Salt Lake City and New Town are recognized as some of the cleanest areas in Kolkata. They boast well-planned layouts, wide roads, and pristine surroundings.
