Table of Contents
Chennai, the cultural, economic, and educational nucleus of South India, stands out for its allure to foreign tourists and reputation as India’s safest city. Its affordability and top-notch educational institutions attract students and professionals alike, while its moniker, “The Detroit of India,” highlights its pivotal role in the automobile industry. With a relatively modest cost of living compared to other metros, Chennai offers ample job opportunities in IT sectors and comfortable living.
Chennai boasts a modest cost of living compared to other metropolitan cities. Your budget in Chennai is influenced by housing, food, transportation, utilities, and entertainment. By managing these factors strategically, adjusting to life in Chennai becomes smooth, ensuring financial stability and comfort. The average cost of living in Chennai according to Numbeo for a family of four amounts to ₹99,746.5, excluding rent, while for a single person, it stands at ₹29,142.4. ZoloStays offers various budget-friendly housing options tailored to students, professionals, and families, catering to diverse lifestyles. Let’s delve deeper into the cost of living in Chennai and explore these housing solutions.
Factors Affecting Cost of Living in Chennai
Accommodation Cost in Chennai
Finding a place to stay is unavoidable when you plan to move to a new city. Doing thorough research on this factor will help you in deciding your budget for other things. Usually considering 1/3rd of your salary as your housing rent is a safe bet. Chennai provides you with a lot of affordable stay options.
The rent prices depend on the area you choose to stay in. If you’re looking for a PG in Chennai, the average cost PG cost in Chennai ranges between Rs 8,000 to Rs 30,000 per month. In posh areas like Anna Nagar, a 1 Bhk flat will cost you around Rs.12000-18000 whereas for a 2 Bhk flat the cost rises to around Rs 20000-25000. These prices can vary according to the areas you choose to live in. Do your research and choose a place closer to your workplace which saves you the time and expenditure of commute. Also, depending on your budget you can choose from PGs or a rented flat as per your standard of living.
| Apartments Rental in Chennai | Average Monthly Cost (INR) |
|---|---|
| 1 BHK Apartment | 10,000 – 20,000 |
| 2 BHK Apartment | 15,000 – 30,000 |
| 3 BHK Apartment | 25,000 – 50,000 |
| Paying Guest (PG) | 6,000 – 12,000 |
Below are the areas categorized by affordable areas, best areas and best PG options in Chennai
| Posh Areas in Chennai | Affordable Areas in Chennai | Best PG’s in Chennai |
| Boat Club | Vandalur | PG in Sholinganallur |
| Poes Garden | Tambaram | PG in Velachery |
| East-Coast Road | Periyar Nagar | PG in Porur |
| Nungambakkam | Adambakkam | PG in Anna Nagar |
| Velachery | Siruseri | PG in Navalur |
| Adyar | Iyyapanthangal | PG in Thoraipakkam |
| Gopalapuram | Guduvanchery | PG in Perungudi |
| OMR | Madipakkam | PG in Nungambakkam |
| Besant Nagar | Annanur | PG in Adyar |
| Rutland Gate Road | Avadi | PG in Guindy |
Transport
Your average commute charges in Chennai would come around Rs.1000-1500 depending on the distance and the type of transport you choose.
Staying closer to your workplace is always a safer and smart idea in any city. This not only saves your commute time but also saves you a lot of money spent on travel. Chennai is a large metropolitan city but it caters to all your transportation needs. There are various modes of transport such as local trains, metro trains, cab services, auto-rickshaws, buses, etc.
| Category | Average Cost | Range |
|---|---|---|
| One-way ticket on a bus per person | INR 20 | INR 20 |
| Coffee/tea per serve | INR 35 | INR 20 – 50 |
| A one-way ticket on a bus per person | INR 1,000 | INR 1,000 |
| Taxi charges per km | INR 14 | INR 13 – 15 |
| Monthly pass of the bus per person | INR 103 | INR 103 |
| Service charges for two-wheelers | INR 900 | INR 800 – 1,000 |
| Service charges for four-wheelers | INR 3,250 | INR 2,500 – 4,000 |
| Metro one-way ticket per person | INR 50 | INR 40 – 60 |
Food Cost
Food expenses for a family of four in Chennai can fluctuate depending on dietary preferences and eating habits. Dining at mid-range restaurants typically costs around INR 500 to INR 1,000 per meal. For monthly groceries, families may budget between INR 8,000 to INR 15,000, taking into account their preferences and the size of the family.
| Restaurant Item | Average Cost (INR) | Range |
|---|---|---|
| Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant | 150.00 ₹ | 78.00-350.00 |
| Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course | 800.00 ₹ | 500.00-2,500.00 |
| McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal) | 368.13 ₹ | 300.00-500.00 |
| Domestic Beer (1 pint draught) | 160.00 ₹ | 110.00-300.00 |
| Imported Beer (12 oz small bottle) | 350.00 ₹ | 200.00-600.00 |
| Cappuccino (regular) | 143.49 ₹ | 50.00-250.00 |
| Coke/Pepsi (12 oz small bottle) | 39.09 ₹ | 30.00-60.00 |
| Water (12 oz small bottle) | 18.06 ₹ | 10.00-30.00 |
An easier option is cooking your meals at home. Or you can also hire a cook which will cost you around Rs. 1000-1500 per person. Overall. The option of cooking or hiring a cook comes cheaper than having outside food regularly. The average monthly charges can come up to Rs. 2500-3000 if you cook or hire a cook. On the other hand, food expenses if ordering from outside can go up to Rs. 6000-7500 depending on the type of cuisine you prefer.
You May Also Like: 15 Places to Eat Best Street Food in Chennai
Groceries
Chennai, being a metropolitan city, offers a plethora of luxuries and amenities, ensuring a high standard of living for its residents. With numerous supermarkets and local shops scattered across every locality, there are abundant options for grocery and household shopping. Additionally, several home delivery startups such as Bigbasket and Grofers cater to household needs, conveniently delivering items right to your doorstep. On average, monthly expenditures on groceries and household essentials typically range between Rs. 5000 to 6000.
| Grocery Item | Average Cost (INR) | Range |
|---|---|---|
| Milk (regular, 1 gallon) | 204.22 | 150.00 – 272.55 |
| Loaf of Fresh White Bread (1 lb) | 41.10 | 27.22 – 72.57 |
| Rice (white, 1 lb) | 27.46 | 22.68 – 34.02 |
| Eggs (regular, 12) | 73.91 | 60.00 – 96.00 |
| Local Cheese (1 lb) | 303.38 | 136.08 – 566.99 |
| Chicken Fillets (1 lb) | 123.31 | 90.72 – 181.44 |
| Buffalo Round (1 lb) | 211.00 | 136.08 – 362.87 |
| Apples (1 lb) | 99.17 | 54.43 – 136.08 |
| Banana (1 lb) | 35.37 | 22.68 – 68.04 |
| Oranges (1 lb) | 57.57 | 22.68 – 90.72 |
| Tomato (1 lb) | 22.62 | 6.80 – 45.36 |
| Potato (1 lb) | 18.46 | 9.07 – 27.22 |
| Onion (1 lb) | 18.12 | 9.07 – 27.22 |
| Lettuce (1 head) | 46.39 | 20.00 – 100.00 |
| Water (1.5 liter bottle) | 29.51 | 22.50 – 40.00 |
| Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range) | 500.00 | 190.00 – 1,200.00 |
| Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle) | 164.68 | 80.00 – 250.00 |
| Imported Beer (12 oz bottle) | 281.33 | 150.00 – 400.00 |
| Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro) | 340.00 | 240.00 – 400.00 |
Utility Cost
The average cost of utilities in Chennai can vary depending on factors such as the size of the household, consumption patterns, and specific service providers. However, based on typical usage and rates, the average monthly cost of utilities in Chennai ranges from ₹3,000 to ₹6,000 for a standard household. This includes expenses for electricity, water, heating, cooling, mobile phone plans with data, internet services, and cooking gas.
| Utility | Monthly Cost Range | Average Monthly Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Electricity, Water, Heating, Cooling | ₹2,000 – ₹10,000 | ₹3,952.42 |
| Mobile Phone Plan with Data | ₹209 – ₹700 | ₹349.51 |
| Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL) | ₹500 – ₹1,000 | ₹747.83 |
| Gas for Cooking | Amount varies | Varies based on usage |
Shopping Cost
Chennai has several big malls to cater to your shopping needs. A trip to any mall with shopping can set up back by Rs.1500-5000 depending on your shopping. Chennai also has lots of local markets where you can bargain and get some good stuff at good prices. Places like T Nagar, George Town, and Pondy Bazaar, are a must-visit if you believe in budget shopping. Although remember to brush up your bargaining skills before you visit these places.
| Item | Average Price (INR) | Range |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Pair of Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar) | 1,959.43 | 800.00-3,200.00 |
| 1 Summer Dress in a Chain Store (Zara, H&M) | 1,900.00 | 999.00-4,000.00 |
| 1 Pair of Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range) | 3,514.71 | 1,500.00-6,000.00 |
| 1 Pair of Men Leather Business Shoes | 2,615.59 | 1,200.00- |
Entertainment cost
Chennai, a vibrant coastal city, boasts numerous must-visit attractions. Marina Beach, extending over 6 kilometres, stands as the longest urban natural beach in the country, offering breathtaking sunset views. Elliot Beach, cherished by locals, beckons with its array of culinary delights. For science enthusiasts, the Birla Planetarium promises captivating experiences.
For wildlife enthusiasts, Chennai boasts attractions like Vandalur Zoo, Guindy Snake Park, and the Crocodile Bank, which are popular among locals and tourists. The city also features numerous amusement parks for those seeking day-long outdoor activities. Chennai’s love for cinema is evident, with movie tickets in theatres costing a maximum of Rs. 120, a relatively affordable option compared to other major cities. Adding to its diverse entertainment scene, Chennai features swimming pools and go-karting tracks, offering leisure options for residents and visitors to enjoy casually.
| Entertainment Activity | Cost Range | Average Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Movie Ticket (Regular Release) | ₹150 – ₹350 | ₹250 |
| Visit to Amusement Park | ₹300 – ₹600 | ₹450 |
| Fitness Club Membership | ₹500 – ₹2,500 | ₹1,322.05 |
| Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour) | ₹300 – ₹600 | ₹465.96 |
| Dining Out (Per Person) | ₹200 – ₹500 | ₹350 |
| Concert or Live Event Ticket | ₹500 – ₹2,000 | ₹1,000 |
Check out: Best Pubs in Chennai
Cost of Living for Couples in Chennai
Typically, monthly expenses for a couple range from Rs. 20,000 to Rs. 30,000, covering various essentials such as rent, groceries, transportation, utilities, and entertainment. However, the actual cost of living may vary depending on the couple’s lifestyle choices and spending habits.
| Category | Average Monthly Cost (INR) |
|---|---|
| Rent | Rs. 12,000 – Rs. 25,000 |
| Groceries | Rs. 5,000 – Rs. 10,000 |
| Transportation | Rs. 2,000 – Rs. 5,000 |
| Utilities | Rs. 2,000 – Rs. 4,000 |
| Entertainment | Rs. 2,000 – Rs. 5,000 |
Cost of Living for Families in Chennai
For families in Chennai, monthly expenses can range from Rs. 30,000 to Rs. 50,000. This budget encompasses rent, groceries, transportation, utilities, and entertainment expenses. Keep in mind that family size and lifestyle preferences can influence actual spending patterns.
| Category | Average Monthly Cost (INR) |
|---|---|
| Rent | Rs. 15,000 – Rs. 35,000 |
| Groceries | Rs. 8,000 – Rs. 15,000 |
| Transportation | Rs. 3,000 – Rs. 8,000 |
| Utilities | Rs. 3,000 – Rs. 6,000 |
| Entertainment | Rs. 3,000 – Rs. 8,000 |
Cost of Living for Students in Chennai
Students living in Chennai typically spend between Rs. 10,000 to Rs. 20,000 per month. This amount covers rent, groceries, transportation, utilities, and occasional entertainment expenses. However, individual spending habits and accommodation choices can affect overall monthly expenditures
| Category | Average Monthly Cost (INR) |
|---|---|
| Rent | Rs. 6,000 – Rs. 15,000 |
| Groceries | Rs. 3,000 – Rs. 7,000 |
| Transportation | Rs. 1,500 – Rs. 4,000 |
| Utilities | Rs. 1,500 – Rs. 3,000 |
| Entertainment | Rs. 1,500 – Rs. 4,000 |
Cost of Living for Bachelors in Chennai
Monthly expenses for bachelors in Chennai typically range from Rs. 15,000 to Rs. 25,000. This budget covers rent, groceries, transportation, utilities, and leisure activities. Keep in mind that personal preferences and lifestyle choices can impact the actual cost of living for bachelors in Chennai.
| Category | Average Monthly Cost (INR) |
|---|---|
| Rent | Rs. 8,000 – Rs. 20,000 |
| Groceries | Rs. 4,000 – Rs. 8,000 |
| Transportation | Rs. 2,000 – Rs. 6,000 |
| Utilities | Rs. 2,000 – Rs. 4,000 |
| Entertainment | Rs. 2,000 – Rs. 5,000 |
What are the Average Monthly Salaries in Chennai
The average Chennai salary is ₹ 571,845 per year or ₹ 229 per hour. Entry-level positions start at ₹ 300,000 per year, while most experienced workers make up to ₹ 1,700,000 per year.”
| Job Title | Range | Average |
|---|---|---|
| Software Engineer | ₹297k – ₹1m | ₹591,885 |
| Senior Software Engineer | ₹541k – ₹2m | ₹1,056,811 |
| Project Manager, (Unspecified Type / General) | ₹486k – ₹2m | ₹1,437,104 |
| Mechanical Engineer | ₹191k – ₹1m | ₹485,166 |
| Software Developer | ₹264k – ₹1m | ₹573,144 |
| Sr. Software Engineer / Developer / Programmer | ₹486k – ₹2m | ₹1,001,935 |
| Design Engineer | ₹180k – ₹835k | ₹407,514 |
FAQ’s
A city being expensive depends on many factors like the cost of living and the standard of living. When compared to other big metropolitan cities, Chennai turns out to be more affordable in terms of accommodation expenses, entertainment expenses, and transportation expenses. Therefore we can say that Chennai is an affordable city.
Your average salary in Chennai depends on the field of your job. If you’re working in the IT field as a software engineer then your average salary can range in between Rs. 350,000-450,000 whereas if you’re working as a project manager then your average salary in Chennai can be in between Rs. 950,000-1,400,000.
Choosing the best place to live in Chennai depends on lots of factors like location, amenities, accessibility, etc. Considering all these factors, the best places to live in Chennai are Anna Nagar, Adyar, Teynampet, Velachery, and Tambaram to name a few.
Chennai although being one of the biggest metropolitan cities is surprisingly cheaper compared to other cities. The cost of living in Chennai is most affordable if you don’t have any extra luxury planned for yourself. As a single person moving to Chennai, the rent for staying in a PG in a budget area should be somewhere around Rs. 4000-5000. If you like your privacy then a 1Bhk in such areas will come up to Rs. 6000-8000 and rent for a 2 Bhk will come up to Rs.15000-18000.
If you’re someone looking for luxury, then areas like Anna Nagar are right for you but that come with a higher price rents a 1 Bhk will be somewhere around Rs. 12000-15000 and a 2 Bhk flat will cost you Rs. 20000-25000. Adding to this the utility expenses which can come to around Rs. 4000 and the transport expenses which can be somewhere around Rs. 1500, the overall average cost of living for a single person in Chennai can be around Rs.10000-Rs12000 in budget living and Rs.15000-Rs.25000 in luxury living.
Chennai is one of the most affordable big cities in India. If we can keep aside the weather factor, Chennai is usually a very nice place to settle down. For a couple, a 1Bhk flat should be enough for comfortable living. The rents for a 1Bhk flat in budget areas are around Rs 6000-8000 and if you want to go for a bigger 2Bhk flat then rents for that can be around Rs.15000-18000. The same kind of flats in posh areas like Anna Nagar will be around Rs. 12000-15000 for a 1 Bhk and Rs. 20000-25000 for a 2 Bhk flat. Adding other expenses like utilities, food, transport, etc. the overall average cost of living for a couple comes to be around Rs. 20000-23000 in budget living and Rs. 30000-40000 in luxury living.
The average monthly cost of living in Chennai, covering expenses like rent, utilities, groceries, transportation, and miscellaneous items, varies based on lifestyle choices. For a basic lifestyle, it may range from INR 12,000 to INR 17,000, for a mid-range lifestyle from INR 20,000 to INR 25,000, and a comfortable lifestyle from INR 27,000 to INR 38,000 (excluding rent).
Teynampet, Medavakkam, Ambattur, Porur, Velachery, Arcot Road, Old Mahabalipuram Road, Avadi, Tambaram, and GST Road are some of the cheapest places to live in Chennai.
When comparing the cost of living, Chennai is generally more affordable than Bangalore. This is especially noticeable in the areas of housing, food, and transportation, where expenses tend to be significantly lower in Chennai than in Bangalore.
The wealthiest individuals in Chennai often reside in upscale neighbourhoods such as Boat Club Road and Poes Garden Road. Boat Club Road is distinguished by its opulent mansions along the Adyar River, while Poes Garden Road is home to the residences of prominent politicians and film stars.
Thoraipakkam
Kovilambakkam
Urapakkam
Madipakkam
Velachery
Mylapore
Royapettah
Besant Nagar
The safest areas in Chennai include Adyar, Mylapore, Velachery, and Besant Nagar. However, safety levels can vary within these areas, so it’s advisable to research specific localities and consider recent crime statistics.
Both Mumbai and Chennai are cosmopolitan cities with a high cost of living. However, living in Chennai is generally less expensive compared to Mumbai. The average rental prices in Chennai are slightly lower than in Mumbai, as are the property sale price ranges.
