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Cost of Living in Chennai: Transport, Accommodation and More
Updated : February 6, 2024
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In the Economist Intelligence Unit Worldwide Cost of Living 2018 survey, Chennai is on the list of cheapest cities in the world. Hence, the living expenses in Chennai makes the city one of the most favourable ones to live and work in. This beautiful city is also famous for its tourism. Chennai, the IT hub, is also known for its tradition, music, temples, beaches, and hot weather. The capital city of Tamil Nadu, Chennai, is the fourth largest metropolis in India. Declared as the 'Gateway to the South,' Chennai presents a pretty different culture from Northern India.
Its altitude being 560 meters, area situated at 700 sq. km, it had a population of around 10.9 million in the year 2020. Its urban agglomeration includes parts of Kanchipuram, Chengalpattu, Tiruvallur, Vellore districts adjoining the Chennai district. Chennai is one of the most affordable big cities to live in, in India. However, the cost of living in Chennai for single people, couples and families differ because of the type and size of housing and their lifestyles. Read on to get a list of detailed expenses to different family sizes, lifestyles and household types.
Cost of Living in Chennai
Chennai, also known as Detroit of Asia, is India's health capital, the city of the flyover. The cost of living in Chennai for students, family and bachelors is low compared to other metro cities in India. Beautiful beaches and the stunning climate of Chennai make travel to the town a pleasure. The credit of the booming economy of Chennai goes to the leading industries, including software services, automobile, petrochemicals, textiles, financial services and hardware manufacturing. However, the cost of living in any city in India entirely depends on your lifestyle.
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For comfortable living in Chennai, one should earn a monthly salary of around Rs 30,000 to Rs 50,000. As a bachelor, you would need to spend only on your requirements and basic needs. Single occupants can go for paying guests or co-living near their offices to save the cost of transportation. Here is a table to give you an idea about the average living cost in Chennai.
| APARTMENTS RENTAL IN CHENNAI | PRICE (RS) |
| 1 BHK Apartment | Rs. 6,000 – Rs. 18,000 |
| 2 BHK Apartment | Rs. 9,000 – Rs. 23,000 |
| 3 BHK Apartment | Rs. 15,000 – Rs. 40,000 |
| Paying Guest (PG) | Rs. 5,000 – Rs. 20,000 |
Most dwelling options come with tiffin services, and such accommodations also include Wi-Fi and housing facilities. It may cost you around Rs 5000- Rs 8000, depending on your locality. On the other hand, families or couples can find friendly neighbourhood apartments in residential areas for up to Rs 14,000.
Cost of Accommodation
Finding a place to stay before shifting to a new city can be a hassle for most. Proper research will help you in deciding your budget. As compared to other cities in India, Chennai has a very affordable rental facility. The monthly average cost of living in Chennai, including accommodation for bachelors, can go up to INR 4000 – 8000 in areas like OMR. For couples, it may vary up to INR 10,000 – 18,000 for 1BHK in areas like Anna Nagar, a posh area, and for families, it can go up to INR 10,000 - 25,000 for families with 2BHK apartments.
Cost of Transport
The average commute in Chennai would come around Rs.1000-1500 depending on the type of distance and the type of transport you choose. Chennai is a large metropolitan city, but it caters to all your basic transportation needs. It has primary transport such as local trains, metro trains, cab services, auto-rickshaws, buses, etc. The local transport one–way ticket will cost you around Rs. 20, if you go for a monthly pass, it will cost around Rs. 1000. Taxi average tariff will cost you Rs. 80
Cost of Food
Chennai has a lot of options for all kinds of cuisines. It has a lot of restaurants and street-side food. South Indian cuisine is standard all over the city, which is at a very affordable price. Food items like a meal in an inexpensive restaurant can cost you around Rs. 70 – 120. Meal for two people at a mid-level restaurant, three courses can cost up to Rs. 300 to Rs. 1000. Meals at McDonald's will be available at Rs. 250 to Rs 500. Other than the option of having your meal out, you can go for hiring a cook who will charge you around Rs.1000-1500 per person. The average monthly charges can come up to Rs. 2500 – 3000 if you cook or hire a cook. Apart from all of this, you always have the option of Zomato or Swiggy on your phone.
Cost of Groceries
There are many options for grocery and household shopping with many supermarkets and local shops in every locality. The average monthly expenditure on groceries should not exceed Rs.5000 – 6000.
Cost of Utilities
Utilities consist of electricity bill, water bill, telephone, TV gas, Internet, etc. But Chennai has a lot of water scarcity. These prices can differ from place to place. The average monthly expenditure can come around from Rs.2500 – 4000, depending on your location.
Cost of Shopping
Chennai has a lot of shopping malls. A trip to the mall can set you back by Rs.2000-5000. Chennai also has a lot of local markets where you can get good things at reasonable prices. Places like T-Nagar, George Town, Pondy Bazar are a must-visit if you believe in budget shopping.
Cost of Entertainment
Chennai is a coastal city that offers you unique places to spend your evenings. Marina beach is the longest urban natural beach in the country. Elliot beach is also a popular destination for locals to spend. Chennai also offers Zoo amusement park. Chennai has a lot of movie halls which will cost you around a maximum of Rs.120
Cost of Kids Schooling
Chennai is known for its education. It has a reputed educational system. Chennai has the best education in all of India. The average fees for a kindergarten are around Rs.5000 per month. Preschools will cost you around Rs.1000 a month too. Primary schools are around RS. 10,000 per month, which can go up according to your preference of international schools.
What is the Cost of Living in Chennai for Bachelors?
The cost of living in Chennai for a bachelor is the cheapest compared to living with a family or couple. A bachelor can easily stay in a PG and save money. You can go from Rs. 4000-5000 in areas like OMR. If you want to purchase a 1Bhk apartment, it will cost around Rs.6000-Rs.7500, and a 2Bhk flat can cost you up to Rs.15000-20000.
What is the Cost of Living in Chennai for a Family of 4?
The prices vary from area to area according to your preferences, when you live with a family, you will want to live a good life and enjoy the same for your family. Areas like Vandalur, Siruseri, Annanur are affordable places in Chennai to live with your family. A 3Bhk apartment will cost up to Rs.15,000- 40,000.
What is the Cost of Living in Chennai for Students?
Nungambakkam, Urapakkam, Anna Nagar are a few places where a student can choose to live. Students preferably will like to stay in PGs, which will cost from Rs5000 – Rs20,000 based on their requirements.
What is the Cost of Living in Chennai for Couples?
The cost of living in Chennai for couples can cost you around 10,000 – 15,000 rs. It also depends on your lifestyle. If you both work, then a place like Chennai is quite affordable for the couple. You can quickly go out every weekend and spend on your entertainment and shopping.
Chennai, the capital city of Tamil Nadu, is the 4th largest city in India. Also known as the commercial centre of South India. Overall, the cost of living in Chennai is relatively more affordable compared to other cities. You can earn here and also spend on your entertainment. Bachelors in this city pay less on factors like accommodation and other utilities compared to couples and the ones living with their families.
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FAQ’s
A. The cost of living for a single person in Chennai varies based on lifestyle choices. Using available data, a basic lifestyle (shared accommodation, public transport, simple meals) may range from INR 10,000-15,000 per month (excluding rent).
A: Chennai's living costs encompass accommodation, food, transportation, and miscellaneous expenses. Using available data, a mid-range lifestyle (private studio apartment, occasional taxi rides, restaurant meals) may range from INR 18,000-23,000 per month (excluding rent).
A: Chennai's cost of living may differ from other cities in Tamil Nadu. Using available data, cities like Madurai and Trichy can be 20-40% cheaper, while Coimbatore might be slightly more expensive.
A: The cost of living for a couple in Chennai involves shared expenses. Using available data, a comfortable lifestyle (1-bedroom apartment in a good area, frequent dining out, gym membership) may range from INR 25,000-35,000 per month (excluding rent).
A: The cost of living for a bachelor in Chennai depends on personal choices. Using available data, costs for a bachelor could be similar to a single person, with slight variations.
A: The average monthly cost of living in Chennai includes rent, utilities, groceries, transportation, and miscellaneous expenses. Using available data, a basic lifestyle may range from INR 12,000-17,000, a mid-range lifestyle from INR 20,000-25,000, and a comfortable lifestyle from INR 27,000-38,000 (excluding rent).
A: The average house rent in Chennai varies by locality. Using available data, a 1-bedroom apartment in the city center could cost INR 12,000-20,000, while in the suburbs, it could be as low as INR 6,000-10,000.
A: Student costs depend on various factors like lifestyle and accommodation type. Using available data, hostel costs with meals may be as low as INR 5,000-6,000 per month, while shared apartments might cost INR 8,000-12,000 (excluding food).
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