City Comparison
Chennai vs Delhi
Cost of Living Comparison 2026
Chennai is ~12% cheaper overall
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · Reviewed April 2026
Chennai
India
COL+Rent
18.1
Rent Index
10
Groceries
23.9
Restaurant
18
Delhi
India
COL+Rent
20.6
Rent Index
12.3
Groceries
26.2
Restaurant
20.4
Monthly Cost Comparison
| Category | Chennai | Delhi | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1BR City) | $286 | $350 | $64 |
| Rent (1BR Outside) | $168 | $206 | $38 |
| Groceries | $97 | $106 | $9 |
| Restaurant Meal | $5 | $6 | $1 |
| Transit Pass | $11 | $12 | $1 |
| Utilities | $30 | $33 | $3 |
Monthly Budget Comparison
| Lifestyle | Chennai | Delhi |
|---|---|---|
| Minimal | $297/mo | $349/mo |
| Typical | $499/mo | $591/mo |
| Comfortable | $636/mo | $755/mo |
Purchasing Power Equivalence
| Budget in Chennai | ≈ in Delhi | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $1,500/mo | $1,707/mo | +$207 |
| $2,000/mo | $2,276/mo | +$276 |
| $3,000/mo | $3,414/mo | +$414 |
Detailed Budget Analysis
See exactly how specific monthly budgets break down in each city:
Explore More
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chennai or Delhi cheaper to live in?
Chennai is approximately 12% cheaper overall. Chennai's COL+Rent Index is 18.1 vs Delhi's 20.6 (NYC = 100).
How much is rent in Chennai vs Delhi?
A 1BR in Chennai city center costs ~$286/mo vs $350/mo in Delhi. Outside the center: $168 vs $206.
What is $2,000/month in Chennai worth in Delhi?
Using cost-of-living adjustment, $2,000/month in Chennai has the purchasing power of approximately $2,276/month in Delhi.
Are groceries cheaper in Chennai or Delhi?
Monthly groceries cost approximately $97 in Chennai vs $106 in Delhi. Groceries Index: 23.9 vs 26.2 (NYC = 100).