City Comparison
Chennai vs Hyderabad
Cost of Living Comparison 2026
Chennai is ~4% 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
Hyderabad
India
COL+Rent
18.8
Rent Index
10.6
Groceries
24.6
Restaurant
18.6
Monthly Cost Comparison
| Category | Chennai | Hyderabad | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1BR City) | $286 | $302 | $16 |
| Rent (1BR Outside) | $168 | $178 | $10 |
| Groceries | $97 | $100 | $3 |
| Restaurant Meal | $5 | $5 | $0 |
| Transit Pass | $11 | $11 | $0 |
| Utilities | $30 | $31 | $1 |
Monthly Budget Comparison
| Lifestyle | Chennai | Hyderabad |
|---|---|---|
| Minimal | $297/mo | $310/mo |
| Typical | $499/mo | $519/mo |
| Comfortable | $636/mo | $659/mo |
Purchasing Power Equivalence
| Budget in Chennai | ≈ in Hyderabad | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $1,500/mo | $1,558/mo | +$58 |
| $2,000/mo | $2,077/mo | +$77 |
| $3,000/mo | $3,116/mo | +$116 |
Detailed Budget Analysis
See exactly how specific monthly budgets break down in each city:
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chennai or Hyderabad cheaper to live in?
Chennai is approximately 4% cheaper overall. Chennai's COL+Rent Index is 18.1 vs Hyderabad's 18.8 (NYC = 100).
How much is rent in Chennai vs Hyderabad?
A 1BR in Chennai city center costs ~$286/mo vs $302/mo in Hyderabad. Outside the center: $168 vs $178.
What is $2,000/month in Chennai worth in Hyderabad?
Using cost-of-living adjustment, $2,000/month in Chennai has the purchasing power of approximately $2,077/month in Hyderabad.
Are groceries cheaper in Chennai or Hyderabad?
Monthly groceries cost approximately $97 in Chennai vs $100 in Hyderabad. Groceries Index: 23.9 vs 24.6 (NYC = 100).