City Comparison
Hyderabad vs Chennai
Cost of Living Comparison 2026
Chennai is ~4% cheaper overall
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · Reviewed April 2026
Hyderabad
India
COL+Rent
18.8
Rent Index
10.6
Groceries
24.6
Restaurant
18.6
Chennai
India
COL+Rent
18.1
Rent Index
10
Groceries
23.9
Restaurant
18
Monthly Cost Comparison
| Category | Hyderabad | Chennai | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1BR City) | $302 | $286 | +$16 |
| Rent (1BR Outside) | $178 | $168 | +$10 |
| Groceries | $100 | $97 | +$3 |
| Restaurant Meal | $5 | $5 | $0 |
| Transit Pass | $11 | $11 | $0 |
| Utilities | $31 | $30 | +$1 |
Monthly Budget Comparison
| Lifestyle | Hyderabad | Chennai |
|---|---|---|
| Minimal | $310/mo | $297/mo |
| Typical | $519/mo | $499/mo |
| Comfortable | $659/mo | $636/mo |
Purchasing Power Equivalence
| Budget in Hyderabad | ≈ in Chennai | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $1,500/mo | $1,444/mo | -$56 |
| $2,000/mo | $1,926/mo | -$74 |
| $3,000/mo | $2,888/mo | -$112 |
Detailed Budget Analysis
See exactly how specific monthly budgets break down in each city:
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Hyderabad or Chennai cheaper to live in?
Chennai is approximately 4% cheaper overall. Hyderabad's COL+Rent Index is 18.8 vs Chennai's 18.1 (NYC = 100).
How much is rent in Hyderabad vs Chennai?
A 1BR in Hyderabad city center costs ~$302/mo vs $286/mo in Chennai. Outside the center: $178 vs $168.
What is $2,000/month in Hyderabad worth in Chennai?
Using cost-of-living adjustment, $2,000/month in Hyderabad has the purchasing power of approximately $1,926/month in Chennai.
Are groceries cheaper in Hyderabad or Chennai?
Monthly groceries cost approximately $100 in Hyderabad vs $97 in Chennai. Groceries Index: 24.6 vs 23.9 (NYC = 100).