Cost of Living in Kolkata (2025): A Detailed Breakdown

One of the most affordable big towns in India is Kolkata. It has a comfortable way of life and costs less than other big towns. The city makes sure that people of all salary levels can live without having to worry about money for things like housing, food, transportation, and medical care.

If you are going to Kolkata or making a budget for the year, you should know how much things really cost every day. Read on to learn about living expenses in Kolkata.

Costs of Housing

Rent is the biggest factor in Kolkata living expenses. In the city centre, a one-bedroom apartment costs between ₹15,000 and ₹20,000 a month. Rent is much lower in the suburbs, where it's between ₹8,000 and ₹12,000. Someone looking for a large three-bedroom flat in a good area will have to pay around 30,000. Prices for homes start at ₹4,500 per square foot in less crowded places, making them still affordable to buy.

Food and Groceries

Things you need every day don't cost much in Kolkata. A meal at a moderately priced place costs around ₹200 to ₹500 for each person. The cost of groceries for a small family every month is about ₹8,000 to ₹12,000. Cooking at home saves money. Food from nearby farms, like rice, fish, meat, and vegetables, is less expensive than in other big towns.

Costs of Transportation

Taking the bus or train is the cheapest way to get around. A subway ride costs around ₹5 to ₹30. Bus and tram rides cost even less. A ride in an auto-rickshaw or cab doesn't cost much—about ₹200 on average. People who drive their own cars should know that gas costs about ₹106 per litre.

Bills for Utilities and Internet

Electricity costs depend on how much you use it. A two-bedroom house that doesn't use a lot of power has a monthly bill of ₹2,000 to ₹4,000. Plans for fast internet start at ₹500 a month, and a basic monthly cell phone plan costs around ₹300.

Costs of Healthcare

In Kolkata, there are both public and private hospitals. Public hospitals treat people for free, while private hospitals charge ₹500 to ₹2,000 for an appointment. It's a good idea to have health insurance, which can cost anywhere from 10,000 to 50,000 rupees a year, based on what it covers.

Costs of Education

Private schools charge between ₹2,000 and ₹10,000 a month in fees. The cost of college varies. In private colleges, engineering and medical studies cost ₹1,00,000 or more per year.

Fun and Leisure Activities

A movie ticket costs about ₹200. A nice meal for two at a good place costs about ₹1,500. Joining a gym costs at least ₹1,000 a month, and joining a club for fun costs between ₹5,000 and ₹10,000 a year.

The Final Word

Compared to other Indian cities, the cost of living in Kolkata is still low. You can live a happy life without spending too much if you make a careful budget. The city is still a cheap place to live for everyone, whether they are a student, a worker, or a senior.