Cost of Living in Kolkata

Intellectual and artistic capital; offers the lowest cost of living among India's metros and a deep cultural soul.
Moving abroad? The Wise account makes relocation easy.

£349

Average cost per month

1

Distribution of Expenses

Property
40%
Groceries
29%
Eating Out
10%
Transportation
1%
Utilities
14%
Leisure
6%
Property
40%
Groceries
29%
Eating Out
10%
Transportation
1%
Utilities
14%
Leisure
6%

Literary heritage & sweet shops

Hooghly River & colonial architecture

Cultural capital; very affordable

Cost of living breakdown for Kolkata

Living costs in Kolkata can vary. You can expect to spend around £349 per month for 1 person as of 2026, on common living costs such as housing, food, and transport.

Housing

£115Average rent per month in Kolkata
£855Price per m² (city centre)
£421Price per m² (outside centre)
Housing

Standard of Living

Cost of living index13
Quality of life index50
Safety index59
Standard of Living

Food & Drink

Kolkata average costs for food and drink.

£83Monthly groceries/person
£28Dining out average cost/person
£1Regular coffee
Food & Drink

Salary & Services

Kolkata average salaries and services.

£327Average Monthly Net Salary in Kolkata
£2Transport
Healthcare60
Salary & Services

Average living costs in Kolkata

ItemAverage pricePrice range
1 Bedroom Apartment in City CentreRent Per Month£114.51£69.87 - £194.08
1 Bedroom Apartment Outside of CentreRent Per Month£59.04£42.70 - £93.16
3 Bedroom Apartment in City CentreRent Per Month£293.06£155.26 - £465.80
3 Bedroom Apartment Outside of CentreRent Per Month£136.83£93.16 - £232.90

The account that moves with you

Cities in India

Relocation made simple

Whatever you're relocating for, the Wise account is made to support you.

App Store

4.8★ on App Store 152k reviews

Google Play

4.8★ on Google Play 1.3m reviews

Our smart app makes relocation easy

Frequently asked questions

The cost of living in Kolkata depends on your lifestyle. On average, a single person needs £234 per month without rent, while a family of four requires £804. Renting a 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre costs an additional £115 on average.

Public transport prices vary, but generally, a one-way ticket for local transport in Kolkata costs £0.12. If you are commuting regularly, a monthly pass is typically priced at £2.

The average monthly net salary (after tax) in Kolkata is currently £327.

Dining costs depend on your choices. A meal at an inexpensive restaurant in Kolkata costs approximately £2, while a three-course meal for two people at a mid-range restaurant costs around £9.

The estimated monthly cost of living in Kolkata for a single person is £234, excluding rent.

For a family of four living in Kolkata, the estimated monthly costs are £804, not including rent.

Rent prices in Kolkata depend on the area. The average monthly rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre is £115, compared to £59 outside the centre. For a 3-bedroom apartment, the average is £293 in the centre and £137 in suburban areas.

Basic utilities in Kolkata (including electricity, heating, cooling, water, and garbage for an 85m² apartment) cost an average of £45 per month. Internet access typically adds another £5.