Kolkata
Chennai

Kolkata vs Chennai — Cost of Living Comparison

Kolkata
India
VS
Chennai
India
Estimated average living costs are ~18% lower in Kolkata

Kolkata

$550

avg. monthly cost

Population

14,900,000

Safety

52/100

Quality

45/100

Cost
22
Safety
52
Life
45

Chennai

$650

avg. monthly cost

Population

10,900,000

Safety

56/100

Quality

48/100

Cost
26
Safety
56
Life
48

Data last updated:

Compare Two Cities

Estimated average living costs are ~18% lower in Kolkata

Overall Monthly Cost Comparison

Kolkata

$550

estimated per month

Chennai

$650

estimated per month

Difference

+18.2%

Monthly savings

$100

Yearly savings

$1,200

Figures shown are estimated averages for general comparison purposes only and may not reflect individual spending patterns.

Cost Comparison by Category

Monthly averages side by side

Estimated Salary Equivalency (Informational)

What you'd need to earn for the same lifestyle

This calculation provides an estimated comparison based on average living costs and does not represent financial or employment advice.

$/year (USD)

$88,636

+$13,636/year (USD)

Salary equivalency figures are illustrative estimates only and should not be used for employment, negotiation, or financial planning decisions.

Detailed Category Breakdown

Item-by-item price comparison across 7 categories

ItemKolkataChennaiDiff
1-Bedroom Apartment (City Center)(per month)
$220.00$300.00
+36.4%
1-Bedroom Apartment (Outside Center)(per month)
$120.00$170.00
+41.7%
3-Bedroom Apartment (City Center)(per month)
$480.00$650.00
+35.4%
3-Bedroom Apartment (Outside Center)(per month)
$270.00$370.00
+37.0%
ItemKolkataChennaiDiff
Meal at Inexpensive Restaurant(per meal)
$1.80$2.00
+11.1%
Meal for 2 at Mid-Range Restaurant(per meal)
$10.00$12.00
+20.0%
McMeal at McDonald's(per meal)
$3.80$4.00
+5.3%
Milk (1 liter)(per liter)
$0.60$0.65
+8.3%
Bread (500g loaf)(per loaf)
$0.35$0.40
+14.3%
Rice (1 kg)(per kg)
$0.50$0.55
+10.0%
Eggs (12)(per dozen)
$1.00$1.10
+10.0%
Chicken Breast (1 kg)(per kg)
$2.50$2.80
+12.0%
Apples (1 kg)(per kg)
$1.60$1.70
+6.2%
Banana (1 kg)(per kg)
$0.45$0.50
+11.1%
ItemKolkataChennaiDiff
Monthly Public Transit Pass(per month)
$15.00$18.00
+20.0%
One-Way Ticket (Local Transport)(per trip)
$0.15$0.25
+66.7%
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)(base fare)
$0.40$0.50
+25.0%
Taxi 1km (Normal Tariff)(per km)
$0.30$0.40
+33.3%
Gasoline (1 liter)(per liter)
$1.25$1.25
0.0%
ItemKolkataChennaiDiff
Basic Utilities (85m² Apt)(per month)
$38.00$42.00
+10.5%
Mobile Phone Plan(per month)
$3.50$4.00
+14.3%
Internet (60 Mbps+)(per month)
$9.00$10.00
+11.1%
ItemKolkataChennaiDiff
Doctor Visit(per visit)
$7.00$8.00
+14.3%
Dentist Visit(per visit)
$8.00$10.00
+25.0%
Prescription Medicine (avg)(per prescription)
$3.50$4.00
+14.3%
ItemKolkataChennaiDiff
Fitness Club Monthly(per month)
$15.00$18.00
+20.0%
Cinema Ticket(per ticket)
$2.20$2.50
+13.6%
Cappuccino(per cup)
$1.60$1.80
+12.5%
Beer (0.5l) at Restaurant(per glass)
$2.50$3.00
+20.0%
ItemKolkataChennaiDiff
Pair of Jeans (Levi's)(per pair)
$28.00$30.00
+7.1%
Summer Dress (Chain Store)(per item)
$15.00$18.00
+20.0%
Running Shoes (Nike, Adidas)(per pair)
$52.00$55.00
+5.8%

Category values are aggregated estimates and may vary by neighborhood, lifestyle, and market conditions.

Frequently asked questions: Kolkata vs Chennai

Is Kolkata or Chennai more expensive?
Chennai is more expensive, with a cost of living index of 26 compared with 22 for Kolkata.
How much cheaper is Kolkata than Chennai?
Living in Kolkata is around 15% cheaper than Chennai, based on their overall cost of living indices.
What is the cost of living difference between Kolkata and Chennai?
Kolkata scores 22 out of 100 on our cost of living index, while Chennai scores 26 — where New York City equals 100.