Skyline of Delhi
Cost of Living: 120 19,400,000

Delhi, India

The capital of India, a historic city blending Mughal-era monuments with modern government buildings, bustling markets, and diverse cuisine.

Updated August 30, 2026

Overview

Delhi is a city in Delhi with a population of 19,400,000. The capital of India, a historic city blending Mughal-era monuments with modern government buildings, bustling markets, and diverse cuisine. Housing is notably more expensive than the national average. The overall cost of living is above the national average. Gardening thrives here — the 6b growing zone supports Cool to mild — apples, pears, berries, many vegetables. The city enjoys abundant sunshine, with about 260 sunny days a year. The population skews young, with a median age of 28.0.

Last updated: August 30, 2026

Cost of Living 120

Above Average vs India Avg (100)

Housing Index 165

Very Expensive

Median Income ₹420,000

Household income

Unemployment 5.2%

Job market health

Delhi vs India Average

Cost of Living
Delhi: 120
India Avg: 100
Housing Index
Delhi: 165
India Avg: 100

Taxes

  • State Income Tax: None
  • Sales Tax: 18.0%

Economy & Jobs

  • Median Income: ₹420,000
  • Unemployment: 5.2%
  • Population: 19,400,000

Climate

  • Sunny Days: 260/year
  • Summer High: 104°F
  • Winter Low: 45°F
  • Farming Zone: USDA Zone 6b

Housing

  • Median Home: ₹10,000,000
  • 1BR Rent: ₹18000/mo

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Cost of Living

Delhi's cost of living index is 120 (India average = 100).

CategoryDelhiNational AverageDifference
Overall120100+20.0%
Housing165100+65.0%

Data source: MOSPI / Numbeo, 2026

Housing Market

MetricValue
Median Home Price₹10,000,000
Median Rent (1BR)₹18000/mo
Median Rent (2BR)₹22,500/mo
Price per Sq Ft₹6,666

Data source: Housing.com / MagicBricks / 99acres, 2026

True Cost of Home Ownership

True Cost of Home Ownership

See what you'll really pay over 30 years

%
$90,000 down
%
%

Utilities

Estimated monthly utility costs for a typical household in Delhi:

UtilityEstimated Monthly CostNotes
Electricity₹500
Heating & Cooling₹913Estimated based on local climate.
Cooling (AC)₹2637Estimated based on local climate and electricity rates
Water₹200Includes sewer
Internet (100+ Mbps)₹600Broadband average
Garbage / TrashIncluded in taxesMunicipal service (covered by property taxes)
Total Utilities₹4850Monthly estimate (including heating & cooling)

Data sources: CEA, Ministry of Power, BSNL 2025

Remote Work Score

Delhi scores —/100 for remote work readiness:

Cost of Living
120
Rent
₹18000
Sunny Days
260
Tax
None
Unemployment
5.2%
Climate
104°F / 45°F
Safety
3.0 homicides/100k
Population
19,400,000
Internet Speed
60 Mbps

Climate

Delhi has a varied climate with distinct seasons.

MonthAvg HighAvg LowRainfall
January65°F45°F2.5"
April89°F60°F2.8"
July104°F79°F1.5"
October84°F63°F2.2"
USDA Zone 6b

Cool to mild — apples, pears, berries, many vegetables

Natural Hazards

Delhi faces the following natural hazards:

Heat Wave Extreme Risk

Extreme summer heat.

Earthquake High Risk

Seismic activity in the region.

Cyclone High Risk

Significant cyclone risk.

Landslide High Risk

Himalayan region and Western Ghats with landslides.

Avalanche High Risk

Himalayan region with frequent avalanches.

Flood Moderate Risk

Yamuna River flooding.

Drought Moderate Risk

Periodic drought conditions.

Sandstorm Moderate Risk

Dust storms.

Tsunami Moderate Risk

Eastern and southern coasts with tsunami risk.

Tornado Moderate Risk

Eastern India experiences tornadoes.

Blizzard Moderate Risk

Northern mountainous regions experience extreme cold.

Based on historical records and geographic risk assessment.

Taxes

  • State Income Tax: 0% (None)
  • Sales Tax: 18%
  • Property Tax: ~0.2% of assessed value

Economy & Jobs

Major industries include technology, healthcare, education, and manufacturing. The unemployment rate is 5.2%.

Schools & Education

Total Schools

Academic Schedule

School Hours 9:00 AM – 3:30 PM
Academic Year June to March/April
Term System Semester — Summer (Jun-Oct), Winter (Nov-Mar)
Summer Break April to June (6-8 weeks)
Winter Break December to January (2 weeks)
Spring Break Holi festival (1 week)

School year varies by state. Southern states follow a different calendar (June-April). Summer break coincides with the hottest months.

Universities & Higher Education

4
Universities
#622
Top University Rank
Top-Ranked University Delhi University

Data source: Center for World University Rankings (CWUR) & World Universities Database

Demographics

The population of Delhi is diverse. The figures below show the ethnic, educational, and religious composition of the local population.

Ethnicity

Dravidian
25.0%
Indo-Aryan
72.0%
Other
3.0%

Education

Bachelor's degree or higher
20.0%
High school graduate
20.0%
Less than high school
50.0%
Some college
10.0%

Religion

Buddhist
0.7%
Christian
2.3%
Hindu
79.8%
Jain
0.4%
Muslim
14.2%
Other
0.9%
Sikh
1.7%

City-level demographic data is not available for this location. The figures shown are national averages, which may differ from actual conditions in this city.

Data source: Office of the Registrar General & Census Commissioner (2011)

Important Disclaimer: All data on this page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, tax, or real estate advice. URCity and Northshore Press are not financial advisors, tax professionals, or real estate agents. Always consult qualified professionals before making relocation or financial decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Delhi, India?

The cost of living index in Delhi is 120, which is Higher the India national average of 100.

How much does it cost to buy a home in Delhi?

The median home price in Delhi is ₹10,000,000. The housing index is 165.

What is the average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment?

The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Delhi is approximately ₹18000/mo.

Does Delhi, DL have income tax?

Delhi is in DL, which has no income tax.

What is the climate like in Delhi?

Delhi enjoys approximately 260 sunny days per year. Summer highs reach around 104°F, while winter lows can drop to around 45°F.

Data Sources

  • Cost of Living: MOSPI / Numbeo, 2026
  • Housing Data: Housing.com / MagicBricks / 99acres, 2026
  • Income & Employment: MOSPI Labour Force Survey, 2024
  • Utilities CEA, Ministry of Power, BSNL 2025

Data last updated: September 13, 2026. Data may not reflect current market conditions. Always verify with local sources before making relocation decisions.