Skyline of Surat
Cost of Living: 95 6,100,000

Surat, India

The diamond cutting and polishing capital of the world, also a major textile hub with a rapidly growing economy and infrastructure.

Updated August 11, 2026
Cost of Living 95

Below Average vs India Avg (100)

Housing Index 115

Above Average

Median Income ₹300,000

Household income

Unemployment 4.0%

Job market health

Surat vs India Average

Cost of Living
Surat: 95
India Avg: 100
Housing Index
Surat: 115
India Avg: 100

Taxes

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

Economy & Jobs

  • Median Income: ₹300,000
  • Unemployment: 4.0%
  • Population: 6,100,000

Climate

  • Sunny Days: 280/year
  • Summer High: 104°F
  • Winter Low: 58°F
  • Farming Zone: USDA Zone 7a

Housing

  • Median Home: ₹4,000,000
  • 1BR Rent: ₹10000/mo

Cost of Living

Surat's cost of living index is 95 (India average = 100).

CategorySuratNational AverageDifference
Overall95100-5.0%
Housing115100+15.0%

Data source: MOSPI / Numbeo, 2026

Housing Market

MetricValue
Median Home Price₹4,000,000
Median Rent (1BR)₹10000/mo
Median Rent (2BR)₹12,500/mo
Price per Sq Ft₹2,666

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 Surat:

UtilityEstimated Monthly CostNotes
Electricity₹500
Heating & CoolingN/AEstimated based on local climate.
Cooling (AC)₹3394Estimated 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₹4694Monthly estimate (including heating & cooling)

Data sources: CEA, Ministry of Power, BSNL 2025

Remote Work Score

Surat scores —/100 for remote work readiness:

Cost of Living
95
Rent
₹10000
Sunny Days
280
Tax
None
Unemployment
4.0%
Climate
104°F / 58°F
Safety
3.0 homicides/100k
Population
6,100,000
Internet Speed
60 Mbps

Climate

Surat has a varied climate with distinct seasons.

MonthAvg HighAvg LowRainfall
January78°F58°F2.5"
April89°F73°F2.8"
July104°F79°F1.5"
October84°F76°F2.2"
USDA Zone 7a

Mild — wide variety of vegetables, many fruit trees

Natural Hazards

Surat faces the following natural hazards:

Heat Wave High Risk

Summer heat.

Flood High Risk

Tapi River flooding.

Drought High Risk

Central and western India experience frequent droughts.

Landslide High Risk

Himalayan region and Western Ghats with landslides.

Avalanche High Risk

Himalayan region with frequent avalanches.

Cyclone Moderate Risk

Affected by cyclones.

Earthquake Moderate Risk

Seismic activity.

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.

Sandstorm Moderate Risk

Dust storms in northwestern regions.

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 4.0%.

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.

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 Surat, India?

The cost of living index in Surat is 95, which is Lower the India national average of 100.

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

The median home price in Surat is ₹4,000,000. The housing index is 115.

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

The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Surat is approximately ₹10000/mo.

Does Surat, GJ have income tax?

Surat is in GJ, which has no income tax.

What is the climate like in Surat?

Surat enjoys approximately 280 sunny days per year. Summer highs reach around 104°F, while winter lows can drop to around 58°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: August 12, 2026. Data may not reflect current market conditions. Always verify with local sources before making relocation decisions.