India Price Guide: What You Pay for Everyday Items in 2025

Thinking about how much life costs in India? Whether you’re planning a move, a long trip, or just curious, knowing the price of things you buy every day helps you budget better. Below you’ll find a quick snapshot of current prices for food, transport, housing and a few smart ways to keep more money in your pocket.

Food and Groceries

Food makes up a big chunk of any budget. A kilogram of basmati rice now costs around ₹70‑₹90, while wheat flour (atta) is about ₹30‑₹40 per kilogram. Fresh vegetables are pretty cheap in local markets – a kilogram of potatoes is roughly ₹20, tomatoes ₹30, and onions about ₹25. If you prefer packaged goods, a 500 ml milk pack runs about ₹30, and a dozen eggs are ₹70‑₹80. Buying in bulk or shopping at wholesale markets can shave off 10‑15 %.

Transport and Commuting

Getting around varies by city. In metros like Delhi or Mumbai, a single ride ticket is ₹20‑₹40 depending on distance. Monthly metro passes cost between ₹1,000 and ₹2,500. Auto‑rickshaws and app‑based cabs start at ₹30 for the first kilometer and then about ₹8‑₹10 per extra km. If you own a scooter, fuel is about ₹100 per litre, and a typical city commute of 15 km will cost around ₹150‑₹200 in fuel each day.

Housing and Rent

Rent is the biggest expense for most people. In Tier‑1 cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore or Hyderabad, a one‑bedroom apartment in the city centre averages ₹25,000‑₹35,000 per month. In the suburbs, the same space drops to ₹15,000‑₹22,000. Smaller cities or towns are much cheaper – you can find decent 1‑BHK units for ₹8,000‑₹12,000. If you share a place, splitting rent can bring the cost down to under ₹7,000 per month.

Utilities such as electricity, water and internet are typically ₹2,000‑₹4,000 per month for a modest apartment. Gas cylinders for cooking cost about ₹800‑₹1,000 and need refilling every month or two.

Shopping, Services and Entertainment

Clothing and personal care are fairly affordable if you shop in local markets. A pair of jeans from a mid‑range brand is around ₹1,200‑₹1,800, while a basic t‑shirt costs ₹300‑₹500. Mobile data plans start at ₹250 for 1 GB per day, and a typical movie ticket in a multiplex is ₹200‑₹350.

Practical Tips to Stretch Your Budget

Here are a few quick ways to keep costs low:

• Buy seasonal produce from local stalls – it’s fresher and cheaper than supermarkets.
• Use public transport or shared rides instead of private cabs whenever possible.
• Consider renting a place a bit farther from the city centre; commute times are longer but rent savings can be significant.
• Shop for groceries in wholesale clubs or online bulk deals to cut per‑unit prices.
• Track your monthly expenses in a simple spreadsheet; spotting patterns helps you cut unnecessary spending.

With these numbers and tips, you should have a clearer picture of what daily life costs in India and how you can manage your money wisely. Happy budgeting!