A Complete Guide of Living in Chennai (Pros & Cons, Cost, Benefits & More)
Table of Contents
With a population of 10 million people, Chennai is one of the four earliest metro cities in India. The cost of living varies for bachelors, couples and a family. Generally, Chennai is a lot cheaper than its counterpart and one can easily live here. The minimum cost of living in Chennai is Rs 30,000 and it can go upto Rs 50,000. The main factors that work behind this are the area of accommodation, type of configuration and the facilities opted by the person.
Cost of Living in Chennai
Chennai is one of the cheapest metro cities in the country. All the basic facilities like meal, accommodation and professional services are quite cheap here. The cost of living in Chennai varies from Rs 40,000 to Rs 50,000. Here is the cost breakup of all the expenses in the table below.
| Type of expense | Average cost |
| Meal for two, in an average restaurant | Rs 1,000 |
| Monthly pass for local transport | Rs 1,000 |
| Taxi fare (per km) | Rs 100 (Rs 15 for 2 km onwards) |
| Car fuel | Rs 77 per litre |
| Electricity bill (basic utility- electricity, cooling and heating) for an 850-sq ft apartment | Rs 2,500 |
| Broadband (average speed 60 MBPS) | Rs 800 |
| Monthly gym membership | Rs 1,300 |
| Monthly school fee (primary) | Rs 2,500 – Rs 8,000 |
| Rent for 1BHK | Rs 8,000 – Rs 12,000 per month |
| Cost of 1BHK | Rs 40 lakhs – Rs 50 lakhs |
| Fruits (1kg) | Rs 150 |
| Vegetables (Potato, onion, lettuce) | Rs 110 |
Cost of Living in Chennai for Bachelors/Students
The breakup of cost of living in Chennai for a Bachelor or Student can be checked in the table below.
| Expense | Monthly Cost (in INR) |
| Accommodation (Rent) | 8,000 – 15,000 |
| Food and Groceries | 3,000 – 5,000 |
| Transportation (Public) | 1,000 – 2,000 |
| Utilities (Electricity, Water, Internet) | 1,500 – 2,500 |
| Mobile Phone | 500 – 1,000 |
| Entertainment and Dining | 2,000 – 4,000 |
| Study Material and Books | 500 – 1,000 |
| Miscellaneous (Healthcare, Personal Expenses) | 1,000 – 2,000 |
| Total | 18,500 – 32,500 |
Cost of Living in Chennai for Families
If you are living in Chennai as a family of four then it will take somewhere Rs 40,000 to Rs 50,000. The cost-wise expense structure for all the expenses can be checked in the table below.
| Expense | Monthly Cost (in INR) |
| Accommodation (Rent for 2-3 BHK) | 15,000 – 30,000 |
| Food and Groceries | 6,000 – 10,000 |
| Transportation (Public/Car) | 2,000 – 4,000 |
| Utilities (Electricity, Water, Internet) | 2,000 – 3,000 |
| Mobile Phones | 1,000 – 2,000 |
| School/Child Education | 5,000 – 20,000 |
| Healthcare and Insurance | 3,000 – 6,000 |
| Entertainment and Dining | 3,000 – 6,000 |
| Miscellaneous (Household, Personal Expenses) | 3,000 – 5,000 |
| Total | 40,000 – 86,000 |
Cost of Living in Chennai for Couples
The cost of living in Chennai for couples varies between Rs 40,000 to Rs 50,000. Here is the cost break up of living in Chennai for Couples.
| Expense | Monthly Cost (in INR) |
| Accommodation (Rent for 1-2 BHK) | 12,000 – 25,000 |
| Food and Groceries | 4,000 – 7,000 |
| Transportation (Public/Car) | 1,500 – 3,000 |
| Utilities (Electricity, Water, Internet) | 1,500 – 2,500 |
| Mobile Phones | 1,000 – 2,000 |
| Entertainment and Dining | 2,000 – 4,000 |
| Miscellaneous (Healthcare, Personal Expenses) | 3,000 – 5,000 |
| Total | 25,000 – 48,500 |
Factors Affecting the Cost of Living in Chennai
The following factors are considered when calculating the cost of living in Chennai. One should add up all the factors to know about the overall cost one needs to have to live comfortably in Chennai.
- Type of Property
- Your job or profession
- Configurations Available
- If you are living alone or with family
- Your financial status
- Overall household expenses, including costs of education, food, transportation, utilities, house help
Affordable Places to Rent in Chennai
The following are the affordable places to rent and get accommodate in Chennai.
- Nungambakkam
- Pallavaram
- Vadapalani
- Perumbakkam
- Teynampet
- Madhavaram
- Anna Nagar
- Adyar
- Madipakkam
- Thiruvanmiyur
Top 5 Social Joints in Chennai
Chennai is a vibrant and cheerful city to live and work in. There are a plethora of social joints that one can visit to refresh their mind. The following are the top five social joints in Chennai.
- Marina Beach
Marina Beach is one of the most famous and iconic social spots in Chennai. It is the second-longest urban beach in the world and offers a great place for people to hang out, take a stroll, enjoy the sunset, and indulge in street food.
- Elliots Beach (Besant Nagar Beach)
Also known as Besant Nagar Beach, Elliots Beach is another popular destination for locals to unwind. The beach has several cafes, eateries, and ice cream parlours along the promenade, making it a great spot for socialising.
- Phoenix Market City
This modern shopping mall in Velachery is not just for shopping but also a popular social hub in the city. It houses numerous restaurants, cafes, entertainment options, and a spacious food court.
- Express Avenue Mall
Located in the heart of Chennai, Express Avenue is another popular shopping and socializing destination. It offers a wide range of dining options, gaming zones, and a movie theatre.
- Harrington Road and Nungambakkam
These areas in Chennai are known for their vibrant nightlife and social scene. You will find a variety of pubs, bars, and restaurants that cater to different tastes and preferences.
FAQs
- What salary is needed to live comfortably in Chennai?
Ans. A salary between the range of Rs 40,000 to Rs 60,000 is needed to live comfortably in Chennai.
- How much is enough to live in Chennai?
Ans. The average cost of living in Chennai is Rs 60,000 to Rs 80,000.
- What is a good salary in Chennai?
Ans. A good salary in Chennai ranges between Rs 35,000 to Rs 50,000.
- How to live cheaply in Chennai?
Ans. You can research and then make a list of the popular areas that are cheap based on your income.
- Is 50000 a good salary in Chennai?
Ans. Yes, you can live comfortably in Chennai with a salary ranging from Rs 40,000 to Rs 50,000.
