Cost of Living: What It Really Takes to Live in India and Abroad

When you think about the cost of living, the total amount of money needed to cover basic expenses like housing, food, transport, and utilities in a specific place. Also known as daily living expenses, it’s not just about rent—it’s how far your salary stretches in cities like Mumbai, Delhi, or even Austin or Sydney. Many people assume a high salary means a comfortable life, but that’s only true if your expenses don’t eat it all up. In India, a ₹80,000 monthly income in Bangalore might feel luxurious, but in Mumbai, it barely covers rent and groceries. Meanwhile, someone earning $5,000 in Texas might live better than a person making ₹1.5 lakh in Delhi—because housing, taxes, and services cost less.

The rent prices, the regular payment made to live in a home or apartment, often the largest monthly expense for most people are the biggest driver of the cost of living. A 2BHK apartment in India can range from ₹15,000 in smaller cities to ₹60,000+ in prime Mumbai or Delhi locations. Compare that to a similar-sized unit in Virginia or Australia, where rent might be higher but often comes with better infrastructure and legal protections for tenants. That’s why knowing your rights as a renter—like what happens if your landlord sells the property in Maryland or Virginia—is part of managing your budget. You can’t control rent hikes, but you can understand the laws that protect you.

Property investment, buying real estate not to live in, but to earn rental income or sell later for profit directly impacts the commercial real estate, buildings used for business purposes like offices, retail spaces, or warehouses, which influence local job markets and living costs market. When more investors buy commercial spaces in a city, it brings in businesses, which creates jobs—and drives up demand for housing. That’s why areas near new office parks or shopping centers in India often see rent spikes within months. The 2% rule for rental income, the rule of three for valuation, and credit score requirements for commercial loans aren’t just investor jargon—they’re tools that shape whether your neighborhood becomes affordable or unattainable.

It’s not just about where you live—it’s about what you can afford long-term. A 800 sqft apartment might be enough for a couple in Sydney, but in Delhi, that same size might cost twice as much. The cheapest towns in Montana offer low rent, but without local jobs, your cost of living isn’t really lower. And if you’re thinking of renting out your house in Virginia, you need to know deposit laws, tax rules, and how to price your rent right. These aren’t random tips—they’re pieces of the same puzzle: understanding how money, space, and rules interact to define what life actually costs.

Below, you’ll find real-life breakdowns of what people actually pay to live, rent, and invest—from 2BHK apartments dominating the market to how commercial property values shift with zoning changes. No theory. No fluff. Just what you need to know before you sign a lease, buy land, or decide where to call home.