A person can live a decent life in India with a salary of Rs12,000 to Rs13,000. This includes food, utilities, petrol and entertainment costs.
The cost of living in different areas varies significantly. For example, renting an apartment outside the city can reduce your expenses considerably. But it is also essential to consider your personal lifestyle and spending habits.
Basic Needs
Basic needs such as drinking water, sanitation and electricity are essential for a basic quality of life. However, access to these facilities remains far from adequate in India, particularly for households belonging to marginalised communities.
Successive Indian governments have come up with numerous schemes for providing access to basic needs. Despite these, millions of households lack safe drinking water, sanitation and electricity. They are also deprived of adequate nutrition, vaccination coverage, primary education and employment.
The constitution of India recognises the need for social justice and the production of an egalitarian society. Therefore, the upper classes have a responsibility to provide basic amenities to the poor. The government should also reform its policies and adopt a rights-based approach to development.
A basic income guarantee may be an effective way to reduce poverty in India. This would allow the country to eliminate its string of welfare subsidies while still ensuring that everyone has a minimum level of living. In addition, the system would reduce corruption and bureaucracy. However, a basic income guarantee must be carefully planned and implemented in order to succeed.
Food
India is a diverse country, and the cost of living varies dramatically depending on where you live. In general, Delhi is the most expensive city in India, while Bhopal is the cheapest. However, you can save money by shopping at local markets and avoiding western-style restaurants.
The cuisine of India is famous for its rich spices and flavors. However, Indian food is also much more diverse than what you might think. It includes many different types of vegetarian dishes, rice, lentils, and chutneys. If you are looking to eat healthy, try reducing your meat intake and eating more vegetables.
The Indian government has made significant strides in addressing hunger and malnutrition in the country. The 2013 National Food Security Act provides 813 million people with subsidized household rations of rice, wheat, or millets. It also includes population specific policies such as the Annapurna scheme (for elderly), Rajiv Gandhi Scheme for Empowerment of Adolescent Girls renamed as Sabla scheme, and Nutrition Rehabilitation Centres. The 2021 Zero-Food metric was analyzed by demographic and socioeconomic characteristics to assess any systematic patterning.
Shelter
While India may be one of the world’s fastest growing economies, it is also one of its most afflicted in terms of economic inequality. While the rich continue to get richer at a staggering pace, millions of Indians struggle to meet their basic needs.
Homelessness is a major problem in many Indian cities. Millions of people from rural India migrate to cities such as Mumbai, Delhi and Calcutta in hopes of finding better jobs and affordable housing. However, local authorities often evict homeless residents or tear down their makeshift shelters.
Despite these challenges, NGOs and the government are working to address the issue of homelessness in India. They are doing this by improving shelters, providing food at low rates, and spreading awareness about the issue. The Government of India is also working to provide affordable housing for all its citizens by 2022 under the PMAY Scheme.
Transportation
While India may not be as inexpensive as it once was, it is still relatively cheap compared to many Western countries. It is also very easy to find cheap living accommodations in India, and the food is delicious. The culture is one-of-a-kind and focuses on spirituality. In addition, it is affordable to fly around the country for less than $100 USD.
The best way to save money in India is by shopping locally at markets, food shops, and supermarkets. Locals know the best places to buy produce and meat. Also, by buying local food, you will support the local economy. The local India markets are also a great place to learn about the culture and traditions of India.
Another way to cut costs is by hiring a housekeeper and taking yoga classes. In Mumbai, a person can live comfortably on $3,000 per month. However, the cost of living is higher in other cities. Chennai (formerly Madras) is an especially popular city for expats, because it is a hub of automobile manufacturing and has a growing technology sector.
Entertainment
India offers a rich culture with plenty to explore. From ancient history to booming tech industries, there’s no shortage of experiences. And while the country is known for its crowded streets and traffic, it’s still far less expensive than many cities in the US.
Chaudhary’s Rs1 lakh salary is able to cover his basic needs and some entertainment, but it’s not enough for the lifestyle he wants. He’s hoping to increase his income so he can afford to live in Mumbai, which is the most expensive city in the country.
A more budget-friendly option would be to move to a smaller city like Vadodara or Chennai. These cities offer a more laid-back lifestyle and are also cheaper than Mumbai. Regardless of where you choose to live, be sure to reduce your plastic use. Avoid buying one-use water bottles, plastic shopping bags, and straws. These items end up in landfills or oceans and harm the environment. Instead, try to buy locally sourced food and use reusable shopping bags. You can also save money by cooking at home.