Cost of Living in Karaikal - Updated Prices & Insights

Solo nomad: Estimated monthly costs are $195 (excluding rent), and $362 including rent.
Family of 3: Estimated monthly costs are $464 (excluding rent), and $764 including rent.
Currency
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🍽 Eating Out
Cost
Range
Meal at Budget Restaurant
$0.84 ₹71.9
$0.84 ₹71.9
$3.62 ₹310
Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range
$11.73 ₹1,004
$8.21 ₹702
$29.33 ₹2,509
Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)
$4.1 ₹351
$3.52 ₹301
$5.86 ₹501
Cappuccino
$0.67 ₹57.5
$0.67 ₹57.5
$3.35 ₹287
Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)
$0.34 ₹28.76
$0.22 ₹18.9
$0.56 ₹47.67
Water (0.33 liter bottle)
$0.2 ₹17.36
$0.12 ₹10.41
$0.29 ₹25.17
Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)
$1.12 ₹96.1
$1.07 ₹91.7
$4.75 ₹406
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$1.71 ₹146
$1.71 ₹146
$6.87 ₹588
🛒 Groceries & Markets
Cost
Range
Milk (1 liter)
$0.55 ₹46.96
$0.49 ₹41.65
$0.84 ₹71.8
White Bread (500g)
$0.37 ₹31.33
$0.37 ₹31.33
$0.73 ₹62.7
Rice (white) (1kg)
$0.56 ₹48.22
$0.53 ₹45.59
$0.95 ₹81.5
Eggs
$0.71 ₹60.3
$0.68 ₹57.9
$1.12 ₹95.9
Local Cheese (1kg)
$2.95 ₹252
$2.95 ₹252
$14.15 ₹1,210
Chicken Fillets (1kg)
$2.88 ₹247
$2.31 ₹198
$5.76 ₹492
Apples (1kg)
$1.36 ₹117
$1.13 ₹96.7
$3.97 ₹339
Banana (1kg)
$0.49 ₹41.98
$0.49 ₹41.98
$1.46 ₹125
Oranges (1kg)
$0.85 ₹72.5
$0.6 ₹51
$3.04 ₹260
Tomato (1kg)
$0.24 ₹20.53
$0.24 ₹20.53
$0.85 ₹72.3
Potato (1kg)
$0.22 ₹18.74
$0.22 ₹18.74
$0.66 ₹56.2
Onion (1kg)
$0.34 ₹28.66
$0.34 ₹28.66
$0.78 ₹66.3
Lettuce (1 head)
$0.19 ₹16.64
$0.19 ₹16.64
$1.06 ₹91
Water (1.5 liter bottle)
$0.3 ₹26
$0.24 ₹20.62
$0.49 ₹42.14
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)
$2.98 ₹255
$2.53 ₹216
$5.28 ₹452
Wine (Bottle)
$3.44 ₹294
$2.87 ₹245
$17.18 ₹1,470
Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)
$1.43 ₹123
$1.08 ₹92
$2.62 ₹224
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$2.31 ₹198
$1.91 ₹163
$5.19 ₹444
Buffalo Round (or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat) (1kg)
$3.98 ₹340
$2.84 ₹243
$11.36 ₹972
🚌 Getting Around
Cost
Range
One-way Ticket (Public Transport)
$0.3 ₹25.9
$0.18 ₹15.18
$0.46 ₹39.3
Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)
$8.9 ₹762
$3.56 ₹305
$9.5 ₹812
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)
$1.13 ₹97
$1.13 ₹97
$2.28 ₹195
Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)
$0.22 ₹18.72
$0.17 ₹14.65
$0.44 ₹37.43
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)
$1.17 ₹100
$1.17 ₹100
$2.35 ₹201
Gasoline (1 liter)
$1.15 ₹97.9
$1.15 ₹97.9
$1.31 ₹112
Midsize Hatchback 1.4l (Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)
$9,312 ₹796.4K
$9,312 ₹796.4K
$23.3K ₹2M
Compact Sedan 1.6l (Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)
$10.5K ₹896.3K
$10.5K ₹896.3K
$29.1K ₹2.5M
🧾 Monthly Utilities & Internet
Cost
Range
Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)
$47.07 ₹4,026
$29.53 ₹2,526
$80.3 ₹6,871
SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)
$1.74 ₹149
$1.74 ₹149
$11.7 ₹1,001
Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)
$6.82 ₹583
$5.68 ₹486
$13.66 ₹1,168
🎉 Sport & Entertainment
Cost
Range
Gym Membership (Monthly)
$7.5 ₹641
$5.76 ₹493
$9.22 ₹789
Tennis Court (1 Hour on Weekend)
$6.97 ₹596
$2.89 ₹247
$9.23 ₹789
Cinema Ticket
$2.94 ₹252
$2.36 ₹202
$5.88 ₹503
🧸 Childcare & Education
Cost
Range
Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child (Monthly)
$22.9 ₹1,959
$22.9 ₹1,959
$172 ₹14.7K
International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)
$1,716 ₹146.8K
$970 ₹83K
$3,424 ₹292.9K
👕👟 Clothing & Footwear
Cost
Range
Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)
$11.43 ₹978
$10.29 ₹880
$40.01 ₹3,422
Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)
$22.66 ₹1,938
$8.09 ₹692
$46.23 ₹3,954
Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)
$40.62 ₹3,474
$29.01 ₹2,481
$75.4 ₹6,452
Men's Leather Business Shoes
$29.44 ₹2,518
$23.56 ₹2,015
$58.9 ₹5,037
🏠 Accommodation & Living
Cost
Range
1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$207 ₹17.7K
$59.1 ₹5,051
$354 ₹30.3K
1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$127 ₹10.8K
$41.23 ₹3,527
$212 ₹18.1K
3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$299 ₹25.6K
$85.5 ₹7,313
$513 ₹43.9K
3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$241 ₹20.6K
$68.7 ₹5,879
$412 ₹35.3K
Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)
$968 ₹82.8K
$504 ₹43.1K
$968 ₹82.8K
Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)
$630 ₹53.9K
$304 ₹26K
$630 ₹53.9K
💵 Salaries & Financials
Cost
Range
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)
$459 ₹39.2K
-
20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)
9.31
8
13
Citycost data is based on AI and user input – minor inaccuracies may occur.
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Cost of Living in Karaikal - Frequently Asked Questions
Is Karaikal a good value overall for travelers, expats, and digital nomads, and how does it compare to larger Indian cities?
Yes, Karaikal offers solid value for travelers, expats, and digital nomads who want a slower pace, coastal scenery, and a sense of local life. Housing options range from simple apartments to guesthouses at budget-friendly rents compared with major metros, and fresh food from markets stays affordable. Cost of Living in Karaikal, India tends to be steadier with fewer rapid swings, though luxury conveniences arrive with a higher price tag in nearby Puducherry. Internet service and coworking exist, but choices are modest compared with big cities. You’ll enjoy short commutes, walkable streets, and a stronger community vibe. Tip: test several cafes or libraries to find reliable Wi‑Fi before settling into a routine.
What should you know about daily life in Karaikal: housing search, food options, transport, and practical errands?
Daily life in Karaikal blends practicality with coastal charm. Start your housing search in town centers or quieter wards, focusing on lease terms and proximity to markets. Food options range from budget-friendly street stalls to market-bought seafood and vegetables that keep meals economical and flavorful. Transport relies on auto-rickshaws, local buses, and scooter rentals for weekend trips to nearby shores or temples. For errands, you’ll find small supermarkets, pharmacies, and banks within walking distance. The cadence shifts with the monsoon; humidity rises and power or internet may be less predictable, so plan a simple backup. Karaikal, India living cost remains approachable if you prioritize local options. Tip: map a few reliable Wi‑Fi spots and keep a flexible schedule.
What budgeting strategies, seasonal considerations, and neighborhood fits help you maximize quality of life in Karaikal?
To stretch your time in Karaikal, adopt a simple budgeting framework: separate fixed essentials from flexible spending, and lean into local options for meals and activities. Favor neighborhood clusters near the waterfront or town center for shorter hops to markets and coworking spaces. Seasonal rhythms matter: the dry season feels more comfortable for outdoor exploring, while the monsoon brings lush scenery but higher humidity. Save by cooking at home when you can, choosing local services over import brands, and bargaining politely at markets. If you plan longer stays, rotate between quieter residential areas and the busier center to balance quiet mornings with social evenings. Tip: build a lightweight emergency fund and keep a list of affordable, reliable daytime activities.
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