Cost of Living in McLeod Ganj - Updated Prices & Insights

Solo nomad: Estimated monthly costs are $267 (excluding rent), and $392 including rent.

Family of 3: Estimated monthly costs are $606 (excluding rent), and $845 including rent.

Meal at Budget Restaurant

$2.3 ₹206

$1.15 ₹103

$5.75 ₹515

Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range

$10.57 ₹947

$7.05 ₹631

$29.35 ₹2,629

Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)

$3.51 ₹314

$3.17 ₹284

$5.76 ₹516

Cappuccino

$1.58 ₹142

$0.72 ₹64.1

$3.57 ₹319

Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)

$0.4 ₹36.28

$0.24 ₹21.39

$0.6 ₹54

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$0.14 ₹12.82

$0.11 ₹9.61

$0.21 ₹18.43

Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$1.7 ₹152

$1.13 ₹101

$3.4 ₹305

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$3.12 ₹279

$2.24 ₹200

$5.88 ₹527

Milk (1 liter)

$0.7 ₹63

$0.54 ₹48.17

$0.87 ₹77.8

White Bread (500g)

$0.48 ₹43.2

$0.3 ₹26.66

$0.78 ₹69.9

Rice (white) (1kg)

$0.66 ₹59.5

$0.45 ₹40.53

$1.01 ₹90.6

Eggs

$0.95 ₹85

$0.72 ₹64.7

$1.44 ₹129

Local Cheese (1kg)

$5.13 ₹460

$2.99 ₹267

$11.93 ₹1,069

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$2.89 ₹259

$1.93 ₹173

$4.54 ₹407

Apples (1kg)

$1.99 ₹178

$0.92 ₹82.1

$3.21 ₹288

Banana (1kg)

$0.75 ₹67.6

$0.49 ₹44.1

$1.22 ₹109

Oranges (1kg)

$0.93 ₹83.4

$0.56 ₹49.89

$1.79 ₹160

Tomato (1kg)

$0.54 ₹48.04

$0.24 ₹21.25

$0.96 ₹85.9

Potato (1kg)

$0.36 ₹32.24

$0.22 ₹20.04

$0.56 ₹50.5

Onion (1kg)

$0.43 ₹38.46

$0.22 ₹20.11

$0.68 ₹61.2

Lettuce (1 head)

$0.45 ₹40.17

$0.22 ₹19.66

$0.95 ₹85.5

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$0.32 ₹28.54

$0.22 ₹19.89

$0.45 ₹40.64

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)

$4.03 ₹361

$2.87 ₹257

$4.74 ₹425

Wine (Bottle)

$7.17 ₹642

$3.31 ₹296

$16.54 ₹1,482

Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$1.75 ₹157

$1.17 ₹105

$2.93 ₹262

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$2.77 ₹248

$1.7 ₹152

$4.54 ₹406

Buffalo Round (or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat) (1kg)

$5.35 ₹479

$2.3 ₹206

$9.17 ₹821

One-way Ticket (Public Transport)

$0.28 ₹24.75

$0.16 ₹14.51

$0.42 ₹37.54

Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)

$8.85 ₹792

$3.54 ₹317

$9.43 ₹845

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

$0.78 ₹70.3

$0.46 ₹40.79

$1.69 ₹151

Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)

$0.27 ₹24.19

$0.18 ₹15.82

$0.59 ₹53

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

$1.43 ₹128

$1.15 ₹103

$2.3 ₹206

Gasoline (1 liter)

$1.16 ₹104

$1.11 ₹99.3

$1.24 ₹111

Midsize Hatchback 1.4l (Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)

$14K ₹1.2M

$11.6K ₹1M

$20.9K ₹1.9M

Compact Sedan 1.6l (Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)

$22.3K ₹2M

$18.7K ₹1.7M

$29.3K ₹2.6M

Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)

$39.1 ₹3,502

$23.31 ₹2,088

$80 ₹7,165

SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)

$3.43 ₹307

$2.29 ₹206

$5.72 ₹513

Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)

$7.34 ₹657

$5.86 ₹525

$11.75 ₹1,053

Gym Membership (Monthly)

$16 ₹1,434

$6.76 ₹605

$23.38 ₹2,094

Tennis Court (1 Hour on Weekend)

$7.06 ₹632

$2.93 ₹262

$9.35 ₹837

Cinema Ticket

$2.82 ₹253

$2.26 ₹202

$5.64 ₹505

Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child (Monthly)

$51 ₹4,567

$28.86 ₹2,585

$115 ₹10.3K

International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)

$1,558 ₹139.6K

$942 ₹84.4K

$2,945 ₹263.7K

Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

$24.49 ₹2,194

$11.82 ₹1,059

$41.38 ₹3,706

Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)

$24.93 ₹2,233

$10.36 ₹928

$46.02 ₹4,122

Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)

$43.06 ₹3,857

$23.49 ₹2,104

$70.5 ₹6,312

Men's Leather Business Shoes

$30.25 ₹2,709

$17.28 ₹1,548

$57.6 ₹5,161

1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$126 ₹11.3K

$82.6 ₹7,396

$177 ₹15.8K

1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$76.5 ₹6,848

$54 ₹4,835

$105 ₹9,409

3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$278 ₹24.9K

$177 ₹15.9K

$372 ₹33.3K

3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$179 ₹16K

$115 ₹10.3K

$231 ₹20.7K

Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)

$1,039 ₹93K

$558 ₹50K

$1,039 ₹93K

Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)

$608 ₹54.4K

$306 ₹27.4K

$608 ₹54.4K

20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)

8.67

7.25

Citycost data is based on AI and user input – minor inaccuracies may occur.

Last update: November 29, 2025

Digital Nomad Cost of Living Index

City tags:

⛩️ Asia

Cost of Living in McLeod Ganj - Frequently Asked Questions

McLeod Ganj generally offers a gentler price-to-value balance than larger Indian cities or coastal tourist hubs. Cost of Living in McLeod Ganj is shaped by local markets, simple guesthouses, and shared meals, with affordable options for daily essentials if you shop like a local. For digital nomads, small coworking spaces and reliable Wi‑Fi in the main markets add practicality, while seasonal crowds affect quiet and access. The vibe favors quality of life over flashy amenities, which many expats value for longer stays. Tip: start with a longer visit to compare neighborhoods and daily rhythms before choosing a base.

Daily life here centers on a walkable town with friendly markets and a compact pace. Housing options range from guesthouses to modest apartments, often with shared kitchens that help you keep meals economical. Food choices abound – from local thalis and momo stalls to small cafés with reliable Wi‑Fi. Getting around is easy on foot or by short taxi rides, and there are regular buses to Dharamsala for longer explorations. Co-working spaces and libraries make it practical for remote work, while errands can be handled at nearby markets. McLeod Ganj living cost guidance helps you budget while maintaining quality of life. Tip: plan groceries around market days to stretch your budget.

Quality of life here depends on choosing the right neighborhood and a flexible monthly plan. Consider a budget framework that layers fixed costs (accommodation you sign for) with variable ones (food, transport, activities) and a separate pot for weekend trips to nearby hills. Seasonality affects crowds and cafe hours more than prices, especially in peak trekking seasons and festival periods; use shoulder seasons for quieter days and better deals. For neighborhoods, central Mall Road offers proximity to amenities, while quieter pockets around the market suit long-term stays; both are well served by walking and short rides. Tip: keep a lightweight packing list to adapt to changing weather.