Cost of Living in Port Blair - Updated Prices & Insights

Monthly Cost of Living

A single person spends around $388 per month with rent, or $280 for everyday expenses alone.

A couple spends around $619 per month with rent, or $431 for everyday expenses alone.

A family of three spends around $849 per month with rent, or $582 without housing.

Overall, Port Blair is about 71% below the global median. Within Asia, costs are well below average (62% lower) – one of the most affordable options in the region.

Currency
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🍽 Eating Out
Cost
Range
Meal at Budget Restaurant
$2.31 ₹220
$1.15 ₹109
$5.76 ₹548
Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range
$10.60 ₹1,008
$7.06 ₹672
$29.40 ₹2,796
Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)
$3.80 ₹361
$3.27 ₹311
$5.94 ₹564
Cappuccino
$1.57 ₹149
$0.70 ₹67.0
$3.51 ₹334
Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)
$0.40 ₹38.32
$0.24 ₹22.60
$0.60 ₹57.0
Water (0.33 liter bottle)
$0.15 ₹14.18
$0.11 ₹10.63
$0.21 ₹20.38
Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)
$1.71 ₹163
$1.14 ₹109
$3.66 ₹348
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$2.99 ₹284
$2.04 ₹194
$5.67 ₹539
🛒 Groceries & Markets
Cost
Range
Milk (1 liter)
$0.66 ₹62.5
$0.50 ₹47.83
$0.81 ₹77.3
White Bread (500g)
$0.49 ₹46.43
$0.30 ₹28.65
$0.79 ₹75.1
Rice (white) (1kg)
$0.67 ₹63.5
$0.45 ₹43.26
$1.02 ₹96.6
Eggs
$0.89 ₹84.4
$0.68 ₹64.2
$1.35 ₹128
Local Cheese (1kg)
$5.12 ₹487
$2.98 ₹283
$11.91 ₹1,133
Chicken Fillets (1kg)
$2.92 ₹278
$1.94 ₹184
$4.55 ₹432
Apples (1kg)
$2.07 ₹197
$0.95 ₹90.8
$3.28 ₹312
Banana (1kg)
$0.68 ₹64.5
$0.46 ₹43.34
$1.12 ₹107
Oranges (1kg)
$0.95 ₹90.1
$0.57 ₹54.4
$1.84 ₹175
Tomato (1kg)
$0.53 ₹50.8
$0.24 ₹22.49
$0.96 ₹90.9
Potato (1kg)
$0.36 ₹34.06
$0.22 ₹21.17
$0.56 ₹53.4
Onion (1kg)
$0.45 ₹42.92
$0.24 ₹22.96
$0.73 ₹69.9
Lettuce (1 head)
$0.48 ₹46.03
$0.24 ₹22.53
$1.03 ₹97.9
Water (1.5 liter bottle)
$0.35 ₹32.84
$0.24 ₹22.89
$0.43 ₹40.81
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)
$3.99 ₹379
$2.94 ₹279
$4.70 ₹447
Wine (Bottle)
$8.10 ₹770
$3.61 ₹343
$18.01 ₹1,713
Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)
$1.69 ₹160
$1.13 ₹108
$2.84 ₹270
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$2.77 ₹263
$1.70 ₹161
$4.53 ₹431
Buffalo Round (or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat) (1kg)
$5.28 ₹502
$2.39 ₹228
$9.56 ₹909
🚌 Getting Around
Cost
Range
One-way Ticket (Public Transport)
$0.30 ₹28.54
$0.18 ₹16.73
$0.46 ₹43.30
Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)
$8.61 ₹818
$3.44 ₹328
$9.18 ₹873
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)
$0.78 ₹74.1
$0.45 ₹43.00
$1.67 ₹159
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)
$1.48 ₹141
$1.19 ₹113
$2.38 ₹227
Gasoline (1 liter)
$1.16 ₹110
$1.10 ₹105
$1.25 ₹119
Midsize Hatchback 1.4l (Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)
$13.7K ₹1.3M
$11.4K ₹1.1M
$20.6K ₹2.0M
Compact Sedan 1.6l (Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)
$21.8K ₹2.1M
$18.6K ₹1.8M
$29.1K ₹2.8M
🧾 Monthly Utilities & Internet
Cost
Range
Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)
$39.58 ₹3,764
$23.60 ₹2,244
$81.0 ₹7,700
SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)
$3.47 ₹330
$2.32 ₹221
$5.79 ₹550
Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)
$7.36 ₹700
$5.76 ₹548
$11.56 ₹1,099
🎉 Sport & Entertainment
Cost
Range
Gym Membership (Monthly)
$15.99 ₹1,521
$6.75 ₹642
$23.37 ₹2,222
Tennis Court (1 Hour on Weekend)
$6.93 ₹659
$2.87 ₹273
$9.17 ₹873
Cinema Ticket
$4.37 ₹415
$2.98 ₹284
$5.74 ₹546
🧸 Childcare & Education
Cost
Range
Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child (Monthly)
$51.0 ₹4,854
$28.89 ₹2,747
$116 ₹11.0K
International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)
$1,522 ₹144.8K
$920 ₹87.5K
$2,876 ₹273.5K
👕👟 Clothing & Footwear
Cost
Range
Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)
$24.04 ₹2,286
$11.49 ₹1,093
$40.21 ₹3,824
Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)
$24.71 ₹2,350
$10.26 ₹976
$45.59 ₹4,336
Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)
$43.31 ₹4,118
$23.46 ₹2,231
$70.4 ₹6,694
Men's Leather Business Shoes
$31.87 ₹3,030
$17.51 ₹1,665
$58.4 ₹5,552
🏠 Accommodation & Living
Cost
Range
1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$95.2 ₹9,050
$75.0 ₹7,130
$115 ₹11.0K
1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$77.4 ₹7,365
$54.7 ₹5,200
$106 ₹10.1K
3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$270 ₹25.7K
$172 ₹16.4K
$361 ₹34.4K
3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$182 ₹17.3K
$117 ₹11.1K
$234 ₹22.3K
Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)
$985 ₹93.7K
$529 ₹50.3K
$1,026 ₹97.6K
Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)
$517 ₹49.2K
$305 ₹29.0K
$517 ₹49.2K
💵 Salaries & Financials
Cost
Range
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)
$638 ₹60.7K
-
20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)
8.67
7.05
11

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

Last update: June 8, 2026

Cost Breakdown

A one-bedroom apartment in the city center costs around $95.2, dropping to $77.4 outside central areas. Housing accounts for roughly 15% of the average salary ($638) – close to the 30% international benchmark.

The average net salary is $638 – comfortably above monthly costs of $388. Most workers can save and live well. A comfortable lifestyle typically starts at $582.

Groceries cost around $107 per month for one person. A mid-range dinner for two is priced at $11.00 – well below the Asian average of $35.00.

A monthly public transport pass costs about $8.61 – among the cheapest in Asia (average $31.00).

Cost Highlights

Eggs is cheaper than 92% of cities in Asia

1-bedroom apartment, city center is cheaper than 90% of cities in Asia

Port Blair Median Internet Speeds (Updated April 2026)

Mobile

Download
Mbps
Upload
Mbps
Latency
ms

Fixed Broadband

Download
Mbps
Upload
Mbps
Latency
ms
The chart highlights the Precision Threshold for mobile and fixed broadband internet speeds, updated quarterly.
Digital Nomad Cost of Living Index
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Cost of Living in Port Blair - Frequently Asked Questions
How affordable is Port Blair overall for travelers, expats, and digital nomads, and who tends to find it good value compared with mainland cities?
Port Blair offers a mix of local affordability and tourism-driven choices that can feel like a good value for travelers and remote workers who pace life to the island rhythm. You’ll find basic goods and meals at modest prices in markets and street eateries, while tourist hotspots can push prices up briefly. Cost of Living in Port Blair, India tends to be reasonable when you prioritize local options over imported comforts, and the quality of life comes from the slower pace, sea breezes, and outdoor activities. For longer stays, compare coworking spaces and housing, then plan a flexible budget. Tip: Start with a simple weekly plan that matches your island routine.
What does daily life look like in Port Blair for housing, food, transport, and errands, and what practical tips help you settle in quickly?
Daily life blends a small-town market cadence with island travel options. Housing tends toward compact apartments or standalone rooms in residential pockets; you search via local listings, ask around, and expect some negotiation on rent, utilities, and furnishings. Food choices range from fresh seafood at stalls to affordable, home-style meals in eateries. Transport often means two-wheeler or auto-rickshaws for short hops, with ferries or boats for nearby islands. Co-working spaces exist but can be limited, so a backup is reliable internet at your accommodation or a cafe. Port Blair living cost reflects these trade-offs and seasonal tourism. Tip: map a weekly routine to reduce back-and-forth.
What factors influence the quality of life and budgeting in Port Blair, and how can you plan to maximize value while aligning with the island pace?
Quality of life in Port Blair rewards a mindful budget and a fit with the island pace. Build a practical framework: essentials (housing, groceries, utilities), discretionary (food outings, activities), and travel/ferries. Save by cooking at home, buying locals at the market, and choosing mid-range accommodations with inclusive bills. Consider seasonality: harsh weather can affect travel, groceries, and service availability, so plan a few months ahead when you expect closures or crowded ferries. Neighborhood fit matters: central areas give quick access to markets and ferries; quieter pockets offer more space and calmer mornings. Tip: set a flexible calendar that aligns work or study blocks with ferry windows and weather patterns.
What makes Port Blair a budget-friendly city to live in?
Port Blair is affordable because both rent and daily expenses are genuinely low. Total monthly costs with housing come to just $388, making it firmly budget-friendly for residents and long-term visitors alike.
How affordable is daily life in Port Blair?
By most standards, Port Blair is a budget-friendly place to live. Total monthly costs with rent usually land around $388, and both housing and daily expenses fall below global averages. It's a solid pick for remote workers, long-term travelers, or anyone watching their spending.
What salary is needed for a comfortable life in Port Blair?
You'll want at least $582 per month after taxes to live comfortably in Port Blair. That covers a decent apartment, groceries, utilities, transport, and enough left over for dining out occasionally. Families or people wanting a central location should budget higher.
What is the average rent for an apartment in Port Blair?
In Port Blair's center, a one-bedroom apartment runs about $95.2 per month. Move further out and that drops to around $77.4. Location makes a big difference here – and furnished places or short-term rentals will cost more on top of these figures.
Is grocery shopping affordable in Port Blair?
Groceries in Port Blair are cheap – a single person spends about $107 per month. Local markets and budget supermarkets push costs even lower. Food is one of the city's strongest affordability points.
What is a monthly transit pass in Port Blair?
Public transport in Port Blair costs about $8.61 per month – usually unlimited rides on buses, metro, or trams within the main zone. Much cheaper than owning a car, and the practical choice for most residents.
Is $1,000 enough to live comfortably in Port Blair?
$1,000 a month in Port Blair? Very doable. Average costs with rent come to just $388, which leaves real room to save, eat out, and enjoy the city without watching every dollar.
Is Port Blair expat-friendly?
Port Blair works well for expats – there's a solid range of international services, diverse housing, and established communities of foreigners. English-language options for healthcare, banking, and real estate are increasingly available, making the transition fairly smooth.
Is Port Blair a cheap city to live in?
Port Blair is affordable by most measures, which is why it appeals to long-term travelers, remote workers, and budget-conscious residents. At $388 per month with rent, it sits well below the global average for cities of similar size.
Can you backpack through Port Blair cheaply?
Port Blair is great for backpackers. All-in costs average just $388 monthly, and even short-term visitors on tight budgets can stretch their money. Cheap hostels, affordable street food, budget transport, and free attractions make it easy to explore without overspending.

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