Cost of Living in Thiruvananthapuram - Updated Prices & Insights

Monthly Cost of Living

A single person spends around $382 per month with rent, or $222 for everyday expenses alone.

A couple spends around $604 per month with rent, or $421 for everyday expenses alone.

A family of three spends around $827 per month with rent, or $620 without housing.

Overall, Thiruvananthapuram is about 72% below the global median. Within Asia, costs are well below average (63% lower) – one of the most affordable options in the region.

Currency
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🍽 Eating Out
Cost
Range
Meal at Budget Restaurant
$2.27 ₹218
$0.91 ₹86.9
$2.84 ₹272
Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range
$13.73 ₹1,314
$6.86 ₹657
$17.15 ₹1,641
Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)
$4.31 ₹413
$3.40 ₹326
$5.67 ₹542
Cappuccino
$1.80 ₹172
$0.70 ₹67.4
$4.68 ₹448
Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)
$0.33 ₹31.98
$0.24 ₹22.98
$0.43 ₹40.97
Water (0.33 liter bottle)
$0.23 ₹22.02
$0.18 ₹17.01
$0.24 ₹23.02
Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)
$1.71 ₹163
$1.14 ₹109
$4.00 ₹382
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$3.47 ₹332
$2.13 ₹204
$4.74 ₹454
🛒 Groceries & Markets
Cost
Range
Milk (1 liter)
$0.60 ₹57.1
$0.29 ₹28.10
$0.69 ₹65.6
White Bread (500g)
$0.54 ₹51.6
$0.42 ₹40.65
$0.73 ₹69.4
Rice (white) (1kg)
$0.63 ₹60.6
$0.46 ₹43.82
$0.79 ₹75.5
Eggs
$0.99 ₹95.0
$0.88 ₹84.0
$1.46 ₹140
Local Cheese (1kg)
$5.93 ₹567
$3.56 ₹341
$17.80 ₹1,703
Chicken Fillets (1kg)
$2.40 ₹229
$1.41 ₹135
$3.05 ₹292
Apples (1kg)
$2.42 ₹231
$1.14 ₹109
$2.86 ₹274
Banana (1kg)
$0.71 ₹68.2
$0.55 ₹52.7
$1.10 ₹105
Oranges (1kg)
$1.27 ₹122
$0.59 ₹56.6
$2.97 ₹284
Tomato (1kg)
$0.58 ₹55.6
$0.22 ₹20.95
$0.89 ₹84.7
Potato (1kg)
$0.52 ₹49.71
$0.36 ₹34.79
$0.73 ₹69.6
Onion (1kg)
$0.61 ₹58.3
$0.28 ₹27.27
$0.85 ₹81.8
Lettuce (1 head)
$0.51 ₹48.77
$0.24 ₹22.89
$0.60 ₹57.7
Water (1.5 liter bottle)
$0.30 ₹29.06
$0.24 ₹23.04
$0.37 ₹35.07
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)
$3.59 ₹344
$2.40 ₹230
$5.98 ₹572
Wine (Bottle)
$6.70 ₹641
$2.67 ₹255
$10.66 ₹1,020
Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)
$1.48 ₹142
$1.04 ₹99.8
$2.31 ₹221
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$2.81 ₹269
$1.18 ₹113
$5.90 ₹565
Buffalo Round (or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat) (1kg)
$4.82 ₹461
$3.74 ₹358
$5.75 ₹551
🚌 Getting Around
Cost
Range
One-way Ticket (Public Transport)
$0.17 ₹15.88
$0.12 ₹11.21
$0.68 ₹65.4
Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)
$6.36 ₹609
$3.47 ₹332
$9.25 ₹885
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)
$0.96 ₹91.5
$0.34 ₹32.33
$2.81 ₹269
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)
$1.79 ₹171
$1.79 ₹171
$3.58 ₹343
Gasoline (1 liter)
$1.24 ₹119
$1.19 ₹114
$1.29 ₹124
Midsize Hatchback 1.4l (Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)
$18.9K ₹1.8M
$14.8K ₹1.4M
$23.7K ₹2.3M
Compact Sedan 1.6l (Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)
$21.5K ₹2.1M
$19.5K ₹1.9M
$25.2K ₹2.4M
🧾 Monthly Utilities & Internet
Cost
Range
Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)
$28.02 ₹2,681
$23.29 ₹2,229
$34.94 ₹3,344
SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)
$3.39 ₹324
$2.88 ₹276
$4.03 ₹386
Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)
$7.98 ₹763
$5.98 ₹572
$9.57 ₹916
🎉 Sport & Entertainment
Cost
Range
Gym Membership (Monthly)
$16.57 ₹1,586
$4.14 ₹397
$35.52 ₹3,399
Tennis Court (1 Hour on Weekend)
$11.88 ₹1,137
$2.94 ₹281
$23.47 ₹2,246
Cinema Ticket
$2.35 ₹225
$1.76 ₹168
$5.87 ₹562
🧸 Childcare & Education
Cost
Range
Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child (Monthly)
$30.59 ₹2,927
$29.40 ₹2,814
$31.76 ₹3,039
International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)
$1,959 ₹187.4K
$588 ₹56.2K
$4,113 ₹393.6K
👕👟 Clothing & Footwear
Cost
Range
Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)
$18.05 ₹1,727
$9.70 ₹928
$28.50 ₹2,727
Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)
$15.97 ₹1,529
$9.35 ₹895
$23.38 ₹2,238
Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)
$33.82 ₹3,236
$19.71 ₹1,886
$40.57 ₹3,883
Men's Leather Business Shoes
$22.06 ₹2,111
$13.82 ₹1,322
$28.77 ₹2,753
🏠 Accommodation & Living
Cost
Range
1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$144 ₹13.8K
$118 ₹11.3K
$295 ₹28.2K
1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$89.9 ₹8,602
$52.2 ₹4,994
$116 ₹11.1K
3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$281 ₹26.9K
$230 ₹22.0K
$380 ₹36.3K
3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$173 ₹16.6K
$114 ₹10.9K
$228 ₹21.9K
Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)
$678 ₹64.8K
$567 ₹54.2K
$842 ₹80.6K
Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)
$428 ₹40.9K
$428 ₹40.9K
$524 ₹50.2K
💵 Salaries & Financials
Cost
Range
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)
$241 ₹23.1K
-
20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)
12
8
23

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

Last update: May 31, 2026

Cost Breakdown

A one-bedroom apartment in the city center costs around $144, dropping to $89.9 outside central areas. Housing accounts for roughly 60% of the average salary ($241) – well above the 30% international benchmark.

The average net salary is $241 – below monthly costs of $382. Most locals rely on shared housing or dual incomes. Remote workers earning abroad will find stronger purchasing power.

Groceries cost around $107 per month for one person. A mid-range dinner for two is priced at $14.00 – well below the Asian average of $35.00.

A monthly public transport pass costs about $6.36 – among the cheapest in Asia (average $31.00).

Cost Highlights

Monthly cost (excluding rent) is cheaper than 95% of cities in Asia

Public transport monthly pass is cheaper than 94% of cities in Asia

Preschool or kindergarten, full day, private, 1 child is cheaper than 94% of cities in Asia

Thiruvananthapuram Median Internet Speeds (Updated April 2026)

Mobile

Download
Mbps
Upload
Mbps
Latency
ms

Fixed Broadband

Download
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Latency
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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 Thiruvananthapuram - Frequently Asked Questions
How does the overall affordability of Thiruvananthapuram compare for travelers, expats, and digital nomads, and who tends to find it good value?
Thiruvananthapuram offers a relatively gentle pace and lower daily costs compared with big metro hubs, making it appealing for travelers, expats, and digital nomads who want steady value without sacrificing culture. In general, you'll find affordable street food, public transport, and midrange services, while premium neighborhoods and imported goods push costs higher. The city's practicality - reliable connectivity, seasonal festivals, and walkable cores - lets you stretch a budget further with local options and short commutes. Cost of Living in Thiruvananthapuram, India reflects this balance, especially if you focus on local markets and affordable housing. Tip: Start with a short exploratory stay to gauge neighborhood fit.
What does a typical day look like for a traveler or expat in Thiruvananthapuram, including housing options, food, transport, and errands?
Daily life centers on a mix of local markets, casual eateries, and a calmer pace. For housing, you'll find a range from affordable balconies in older neighborhoods to newer apartments near tech hubs, with most options that fit a moderate budget available through local agents or community networks. Food options are plentiful and delicious, from thali meals to fresh coconut and fish at markets. Transport leans on buses, auto-rickshaws, and the occasional ride-share; walking and cycling are feasible in compact areas. Thiruvananthapuram, India living cost is manageable for steady nomad routines if you prioritize local suppliers and short commutes. Tip: Use a trial period to compare neighborhoods.
What factors around quality of life, budgeting frameworks, seasonality, and neighborhood fit help you decide where to live in Thiruvananthapuram?
Quality of life in Thiruvananthapuram hinges on climate, community, and access to beaches and cultural sites. A practical budgeting approach keeps you flexible: group expenses into housing, food, transport, and leisure, then revisit monthly as you find cheaper options and new routines. Seasonal patterns affect activities and prices - monsoon months bring lush scenery and quieter streets but more indoor days, while festival seasons offer affordable, immersive experiences though you may encounter crowds. Neighborhood fit matters: a quiet Kowdiar-type area suits remote work, while central markets are better for social life. Tip: test several blocks at different times to feel the tempo.
Why is Thiruvananthapuram considered affordable?
Thiruvananthapuram is affordable because both rent and daily expenses are genuinely low. Total monthly costs with housing come to just $382, making it firmly budget-friendly for residents and long-term visitors alike.
Is Thiruvananthapuram expensive to live in?
By most standards, Thiruvananthapuram is a budget-friendly place to live. Total monthly costs with rent usually land around $382, 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.
Can you save money on an average salary in Thiruvananthapuram?
The average net salary in Thiruvananthapuram is about $241, while comfortable living starts around $573. With total costs hitting $382 monthly, saving is possible if you earn above average – but it takes intentional budgeting.
How much is rent in Thiruvananthapuram?
In Thiruvananthapuram's center, a one-bedroom apartment runs about $144 per month. Move further out and that drops to around $89.9. Location makes a big difference here – and furnished places or short-term rentals will cost more on top of these figures.
Is food expensive in Thiruvananthapuram?
Food in Thiruvananthapuram is genuinely cheap. A single person's grocery bill runs about $107 per month, and local markets and street vendors push costs even lower. Cooking at home is easy and affordable, and eating out at local spots won't break the bank either.
How much is public transport in Thiruvananthapuram?
Getting around Thiruvananthapuram by public transport costs about $6.36 per month. A monthly pass generally covers buses, trams, and metro – much cheaper than owning a car for the daily commute.
Can you live on $800 a month in Thiruvananthapuram?
$800 a month in Thiruvananthapuram? Very doable. Average costs with rent come to just $382, which leaves real room to save, eat out, and enjoy the city without watching every dollar.
Is Thiruvananthapuram a good place to live?
Quality of life in Thiruvananthapuram is genuinely good – highlights include low crime rates, remote work facilities, family-friendly facilities, and monthly costs hover around $382. Day-to-day life is well-rounded: decent infrastructure, varied dining and entertainment, and a generally positive atmosphere.
How affordable is Thiruvananthapuram?
Thiruvananthapuram is affordable by most measures, which is why it appeals to long-term travelers, remote workers, and budget-conscious residents. At $382 per month with rent, it sits well below the global average for cities of similar size.
Is Thiruvananthapuram good for backpackers on a budget?
Thiruvananthapuram is great for backpackers. All-in costs average just $382 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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