One of the most common questions that many people have when considering moving to India or looking for a job in the country is, "What is a good salary to live comfortably in India?"

While the cost of living in India can vary greatly depending on the city, the average salary in India is around 8-10 lakhs per year according to a Reddit thread. However, this amount may not necessarily be enough to live comfortably in cities like Mumbai, Bangalore, or New Delhi.

Factors such as housing costs, food expenses, transportation, and other miscellaneous expenses can greatly impact how far your salary will go in India. In this article, we will explore what a good salary looks like in different cities in India, and how you can calculate how much you need to live comfortably.

What is a Good Salary in India?

The concept of a "good salary" can vary depending on your lifestyle and personal preferences. For some people, a good salary may mean being able to afford a nice apartment, dining out frequently, or traveling regularly. For others, it may mean being able to save for the future or afford luxury items.

In India, a good salary can range anywhere from 5-10 lakhs per year, depending on the city and your lifestyle. In smaller cities or towns, a salary of 5-6 lakhs per year may be considered good enough to live comfortably. However, in larger cities like Mumbai, Bangalore, or New Delhi, you may need a salary of 10 lakhs or more per year to maintain a comfortable lifestyle.

Calculating Cost of Living

When determining how much salary you need to live comfortably in India, it is important to consider the cost of living in the city where you plan to reside. Housing costs, food expenses, transportation, healthcare, and other miscellaneous expenses can all add up and impact how far your salary will go.

In cities like Mumbai, Bangalore, or New Delhi, housing costs can be quite high, with rent for a 1-bedroom apartment ranging from 15,000-30,000 rupees per month or more. Food expenses can vary depending on whether you dine out frequently or cook at home, but on average, a typical meal at a restaurant can cost around 400-500 rupees.

Transportation costs can also add up, especially if you need to commute long distances to work or run errands. Healthcare expenses, including health insurance premiums and medical bills, can also impact your monthly budget. Miscellaneous expenses such as entertainment, shopping, and other personal expenses should also be taken into account.