Moving to Delhi for college is exciting — the city is vibrant, full of energy, and offers endless possibilities. But if you’re anything like me, one of the first questions you’ll ask (after “Which café has the best chai near campus?”) is: “How much is it going to cost me to live here?”
Well, here’s a breakdown of what it’s really like to manage expenses as a student in Delhi — from someone who’s been there.
Accommodation: Where You Sleep Matters (₹5,000–₹15,000/month)
If you get a seat in a university hostel — lucky you! It’s affordable (around ₹2,000–₹5,000), and you don’t have to worry about cooking or cleaning.
But most of us end up in PGs or shared flats, especially around places like North and South Campus, Satya Niketan, or Lajpat Nagar. PGs usually cost around ₹7,000–₹12,000/month (sometimes with food). A shared flat can go up to ₹15,000 if you’re splitting rent and utilities.
Pro tip: Always check if electricity, food, and Wi-Fi are included in the rent. Hidden charges are real!
Food: Maggi, Mess or Tiffin? (₹2,500–₹4,000/month)
If your PG provides food, great — that’s one less thing to worry about. But if you’re cooking yourself or relying on tiffin services, expect to spend around ₹2,500–₹4,000 a month.
Street food is life in Delhi — from momos to chole bhature — but it adds up if you’re not careful. I keep a small budget aside for the occasional Zomato craving or a café visit with friends.
Getting Around: Metro to the Rescue (₹500–₹1,000/month)
Thank God for the Delhi Metro. It’s clean, quick, and student-friendly (get a smart card!). Most of us spend about ₹400–₹800 monthly on commuting. Add a little extra if you’re using autos, rickshaws, or app cabs occasionally.
Books, Prints, and Projects (₹500–₹1,500/month)
You’ll be surprised how much you end up printing stuff — assignments, notes, ID-size photos, resumes… the list goes on. Add in books (buy second-hand or borrow when you can), and you’re looking at another ₹500–₹1,500 monthly.
Staying Connected (₹300–₹700/month)
Most PGs offer Wi-Fi (though it may randomly stop working during exams 😅). Mobile data plans cost ₹200–₹400 per month, depending on your provider. It’s not a huge chunk, but yeah, it’s there.
Fun & Life Stuff (₹1,000–₹2,000/month)
Delhi has malls, movie theatres, street markets, concerts, and college fests — and it’s hard to resist them all. I try to keep aside ₹1,000–₹2,000 for the fun stuff (and emergencies). Some months I stick to it, some months… not so much.
So, What’s the Final Budget?
On average, most students in Delhi manage with ₹10,000 to ₹18,000 a month. It really depends on your lifestyle. Some of my friends survive on ₹8,000 because they live in hostels and barely eat out, while others spend more on comfort and experiences.
| Expense | Estimated Cost (₹/month) |
|---|---|
| Rent/PG | 5,000 – 15,000 |
| Food | 2,500 – 4,000 |
| Travel | 500 – 1,000 |
| Studies & Books | 500 – 1,500 |
| Phone & Internet | 300 – 700 |
| Entertainment/Extra | 1,000 – 2,000 |
| Total | ₹10,000 – ₹18,000 |
Final Thoughts
Yes, Delhi can be expensive — but it can also be manageable. Budgeting takes a bit of effort in the beginning, but you learn fast. The best part is that the city gives back in experience what it takes in rent. There’s so much to learn, explore, and grow from here.
