Is it cheaper to eat out or cook in India?

Cooking at home using local ingredients is significantly cheaper, but eating out at local 'dhabas' or smaller cafes is so affordable that many expats rarely cook.

How do I pay for things on a daily basis?

Cash is king in smaller shops, but UPI (Unified Payments Interface) is the standard for almost every transaction. As a tourist, you may find it difficult to set up a full UPI account, so keep a mix of cash and a travel-friendly debit card.

How to Budget for Long-Term Living in India

Budget for $1,200 to $1,500 USD per month to live comfortably, covering private accommodation, dining out, domestic travel, and a local SIM card. This amount assumes a mid-range lifestyle rather than a shoestring backpacker budget.

Set up a local banking method. Do not rely solely on your home bank card, as international withdrawal fees will eat your budget. Open a Niyo Global or similar zero-forex card before leaving home, or use a Revolut/Wise account to minimize currency conversion fees.
Calculate monthly fixed costs. Expect to pay $300–$500 for a furnished studio or one-bedroom apartment in a tier-2 city. Budget $30 for high-speed fiber internet and $20–$40 for electricity depending on your air conditioning usage.
Establish a food and utility allowance. Allocate $400 for food. Cooking at home with local produce is inexpensive ($150/month), while eating out daily at mid-range cafes will run you roughly $300–$400. Budget an additional $50 for household supplies like cleaning products and bottled water.
Account for transportation. If you are in a major city, rely on Uber or Ola. Budget $100 per month for daily commutes. For inter-city travel, budget $150 for occasional train (AC Class) or budget flight tickets.

Is it cheaper to eat out or cook in India?: Cooking at home using local ingredients is significantly cheaper, but eating out at local 'dhabas' or smaller cafes is so affordable that many expats rarely cook.
How do I pay for things on a daily basis?: Cash is king in smaller shops, but UPI (Unified Payments Interface) is the standard for almost every transaction. As a tourist, you may find it difficult to set up a full UPI account, so keep a mix of cash and a travel-friendly debit card.