We’ve been a bit surprised at the change in cost of living since we left Delhi in 2004. I got to thinking about this the other day when I realized that we have been paying about $8 for a gallon of juice. That seems a bit much, doesn’t it? Considering that this is India and that labor costs are pretty low, I’d think prices might be lower.
So I decided to draw up a chart detailing a few cost of living expenses here, and, for the curious, the costs of living in Thailand as well. Here’s a few regular items that we’ve had to buy (or price) since we’ve arrived, along with their relative costs and the increase we saw coming from Chiang Mai to Delhi.
| Item name | Thailand | India | Increase of… |
| Orange juice (per gallon) | $6.80 | $7.38 | 
9% |
| Drinking water | $0.55 | $1.62 |
195% |
| Rent (2 bedroom flat) | $213 | $375-$875 |
Lots! |
| Gasoline (per gallon) | $3.16 | $4.05 |
28% |
| Internet (256k DSL) | $15/month | $25/month |
67% |
| Coca-Cola (12 ounce/350 ml) | $0.36 | $0.62 |
72% |
| Air Conditioner (split type) | $363 | $500 |
37% |
| Car Wash (at gas station) | $3.64 | $7.50 |
106% |
| Granola (local, organic) | $3.03 | $8.40 |
177% |
So despite India being (generally) a very poor nation, the cost of living in a city like Delhi is huge. And unless we were to live in some rural location, things will likely grow more expensive.
One example: In the neighborhood we work in, an old 2 bedroom apartment that rented for about $400 early this year has jumped to $850. Yikes!
So that’s life in Delhi. It’s not a bad place though – so long as you like heat and humidity and luxury Indian granola.