Cost Of Living For a Family in Kerala 2024

Family cost of living chart - average monthly expenditure in Kerala

Average monthly spending for families in Kerala

We consider a family to be a member of four members, two adults and two children. This is the most common type of family. From the figures below, it should be fairly easy to calculate the average spending for families of different sizes.

Average Monthly Expenditure

Currency: INR
39,000 110,000 730,000
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$470 $1,400 $8,800

How much money does a family need in a month to survive in Kerala?

Families in Kerala spend around 110,000 INR per month on average. Depending on the lifestyle, a family can survive with a monthly budget as low as 39,000 INR or as high as 730,000 INR. Location and income are very important factors and have a huge influence on expenditure and budget.


Prices and cost of goods and services in Kerala


Chart showing the prices and cost of grocery, food, restaurant meals, market, and beverages in Kerala

Dining, food, and beverages costs


Fast food combo meal

70 INR 140 INR 230 INR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.84 $1.7 $2.8

Restaurant meal for one

240 INR 360 INR 710 INR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$2.9 $4.3 $8.6

Fine dining meal for one

470 INR 710 INR 2,800 INR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$5.7 $8.6 $34

Cappuccino or latte

58 INR 93 INR 140 INR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.70 $1.1 $1.7

Grocery and market costs


Milk large bottle

47 INR 56 INR 70 INR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.56 $0.67 $0.84

12 eggs

35 INR 47 INR 70 INR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.42 $0.56 $0.84

Fresh whole chicken

79 INR 100 INR 150 INR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.96 $1.2 $1.8

Pack of beef

93 INR 140 INR 280 INR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1.1 $1.7 $3.4

Medium bag of rice

38 INR 51 INR 73 INR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.45 $0.62 $0.88

Bag of tomatos

14 INR 19 INR 35 INR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.17 $0.22 $0.42

Bag of apples

25 INR 33 INR 54 INR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.30 $0.39 $0.65
Chart showing the prices and cost of commute, travel, and transportation in Kerala


Commute, travel, and transportation costs


20 minutes taxi ride

59 INR 71 INR 140 INR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.72 $0.86 $1.7

Average car full tank

350 INR 470 INR 930 INR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$4.2 $5.6 $11

Average car 1-day rental

360 INR 480 INR 730 INR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$4.4 $5.8 $8.8

Average car price

170,000 INR 350,000 INR 470,000 INR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$2,100 $4,200 $5,600

Bus ticket one way

12 INR 18 INR 36 INR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.15 $0.22 $0.44

Car Service

480 INR 730 INR 1,500 INR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$5.8 $8.8 $18
Chart showing the prices and cost of utility, energy, water, and gas in Kerala


Utility cost (monthly)


Utility Bill - Family

2,000 INR 5,600 INR 36,000 INR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$24 $68 $440

Internet and cable

350 INR 700 INR 930 INR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$4.2 $8.4 $11

Mobile phone charges

280 INR 470 INR 1,400 INR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$3.4 $5.6 $17

Leisure and activities costs


Movie ticket

170 INR 230 INR 350 INR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$2.1 $2.8 $4.2

One month gym membership

580 INR 730 INR 1,500 INR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$7 $8.8 $18
Chart showing the prices and cost of clothing and accessories in Kerala


Cloths and accessories costs


Pair of jeans or pants

430 INR 600 INR 910 INR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$5.1 $7.3 $11

Woman dress

400 INR 560 INR 1,800 INR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$4.9 $6.7 $22

Woman shoes

380 INR 520 INR 1,200 INR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$4.6 $6.3 $15

Men's shoes

330 INR 400 INR 810 INR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$4 $4.9 $9.7

Men suit

360 INR 450 INR 2,400 INR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$4.4 $5.5 $29

Regular t-shirt

180 INR 240 INR 730 INR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$2.2 $2.9 $8.8
Chart showing the prices and cost of housing, accommodation, and rent in Kerala


Housing costs / monthly rent


Studio apartment

6,000 INR 9,100 INR 24,000 INR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$73 $110 $290

1-bedroom apartment

9,100 INR 15,000 INR 36,000 INR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$110 $180 $440

2-bedroom apartment

12,000 INR 18,000 INR 48,000 INR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$150 $220 $580

Housing costs / Buying


Studio apartment

1.2M INR 1.8M INR 3.6M INR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$15,000 $22,000 $44,000

1-bedroom apartment

1.5M INR 2.4M INR 9.1M INR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$18,000 $29,000 $110,000

2-bedroom apartment

2.4M INR 7.3M INR 15M INR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$29,000 $88,000 $180,000
Chart showing the prices and cost of furniture in Kerala


Furniture Costs


King Size Bed

7,000 INR 8,700 INR 12,000 INR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$84 $110 $140

Double Bed

4,700 INR 7,000 INR 8,700 INR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$56 $84 $110

Single Bed

4,100 INR 5,400 INR 7,000 INR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$50 $65 $84

Living Room

7,800 INR 10,000 INR 35,000 INR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$94 $120 $420

Dining Table

3,500 INR 4,700 INR 8,700 INR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$42 $56 $110

Sofa or Couch

4,700 INR 6,400 INR 14,000 INR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$56 $77 $170
Chart showing the prices and cost of electronic devices and appliances in Kerala


Electronics and House Appliance Costs


TV Set

4,700 INR 7,000 INR 14,000 INR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$56 $84 $170

Fridge or Freezer

4,100 INR 6,400 INR 8,700 INR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$50 $77 $110

Washing Machine

5,400 INR 7,800 INR 14,000 INR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$65 $94 $170

Stove or Cooker

5,000 INR 6,400 INR 8,700 INR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$60 $77 $110

Mobile Phone

5,800 INR 7,000 INR 10,000 INR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$70 $84 $120

Laptop or Computer

6,400 INR 7,800 INR 14,000 INR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$77 $94 $170
Family cost of living and expenditure to income ratio in Kerala

Family expenditure to income ratio in Kerala

Analysing the how affordable it is for families to live in Kerala

One of the most definite ways to determine how affordable a place is measuring the ratio of expenses to salary. A high expense-to-income to ratio indicates a high cost-of-living index while a low expenditure-to-salary ratio means the place is affordable to live in. Families usually spend a larger chunk of their income than other population groups. A typical and healthy expenditure percentage for a family of four ranges between 70% to 80%.


Spending to Income Ratio

97%

89% to 110%

( expenditure / income ) x 100


Families in Kerala spend around 97% of their monthly income. Some families spend as low as 89% of their income while some as high as 110%.

Distribution of monthly cost of living expenses of a family in Kerala

How do families spend their money in Kerala?

We asked thousands of families about their spending habits and expenditure break down.


The percentage figures in this section are percentages of total spending not income. If you would like to see the percentage of expenses as related to income or salary, see other sections.

Housing and accomodation expenditure for families

Accomodation Cost25%

25% of total expenses on average (20% to 35%)

LOW$150   13,000 INR
AVERAGE$430   36,000 INR
HIGH$2,800   230,000 INR
Per Month

Families in Kerala typically spend from 20% to 35% of their total monthly expenditure on housing with 25% being the average. The average monthly spend on housing is 36,000 INR with expenditure ranging from 13,000 INR to 230,000 INR. This cost mainly goes for rent but it also includes other accommodation-related expenses.

Electricity, utilities, energy, water, internet, and mobile expenditure for families

Cost of utilities6%

6% of total expenses on average (4% to 9%)

LOW$24   2,000 INR
AVERAGE$68   5,600 INR
HIGH$440   36,000 INR
Per Month

Utility expenditure like electricity, water, and gas in Kerala ranges from 4% to 9% of total expenses with 6% being the average for most families. The average monthly cost of utilities is 5,600 INR with 2,000 INR and 36,000 INR being the upper and lower limits for a family of four.

Transport, fuel, and commute expenditure for families

Cost of transport and fuel5%

5% of total expenses on average (3% to 7%)

LOW$47   3,900 INR
AVERAGE$140   11,000 INR
HIGH$880   73,000 INR
Per Month

Fuel consumption and cost of transport depend heavily on whether a family resides near school and work, but roughly speaking a family would expect to spend from 3,900 INR to 73,000 INR in a month on commuting with 11,000 INR being the norm for most families. This means that money spent on transport constitutes about 5% of total spending on average but can go as low as 3% or as high as 7%.

Food, groceries, and basic shopping expenditure for families

Food and Groceries Cost21%

21% of total expenses on average (14% to 27%)

LOW$85   7,100 INR
AVERAGE$240   20,000 INR
HIGH$1,600   130,000 INR
Per Month

The average outlay on groceries and basic houshold items for a typical family in a month in Kerala is 20,000 INR. The cost of groceries can range between 7,100 INR to 130,000 INR. Families spend on average about 21% on food and groceries with upper and lower bounds of 14% and 27% respectively.

Healthcare and medical services expenditure for families

Cost of healthcare11%

11% of total expenses on average (7% to 16%)

LOW$43   3,500 INR
AVERAGE$140   11,000 INR
HIGH$700   58,000 INR
Per Month

Families in Kerala allocate 7% to 16% of their total monthly expenditure to healthcare including health insurance and out-of-pocket medical expenses. The average spending on medical services and clinic visits is around 11%. The range of medical expenses range from 3,500 INR to 58,000 INR with 11,000 INR being the norm for most families.

Leisure and shopping expenditure for families

Cost of leisure and shopping2%

2% of total expenses on average (1% to 6%)

LOW$24   2,000 INR
AVERAGE$68   5,600 INR
HIGH$440   36,000 INR
Per Month

This category mostly contains discretionary or non-essential expenses but also some non-discretionary spending like furniture for example. The monthly expenses range from 2,000 INR to 36,000 INR with 5,600 INR being the average. Speaking of percentages, that equates to 1% to 6% of total expenses with an average of 2% for most families.

Education and schooling expenditure for families

Cost of education and schooling13%

13% of total expenses on average (6% to 21%)

LOW$66   5,500 INR
AVERAGE$190   16,000 INR
HIGH$1,200   100,000 INR
Per Month

Spending on education can vary drastically between different families. On average, education constitutes 13% of the monthly expenditure of families with 6% and 21% being the lower and upper bounds respectively. The average reported education cost is 16,000 INR per month with 5,500 INR being the minimum spent amount and 100,000 INR being the maximum.

Other Expenses16%

16% of total expenses on average (9% to 21%)

LOW$38   3,100 INR
AVERAGE$110   9,000 INR
HIGH$700   58,000 INR
Per Month
Percentage of families who manage to save money from their income every month in Kerala

What percentage of families in Kerala are able to save money and how much can they save?


Percentage of families that reported their ability to save money


Saving Money
51%
Not Saving
50%

Almost 51% of surveyed families in Kerala said that they can save some money at the end of each month while 50% reported that they have to utilize their whole income to survive.


Family savings to income ratio in Kerala

Savings-to-Income Ratio

The savings-to-income ratio is measured as the percentage of income that people save over a specific period and it is simply calculated by dividing the saved money by total income and then multiplying the result by 100. (Savings / Income) x 100.


How much money do families manage to add to their savings?

The amount of money that people can afford to save depends hugely on their income. It is better to focus on the percentage when trying to understand saving patterns.

Saving to Income Ratio

11% 18% of income 30%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Average Monthly Saved Amount

12,000 INR
$140
33,000 INR
$400
210,000 INR
$2,600
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Savings to income distribution levels for families

Saving To Income Ratio% Families
0% - 10%39%
10% - 20%30%
20% - 30%20%
30% - 40%5%
40% - 50%4%
> 50%2%

Interpretation and Analysis

Families that are able to save money can put anywhere from 11% to 30% of their monthly income to their savings, with 18% being the average for most families. The average monthly amount of money that families can put aside is 33,000 INR with 12,000 INR and 210,000 INR being the minimum and maximum respectively.

Reasons that make it difficult for families to save money in Kerala

Saving Challenges in Kerala

Reasons that make it difficult for families to save money

We wanted to understand what is stopping families from maximizing their savings in Kerala. Listed below are the answers given by the survey participants.


Reason% People
Low Income5%
High Expenses8%
Debt and Loans13%
Lack of Budgeting Skills12%
Impulsive Spending12%
Financial Emergencies7%
Living the moment5%
Will do it later21%
Inflation13%
Social Pressure3%
Market Instability2%

Around 5% of the families said that their salary is too low to accommodate a portion for savings while 8% said that the high cost of living leaves little room for savings. 13% of the residents said that they are burdened with debt and find it challenging to save money. 12% reported that they just don't have the knowledge or discipline to create and stick to a budget, leading to overspending and an inability to save. 12% of families blamed impulsive spending as the reason for saving inability. Around 7% said that unexpected expenses like medical bills or car repairs are derailing their savings goals. 5% bluntly said that they don't see the purpose of it and prefer to live each day to the fullest. 21% reported that they understand the value of saving but are putting off saving for the future, thinking they have plenty of time to start later. 13% blamed inflation, saying that every time they save some money they end up using it immediately. A surprising 3% said that social pressure and keeping up with peers or social expectations makes them overspend. Lastly, 2% blamed market instability and price fluctuations.

Where do families choose to put their savings in Kerala

Typical saving choices for families in Kerala

Where do people choose to put their savings?


Saving Type% People
Emergency Funds12%
Gold13%
Savings Accounts17%
Retirement Accounts10%
Cash Savings21%
Real Estate9%
Investment5%
Stocks4%
Bonds5%
Mutual Funds2%
Certificates of Deposit3%
A typical and healthy budgeting structure. The 50-30-20 rule

A typical and healthy budgeting structure

The 50/30/20 rule

Spending among different people can vary significantly based on factors such as their income, lifestyle, location, and personal preferences. A commonly used guideline for budgeting is the 50/30/20 rule, which suggests allocating your income into three main categories in the following percentages.

  • 50% for needs and financial obligations

    This category includes essential expenses like housing, utilities, groceries, transportation, and healthcare.

  • 30% for wants and discretionary spending

    This category covers discretionary spending on non-essential items, such as dining out, entertainment, travel, and other lifestyle choices.

  • 20% for savings and emergency fund

    This is the percentage that must be allocated to savings, emergency funds, and retirement accounts.

About financial planning, money management, and household budgeting

The 50/30/20 rule is used as a general guideline but may not be the best choice for all people. There are in fact many budgeting plans out there like the 70/20/10 and the 60/20/20 rules, all claiming to be the best. More important than all of this is to establish financial discipline by creating a budget tailored to your specific financial goals and situation. It is very important that your financial outflow be less than your income to maintain a healthy cash flow.

Income and cost of living compatibility. Is it affordable or economical for families to live in Kerala

Affordable living in Kerala

Income and cost of living compatibility

We asked families one simple question and recorded their answers.

Is it affordable or economical to live in Kerala?


Yes
53%
No
47%

Around 53% of surveyed families think that living in Kerala is affordable with proper budgeting while 47% reported that it is just too expensive and not affordable even with frugality and thriftness.

How easily is cost-cutting for families. Are there plenty of low-cost options in Kerala

Low-cost alternatives in Kerala

People are always looking for ways to cut down expenses and reduce expenditures. The hallmark of any affordable place is the availability of discount stores, bargain deals, smart or secondhand shopping, refurbished items, and couponing. We asked families how easily cost-cutting is and the answers were distributed as follows:

Plenty of low-cost options60%

Few low-cost options40%


Based on the survey, 60% of the families living in Kerala have no problem finding low-cost alternatives to support a frugal lifestyle while 40% think that thriftness is difficult due to scarcity in discount markets and secondhand outlets.

Emergency Funds For Families

An emergency fund is a financial safety net comprised of easily accessible savings set aside to cover unexpected expenses or financial emergencies, typically amounting to three to six months' worth of living expenses. We asked families of Kerala whether they have an emergency fund and the answers were as follows.

Yes53%

No47%


Based on the survey, 47% of the families living in Kerala said that they don't have an emergency fund while 53% said that they do.

Financial literacy and difficulty in budgeting and financial planning for families in Kerala

Financial Literacy in India

Financial literacy is the knowledge of concepts and principles related to personal finance that allow individuals to make informed decisions regarding their money such as budgeting, saving, investing, borrowing, managing debt, financial risk management, and planning.

Financial Leteracy44%


We asked family guardians and parents in Kerala whether they acquired any adequate personal financial training in their lives. Approximately 56% of the people who participated in the survey said that they are not well informed about the topics of budgeting, saving, etc., and just manage things based on their own experience, while 44% said that they know about the general principles of personal finance from sources other than their own experience.


Difficulty in Budgeting and Financial Planning

We wanted to understand whether families of India have problems or difficulties in managing their expenditures and savings so we asked people one simple question: do you struggle with your personal finances? 46% of the participants reported that they indeed struggle in creating budgets and in organizing their finances while 54% said that they have everything under control.

Struggles with finance46%

Easily manages finances54%

Financial goals and targets of families living in Kerala

Financial goals of families in Kerala

In an attempt to understand the economic situation in Kerala, we asked participants about their financial targets. By knowing what the population in general is trying to achieve, we can shed light on the economic outlook, cost of living, and quality of life in general.


Financial Goal% People
Emergency Fund8%
Debt Reduction43%
Retirement Savings10%
Education Funding7%
Homeownership18%
Investing6%
Travel or Lifestyle6%
Healthcare Expenses14%
Financial Independence5%

Around 8% of families said that their main goal is to establish an emergency fund to cover unexpected expenses while 43% said their number one priority is to pay off high-interest debt or loans and improve credit. 10% of surveyed people confirmed that saving for retirement to ensure a comfortable lifestyle in the final years is their main target. Around 7% reported that their priority is saving for the tuition fees and education costs of their children while 18% choose to buy a home or pay off existing mortgage before other things. 6% of the population would like to build wealth through investments such as stocks, bonds, mutual funds, or real estate. For 6% of people, saving for vacations or upgrading their lifestyle is the number one concern. Approximately 14% of the residents said that saving for healthcare expenses including insurance premiums is their main goal.

Chart showing the percentage of families who are in debt in Kerala

Debt, loans, and mortgages in Kerala


Percentage of families who are in debt


In Debt
29%
Debt Free
71%

According to the survey, 29% of the families in Kerala have some kind of debt, loan, mortgage, or credit card payments while 71% reported that they don't have financial obligations to banks.


Chart showing debt-to-income ratio in Kerala

Debt-to-income ratio in Kerala

Debt to income ratio

33%

25% to 43%

( monthly debt payment / monthly income ) x 100

Interpretation

The debt-to-income ratio measures the percentage of income being paid as debt settlement across the population. It is calculated by dividing the monthly debt settlement payment of an individual by their monthly income. Based on collected data, approximately 33% of a family's monthly income in Kerala goes to debt settlement.


Debt levels

Monthly debt settlement payment as percentage of monthly income

Debt-to-income ratio% People
> 60%3%
50% - 60%18%
40% - 50%15%
30% - 40%17%
20% - 30%10%
10% - 20%12%
0% - 10%25%

According to our data, 3% of the debtors in Kerala pay 60%+ of their income as debt settlement while 18% of the people pay 50% to 60% of their income for the same, which is quite an alarming financial situation for those individuals. 15% of people in debt dedicate 40% to 50% of their income to loan and mortgage payments while 17% dedicated 30% to 40% of income for same. Things are looking brighter for 10% of individuals as they only pay 20% to 30% of their income for loan and credit card repayment.


Distribution by type of debt in Kerala

Debt% People
Real Estate Mortgage8%
Auto Loan15%
Student Loan4%
Credit Card30%
Personal Loan43%

8% of debtors in Kerala confirm that real estate mortgages constitutes the main part of their outstanding debt while 30% say that credit card payments are the reason they are in debt. Auto loans were the main type of debt for 15% of people and personal loans rose at 43%. Lastly, student loans are the main source of debt for 4% of debtors in Kerala.


About credit score and debt management

Managing debt is a critical aspect of maintaining a favorable credit score. Debt reduction is the first thing you should do improve your financial situation. Getting rid of debt takes precedence over saving money because of interest rates.

Good debt vs. Bad debt

Not all debt is bad. Good debt typically refers to borrowing money for investments that can increase in value or generate income over time like purchasing a home or acquiring student loans. On the other hand, bad debt involves borrowing for things that fail to generate lasting value like high-interest credit card debt used for non-essential expenses like luxury items or vacations.


Loan Affordability Index in Kerala

Besides measuring the loan-to-income ratio, we asked families of Kerala how many times in a year they defaulted or were unable to pay their due credit card or loan payments on time. Understanding how often people default on their due payments is one of the indicators of the cost of living and economic situation.

Frequency and percentage of people who failed to pay their monthly credit card or loan payments on time last year.

Frequency% People
Never50%
Once a year24%
Twice a year13%
Three times a year9%
Four times a year4%
Housing and accommodation affordability, property price to income ratio, rent to income ratio, and housing affordability index chart in Kerala

Housing costs, accommodation, and housing affordability in Kerala

Rental costs and house/apartment prices can vary drastically between different areas and locations.


Rent Cost in Kerala

Monthly Rent Prices

Studio apartment monthly rent cost

6,000 INR 9,100 INR 24,000 INR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$73 $110 $290

1-bedroom apartment monthly rent cost

9,100 INR 15,000 INR 36,000 INR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$110 $180 $440

2-bedroom apartment monthly rent cost

12,000 INR 18,000 INR 48,000 INR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$150 $220 $580

3-bedroom apartment monthly rent cost

15,000 INR 24,000 INR 66,000 INR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$180 $290 $800

Furnished apartment monthly rent cost

29,000 INR 73,000 INR 150,000 INR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$350 $880 $1,800

Townhouse monthly rent cost

24,000 INR 36,000 INR 100,000 INR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$290 $440 $1,300

House monthly rent cost

29,000 INR 73,000 INR 150,000 INR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$350 $880 $1,800

Villa monthly rent cost

36,000 INR 91,000 INR 150,000 INR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$440 $1,100 $1,800

The monthly rental cost of a studio apartment in Kerala ranges between 6,000 INR and 24,000 INR, meanwhile the cost of monthly rental of a one-bedroom apartment can be anywhere from 9,100 INR to 36,000 INR. Two-bedroom rentals rate ranges between 12,000 INR and 48,000 INR per month. The monthly rental for a three-bedroom apartment ranges from 15,000 INR to 66,000 INR. The average rent of a townhouse in Kerala is around 36,000 INR while house rental costs can be as high as 73,000 INR per month. Finally, if you want to rent a villa, expect to pay anywhere from 36,000 INR to 150,000 INR per month.



Apartment and house prices in Kerala

Cost of buying a property

Studio apartment price

1.2M INR 1.8M INR 3.6M INR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$15,000 $22,000 $44,000

1-bedroom apartment price

1.5M INR 2.4M INR 9.1M INR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$18,000 $29,000 $110,000

2-bedroom apartment price

2.4M INR 7.3M INR 15M INR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$29,000 $88,000 $180,000

3-bedroom apartment price

8.1M INR 12M INR 36M INR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$97,000 $150,000 $440,000

Townhouse price

10M INR 24M INR 91M INR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$130,000 $290,000 $1.1M

House price

12M INR 73M INR 100M INR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$150,000 $880,000 $1.3M

Villa price

15M INR 81M INR 120M INR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$180,000 $970,000 $1.5M

The average price of a studio apartment in Kerala can range from 1.2M INR to 3.6M INR depending on location. One bedroom cost can be anywhere from 1.5M INR to 9.1M INR. A villa can cost you 81M INR on average with prices ranging from 15M INR to 120M INR.


If you're leasing or purchasing, housing costs in Kerala will probably constitute your biggest expenditure, yet it's an area where you wield considerable influence. This is due to the substantial variance in housing prices across communities. Keep in mind the location of your workplace and the accessibility of essential amenities to prevent negating the savings from lower rental rates with increased transportation expenses.

House / apartment prices to income ratio


Property price to income ratio

( average property price / average monthly income ) x 100


35 x101 monthly income 212
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Property prices in Kerala can be x101 to x212 multiples of the monthly income depending on the property and the income of the person. On average, property prices are approximately x101 multiples of the average monthly salary in Kerala.



Rent to income ratio


Rent to income ratio

( monthly rental / monthly income ) x 100


20% 31% of income 42%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

The average rent-to-income ratio in Kerala is around 31%. This means that people pay 31% of their income for rent. Those figures can range from 20% to 42% depending on the salary, location, and type of property.


The housing-to-income ratio is a very important metric to evaluate and measure how affordable living is in a particular area, city, or country since housing comprises the biggest chunk of expenditure. A higher housing to income ratio means that the place is relatively expensive. The figure by itself does tell much. It only starts to make sense when comparing the housing to income ratio across different locations.

Housing affordability index

The housing affordability index measures how affordable accommodation is in a particular place. This can measured in multiple ways, the most common being housing expenditure to total expenditure ratio and the rent to income ratio. The housing expenditure ratio is a figure reported by individuals on the percentage they allocate for housing. Rent to income ratio is calculated by dividing the average monthly rent by the average income. Because these values are both percentages, we can find their average and get the best of the two worlds.

Housing Affordability Index
29%

Property Taxes

Real estate owners pay property taxes to local tax authorities, which are determined by the assessed value of their property. Typically, these taxes are paid once a year. Property tax funds contribute to community development, financing infrastructure improvements, public services, and local education initiatives.


FROM
2%
AVERAGE
3%
TO
4%

Home Maintenance Costs

Home maintenance costs encompass various expenses associated with the upkeep and repair of a residence. These expenditures include regular tasks such as lawn care, pest control, and HVAC system servicing, as well as occasional repairs and renovations like fixing leaks, painting, or replacing appliances.


110 INR 1,500 INR 15,000 INR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Urban vs. rural living costs

Urban living typically entails higher housing and transportation costs due to demand and limited space, while rural areas generally offer lower housing expenses but may have higher prices for goods and services. The differnce in rental rates between urban areas and rural areas can be as high as 300% in some cases.

Monthly costs and expenses of energy and basic utilities in Kerala

Utilities expenditure can vary slightly between different areas and locations.


Energy, electricity, water, gas, internet, and mobile cost in Kerala

Utility Bill Cost / Electricity + Water + Gas / Family

2,000 INR 5,600 INR 36,000 INR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$24 $68 $440

Internet and cable cost

350 INR 700 INR 930 INR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$4.2 $8.4 $11

Mobile phone bill and charges

280 INR 470 INR 1,400 INR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$3.4 $5.6 $17

Because most utility bills club electricity, water, and gas costs in one bill, we can't provide a breakup for each type of utility and will display electricity, gas, and water as single cost.


The average monthly energy and water consumption of families is around 5,600 INR. The cost of internet and WiFi ranges from 350 INR to 930 INR with 700 INR being the average internet bill. Finally, the average monthly mobile charges is around 470 INR but can range between 280 INR and 1,400 INR depending on consumption. Mobile charges include both calling minutes as well as data packages.


Energy / Utility expense to income ratio


( monthly utility expenses / monthly income ) x 100


3.2% 6.5% of income 11%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

The average utility-to-income ratio in Kerala is around 6.5%. This means that people pay 6.5% of their income for energy, water, internet, and mobile charges. Those figures can range from 3.2% to 11% depending on salary and location.

Food Prices, Dining Expenses, and Grocery Costs in Kerala

Grocery / Food expenditure and prices can vary drastically between different areas and locations.


Prices and cost of goods and services in Kerala

Dining out, food, and beverages costs. Price variations for common food items.

Fast food combo meal price

70 INR 140 INR 230 INR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.84 $1.7 $2.8

The average price of a regular combo meal at a fast food outlet or chain like McDonald's, Pizzahut, or KFC in Kerala is approximatly 140 INR with meal cost ranging from 70 INR to 230 INR. The typical combo meal consists of a burger, french fries, and a drink.

Restaurant meal for one price

240 INR 360 INR 710 INR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$2.9 $4.3 $8.6

If you are planning to have a nice meal at a mid-range restaurant, expect to pay anywhere between 240 INR and 710 INR with 360 INR being the average price of a plate for one person at a regular restaurant in Kerala.

Fine dining meal for one price

470 INR 710 INR 2,800 INR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$5.7 $8.6 $34

The price range of a meal at fine-dining restaurant is 470 INR to 2,800 INR with the average cost being 710 INR for one person. This is what you would expect to pay a top-tier diner in Kerala.

Beverage prices, cappuccino, latte etc..

58 INR 93 INR 140 INR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.70 $1.1 $1.7

The average price of a regular beverage like cappuccino or latte at Starbucks, Costa, or similar coffee shops and cafes in Kerala is around 93 INR. Price ranges between 58 INR and 140 INR depending on the type of beverage, the size, and optional add-ons.



Grocery and market costs

Large bottle of milk price

47 INR 56 INR 70 INR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.56 $0.67 $0.84

The average price of a large bottle of milk in Kerala is 56 INR. The maximum what you would pay for milk is 70 INR and the minimum being 47 INR depending on the brand of milk and other properties.

12 eggs price

35 INR 47 INR 70 INR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.42 $0.56 $0.84

A dozen eggs costs around 47 INR on average with 35 INR and 70 INR being the lower and upper limits respectively.

Fresh whole chicken price

79 INR 100 INR 150 INR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.96 $1.2 $1.8

The price range of a fresh whole chicken in Kerala is between 79 INR and 150 INR depending on the size of the chicken and whether it is oraganic or not. The average price is approximatly 100 INR.

Pack of beef price

93 INR 140 INR 280 INR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1.1 $1.7 $3.4

The price of a regular pack of beef or meat is around 140 INR. A pack of beef contains around 1Kg or 1lb depending on packing.

Medium bag of rice price

38 INR 51 INR 73 INR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.45 $0.62 $0.88

A bag of rice in Kerala costs around 51 INR on average with prices rangeing between 38 INR and 73 INR depending on the brand and quality.

Bag of tomatos price

14 INR 19 INR 35 INR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.17 $0.22 $0.42

A bag of tomatoes costs anywhere from 14 INR to 35 INR. A bag of tomatoes denotes 1Kg or 1lb depending on location.

Bag of apples price

25 INR 33 INR 54 INR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.30 $0.39 $0.65

A bag of apples costs 33 INR on average. A bag of apples denotes 1Kg or 1lb depending on location.


Grocery and food expenditure to income ratio


( monthly grocery expenses / monthly income ) x 100


20% 29% of income 36%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

The average grocery-to-income ratio in Kerala is around 29%. This means that families spend 29% of their income on grocery and basic household items. The expenditure can range from 20% to 36% depending on salary and location.


Expenditure on food and grocery for families

Families' spending on grocery ranges from 7,100 INR to 130,000 INR with the location, income, and size of the family being the most determinite factors.

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