Cost Of Living For a Student in Surat 2024

Average monthly spending for students in Surat

How much money does a student need in a month to survive in Surat?

Students in Surat spend around 37,000 INR per month on average. Depending on the lifestyle, a student can survive with a monthly budget as low as 5,600 INR or as high as 250,000 INR. Location is a very important factor and has a huge influence on expenditure and budget.

How do students spend their money in Surat?

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

Housing and accomodation expenditure for students

Students in Surat typically spend from 12% to 23% of their total monthly expenditure on housing with 17% being the average. The average monthly spend on housing is 8,900 INR with expenditure ranging from 1,300 INR to 59,000 INR. This cost mainly goes for rent but it also includes other accommodation-related expenses.

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

Utility expenditure like electricity, water, and gas in Surat ranges from 5% to 11% of total expenses with 7% being the average for most students. The average monthly cost of utilities is 1,500 INR with 220 INR and 9,900 INR being the upper and lower limits for a student of four.

Transport, fuel, and commute expenditure for students

Fuel consumption and cost of transport depend heavily on whether a student resides near school and work, but roughly speaking a student would expect to spend from 390 INR to 17,000 INR in a month on commuting with 2,600 INR being the norm for most students. This means that money spent on transport constitutes about 4% of total spending on average but can go as low as 4% or as high as 10%.

Food, groceries, and basic shopping expenditure for students

The average outlay on groceries and basic houshold items for a typical student in a month in Surat is 7,400 INR. The cost of groceries can range between 1,100 INR to 49,000 INR. Students spend on average about 23% on food and groceries with upper and lower bounds of 17% and 27% respectively.

Healthcare and medical services expenditure for students

Students in Surat allocate 6% to 12% 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 9%. The range of medical expenses range from 330 INR to 15,000 INR with 2,200 INR being the norm for most students.

Leisure and shopping expenditure for students

This category mostly contains discretionary or non-essential expenses but also some non-discretionary spending like furniture for example. The monthly expenses range from 280 INR to 12,000 INR with 1,900 INR being the average. Speaking of percentages, that equates to 2% to 6% of total expenses with an average of 2% for most students.

Education and schooling expenditure for students

Spending on education can vary drastically between different students. On average, education constitutes 18% of the monthly expenditure of students with 11% and 23% being the lower and upper bounds respectively. The average reported education cost is 7,000 INR per month with 1,100 INR being the minimum spent amount and 47,000 INR being the maximum.

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

Affordable living in Surat

Income and cost of living compatibility

We asked students one simple question and recorded their answers.

Is it affordable or economical to live in Surat?

Around 52% of surveyed students think that living in Surat is affordable with proper budgeting while 48% reported that it is just too expensive and not affordable even with frugality and thriftness.

Low-cost alternatives in Surat

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 students 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 students living in Surat 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 Students

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 students of Surat whether they have an emergency fund and the answers were as follows.

Yes52%

No48%

Based on the survey, 48% of the students living in Surat said that they don't have an emergency fund while 52% said that they do.

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 student guardians and parents in Surat 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 students 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%

Housing costs, accommodation, and housing affordability in Surat

Rent Cost in Surat

Monthly Rent Prices

Studio apartment monthly rent cost

6,000 INR

9,000 INR

24,000 INR

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$72

$110

$290

1-bedroom apartment monthly rent cost

9,000 INR

14,000 INR

36,000 INR

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$110

$170

$430

2-bedroom apartment monthly rent cost

12,000 INR

18,000 INR

48,000 INR

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$140

$220

$580

3-bedroom apartment monthly rent cost

14,000 INR

24,000 INR

65,000 INR

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$170

$290

$790

Furnished apartment monthly rent cost

29,000 INR

72,000 INR

140,000 INR

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$350

$870

$1,700

Townhouse monthly rent cost

24,000 INR

36,000 INR

100,000 INR

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$290

$430

$1,200

House monthly rent cost

29,000 INR

72,000 INR

140,000 INR

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$350

$870

$1,700

Villa monthly rent cost

36,000 INR

90,000 INR

140,000 INR

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$430

$1,100

$1,700

The monthly rental cost of a studio apartment in Surat ranges between 6,000 INR and 24,000 INR, meanwhile the cost of monthly rental of a one-bedroom apartment can be anywhere from 9,000 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 14,000 INR to 65,000 INR. The average rent of a townhouse in Surat is around 36,000 INR while house rental costs can be as high as 72,000 INR per month. Finally, if you want to rent a villa, expect to pay anywhere from 36,000 INR to 140,000 INR per month.

Apartment and house prices in Surat

Cost of buying a property

Studio apartment price

1.2M INR

1.8M INR

3.6M INR

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$14,000

$22,000

$43,000

1-bedroom apartment price

1.4M INR

2.4M INR

9M INR

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$17,000

$29,000

$110,000

2-bedroom apartment price

2.4M INR

7.2M INR

14M INR

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$29,000

$87,000

$170,000

3-bedroom apartment price

8M INR

12M INR

36M INR

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$96,000

$140,000

$430,000

Townhouse price

10M INR

24M INR

90M INR

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$120,000

$290,000

$1.1M

House price

12M INR

72M INR

100M INR

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$140,000

$870,000

$1.2M

Villa price

14M INR

80M INR

120M INR

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$170,000

$960,000

$1.4M

The average price of a studio apartment in Surat can range from 1.2M INR to 3.6M INR depending on location. One bedroom cost can be anywhere from 1.4M INR to 9M INR. A villa can cost you 80M INR on average with prices ranging from 14M INR to 120M INR.

House / apartment prices to income ratio

Property prices in Surat can be x100 to x210 multiples of the monthly income depending on the property and the income of the person. On average, property prices are approximately x100 multiples of the average monthly salary in Surat.

Rent to income ratio

The average rent-to-income ratio in Surat 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.

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.

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.

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.

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 Surat

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

Utility Bill Cost / Electricity + Water + Gas / Student

220 INR

1,500 INR

9,900 INR

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$2.7

$18

$120

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

The average monthly energy and water consumption of students is around 1,500 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

The average utility-to-income ratio in Surat is around 6.4%. This means that people pay 6.4% 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 Surat

Prices and cost of goods and services in Surat

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 Surat 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

350 INR

710 INR

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$2.8

$4.3

$8.5

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 350 INR being the average price of a plate for one person at a regular restaurant in Surat.

Fine dining meal for one price

470 INR

710 INR

2,800 INR

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$5.7

$8.5

$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 Surat.

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 Surat 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 Surat 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 Surat 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 Surat 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

The average grocery-to-income ratio in Surat is around 29%. This means that students spend 29% of their income on grocery and basic household items. The expenditure can range from 20% to 35% depending on salary and location.

Expenditure on food and grocery for students