Surat, one of Gujarat’s fastest-growing cities, is a hub for business, education, and culture. Known for its textile and diamond industries, the city attracts people from different parts of India. But how affordable is it to live in Surat? Whether you’re a working professional, a student, or planning to move with family, understanding the cost of living is crucial. In this blog, we’ll break down the cost of housing, food, transportation, healthcare, education, and more in Surat.
1. Housing Costs in Surat
Housing costs form a substantial portion of the overall cost of living in Surat. The city offers a range of options, from budget-friendly apartments to luxury homes, catering to various income brackets and preferences.
Rental Costs
Accommodation costs in Surat vary depending on the location and type of property. Generally, rents are affordable compared to metro cities like Mumbai, Delhi, or Bangalore.
- 1 BHK in the city center: ₹12,000 – ₹18,000 per month
- 1 BHK outside the city center: ₹7,000 – ₹12,000 per month
- 3 BHK in the city center: ₹30,000 – ₹40,000 per month
- 3 BHK outside the city center: ₹18,000 – ₹30,000 per month
Buying Costs
For those considering purchasing property, the cost per square foot in Surat is as follows:
- City Center: ₹7,000 – ₹10,000 per square foot
- Outside City Center: ₹3,500 – ₹5,000 per square foot
Additional Housing Expenses
When budgeting for housing in Surat, consider these additional costs:
- Security Deposit: Typically 2-3 months rent
- Maintenance Charges: ₹2-5 per square foot per month
- Property Tax: 0.2% to 0.5% of the property value annually
- Home Insurance: ₹3,000 – ₹5,000 per year for a standard policy
Internet Costs
In today’s digital age, internet connectivity is a necessity. In Surat, high-speed internet (60 Mbps or more, unlimited data) typically costs between ₹800 and ₹1,500 per month. This expense represents about 3-5% of the overall cost of living in Surat for a single person.
Popular internet service providers in Surat include:
- Jio Fiber
- Airtel Xstream
- GTPL Hathway
When choosing an internet plan, consider:
- Your usage requirements
- Bundle deals that may include TV services
- Contract terms and installation fees
2. Food and Dining Expenses
Surat is famous for its street food and restaurants, offering affordable and luxury dining options. Here’s an approximate cost breakdown:
- Basic groceries for a month (for a family of 2-3 people): ₹5,000 – ₹8,000
- Meal at an inexpensive restaurant: ₹150 – ₹300 per person
- Meal at a mid-range restaurant (for two people): ₹800 – ₹1,500
- Street food/snacks (per item): ₹50 – ₹150
Cost-Saving Tips for Food Expenses in Surat
- Shop at local markets for fresh produce
- Cook meals at home more often
- Take advantage of promotional offers at supermarkets
- Consider subscribing to meal delivery services for bulk discounts
3. Transportation Costs
Public transport in Surat is relatively cheap, with options like Surat City Buses, auto-rickshaws, and app-based ride services.
- City bus ticket: ₹10 – ₹30 per ride
- Auto-rickshaw fare (minimum charge): ₹20 – ₹30
- Petrol price (per liter): ₹100 – ₹110
- Monthly transport pass: ₹800 – ₹1,200
Owning a personal vehicle, whether a two-wheeler or a car, comes with additional costs like insurance, fuel, and maintenance.
4. Utility Bills and Internet Costs
Monthly household expenses for utilities in Surat include electricity, water, and gas.
- Electricity bill (for a 1-2 BHK apartment): ₹1,000 – ₹4,000
- Water bill: ₹200 – ₹500
- Gas cylinder (LPG refill): ₹900 – ₹1,100
5. Healthcare Costs in Surat
Medical expenses in Surat vary based on hospital facilities and the type of treatment required.
- Doctor’s consultation fee: ₹300 – ₹1,000 per visit
- General health checkup: ₹1,500 – ₹5,000
- Medicines (monthly for common ailments): ₹500 – ₹2,000
- Health insurance premium (individual plan): ₹5,000 – ₹15,000 per year
This amounts to about 5-7% of the total monthly expenses for a middle-income family in Surat, which is relatively affordable compared to many other Indian cities.
6. Education Expenses
Surat has several schools, colleges, and universities offering quality education. The cost varies depending on the institution.
- Private school fees (per year): ₹30,000 – ₹1,50,000
- Higher education (Veer Narmad South Gujarat University most undergraduate programs fees per year): ₹15,000 – ₹30,000
Additional Education Costs
Beyond tuition, parents should budget for:
- School supplies: ₹5,000 – ₹10,000 annually
- Uniforms: ₹3,000 – ₹5,000 per year
- Transportation: ₹1,000 – ₹2,000 monthly
- Extra-curricular activities: ₹500 – ₹2,000 monthly
7. Entertainment and Lifestyle Expenses
Surat offers many entertainment and recreational activities, including shopping malls, movie theaters, gyms, and cultural events.
- Movie ticket (single person): ₹200 – ₹500
- Gym membership (monthly): ₹1,000 – ₹3,000
- Shopping and clothing budget: ₹2,000 – ₹10,000 per month
- Weekend outing (food + entertainment for two people): ₹2,000 – ₹5,000
Understanding these additional costs is essential for creating a well-rounded budget and gaining a clearer picture of the overall cost of living in Surat. By considering personal lifestyle choices and priorities, individuals can tailor their estimates to reflect better their actual living expenses in this vibrant and dynamic city.
8. Miscellaneous Expenses
Apart from the basic expenses, there are other costs to consider:
- House help salary (maid/cook): ₹2,000 – ₹5,000 per month
- Mobile recharge/postpaid bill: ₹300 – ₹1,500 per month
- Salon/spa visits: ₹500 – ₹3,000 per visit
- Pet care (if applicable): ₹2,000 – ₹5,000 per month
Tips on Reducing the Cost of Living in Surat
- Opt for off-central accommodations: Choose to house a little further from the city center or consider sharing a flat with others. This can significantly lower rental costs compared to staying in prime locations.
- Leverage public transport: Surat’s improving bus services and the upcoming metro system provide an opportunity to reduce transportation costs. Using public transport instead of private vehicles can be both affordable and convenient.
- Shop at local markets: Purchase groceries and household items from local bazaars or Kirana stores, which are usually cheaper than supermarkets. This helps keep grocery costs down.
- Cook meals at home: Preparing meals at home rather than eating out or ordering in can save a substantial amount on food expenses for families.
- Explore free or low-cost entertainment: Surat offers a variety of parks, beaches, and cultural events that are either free or low-cost, providing plenty of options for affordable family outings.
- Split utility expenses: Students and bachelors can share the cost of utilities like Wi-Fi, Netflix, and electricity by splitting these expenses with roommates or flatmates, making it easier to manage monthly costs.
Final Thoughts: Is Surat an Affordable City to Live In?
Surat offers a relatively affordable cost of living compared to India’s major metro cities. With a well-balanced lifestyle, job opportunities, and quality infrastructure, it is an ideal city for students, working professionals, and families.
If you are planning to move to Surat, managing your budget efficiently can help you enjoy the best the city has to offer without financial stress.
Also read, Top Upcoming Mega Projects Transforming Surat’s Future
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FAQ’s
Is Surat expensive to live in?
No, Surat is considered moderately priced compared to major Indian cities, offering affordable living with modern amenities.
How much does it cost to live in Surat?
The monthly cost of living in Surat varies by lifestyle. A single person spends around Rs. 20,500 to Rs. 30,000, while a family of four typically spends Rs. 50,000 to Rs. 70,000.
What are the pros and cons of living in Surat?
Pros:
Affordable living
Improving infrastructure
Vibrant culture
Cons:
No Cons!
