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London vs Chennai

Chennai runs about 83% cheaper than London for this household, a difference of 3,355 USD a month.

Palace of Westminster, Big Ben, and Westminster Bridge as seen from the south bank of the River Thames.
London
$4,050/month · United Kingdom
Terry Ott from Washington, DC Metro Area, United States of America · CC BY 2.0
Bird's-eye view of Chennai city from Chennai Lighthouse near Marina Beach
Chennai
$695/month · India
SlowPhoton · CC BY-SA 4.0
London monthly
$4,050
Index 63 (NYC = 100)
Chennai monthly
$695
Index 11 (NYC = 100)
Difference
-83%
Chennai relative to London
Rent gap
$2,300
London costs more for a central 1-bed
By category

Where the gap actually is

LondonChennai
  • Housing
    Housing: London $2,600, Chennai $300. Cheaper in Chennai.
  • Food
    Food: London $617, Chennai $226. Cheaper in Chennai.
  • Transport
    Transport: London $282, Chennai $19. Cheaper in Chennai.
  • Utilities
    Utilities: London $267, Chennai $57. Cheaper in Chennai.
  • Healthcare
    Healthcare: London $8.03, Chennai $6.31. Cheaper in Chennai.
  • Lifestyle
    Lifestyle: London $169, Chennai $58. Cheaper in Chennai.
  • Other
    Other: London $107, Chennai $29. Cheaper in Chennai.
Each row is one category priced in both cities for the same household. The bar is the gap; exact figures are in the table below.
Interactive — adjust the household

Full comparison

MetricLondonChennai
Cost
Total monthly cost4,050 USD695 USD✓
Cost index (New York = 100)6311✓
Housing2,600 USD300 USD✓
Utilities267 USD57 USD✓
Food617 USD226 USD✓
Transport282 USD19 USD✓
Healthcare8 USD6 USD✓
Lifestyle169 USD58 USD✓
Income & tax
Take-home on 100,000 USD/yr5,953 USD6,137 USD✓
Effective tax + social rate28.6%26.4%✓
Left over each month1,902 USD5,442 USD✓
Average local net salary3,600 USD✓470 USD
Housing
1-bed rent, city centre2,600 USD300 USD✓
3-bed rent, city centre5,200 USD750 USD✓
Buy price per m², centre15,000 USD2,100 USD✓
Quality of life
Safety66/10066/100
Healthcare84/100✓64/100
Air quality60/100✓28/100
Public transport92/100✓52/100
Walkability90/100✓46/100
English proficiency100/100✓74/100
Nightlife94/100✓66/100
Family friendliness72/100✓68/100
Median broadband90 Mbps✓85 Mbps
Climate
Average temperature12°C✓29°C
Summer high23°C✓37°C
Winter low3°C21°C✓
Sunshine hours per year1,480 h2,700 h✓
Annual rainfall600 mm✓1400 mm
Practicalities
Remote-work visaNoNo
Beach access90 min25 min✓
CurrencyGBPINR
Time zoneEurope/LondonAsia/Kolkata

Chennai runs about 83% cheaper than London for this household, a difference of 3,355 USD a month.

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Cost of living in LondonCost of living in ChennaiConvert a salary between themFlip the comparison
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FAQ

Frequently asked

Is London or Chennai cheaper?

Chennai runs about 83% cheaper than London for this household, a difference of 3,355 USD a month.

What salary do you need in Chennai compared with London?

On a $100,000 gross salary you would take home $5,953 a month in London and $6,137 in Chennai, before local costs. Use the salary converter for an exact equivalent.

Which has better quality of life, London or Chennai?

London scores 66/100 on safety and 84/100 on healthcare; Chennai scores 66 and 64. London averages 12°C against 29°C in Chennai.