Expense Tracker for Kolkata, India

Kolkata is India's most affordable metro city — and that's not a compromise, it's a genuine advantage. The City of Joy combines rich cultural heritage, a legendary food scene, India's oldest Metro railway, and a cost of living that makes other Indian metros look extravagant. Where a modest salary in Mumbai or Bangalore barely covers rent, the same amount in Kolkata can fund a comfortable lifestyle with money left over to save. But affordability doesn't eliminate the need for expense tracking — it just means your tracking reveals opportunities to save even more.

As the commercial and cultural capital of eastern India, Kolkata has a distinct economic character. The IT sector is growing (with Salt Lake Sector V as the main tech hub), but the economy is more diversified than Bangalore or Hyderabad — jute, tea, steel, banking, and creative industries all play significant roles. Salaries are generally lower than in western and southern Indian cities, but the cost differential is even larger, meaning Kolkata residents often have a better savings rate than their higher-earning counterparts in Mumbai or Delhi.

Whether you're an IT professional in Salt Lake or New Town, a student at Jadavpur University, Presidency, or IIM Calcutta, a family maintaining the Kolkata tradition of cultural richness on a modest budget, or a newcomer discovering why Kolkata inspires such fierce loyalty in its residents, this guide covers the real costs of living in Kolkata in 2026. For a nationwide overview, see our complete India expense tracker guide, or compare with other Indian cities like Mumbai, Delhi NCR, Chennai, and Bangalore.

Cost of Living in Kolkata (2026 Estimates)

Kolkata's costs are remarkably low by Indian metro standards. Here are realistic monthly estimates for a single person in Indian Rupees:

• Rent (1BHK apartment): ₹5,000–₹8,000 in outer areas (Barasat, Howrah, Dum Dum, Behala outskirts); ₹12,000–₹20,000 in popular areas (South Kolkata — Ballygunge, Gariahat, Lake Gardens; Salt Lake, New Town, Rajarhat). Central Kolkata (Park Street, Camac Street) runs ₹15,000–₹22,000
• Groceries: ₹2,500–₹4,500 per month — Big Bazaar and Spencer's offer good value. Local bazaars (Gariahat Market, Lake Market, New Market) offer excellent produce, fish, and spices at wholesale prices. Kolkata's fish markets are legendary for freshness and value
• Transport: Kolkata Metro fares are ₹5–₹25 (India's cheapest metro). Bus fares are ₹7–₹15 (non-AC) and ₹20–₹40 (AC). Auto-rickshaws cost ₹30–₹100, and the iconic yellow taxis start at ₹30. Ola/Uber rides cost ₹80–₹250 across the city. Trams (still running on some routes) cost ₹7–₹10
• Utilities (electricity, water, internet, gas): ₹1,500–₹3,500 per month — CESC electricity rates are among India's lowest. AC usage in summer (May–September) is the main variable. Broadband internet costs ₹400–₹700/month for fibre
• Dining out & entertainment: ₹2,000–₹6,000 — a full meal at a local eatery (rice, fish curry, dal) costs ₹60–₹120. Roll and chowmein stalls cost ₹30–₹60. A mid-range restaurant dinner runs ₹250–₹500 per person. Kolkata's sweet shops (rasgulla, sandesh) are an essential and affordable cultural experience at ₹20–₹50 per piece
• Healthcare: Government hospitals are nearly free. Private hospital consultations run ₹300–₹1,000. Kolkata has excellent medical facilities including AMRI, Fortis, and Apollo at lower rates than Mumbai or Delhi

Total estimated monthly spend: ₹15,000–₹35,000 for a single person. That makes Kolkata roughly 50–60% cheaper than Mumbai and 30–40% cheaper than Bangalore — comfortably the most affordable major metro in India. For couples sharing costs, see our budget app for couples.

Why You Need an Expense Tracker in Kolkata

Kolkata's affordability creates a unique financial dynamic: because the cost floor is so low, the gap between "living cheaply" and "living comfortably" is relatively small in absolute terms but large in percentage terms. Moving from ₹15,000/month to ₹35,000/month is only ₹20,000 in absolute spending — but it's a 133% increase. Without tracking, it's easy to drift from one end to the other without noticing, because even the "expensive" end feels cheap compared to other cities.

Kolkata's food culture is another spending variable worth tracking. The city's culinary heritage — from street-side phuchka and kathi rolls to elaborate Bengali fish preparations and legendary sweet shops — makes food a significant cultural activity, not just a necessity. Many Kolkata residents eat out frequently because the food is so good and so affordable. But ₹100–₹200 per day on street food, chai, and sweets adds up to ₹3,000–₹6,000/month — sometimes exceeding grocery costs. A private expense tracker shows whether your food-love is within budget or quietly stretching it.

For Kolkata's NRI community — many Bengalis return from the US, UK, or Gulf countries — and for the growing number of professionals relocating from other Indian cities, tracking in INR provides confirmation of Kolkata's value. When you compare your ₹12,000 rent with the ₹40,000 you were paying in Mumbai or the ₹25,000 in Bangalore, the savings become tangible and motivating. An offline expense tracker works even during Kolkata's monsoon season when connectivity can be unreliable, or in the Metro underground.

Best Way to Track Expenses in Kolkata

Pocket Clear is built for Kolkata's spending patterns. Here's what makes it ideal:

• Offline-first design: The Kolkata Metro (especially the new East-West line) has sections with limited connectivity, and monsoon season can disrupt mobile networks. Pocket Clear works completely offline
• INR as primary currency: Track everything in rupees — from your ₹10 chai to your ₹15,000 rent
• No bank linking: Your SBI, HDFC, or UCO Bank accounts stay private. No bank credentials shared — your data stays on your device
• Dual currency support: Add USD, GBP, AED, or any currency as secondary — useful for NRIs and professionals with international income
• Quick logging: 5-second expense entry means you can log your Metro fare or phuchka purchase instantly

For NRIs and Expats in Kolkata

Kolkata's cultural pull brings many Bengalis back from abroad. Add your foreign currency to Pocket Clear and see INR spending in familiar terms. Compare Kolkata costs with Delhi, Mumbai, or Dubai to see just how far your money goes in the City of Joy.

For Couples in Kolkata

Whether you're sharing a flat in Salt Lake or a house in South Kolkata, use Partner Mode to track shared rent, utilities, and the inevitable sweet-shop visits. Our shared expense tracker keeps things fair and transparent.

Tips for Managing Money in Kolkata

1. Live near the Metro line for maximum savings: Kolkata Metro fares are India's cheapest. Living near a Metro station (Dum Dum, Tollygunge, Salt Lake Sector V, New Garia) eliminates expensive auto/taxi commutes and saves ₹1,500–₹3,000/month on transport
2. Shop at local bazaars, not supermarkets: Gariahat Market, New Market, Lake Market, and neighbourhood fish markets offer produce, fish, and household items at 20–40% less than Spencer's or Reliance Fresh. Sunday haat (markets) in many neighbourhoods are even cheaper
3. Eat smartly across the price spectrum: Kolkata lets you eat incredibly well at every price point. A ₹60 thali at a local mess, a ₹30 egg roll at Kusum's, or a ₹120 fish fry at a para'r dokan (neighbourhood restaurant) are all excellent. Save restaurant dining for weekends and use Pocket Clear to track your daily food spending
4. Use public transport as much as possible: Between the Metro (₹5–₹25), buses (₹7–₹15), and trams (₹7–₹10), Kolkata has the cheapest public transport of any Indian metro. Resisting the convenience of Ola/Uber saves ₹2,000–₹4,000/month
5. Budget for cultural experiences, not luxury: Kolkata's greatest experiences are affordable — Durga Puja pandal-hopping is free, Rabindra Sadan concerts cost ₹50–₹200, book fairs are nearly free, and the Maidan is open to all. Build your social life around culture rather than consumption and Kolkata rewards you richly

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average cost of living in Kolkata in 2026?

A single person in Kolkata spends ₹15,000–₹35,000 per month. Rent (₹5,000–₹20,000) is the largest expense, followed by food (₹2,500–₹6,000 including dining out), transport (₹500–₹3,000), and utilities (₹1,500–₹3,500).

What is the best expense tracker app for Kolkata?

Pocket Clear is ideal for Kolkata — it works offline during monsoon and on the Metro, supports INR, requires no bank linking, and tracks expenses in 5 seconds.

Is Kolkata the cheapest metro city in India?

Yes. Kolkata is widely considered India's most affordable metro city. Rent, food, and transport are all significantly cheaper than Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore, or Pune. The Metro and bus fares are among the lowest of any Indian city.

How much is a Kolkata Metro ticket in 2026?

Kolkata Metro fares range from ₹5–₹25 depending on distance — the cheapest metro fares in India. A monthly smart card pass costs approximately ₹500–₹800.

Can I track expenses in INR offline in Kolkata?

Yes. Pocket Clear works 100% offline — on the Kolkata Metro, at New Market, or during monsoon when connectivity drops. Log expenses in rupees anywhere and data syncs when you reconnect.

Start Tracking Your Kolkata Expenses Today

Kolkata proves that a rich life doesn't require a rich budget. The city's affordability is a genuine financial opportunity — but only if you track your spending and convert savings into wealth. Download Pocket Clear and start logging every rupee. It's private, works offline, and requires no bank linking. From the ghats of the Hooghly to the tech parks of Salt Lake, take control of your finances in India's most affordable — and most soulful — metro city.