Cost of Living in Kerala (2026): Monthly Expense Guide
Kerala is one of India’s most livable states, known for its high literacy rate, quality healthcare, scenic environment, and peaceful lifestyle. Whether you are planning to move to Kerala, invest in property, retire, work, or study, understanding the cost of living in Kerala is essential for smart financial planning.
This guide explains the cost of living in Kerala in 2026, covering housing rent, food, transportation, utilities, healthcare, education, city-wise expenses, salaries, and money-saving tips in a clear and practical manner.
Why People Choose to Live in Kerala
Kerala attracts residents from across India due to:
- Affordable living compared to metro cities
- High-quality healthcare and education
- Clean environment and lower pollution
- Strong public infrastructure
- Good connectivity by road, rail, air, and waterways
- Safe and peaceful lifestyle
Kerala is especially popular among families, retirees, remote workers, NRIs, and real estate investors.
Average Cost of Living in Kerala
The average cost of living in Kerala for a single person or small family depends on the city and lifestyle.
Estimated Monthly Cost
- Single person: ₹18,000 – ₹30,000
- Couple: ₹30,000 – ₹45,000
- Family of four: ₹45,000 – ₹70,000
Smaller towns and rural areas are significantly cheaper than major cities.
Monthly Living Expenses Breakdown in Kerala
1. Housing Rent & Property Cost in Kerala
Housing is the largest expense in Kerala, but it is still affordable compared to Indian metros.
Average Monthly Rent
| Type of Accommodation | Monthly Rent (₹) |
| 1 BHK apartment | 6,000 – 10,000 |
| 2 BHK apartment | 8,000 – 15,000 |
| 3 BHK apartment | 12,000 – 25,000 |
| Independent house | 15,000 – 35,000 |
💡 Rent is lower in suburban and semi-urban areas.
Property Prices (Approx.)
- Apartments: ₹4,000 – ₹8,000 per sq ft
- Independent houses: ₹40 lakh – ₹1.2 crore (location-based)
Kerala is attractive for long-term real estate investment due to stable appreciation.
2. Food & Grocery Expenses in Kerala
Food costs in Kerala are reasonable, especially if you cook at home.
Monthly Food Cost
- Groceries: ₹4,000 – ₹7,000
- Eating out occasionally: ₹2,000 – ₹4,000
Total food cost: ₹6,000 – ₹10,000 per month
Local markets in India offer fresh vegetables, fruits, fish, and spices at budget‑friendly prices.
3. Transportation Cost in Kerala
Kerala has good public transport connectivity.
- Bus pass: ₹500 – ₹1,200
- Auto/Taxi (monthly average): ₹1,000 – ₹2,000
- Fuel cost (two-wheeler): ₹1,200 – ₹2,000
Average transport cost: ₹1,500 – ₹3,500 per month
4. Utilities & Internet Expenses
| Expense | Monthly Cost (₹) |
| Electricity | 800 – 2,000 |
| Water | 200 – 500 |
| Internet (broadband) | 600 – 1,200 |
| Mobile plans | 300 – 600 |
Total utilities: ₹2,000 – ₹4,000 per month
5. Healthcare Cost in Kerala
Kerala is known for its excellent healthcare system.
- Doctor consultation: ₹300 – ₹700
- Private hospital monthly average: ₹1,000 – ₹2,500
- Health insurance: ₹800 – ₹2,000 per month
Healthcare costs are lower than most Indian states.
6. Education Cost in Kerala
Education costs vary by institution.
- Government schools: Minimal fees
- Private schools: ₹1,500 – ₹5,000 per month
- Colleges (average): ₹20,000 – ₹1.5 lakh per year
Kerala has some of the best literacy and education standards in India.
City-Wise Cost of Living in Kerala
Cost of Living in Kochi
- Monthly cost: ₹25,000 – ₹45,000
- Highest rent and job opportunities
Cost of Living in Trivandrum
- Monthly cost: ₹22,000 – ₹40,000
- Good for government jobs and IT sector
Cost of Living in Calicut (Kozhikode)
- Monthly cost: ₹20,000 – ₹35,000
- Affordable housing and food
Cost of Living in Thrissur
- Monthly cost: ₹18,000 – ₹30,000
- Ideal for families and retirees
Cost of Living in Smaller Towns
- Monthly cost: ₹15,000 – ₹25,000
- Very low rent and daily expenses
Average Salaries in Kerala
Average monthly salaries in Kerala:
- Entry-level jobs: ₹15,000 – ₹25,000
- IT professionals: ₹30,000 – ₹80,000
- Healthcare workers: ₹25,000 – ₹60,000
- Government employees: ₹35,000 – ₹70,000
Kerala is also popular for remote work and NRI-funded households.
Cost of Living in Kerala vs Other States
| State | Monthly Cost (Single Person) |
| Kerala | ₹18,000 – ₹30,000 |
| Karnataka (Bangalore) | ₹30,000 – ₹45,000 |
| Maharashtra (Mumbai) | ₹40,000 – ₹60,000 |
| Tamil Nadu (Chennai) | ₹25,000 – ₹40,000 |
Kerala offers better quality of life at lower cost.
Is Kerala Affordable for Living?
Yes. Kerala is affordable due to:
- Reasonable housing costs
- Affordable healthcare
- Low food expenses
- Strong public services
It is especially suitable for:
- Families
- Retirees
- NRIs
- Remote workers
- Real estate investors
Practical Tips to Reduce Cost of Living in Kerala
- Live in suburban or semi-urban areas
- Buy from local markets
- Use public transport
- Opt for energy-efficient appliances
- Choose shared or independent housing
Real Estate Perspective: Is Kerala Good for Property Investment?
Kerala offers:
- Stable rental demand
- Moderate appreciation
- Strong NRI investment inflow
- Good resale value in cities
Cities like Kochi, Trivandrum, Thrissur, and Calicut are preferred for real estate investment.
Conclusion
The cost of living in Kerala is affordable, predictable, and suitable for a wide range of lifestyles. With reasonable housing prices, excellent healthcare, good education, and a peaceful environment, Kerala remains one of the best states in India to live, retire, and invest in real estate.
Whether you are moving for work, family, or long-term settlement, Kerala offers great value for money and quality of life.
For more detailed guides and updates, visit Bhulekh India.
Frequently Asked Questions
₹18,000 – ₹30,000 per month for a single person.
Yes, Kerala is significantly cheaper than Mumbai, Bangalore, and Delhi.
Thrissur and smaller towns offer the lowest cost of living
No, healthcare is affordable and high quality.
Yes, Kerala is one of the best states in India for retirement living.
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