QS published the ranking of the best student cities for 2027: Delhi recognized as the most affordable city for students

According to a report analyzing the cost of living and quality of life, Delhi is recognized as one of the most affordable large cities in the world for romantic dates and relatively inexpensive for housing, although residents' salary levels are also among the lowest.

Affordability of Services and Internet

The report also found that Delhi offers the most budget-friendly broadband internet in the world: a monthly connection costs $7.3 (approximately 703 rupees), which is the lowest price among a sample of 69 cities.

Cost of Living Comparison

In the Deutsche Bank study titled 'Mapping the World's Prices 2026,' which compares cities based on parameters such as prices, wages, and quality of life, it was noted that a 'cheap date' in Delhi costs $103 (about 9,920 rupees). This is significantly lower than $475 (about 45,750 rupees) in Geneva, which ranks first in expense in the index.

The 'cheap date' index accounts for expenses on a bottle of wine, a pair of jeans, a dress, two coffees, a dinner for two, two cinema tickets, two transit tickets, and a 5 km taxi ride.

Real Estate and Salaries

According to the report, property rates in the city center remain low compared to international markets, averaging $2,465 per square meter (about 237,000 rupees), placing Delhi at 65th place in the global ranking. Compared to other major cities, it is noted that property prices in Delhi have decreased by 9.8 percent in dollar terms over the last decade but recovered by 15.7 percent since 2019.

In the 2026 ranking, Delhi ranked 66th out of 69 cities, with a net monthly income of $538 (about 51,800 rupees), equivalent to 10 percent of the level in New York. Historical data shows that the monthly salary in Delhi was $633 in 2012, $653 in 2016, $556 in 2019, $607 in 2025, and $538 in 2026. In contrast, Zurich topped the salary rankings with a net monthly pay of $8,363 (about 805,200 rupees).

Income and Expense Dynamics

The report indicates that salaries in Delhi have dropped by 17.7 percent in dollar terms over the past decade and by 3.3 percent since 2019. It was also observed that some daily expenses in the city have sharply decreased in dollar terms over the last decade: the cost of a gym membership decreased by 38.3 percent, a pair of jeans by 36.9 percent, and a summer dress in a chain store by 26.5 percent.

For coffee lovers, Delhi remains one of the cheapest tracked cities, where a regular cappuccino costs $2.40 (about 231 rupees), placing it among the ten cheapest cities in the index. Rent for a three-bedroom apartment in the city center is about $685 (about 65,970 rupees) per month.

Other Indices and Prices

Delhi ranked 52nd out of 69 cities in the 'Oasis' index, named after the famous British rock band, which measures the cost of five beers and two packs of cigarettes. The cost of this index in the capital was $18.8 (about 1,800 rupees), which is approximately 35 percent cheaper than in New York. Delhi's position in the 'Oasis' index improved by seven places compared to 2025 but worsened by one place compared to 2016. The index cost increased by 36 percent in dollar terms over the last decade and by 13.1 percent since 2019.

Furthermore, gasoline prices in Delhi are almost comparable to those in New York in dollar terms, at $1.05 per liter versus $1.08 in New York. The report also highlighted that the city has some of the lowest global prices for basic utilities, mid-range restaurant food, and consumer clothing, such as branded jeans.

When it comes to the most expensive and luxurious addresses in India, industrialist Mukesh Ambani and his lavish residence 'Antilia' are invariably mentioned. However, it should be noted that not only Ambani but also a number of other influential figures who manage the country's corporate world reside on the elite street 'Alshamaunt Road' in Mumbai.

The Elite Neighborhood of the Wealthy

This area is home to some of the wealthiest people in the country. Among them are N. Chandrashekar from Tata Sons, Gautam Singhania from Raymond, and the prominent financier Motilal Oswal. This stretch is known as the 'Billionaire Belt.'

Residences of Celebrities

Mumbai, especially Altaumont Road, is a haven for very wealthy individuals, including Mukesh Ambani. The panoramas of this street, adorned with luxurious homes and high-rise buildings, reflect the lifestyle of the upper class.

Details of Business Leaders' Residences

N. Chandrashekar, Chairman of Tata Sons, resides in a duplex near Jaslok Hospital. He symbolizes a significant shift in centuries-old Indian business traditions by being the first head of a non-partisan and non-Tata family in this historic business clan.

The investment banker Motilal Oswal acquired two luxury apartments in '33 South' in 2020. Oswal, who started life from humble beginnings, now owns a residence valued at 1.48 lakh rupees per square foot, demonstrating his journey to becoming a landmark fixture on the Mumbai skyline.

Gautam Singhania, Chairman of the Raymond Group, lives in 'JK House', located near 'Billionaires Row' on Altaumont Road. This industrialist exemplifies a perfect blend of dominance in the corporate world and a luxurious lifestyle, highlighting the value of his vast wealth and strategic location.

Furthermore, Prashant Jain, former CEO and MD of JSW Energy, purchased a duplex worth 45 crore rupees near Antilia. This property not only testifies to his opulent life but also shows the strong appeal of neighboring Mukesh Ambani for leading Indian businessmen.

From Ambani's Antilia to the surrounding high-rises, this entire corridor is a major hub of industrial dynasties, where every house tells a new story of big dreams, corporate influence, and the concentration of the nation's wealth in Mumbai.