Cost of Living

Hi Terry,

welcome to Expat.com!

I hope other members will be able to help you.

Best of luck,
Christine

Hi Terri,

Life in Chennai would surely be a lot different from what you saw in Mumbai with Mumbai being the financial capital of India with a fast paced life. The city never sleeps as they say.
On the contrary, Chennai has a rich cultural heritage and boasts of a peaceful life. The night life here is no where compared to nightlife in Mumbai.

As regards your queries, please find my answers inline.

1) How much would a Car and Driver cost each month?
   A good new car would cost around $20k. Drivers Salary would be around Rs.12000 pm ( $250)
2) Home Help, such as maid, cook, Nannies etc, what are the expected salaries I could pay
   A Full time maid would come for around Rs.10k per month ( US $200)
3) Accomodation - For Say 3 bed apartment / Villa in an expat area
   Cost of accommodation in Chennai is far lesser than Mumbai.
A 3 BR apartment in a good apartment complex in a Good area should cost around Rs.35-40k(US $800) per month. People Generally ask for a refundable deposit equivalent to 10 months rent which is generally negotiable and can be settled anywhere between 3-6 months rent.

4) Local Lesuire Clubs - How much do these cost
   The membership fees could range anywhere between Rs. 200K to Rs.500K for the top 2/3 clubs.( US$ 4000 to US $ 10000)
The Bars in selected 5 star hotels offer a good ambiance to socialize and connect.
5) Furniture and Household goods - are the comparabkle between Mumbai and Chennai?
The furniture cost would be a lower than the cost in Mumbai while the branded household goods may cost just the same. The stores here run various offers and discounts that could save some cost for you.

Hope that helps.

Please feel free to connect when you are in town.

Thanks,
Sagar

Thanks Sagar very helpful, property price a very very different

Thanks again