Varanasi, India

Editor

Editor

March 12, 2023

The ancient city of Varanasi, India is a popular destination for digital nomads looking for a unique and inspiring place to work and explore. With its rich cultural heritage, vibrant nightlife, and stunning architecture, Varanasi is a great place to experience the best of India. According to the World Bank, India is the world’s second-largest economy and is home to some of the world’s most innovative and creative minds. Varanasi is a great place to tap into this energy and creativity.The city is also known for its low cost of living, making it an attractive destination for digital nomads. According to Numbeo, the cost of living in Varanasi is around 40% lower than in New York City. This means that digital nomads can enjoy a comfortable lifestyle while still having enough money to explore the city and its surroundings.Varanasi is also home to a thriving tech scene, with many startups and tech companies based in the city. This makes it a great place for digital nomads to network and collaborate with other professionals. The city also has a number of co-working spaces, which provide a great environment for digital nomads to work and collaborate.Finally, Varanasi is a great place to explore India’s culture and history. The city is home to some of the most iconic temples and monuments in India, and its streets are filled with vibrant markets and street food. Digital nomads can explore the city’s many attractions and experience the best of India.

Living in Varanasi, India: Overview

Overall score | Worksplorer index

  • 66%

    Quality of life
  • 12%

    Cost of living
  • 80%

    Connectivity
  • 54%

    Weather

44

General

CurrencyINR
Population (in millions)1.5
Quality of life (world rank from 1 to 200)Unranked
Cost of living compared to Chicago, USA40% cheaper
Best neighborhood to stayAssi Ghat, Varanasi
Culture

Number of museums and galleries30
Top selling local beerBira
Most popular local dishChaat
Travel

Most popular tourist attraction(s)Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Ganga Aarti, Assi Ghat
Discount airlineIndiGo
Major airlineAir India
Largest ride sharing companyOla Cabs
Primary train stationsVaranasi Junction, Manduadih Station, Kashi Station
Primary airportsVaranasi Airport, Lal Bahadur Shastri Airport, and Gorakhpur Airport
Best rental car companyZoomcar
Used car costs100000 INR
Connectivity

Apple store addresses Apple Store Varanasi does not exist
Internet connection (in Mbps)10 Mbps
Power socket typeC, D, M
Supply voltage 230V
Best electronics storeCroma
Best internet carrierBSNL
Primary cellular carrierVodafone
Average monthly cost for internet500 INR
Shopping

The best drug storePharmacy
Best restaurant chainBhojohori Manna
The best grocery storeBig Bazaar
The most popular fashion brandFabindia
Regulatory

GDP per capita$1,845 / year
Average annual income$3000
Sales tax rate5%
Income tax rateNot applicable
Tourist visa valid (in days)30
Financial

Average mortgage rateNot available
Suggested ATM take out2000 INR
Bank that has the most ATM machinesState Bank of India
Average tip in restaurant5-10%
Pay using credit or debit cardNot very common
Health

Emergency Phone Numbers100 (police), 101 (fire), 102 (ambulance)
Polution per square meter2,945
Health quality rank (according to WHO) 154
Main religionHinduism
Quality of life

66%

  • 62%

    Safety, freedom, rights
  • 99%

    Traffic
  • 68%

    Property to income
  • 38%

    Crime
  • 73%

    Healthcare
  • 54%

    Weather
Salaries

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)₹45,000
Mortgage Interest Rate in Percentages (%), Yearly, for 20 Years Fixed-Rate8.52%
Childcare

Preschool (or Kindergarten), Full Day, Private, Monthly for 1 Child₹4,025
International Primary School, Yearly for 1 Child₹105,857
Cost of living

12%

  • Purchasing Power

    77%

     

     

  • Rent

    5%

     

     

  • Food

    18%

     

     

  • Restaurant

    18%

     

     

  • Workspace

    88%

     

     

  • Transport

    98%

     

     

Rent

Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre Per Month₹14,666.67
Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre Per Month₹10,135.04
Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre Per Month₹35,500.00
Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre Per Month₹27,333.33
Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour on Weekend), Sports And Leisure₹466.67
Food

Milk (regular), (1 liter)₹53.50
Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g)₹32.50
Eggs (regular) (12)₹84.88
Local Cheese (1kg)₹242.50
Water (1.5 liter bottle)₹24.00
Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range)₹500.00
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle)₹136.67
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)₹253.33
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro)₹330.00
Chicken Fillets (1kg)₹217.50
Apples (1kg)₹95.00
Oranges (1kg)₹63.75
Potato (1kg)₹22.30
Lettuce (1 head)₹32.08
Rice (white), (1kg)₹50.83
Tomato (1kg)₹34.00
Banana (1kg)₹46.00
Onion (1kg)₹27.00
Beef Round (1kg) (or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat)₹200.00
Restaurants

Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant₹250.00
Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course₹655.00
McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal)₹250.00
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter draught)₹150.00
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)₹275.00
Coke/Pepsi (0.33 liter bottle)₹28.33
Water (0.33 liter bottle) ₹14.55
Cappuccino (regular)₹115.00
Connectivity

94%

Infrastructure

89/100

Internet speed

92/100

Internet cost

95/100

Pre-paid plan

98/100

Utilities (Monthly)

Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 85m2 Apartment₹1,500.00
1 min. of Prepaid Mobile Tariff Local (No Discounts or Plans)₹0.55
Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL)₹275.00
Sports

Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult₹1,000.00
Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour on Weekend)₹466.67
Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat₹220.00
Transportation

One-way Ticket (Local Transport)₹20.00
Monthly Pass (Regular Price)₹275.00
Gasoline (1 liter)₹101.78
Volkswagen Golf 1.4 90 KW Trendline (Or Equivalent New Car)₹1,200,000.00
Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6l 97kW Comfort (Or Equivalent New Car)₹1,800,000.00
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)₹32.50
Taxi 1km (Normal Tariff)₹11.00
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)₹100.00