Cost & Money in New Delhi: A Practical Budget Guide for Travelers

New Delhi can be surprisingly affordable if you travel smart, yet it also offers high‑end experiences comparable to global capitals. From ₹50 street meals to ₹15,000 luxury hotel rooms, the city adapts to your budget rather than forcing you into one travel style.

This guide explains daily expenses, accommodation, food, transport, payments, and money tips, keeping everything city‑specific.

💱 Currency Used in New Delhi

The official currency used in New Delhi is the Indian Rupee (INR ₹).

Quick Currency Reference

• ₹1 = 100 paise

• ₹100 ≈ $1.20 USD

• $1 USD ≈ ₹83 INR (approx.)

Common Notes & Coins

• Notes: ₹10, ₹20, ₹50, ₹100, ₹200, ₹500

• Coins: ₹1, ₹2, ₹5, ₹10

💡 ₹500 notes are most widely accepted for daily transactions.

💰 Average Daily Budget in New Delhi

🎒 Budget Travelers

• ₹1,500 – ₹2,500 per day

• ($18 – $30 USD)

Includes:

• Budget hotels or hostels

• Street food & local eateries

• Metro / bus travel

• Free or low‑cost attractions

Best for: backpackers, solo travelers, students

🧳 Mid‑Range Travelers

• ₹3,000 – ₹6,000 per day

• ($35 – $75 USD)

Includes:

• 3‑star hotels or good guesthouses

• Restaurants & cafés

• Taxis / app‑based transport

• Paid monuments & museums

Best for: couples, families, content creators

👑 Luxury Travelers

• ₹10,000 – ₹25,000+ per day

• ($120 – $300+ USD)

Includes:

• 4‑ & 5‑star hotels

• Fine dining

• Private cars & guides

• Curated experiences

Best for: business travelers, premium tourists

🏨 Accommodation Costs in New Delhi

🛏️ Budget Stays

• ₹700 – ₹1,500 per night

• Hostels, budget hotels, homestays

🏨 Mid‑Range Hotels

• ₹2,500 – ₹5,000 per night

• Comfortable, well‑located properties

🏩 Luxury Hotels

• ₹8,000 – ₹20,000+ per night

• Global hotel brands & heritage stays

💬 Staying near metro lines reduces transport cost significantly.

🍛 Food Costs in New Delhi

New Delhi is one of India’s best food cities, offering safe and affordable options.

🌮 Street Food

• ₹50 – ₹150 per meal

🍽️ Local Restaurants

• ₹200 – ₹500 per meal

🥂 Fine Dining

• ₹1,500 – ₹4,000 per meal

💡 Eating where locals eat saves money and enhances experience.

🚆 Local Transportation Costs

🚇 Metro

• ₹10 – ₹60 per ride

• Fastest & cheapest option

🚕 Auto‑Rickshaw

• ₹50 – ₹150 (short rides)

🚖 App‑Based Cabs

• ₹12 – ₹25 per km

🚗 Private Car (Day Hire)

• ₹2,000 – ₹3,500 per day

💳 Cash vs Digital Payments

💵 Cash

• Useful for small shops & street vendors

📱 Digital Payments

• UPI, QR codes, cards widely accepted

• Metro, malls, taxis, hotels are cashless‑friendly

New Delhi is one of India’s most digital‑payment‑friendly cities.

🏧 ATMs & Currency Exchange

• ATMs widely available

• International cards accepted

• Best exchange options:

  • Banks

  • Authorized money changers

• Avoid airport exchange unless necessary

💡 Money‑Saving Tips for New Delhi

• Use metro instead of taxis

• Visit monuments on weekdays

• Eat local food

• Avoid peak hours for cabs

• Book hotels near metro stations

✨ Final Thoughts

New Delhi offers exceptional value for money. With smart planning, travelers can enjoy world‑class history, food, culture, and comfort without overspending. The city proves that a capital doesn’t have to be expensive to be memorable.