Metro cities like Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, Chennai, and Kolkata are known for their fast pace — and steep prices. But what if you had to live on just ₹300 a day?
We took up the challenge and broke it down. Here’s what living frugally in an Indian metro truly looks like in 2025.
Total Daily Budget: ₹300
That’s ₹9,000 a month. Let’s see how it plays out.
1. Food – ₹100/day
Breakfast (₹20): Poha or idli from a street vendor
Lunch (₹40): Local mess or thali joint
Dinner (₹40): Simple meal or home-cooked khichdi
Tip: Stick to local eateries and bulk cooking on Sundays.
2. Rent – ₹100/day (₹3,000/month)
Shared PG or room in suburban areas or slums
No AC, shared washroom, basic mattress
Reality Check: You’ll need to compromise on location and comfort.
3. Travel – ₹40/day
Use metro passes, local buses, or walk for short distances
Avoid autos and cabs unless it’s absolutely necessary
4. Phone & Internet – ₹10/day (₹300/month)
Basic prepaid mobile plan
Rely on free Wi-Fi in public spaces or libraries
5. Electricity, Toiletries & Essentials – ₹30/day
Bucket baths, minimal electricity usage
Basic soap, toothpaste, detergent packs
What You Have to Give Up
Swiggy/Zomato orders
OTT subscriptions
Cafe visits
Gym memberships
Weekend getaways
Mental & Physical Toll
Living on ₹300 a day is doable, but not sustainable long-term. It forces you into survival mode, especially in metros where social pressures and work culture demand more.
🧾 “It’s a reality for lakhs of daily wage workers, students, and migrants. This budget teaches us the value of every rupee.”
Sample Budget Chart:
| Expense | Daily | Monthly |
|---|---|---|
| Food | ₹100 | ₹3,000 |
| Rent | ₹100 | ₹3,000 |
| Travel | ₹40 | ₹1,200 |
| Phone/Internet | ₹10 | ₹300 |
| Essentials | ₹30 | ₹900 |
| Total | ₹280 | ₹8,400 |
You’re left with ₹600 for emergencies.
Takeaway:
Living on ₹300/day in a metro is a test of creativity, discipline, and minimalism. While challenging, it gives insight into how millions navigate urban poverty — and how much we often overspend.
❓FAQs
Q1. Can students survive on ₹300/day in cities like Delhi or Chennai?
Yes, but only with hostel or PG support and subsidized meals. Lifestyle sacrifices are necessary.
Q2. Is it possible to save anything on this budget?
Hardly. Emergency savings may only be possible if you skip a few meals or share more resources.
Q3. What’s the hardest part of this challenge?
Rent and food cost the most. Managing mental health and social isolation are also difficult.
Published on : 2nd August
Published by : SMITA
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