According to the Deutsche Bank report titled ‘Mapping the World’s Prices 2026’, Delhi has been identified as the most affordable major city globally for enjoying a romantic evening. The average cost for a ‘cheap date’ in Delhi is estimated at USD 103, which converts to approximately Rs 9,920. In stark contrast, the most expensive city in the index, Geneva, requires nearly five times that amount for the same experience, at USD 475.

The determination of a ‘cheap date’ is based on an assortment of common expenditures, including the price of a bottle of wine, a couple of cinema tickets, and a meal for two among other essential items. On top of that, Delhi ranks highly in terms of affordability for coffee, with a regular cappuccino priced at USD 2.40, or roughly Rs 231, making it one of the ten cheapest cities for coffee drinkers.

This affordability applies to various aspects of life in Delhi, including entertainment and dining options, reinforcing its position as a cost-effective choice for couples. However, while the costs are low, the corresponding salaries in the city lag significantly behind those in many other cities worldwide.

Property Prices and Salaries in Delhi

The report also highlighted that property prices in Delhi remain relatively low compared to other global cities. The average cost of city-centre property is about USD 2,465 per square metre, translating to approximately Rs 2,37,000, which ranks 65th globally. These prices have seen a decline of 9.8 per cent in dollar terms over the past decade but showed a recovery of 15.7 per cent since 2019.

Rental prices reflect a similar trend, with a three-bedroom apartment in the city centre renting at around USD 685, or Rs 65,970, per month. Although the property market appears more accessible, the report underscored a concerning trend in salaries, as Delhi ranks 66th out of 69 cities in terms of net monthly earnings at USD 538, or Rs 51,800.

These figures indicate that salaries in Delhi, which have seen a significant drop of 17.7 per cent in dollar terms over the past decade, present challenges for residents, as last recorded figures from previous years show a consistent decline in average monthly earnings.

Overall Cost of Living and Other Indices

The report noted various everyday expenses in Delhi have experienced considerable reductions over the past decade. For instance, the cost of a monthly gym membership has decreased by 38.3 per cent, while the price of jeans and summer dresses has dipped by 36.9 per cent and 26.5 per cent respectively.

Other utilities also remain affordable, with petrol priced at USD 1.05 per litre, closely mirroring New York’s price of USD 1.08. The gathered data indicated that while living expenses can be low in Delhi, the city continues to grapple with low salary levels, positioning itself unfavourably in comparison to its global counterparts.

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