Studying abroad means thinking about cities that provide the cheapest total fees of education, accommodation, and living expenses for foreign students. For most students, an affordable city is the only means to acquire quality international education without accumulating heavy debt.
According to a recent report in 2026 by Knight Frank, Deloitte India, and QS, "India’s 155 Million Student Mandate," Delhi has been ranked as the most affordable city for international students worldwide.
Delhi becoming the most affordable city for international students indicates a major shift in the trend where students are moving away from expensive western cities to places that provide a better return on investment.
Read about the most affordable city for international students in 2026. Learn about living costs, tuition fees, and other affordable cities to help you plan your study abroad journey.
Which is the Most Affordable City for International Students?
The cheapest city for international students is Delhi, India, which is currently ranked as the most affordable city in the world, taking the first position. This is because it has a combination of low tuition rates at top public universities and very low living costs.
Delhi has beaten 149 other cities in the world in the affordability category, according to the QS Best Student Cities 2026 rankings. This is mainly because of the strong purchasing power of foreign currencies against the Indian Rupee.
As a person from Delhi, education, accomodations and eateries in delhi are affordable along with being accessible, which can suit any international student.
Why is Delhi the Most Affordable City for International Students?
The "student-first" environment in Delhi makes it possible to have a lifestyle that is comfortable even on a limited budget. Below are the reasons on how Delhi became the most affordable city in the world for international students.
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The cost of a monthly pass for the Delhi Metro, which serves the entire city, is under $15 (around ₹1,200).
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The cost of living in Delhi is much lower compared to "Big Four" countries such as the US, UK, Canada, and Australia.
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The cost of attending public universities in Delhi is 1/4 when compared with Western universities and their fees.
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Students have a lot of options for staying. For example, they can easily find shared PGs, university hostels, or budget-friendly private accommodations in the North Campus area, which is a hub for students.
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Delhi is known for its pocket friendly eating hubs and street food where healthy and delicious meals can come for as little as $2 to $4.
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The cost of basic services such as water and electricity is often lower due to subsidies and efficient consumption.
Read about Why Delhi Was Chosen as India’s Capital in 1911?
What is the Cost of Living in Delhi for International Students?
The cost of living for an international student in Delhi ranges $250 to $500 (₹20,000 to ₹40,000) per month. These expenses completely depend on the lifestyle of the student.
| Expense Category | Estimated Monthly Cost (INR) | Estimated Monthly Cost (USD) |
| Accommodation (PG/Shared) | ₹7,000 – ₹15,000 | $85 – $180 |
| Food & Groceries | ₹5,000 – ₹10,000 | $60 – $120 |
| Public Transport | ₹1,000 – ₹2,500 | $12 – $30 |
| Utilities & Internet | ₹1,500 – ₹3,000 | $18 – $36 |
| Misc. / Leisure | ₹3,000 – ₹6,000 | $35 – $72 |
| Total Estimated Cost | ₹17,500 – ₹36,500 | $210 – $438 |
(Source: QS Rankings 2026)
Other Affordable Indian Cities for International Students
Other Indian Affordable cities for international students made it to the list. They provide a competitive cost of living and academic quality. Based on the latest rankings for 2026, the affordability index is led by India, with three cities in the top 15 globally.
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Mumbai: It is the 11th most affordable city in the world and is known for its financial capital and excellent job opportunities.
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Bengaluru: It is known as the "Silicon Valley of India" and is the 15th most affordable city in the world. It is best suited for students interested in technology and engineering.
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Chennai: This city is known for its premier engineering colleges and has the lowest cost of living among all the other metros in the country.
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Pune: It is often referred to as the "Oxford of the East" and has a lively student life with very affordable private accommodations.
Check India’s Capital City: Is it Delhi or New Delhi?
Conclusion
In short, Delhi is the cheapest destination for international students around the world, providing a unique combination of affordability and quality education. With living costs under $500 a month, it is a viable option for international students. With the rising cost of education around the world, opting for budget-friendly destinations such as Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru will provide a great return on investment for your future.
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