Surat is dramatically more affordable than most cities international visitors compare it to — great news for travelers and even better for interns on a stipend.
Category
Monthly (USD)
Notes
Shared room / hostel
$70 – $110
Shared with roommates, basic amenities
Food (mostly local/street food)
$60 – $90
Thalis, street food, occasional cooking
Local transport
$15 – $25
Auto-rickshaws, city buses, ride-apps
Mobile & internet
$6 – $10
Prepaid SIM with data
Utilities (shared)
$10 – $15
Electricity, water, wifi split with roommates
Misc & entertainment
$15 – $25
Basic outings, essentials
Estimated total
$180 – $270
Lean but comfortable
Category
Monthly (USD)
Notes
Private studio / 1BHK
$150 – $250
Furnished, decent locality
Food (mix of eating out & cooking)
$100 – $150
Regular restaurant meals, some cafes
Local transport
$25 – $40
Frequent ride-app / own two-wheeler rental
Mobile & internet
$8 – $12
Higher data plan
Utilities
$15 – $25
Private connection, AC use in summer
Misc & entertainment
$30 – $60
Weekend outings, shopping, mall visits
Estimated total
$330 – $535
Comfortable, well-rounded lifestyle
Category
Monthly (USD)
Notes
Premium apartment
$300 – $500
High-end locality, modern amenities
Food (frequent dining out)
$180 – $280
Restaurants, cafes, occasional fine dining
Transport (own vehicle/cab)
$50 – $80
Private cab or owned vehicle with fuel
Mobile & internet
$10 – $15
Unlimited high-speed plan
Utilities
$25 – $40
Full AC usage, premium wifi
Misc & entertainment
$70 – $120
Malls, movies, weekend trips
Estimated total
$635 – $1,035
High comfort, minimal compromise
Good to know: Figures are 2026 estimates for a single person and will vary with exchange rates, season and lifestyle choices — treat them as a planning guide, not a guarantee. Currency shown is US Dollars (USD) for easy comparison; local payments are made in Indian Rupees (INR).
Moj E Moj
For Interns
An internship-friendly city
Even a modest stipend goes a long way in Surat — many interns comfortably cover rent, food and local travel on $250–350/month.
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