Quick Answer
Delhi works well October through March — good coworking, excellent food, rich culture, lower prices than Mumbai. Avoid April through September: heat up to 47°C and severe air quality issues November–January.
Cost of Living in Delhi
| Category | Budget | Mid-Range |
|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | $250–400/month | $400–700/month |
| Food | $100–150/month | $200–350/month |
| Transport | $40–60/month | $60–100/month |
| Coworking | $84–120/month | $120–180/month |
| Total | $500–750 | $800–1,350 |
Best Areas
South Delhi (Hauz Khas, Defence Colony): Best overall. Excellent cafes, good restaurants, metro access.
Gurugram: Corporate hub, densest coworking, modern infrastructure.
Air Quality
AQI exceeds 300–400 in November–January. Carry N95 masks, buy a portable air purifier (₹3,000–8,000 on Amazon India), monitor via IQAir app.
Bottom Line
Delhi October–March is a genuinely excellent base. Plan around air quality, stay in South Delhi or Gurugram, use the metro.
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*Last updated: April 2026*