Utility costs (electricity, water, cooking gas, waste) for a standard apartment are modest by international standards but vary by state and usage (air conditioning drives electricity bills up significantly in hot climates/seasons). Combined with mobile/internet, monthly utility spend for a typical expat household commonly falls within the $100-200 combined figure cited for phone, internet, and basic living costs — though heavy air-conditioning users in hotter cities/months should budget meaningfully higher for electricity specifically.
Utility costs vary by state (tariffs are state-regulated) and by season — air conditioning during hot months significantly increases electricity bills.
Combined utilities (electricity, water, gas) are generally affordable relative to housing costs, but AC-heavy usage in cities like Delhi or Mumbai during summer can be a substantial line item.
Mobile and internet are typically bundled into the broader $100-200/month combined cost-of-living estimate alongside food and local transport.
Required Documents
Proof of tenancy/address for utility account setup
Common Mistakes
Underbudgeting for electricity in hot-climate cities where air conditioning use during summer months can spike bills well above cooler-season averages.