Cost of Living Abroad in INR — What Indian Students Actually Spend

Most cost guides show idealistic minimum budgets. Here are realistic figures — what Indian students who have done these internships actually spent, month by month.

How to Read These Budgets

Each budget shows three tiers:

• Minimal: Shared room, cooking at home, limited socialising. Possible but not comfortable long-term.
• Comfortable: Private room or nice shared flat, eating out 3–4 times per week, some travel and social activities.
• Relaxed: Good accommodation, eating out regularly, weekend travel. How most students with stipends actually live.

Bali, Indonesia

Breakdown (comfortable): Accommodation Rs. 18,000–28,000 | Food Rs. 12,000–18,000 | Transport Rs. 3,000–5,000 | Social/activities Rs. 6,000–10,000. Balis Indonesian Warung restaurants are excellent and extremely affordable. Indian food is available in Seminyak and some Canggu areas.

Bangkok, Thailand

Bangkok has excellent public transport (BTS Skytrain, MRT) which keeps transport costs very low — Rs. 2,000–4,000/month for daily commuting. Street food is world-class and affordable. Indian restaurants available in Sukhumvit area. Climate is hot year-round — factor in higher electricity bills (air conditioning).

Lisbon, Portugal

Lisbon is the best value European capital for Indian students. Accommodation Rs. 35,000–55,000/month in a shared flat. Portuguese food is generally non-vegetarian but Indian restaurants available in Martim Moniz area. Good metro system, bikeable. Prices have risen since 2022 due to popularity but remain well below Paris or London.

Barcelona, Spain

Barcelonas main cost drivers are accommodation and eating out. Good metro system. Indian grocery stores in the Raval area. Mediterranean diet suits Indian palates well — lots of vegetable options at restaurants. Summers are hot; winters mild. Great city for socialising and the work-life balance is excellent.

Dubai, UAE

Dubai has no income tax, and Indian food is outstanding and widely available (Little India in Bur Dubai and Meena Bazaar). Accommodation is the biggest cost — shared rooms in Deira or Bur Dubai are Rs. 25,000–40,000/month. Transport is primarily by metro and taxi (no car ownership needed). Company housing is common — if your employer provides accommodation, your total budget drops dramatically.

Singapore

Singapore is expensive but stipends are higher than most Asian cities — SGD 1,500–3,000/month (Rs. 90,000–1,80,000) is typical for tech and finance interns. Hawker centres (outdoor food courts) are excellent value and have Indian, Chinese, Malay options. Little India (Tekka) is a home away from home.

Berlin, Germany

Berlin is relatively affordable for a Western European capital. Strong Indian community and grocery options (Spandauer Vorstadt area, international supermarkets). Excellent public transport. DAAD funding can cover most living costs for funded students — making Germany one of the best-value options in Europe for the career value delivered.

London, UK

London is the most expensive option, but the Indian food scene is exceptional (Southall, Wembley, Brick Lane) and the career impact is the highest. Finance and consulting internships often come with stipends of £1,500–3,000/month (Rs. 1.6–3.2 lakhs) which can partially offset costs.