The cost of living is very affordable with a CPI of 17.5 compared to NYC. Groceries (20.5) and restaurant prices (14.4) are particularly low.

Property prices are moderate, averaging 10.8 years of household income. The rent index is very low at 3.7, indicating affordable rental options.

Purchasing power is moderate with an index of 80.2, suggesting a reasonable buying power relative to local costs.

India has a progressive income tax system with a new default regime (FY 2024-25) ranging from 0% (up to ₹3 lakh) to 30% (above ₹15 lakh), plus a 4% health and education cess. GST rates were simplified in September 2025 to 0%, 5%, 18%, and 40%. Property taxes vary significantly by state and municipality. [2, 8, 22, 32, 37, 39, 42]

India significantly improved its ease of doing business, reaching 63rd globally in 2020. It ranks third worldwide for its startup ecosystem, with major hubs in Bengaluru, Delhi, and Mumbai. Government initiatives continue to streamline regulations and foster entrepreneurship. [21, 29, 30, 33, 40, 43]

India offers a social security system primarily for the organized sector, including the Employees' Provident Fund for pensions and the Employees' State Insurance for healthcare and unemployment benefits. Initiatives are expanding coverage to unorganized workers. [23, 36, 38, 44]

Deposits in India are protected up to ₹500,000 (approximately USD 5,271) per depositor per bank by the Deposit Insurance and Credit Guarantee Corporation (DICGC). The banking sector is stable with strong regulatory oversight from the RBI and a robust AML/CFT framework. [11, 18, 19, 25, 26, 34, 35, 47]