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Surat, India
Capital City

Follows India Residency Rules. Check Digital Nomad & Retiree Pathways →
Est. Monthly Cost (1 Person)
$520
Retiree Score
94.0
Safety Index
65.4
Healthcare
953 facilities

Forget the hype - Surat is a sprawling commercial hub with 5.9 million residents, not a relaxing tourist destination. The city is a major center for diamond cutting and textiles, but bureaucratic headaches and a history of devastating floods are the realities for those who call it home. Despite recent clean-up efforts, Surat's persistent challenges with sanitation and public safety make it best suited for determined entrepreneurs rather than the average expat.

Can I afford Surat?

$

Surat

You could save

2,480/mo

Savings Rate83%

Monthly Costs

Rent $200
Living (Country Average Adjusted)$320

Attractiveness Scores

FIRE Score
(i)
83/100
Retiree Score
(i)
94/100
Lifestyle Score
(i)
50/100
💻Nomad Score
(i)
50/100
Meets India Digital Nomad Visa Income Rule.
65
Safety
953
Healthcare
100
Walkability
20
Nomad

Grocery Basket

Milk (1L) $1
Bread (loaf) *$1
Eggs (12) $1
Rice (1kg) *$1
Chicken (1kg) *$3

* Estimated based on regional averages.

Eating Out

Meal (Inexpensive) *$3
Meal (Mid-range) $45
Cappuccino $2
Water (0.33L) *$0

* Estimated based on regional averages.

Utilities & Lifestyle

Utilities (mo) $36
Mobile Plan (mo) $3
Gym (mo) *$19
Cinema Ticket $3

* Estimated based on regional averages.

Housing

1BR Center (mo) $200
1BR Outside (mo) *$95
3BR Center (mo) $450
3BR Outside (mo) *$222

* Estimated based on regional averages.

🧳 Expat Life

English Proficiency
Limited
Expat Community
Small
Top Neighborhoods
Piplod, Vesu, Adajan
Best For
diamond traders, business travelers

Expat Life Notes

Known as the Diamond City. It is one of the cleanest and fastest-growing cities in India, though the expat community is small and business-focused.

Pros

  • ✓ Very clean for India
  • ✓ Strong local economy
  • ✓ Safe and stable

Cons

  • ✗ Strictly vegetarian/dry state (Gujarat)
  • ✗ Limited English spoken
  • ✗ Quiet social scene

🌐 Infrastructure & Lifestyle

Avg Internet
—
Temperature
15°C°C - 37°C°C
Annual Rainfall
1166 mm
Coworking Spaces
—
Best Months to Visit
May, Jun, Jul, Aug

Also Consider

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Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions about Surat

Click any question to expand the answer.

Surat has a population of approximately 5,935,000 people.

A single person can expect to spend around $500 per month in Surat, including rent. A 1-bedroom apartment in the city center costs approximately $200/month.

The nearest airport to Surat is STV, approximately 14km away.

Surat is considered relatively safe, with a safety index of 65.4. As with any city abroad, expats should research specific neighborhoods before committing to a location.

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