🌍 Overview
As a digital nomad, I’ve had the privilege of calling Delhi home for several months, and I can confidently say that it’s a city that will leave you with a mix of emotions. Delhi is a bustling metropolis that seamlessly blends tradition with modernity, making it an attractive destination for remote workers. The city’s rich history, vibrant culture, and delectable food scene make it an ideal location for digital nomads looking to experience the real India. With a Nomad Score of 53/100, Delhi may not be the most conventional digital nomad destination, but its unique charm and affordability make it an excellent choice for those looking to immerse themselves in a new culture.
Delhi’s cost of living is relatively low, with a monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment averaging ₹12,000 (approximately $155 USD). The internet speed in Delhi is decent, with an average speed of 49 Mbps, making it suitable for remote work. However, the city’s safety index is a concern, with a rating of 4097/100, which is relatively low. As a digital nomad, it’s essential to take necessary precautions to ensure your safety, especially at night.
🏘️ Best Neighborhoods for Digital Nomads
When it comes to choosing a neighborhood in Delhi, digital nomads have several options to consider. Here are three areas that I highly recommend:
- Hauz Khas: This trendy neighborhood is a hub for artists, musicians, and writers. It’s home to some of the city’s best cafes, restaurants, and bars, making it an excellent spot for remote workers who want to be surrounded by creativity. Rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Hauz Khas can range from ₹15,000 to ₹25,000 (approximately $195 to $325 USD) per month.
- Connaught Place: Located in the heart of the city, Connaught Place is a bustling commercial hub that’s perfect for digital nomads who want to be close to the action. The area is surrounded by restaurants, cafes, and shops, and it’s also home to several coworking spaces. Rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Connaught Place can range from ₹20,000 to ₹35,000 (approximately $260 to $455 USD) per month.
- Safdarjung: This charming neighborhood is a bit more laid-back than Hauz Khas and Connaught Place, but it still offers a great quality of life for digital nomads. Safdarjung is home to several parks and green spaces, making it an excellent spot for those who want to escape the chaos of the city. Rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Safdarjung can range from ₹10,000 to ₹20,000 (approximately $130 to $260 USD) per month.
Cost of Living Breakdown
The cost of living in Delhi is relatively low compared to other major cities in India. Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect to pay for various expenses:
- Rent: ₹12,000 to ₹25,000 (approximately $155 to $325 USD) per month for a one-bedroom apartment
- Food: ₹50 to ₹200 (approximately $0.65 to $2.60 USD) per meal for street food, and ₹500 to ₹1,000 (approximately $6.50 to $13 USD) per meal for mid-range restaurants
- Transport: ₹20 to ₹50 (approximately $0.26 to $0.65 USD) per ride for public transport, and ₹1,500 to ₹3,000 (approximately $19 to $39 USD) per month for a scooter rental
- Coworking: ₹5,000 to ₹10,000 (approximately $65 to $130 USD) per month for a desk at a coworking space
Overall, the cost of living in Delhi is relatively low, making it an attractive destination for digital nomads who want to stretch their budget.
Internet & Coworking
Delhi has a decent internet infrastructure, with an average speed of 49 Mbps. However, the speed can vary depending on the location and provider. Some popular coworking spaces in Delhi include:
- WeWork: Located in Connaught Place, WeWork offers a range of membership plans starting from ₹5,000 (approximately $65 USD) per month.
- Regus: Located in several locations across the city, Regus offers a range of membership plans starting from ₹10,000 (approximately $130 USD) per month.
- The Office Pass: Located in Hauz Khas, The Office Pass offers a range of membership plans starting from ₹3,000 (approximately $39 USD) per month.
Some popular cafes with good internet include:
- The Coffee Shop: Located in Connaught Place, The Coffee Shop offers free Wi-Fi and a range of coffee and food options.
- Café Turtle: Located in Hauz Khas, Café Turtle offers free Wi-Fi and a range of coffee and food options.
- The Big Chill: Located in Khan Market, The Big Chill offers free Wi-Fi and a range of coffee and food options.
Delhi has a growing digital nomad community, with several meetups and events organized regularly. Some popular groups include:
- Delhi Digital Nomads: A Facebook group with over 1,000 members, this group is a great resource for connecting with other digital nomads and finding out about upcoming events.
- Remote Workers India: A Facebook group with over 5,000 members, this group is a great resource for connecting with other remote workers and finding out about upcoming events.
- Nomad List Delhi: A meetup group with over 500 members, this group organizes regular meetups and events for digital nomads.
Culture & Lifestyle
Delhi is a city that’s steeped in tradition and culture. As a digital nomad, you’ll have the opportunity to experience the city’s vibrant food scene, which includes a range of delicious street food options and high-end restaurants. Some popular local dishes include:
- Butter Chicken: A rich and creamy dish made with marinated chicken cooked in a tomato-based sauce.
- Chole Bhature: A popular street food dish made with spicy chickpeas and fried bread.
- Tandoori Chicken: A classic Indian dish made with marinated chicken cooked in a tandoor oven.
Delhi is also home to a range of cultural attractions, including:
- The Red Fort: A historic fort complex that’s a must-visit for anyone interested in Indian history.
- The Qutub Minar: A UNESCO World Heritage Site that’s one of the tallest minarets in the world.
- The National Museum: A museum that showcases a range of Indian art and artifacts.
India offers a range of visa options for digital nomads, including:
- Tourist Visa: A visa that’s valid for up to 60 days and can be extended for an additional 60 days.
- E-Visa: An electronic visa that’s valid for up to 60 days and can be applied for online.
- Digital Nomad Visa: Unfortunately, India does not currently offer a specific digital nomad visa. However, the government is considering introducing a new visa category for remote workers.
💡 Practical Tips
As a digital nomad in Delhi, here are some practical tips to keep in mind:
- SIM Cards: You can purchase a SIM card from a range of providers, including Airtel and Vodafone. The cost of a SIM card can range from ₹100 to ₹500 (approximately $1.30 to $6.50 USD).
- Transport: Delhi has a range of transportation options, including public transport, taxis, and ride-hailing services. The cost of a public transport ticket can range from ₹20 to ₹50 (approximately $0.26 to $0.65 USD) per ride.
- Safety: As with any major city, it’s essential to take necessary precautions to ensure your safety. Avoid traveling alone at night, and be mindful of your belongings in crowded areas.
- Weather: Delhi has a hot and humid climate, with temperatures ranging from 20°C to 45°C (68°F to 113°F) throughout the year. The best time to visit Delhi is during the winter months, from October to February, when the weather is cooler and more pleasant.
