According to Deutsche Bank's 'Mapping the World's Prices 2026' report, Delhi emerged as the world's cheapest major city for property purchases, with city centre property rates costing an average of $2,465 per square metre (around ₹2,37,000) and ranking 65th globally. The report noted that property prices in Delhi have declined 9.8% in dollar terms over the last decade but recovered 15.7% since 2019. A three-bedroom apartment in the city centre rented for approximately $685 (around ₹65,970) per month, as reported by Business Standard.
The report revealed that a 'cheap date' in Delhi cost $103 (around ₹9,920), significantly lower than $475 (around ₹45,750) in Geneva, the most expensive city on the index. Delhi also offered the most inexpensive broadband internet globally, with a monthly connection costing $7.3 (around ₹703), the lowest in the 69-city sample. For coffee enthusiasts, Delhi remains among the cheapest cities with a regular cappuccino costing $2.40 (around ₹231), placing it among the 10 cheapest cities in the index. The city also recorded some of the world's cheapest prices for basic utilities, mid-range restaurant dining and consumer clothing.
Despite its low cost of living, Delhi ranked 66th out of 69 cities with a net monthly salary of $538 (around ₹51,800), equivalent to 10% of New York's level. The report showed that Delhi's salaries have fallen 17.7% in dollar terms over the past decade and 3.3% since 2019. In comparison, Zurich topped the salary rankings with a monthly net pay of $8,363 (around ₹8,05,200). Historical salary figures show $633 in 2012, $653 in 2016, $556 in 2019, $607 in 2025 and $538 in 2026.
The report found that Delhi did not feature among the top 50 cities in the quality-of-life rankings, which consider purchasing power, safety, healthcare, cost of living, housing affordability, commute times, pollution and climate. Delhi ranked 52nd among the 69 cities on its 'Oasis' index, measuring the cost of five beers and two packs of cigarettes, at $18.8 (around ₹1,800), about 35% of the price in New York. The city's position on the Oasis index improved seven places from 2025 but slipped one place from 2016. Several everyday expenses have fallen sharply in dollar terms over the past decade, with monthly gym membership declining 38.3%, a pair of jeans 36.9% and a summer dress 26.5%.