RemoteScore

Cost of Living in Goa

India · All prices in USD

#91 cheapest of 366 cities · Updated March 2026

Expense Goa vs Global Avg
Rent (1BR, city centre) $460 -13%
Rent (1BR, outside centre) $262 -26%
Meal (inexpensive restaurant) $2 -88%
Meal (mid-range, 2 people) $7 -85%
Coffee (cappuccino) $2 -48%
Monthly transport pass $23 -67%
Utilities (monthly) $35 -77%
Internet (monthly) $20 -50%

Budget Monthly Cost

$375

Outside centre, cheap meals, public transport

Comfortable Monthly Cost

$673

City centre, mid-range dining, coworking

Living Costs Explained

Goa ranks #91 out of 366 cities for affordability. At $673/month for a comfortable lifestyle, it's 43% cheaper than the global average of $1,180. This makes Goa an attractive base for nomads looking to stretch their income further.

Accommodation Costs

Rent is typically 40-50% of a nomad's monthly budget in Goa. A 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre averages $460/month. Moving outside the centre saves approximately $198/month, bringing rent to $262. Short-term furnished rentals are widely available and often include utilities and WiFi.

Food and Dining

Eating out in Goa is extremely affordable — cheaper than cooking at home in many cases. A cheap restaurant meal costs $2, while a mid-range dinner for two runs about $7. Coffee culture is reasonably priced at $2 per cappuccino.

Transport and Utilities

Monthly public transport in Goa costs $23. The city scores 40/100 for walkability, so a transport pass is useful for daily commutes. Utilities (electricity, water, heating/cooling) average $35/month, and internet runs $20/month for a home connection.

Budget Breakdown by Lifestyle

Budget lifestyle ($375/mo): Rent outside centre, cook at home, cheap restaurants, public transport, work from cafes. Suitable for nomads focused on saving.

Comfortable lifestyle ($673/mo): City centre apartment, mix of home cooking and dining out, coworking membership ($110/mo), occasional activities and socialising. The sweet spot for most remote workers.

Cheaper Alternatives in South Asia

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Goa for digital nomads?
A comfortable monthly budget in Goa is approximately $673, including city centre rent ($460), mid-range dining, transport ($23), and utilities ($35). This is 43% below the global average.
How much is rent in Goa?
A 1-bedroom apartment in Goa city centre costs around $460/month. Outside the centre, expect to pay $262/month — a saving of $198.
How much does food cost in Goa?
A cheap restaurant meal costs $2, a mid-range dinner for two around $7, and a cappuccino $2. Cooking at home can significantly reduce food costs.
Is Goa cheap or expensive for digital nomads?
Goa ranks #91 out of 366 cities by affordability. At $673/month, it's below the global average of $1,180, making it a very affordable destination.
What's the cheapest way to live in Goa?
Budget nomads can live in Goa for $375/month by renting outside the centre ($262), eating at cheap restaurants ($2/meal), using public transport ($23/month), and working from cafes instead of coworking spaces.

Cost estimates based on Numbeo and Expatistan median data for Goa, India. Prices in USD, updated March 2026. Actual costs vary by neighbourhood, lifestyle, and exchange rates. Back to Goa overview.