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City Guide 2026

India

Living in Surat

Everything you need to know about cost of living, visas, taxes, climate, and lifestyle in Surat, India.

Cost of Living18/100
Safety62/100
Climate28°C avg
Internet150 Mbps

Monthly Cost (Solo)

$755

Rent + groceries + bills

Safety Score

62/100

Moderate

Avg Temperature

28°C

82°F average

Tourist Visa

30 days

No DN visa

Internet Speed

150 Mbps

Fast


Cost of Living in Surat

Rent Prices (USD/month)

ApartmentCity CenterOutside Center
1 Bedroom$275$179
3 Bedroom$650$423

Source: Numbeo, crowd-sourced data.

Groceries

$160/month

Healthcare

$150/month

Utilities

$120/month

Transport

$50/month


Climate in Surat

Monthly Average Temperature (°C)

Jan

22.5°

Feb

24.2°

Mar

27.8°

Apr

30.5°

May

32.8°

Jun

31.5°

Jul

28.5°

Aug

27.8°

Sep

28.2°

Oct

28.5°

Nov

25.8°

Dec

23.2°

Air Quality (AQI)

135

Poor

Avg Rain Days/mo

4

days per month

Beach Distance

0 km

to nearest coast

Mountains

140 km

to nearest range


Lifestyle in Surat

Walkability

60/100

Internet Speed

150 Mbps

Cultural Score

65/100

Nightlife

35/100

Outdoor Activities

30/100

English Proficiency

55/100

Expat Community

small

Transit Quality

good

Coworking Spaces

3+

LGBTQ+ Friendly

moderate


Visa & Immigration in India

Visa TypeStatusDurationRequirement
Tourist VisaAvailable30 daysStandard passport
Digital Nomad VisaN/ANot available
Investment VisaN/ANot available

Residency Pathway

Typically requires 5-10 years of continuous legal residence.


Tax Overview in India

Tax System

Worldwide (taxes global income)

Tax residency threshold: 182 days/year · Treaty network: excellent

Tax TypeRate
Capital Gains (Long-term)10%
Capital Gains (Short-term)15%
Dividend Tax10%
Interest Income10%
Wealth TaxNone
Crypto Gains1%
Exit TaxNo
Estate TaxNo

Special Regime: Concessional Tax Regime for Foreign Nationals

Tax rates are estimates. Consult a qualified tax advisor for your specific situation.


Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to live in Surat?

A comfortable solo lifestyle in Surat costs approximately $755-1,208/month for a single person or couple, covering housing in the city center, groceries, healthcare, utilities, and transport. Rent for a 1-bedroom in the center averages $275/month.

Is Surat safe for expats?

Surat has a safety index of 62/100 (higher is safer). Surat has moderate safety levels. Standard precautions are recommended, especially at night in less-trafficked areas. Healthcare quality is rated 74/100.

What is the weather like in Surat?

Surat has an average annual temperature of 28°C (82°F). The warmest months reach 32.8°C and the coolest drop to 22.5°C. Air quality is moderate with an average AQI of 135.

What is the internet speed in Surat?

Average internet speed in Surat is 150 Mbps, which is excellent for remote work and video calls. There are 3+ coworking spaces available.

What taxes will I pay living in India?

India uses a worldwide tax system. Capital gains are taxed at 10% (long-term) and dividends at 10%. There is no wealth tax. Tax residency kicks in after 182 days/year. A special regime (Concessional Tax Regime for Foreign Nationals) may offer reduced rates.

Can I get a visa to live in Surat long-term?

India does not currently offer a dedicated digital nomad visa. Tourist stays are allowed for 30 days. The typical residency pathway is: Typically requires 5-10 years of continuous legal residence..

Is Surat good for digital nomads?

Surat has fast internet at 150 Mbps, a small expat community, and 3+ coworking spaces. English proficiency is moderate at 55/100. The cost of living index is 18/100 (NYC = 100), making it very affordable for remote workers.


Compare Surat with other cities

See what your money actually buys across housing, food, healthcare, and more with our lifestyle purchasing power tool.