Chennai: A rough guide

Chennai (formerly known as Madras) is on the south-east coast of India and home to around 6.4 million people. It is a major industrial, commercial and cultural centre, and the heart of south India’s film industry. Although it is India’s fourth largest city with a cosmopolitan mix of Hinds, Muslims, Christians and Buddhists, it remains more conservative than New Delhi, Bombay or Calcutta. This destination accounts for around 4 per cent of expatriate assignments and the cost of living is generally less expensive than the other major centres.

Chennai’s climate is tropical; hot and humid, although the sea breeze can make it more bearable. Temperatures are highest in May (40-45°c) and lowest in December and January (25-30°c). October to December sees the most rain and mosquitoes can be a problem.

Cost of living:

Although prices will vary, especially for imported goods, for premium, Indian goods, expect to pay around:

Baked beans, one can: $0.86

Bread, white sliced loaf: $0.32

Cheese, one kilo cheddar: $6.42

Chicken, one medium roasting: $1.60

Eggs, one dozen: $ 0.38

Milk, one litre: $0.28

Rice, one kilo: $0.53

Six-pack of Heineken beer: $9.62

Big Mac: $3.21

Leisure:

Expatriate club membership, annual: $149.72

Cinema ticket: $1.28

Paperback book: $6.42

Round of golf: $16.04

Transport costs:

Litre of petrol: $071

Taxi fare per KM: $0.19

Taxi to and from airport: $4.28

Family life:

Babysitter, per hour: $2.14

Housekeeper, cleaner, per hour: $2.14

Full-time nanny/maid, per month: $21.39

School fees, international school or equivalent, annual fees excluding application, registration or other costs: $2,566.57

Useful links

www.chennaibest.com

www.imsc.res.in/Madras

www.hotelsinchennaimadras.com

www.poonabest.com

Information reproduced with the kind permission of Crown Relocations. For information, please see www.relocatingtoindia.com.

© 2007 of Re:locate magazine, published by Profile Locations, Spray Hill, Hastings Road, Lamberhurst, Kent TN3 8JB. All rights reserved. This publication (or any part thereof) may not be reproduced in any form without the prior written permission of Profile Locations. Profile Locations accepts no liability for the accuracy of the contents or any opinions expressed herein.