Delhi vs Bihar: Delhi workers spend nearly three times more than Bihar commuters – NHTS survey reveals details

The July 2025 to June 2026 National Household Travel Survey found that workers in Delhi spend nearly three times more on commuting than those in urban Bihar.

The survey provided a national breakdown of the average monthly cost per worker of travel to and from a fixed workplace.

Comparing the urban areas of Delhi and Bihar, the survey showed that Delhi recorded the highest average cost of all states/UTs in ₹2081. Meanwhile, the cost in Bihar (Urban) was recorded at Rs ₹702.

Total (rural + urban) workers in Delhi spent on average ₹2038 to travel to and from a fixed place of work, while in Bihar the cost was average ₹469.

While the cost of commuting in Delhi (Urban only) is the highest ₹2081, Arunachal Pradesh recorded the highest average at ₹2165 among commuters in both rural and urban regions. Delhi was second ₹2038.

The survey highlighted wide differences in commuting costs between Indian states. See the full breakdown of average travel costs by state here:

Average monthly expenses and gender differences

The average monthly expenditure on commuting to a fixed workplace is ₹785 per worker, according to data from the National Household Travel Survey for July 2025 to June 2026.

According to the survey, urban workers have significantly higher average monthly expenses ₹1,044 compared to ₹612 for rural workers.

It also revealed gender inequality in travel spending. The survey showed that men spend on average ₹835 per month when commuting to a fixed workplace compared to ₹533 per month for working women.

The survey collected data on regular journeys of one kilometer or more undertaken by Indians. Its aim was to collect information about the modes of transport they use, purpose of travel, frequency of travel, average cost of regular trips and other related parameters.

Covering both rural and urban areas in all states and union territories of India, this nationwide survey will be a comprehensive measure to understand the characteristics of household travel behavior in the country.