The standard of living in India varies from state to state. In 2021, extreme poverty was reduced to 0.8%[1] and India is no longer the nation with the largest population living in poverty.[2]
There is significant income inequality within India, as it is simultaneously home to some of the world's richest people.[3] The average wages are estimated to quadruple between 2013-30.[4]
The standard of living in India shows large geographical disparity as well. For example, on one hand most metropolitan cities and other urban and suburban regions boast world-class medical establishments, luxurious hotels, sports facilities and leisure activities similar to that of Western nations, while there is significant poverty in rural areas of India; where medical care tends to be very basic or unavailable due to a lack of doctors. Similarly, the very latest machinery may be used in most construction projects, but some construction staff work without mechanisation in some projects; predominantly in very rural parts.[5] However, a rural middle class is now emerging in India, with some rural areas seeing increasing prosperity.[6]
As per the IMF's World Economic Outlook for 2020, the per capita PPP-adjusted GDP for India was estimated to be US$9,027.[7]