In India in 2026, hiring a home cook (maharaj) costs roughly ₹4,000–₹18,000 per month. A part-time cook making one meal a day for a small family runs ₹4,000–₹7,000/month, two meals a day costs ₹7,000–₹12,000/month, and a full-time live-in cook costs ₹15,000–₹30,000/month. Charges go up for non-veg cooking, larger families and metro cities.
Whether you are a bachelor wanting simple daily meals, a family needing two-time cooking, or planning a party, this guide breaks down cook charges in clear ₹ figures so you know exactly what to pay in 2026.
Quick answer: cook charges in India 2026
- One meal/day, small family (veg): ₹4,000–₹7,000/month
- Two meals/day, family (veg): ₹7,000–₹12,000/month
- Non-veg cooking: add ₹1,000–₹3,000/month over veg rate
- Bachelor (1–2 people, one meal): ₹3,000–₹5,000/month
- Full-time / live-in cook: ₹15,000–₹30,000/month
- Party / occasion cook: ₹1,500–₹6,000 per event (plus ingredients)
- Per-dish specialist (festive/bulk): ₹150–₹500 per dish
How much does a part-time cook cost per month?
Part-time cooks are paid based on the number of meals, the number of people and whether non-veg is involved. Most charge per "time" — one-time (one meal a day) or two-time (lunch and dinner). The figures below are typical urban rates for a household of 3–4 people.
| Service | Veg (₹/month) | Non-veg (₹/month) |
|---|---|---|
| One meal/day (bachelor 1–2) | ₹3,000–₹5,000 | ₹4,000–₹6,500 |
| One meal/day (family 3–4) | ₹4,000–₹7,000 | ₹5,500–₹9,000 |
| Two meals/day (family 3–4) | ₹7,000–₹12,000 | ₹9,000–₹15,000 |
| Two meals/day (large family 5–6) | ₹10,000–₹15,000 | ₹12,000–₹18,000 |
Bachelor vs family: what changes the price?
Bachelors usually pay less because portions are small and menus are simple — often just one meal a day. Families pay more for two-time cooking, varied menus, and extra prep like rotis, dals and sabzis for more people. Non-veg adds cleaning and longer cooking time, so cooks charge ₹1,000–₹3,000 extra per month.
- Number of meals (one-time vs two-time) is the biggest driver of monthly cost.
- Headcount: each extra person typically adds ₹500–₹1,000/month.
- Veg vs non-veg: non-veg adds ₹1,000–₹3,000/month.
- Special diets, baking or regional cuisines can add a premium.
- Live-in cooks cost the most but cover all meals plus flexible timing.
How much do party and per-dish cooks charge?
For festivals, pujas and parties, cooks charge per event or per dish rather than monthly. A cook for a small home gathering (10–15 people) charges ₹1,500–₹3,000 for the day, while a maharaj for a larger function (30–50 people) charges ₹4,000–₹6,000 plus ingredients. Specialist per-dish rates apply for items like biryani, paneer dishes or sweets.
| Occasion | Guests | Charge (₹) |
|---|---|---|
| Small home party | 10–15 | ₹1,500–₹3,000 / event |
| Medium function | 30–50 | ₹4,000–₹6,000 / event |
| Per-dish (festive/bulk) | any | ₹150–₹500 / dish |
| Live-in cook (full-time) | household | ₹15,000–₹30,000 / month |
City-wise cook charges in India 2026
Metro cities pay more due to higher living costs and demand. Below are typical monthly rates for a two-meal-a-day veg cook for a family of 3–4.
| City | Two-meal veg (₹/month) | Full-time live-in (₹/month) |
|---|---|---|
| Mumbai | ₹9,000–₹13,000 | ₹20,000–₹30,000 |
| Delhi | ₹8,000–₹12,000 | ₹18,000–₹28,000 |
| Bangalore | ₹8,500–₹12,500 | ₹19,000–₹29,000 |
| Hyderabad | ₹7,000–₹11,000 | ₹16,000–₹25,000 |
| Pune | ₹7,500–₹11,000 | ₹17,000–₹26,000 |
| Chennai | ₹7,000–₹10,500 | ₹16,000–₹24,000 |
| Indore | ₹5,500–₹9,000 | ₹13,000–₹20,000 |
Full-time vs part-time: which should you choose?
Choose a part-time cook if you only need fixed meals at set times and want to keep costs low — most households do well with a two-time part-time cook at ₹7,000–₹12,000/month. Choose a full-time or live-in cook if you need meals on demand, host often, or have a large household; expect ₹15,000–₹30,000/month plus food and stay.
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