Shailender Kr Pandey
Gurugram, 24 August
Delhi NCR has emerged as one of India’s most financially aware and digitally confident consumer markets, according to the Home Credit India Great India Wallet Study 2026. Consumers in the region contribute 67% of household expenses, higher than the national average of 65%, while 51% are still able to save after meeting their monthly expenses despite the region’s relatively higher cost of living.
Home Credit India, a leading consumer finance company, unveiled the findings of the fourth edition of its annual report, The Great Indian Wallet 2026v, themed ‘From Tax relief to tangible choices – how India’s wallets are being reshaped’. The GIW 4.0 study reveals a notable shift in consumer sentiment, driven by greater access to credit and the financial relief following GST reforms. Together, these factors have eased the burden of everyday household expenses, strengthened financial confidence, and reinforced prioritisation of homeownership as the foremost long-term financial goal.
“When we initiated ‘The Great Indian Wallet Study’ in 2023, we sought to understand the financial pulse of India. What we discovered was a purpose-driven and financially prudent nation,” said Ashish Tiwari, chief marketing & people officer, Home Credit India, adding, “This year’s findings reveal something extraordinary. Despite economic headwinds, the tangible relief brought on by post-GST price revisions, paired with structured financial tools, is smoothing their path toward wealth creation and entrepreneurial expansion.”
The study highlights that Delhi NCR consumers demonstrate stronger financial awareness, digital adoption and financial confidence compared to many other metropolitan cities. This is reflected in a 14-point year-on-year increase in investments, indicating a growing focus on financial planning and long-term security.
On average, respondents in Delhi NCR report a monthly household income of ₹34,000 against monthly expenses of ₹23,000. Household expenditure is primarily driven by groceries (26% wallet share), followed by rent (24%), commute (15%), children’s education (14%), medical expenses (9%), utility bills (6%), cooking gas (3%), and mobile bills (3%).
Beyond essential spending, Delhi NCR consumers continue to spend on lifestyle aspirations. Buying new clothes and fashion products tops discretionary spending at 46%, followed by outstation travel (32%), electronic devices (27%), home appliances (19%), and home décor and furnishings (6%).
The study also reflects strong long-term financial aspirations among consumers. Buying a house (33%) remains the foremost financial goal, followed by starting a business (28%), saving for children’s education (18%), paying off existing loans (9%), and purchasing a four-wheeler (9%). To achieve these goals, respondents identify access to credit at attractive interest rates and flexible repayment tenures (35%) as the most important financial enabler, followed by life insurance (10%), mutual funds/SIPs (8%), gold investments (8%), health insurance (6%), and fixed deposits (3%).
Delhi NCR consumers also display relatively high awareness of tax reforms. 59% of respondents believe GST-related changes have positively influenced spending on family well-being. However, 45% remain unaware of the changes. Around 33% of respondents reported noticing price reductions in cars and 32% in two-wheelers. Following GST 2.0, consumers are allocating more towards better food quality (22%), children’s education (18%), and healthcare (15%), reflecting a shift towards more quality-focused household spending.
The Great Indian Wallet 4.0 study was conducted with borrowers aged 18-55 years, across 17 major Indian cities and varied income groups and professions.
