East Island
Andaman Islands · IN · pop. 16
Language(s): Hindi and English (official); Bengali, Tamil, Telugu, and Malayalam widely spoken; Andaman Creole Hindi common as a trade language
Moving with kids — East Island
Schools, healthcare, housing, and daily logistics — sourced, in plain language.
- Early years (preschool / nursery / kindergarten)
- None documented on island
- Schools (K–12)
- No documented school on island (16 residents, 2020–21 outline)
- Ages N/A.
- Higher education
- None documented on island
- Healthcare
- No full hospital on island
- No clinic — nearest care Mayabunder or Port Blair by boat.
- Top income tax
- ~31.2% effective top (30% + 4% health & education cess, new regime FY 2025–26)
- See full bands on island profile.
- Typical rent (family)
- $80–$150/mo (staff housing)
- 2BR band; verify listings for school catchment areas.
- Getting around with kids
- Boat access only
- Language(s)
- Hindi and English (official); Bengali, Tamil, Telugu, and Malayalam widely spoken; Andaman Creole Hindi common as a trade language
- Storm exposure
- Bay of Bengal cyclone exposure; monsoon storms and rough seas common May–November
Demographics
Census and official statistics — age, ethnicity, religion, and language breakdowns where published. Useful for understanding community fit; verify before relocating.
- Estimated all ages100%
100%
Indian census does not enumerate the Sentinelese. Age structure unknown.
Office of the Registrar General, India (opens in new tab) · verified 2026-06-11
- Indigenous Sentinelese100%
100%
No external ethnic diversity; contact prohibited.
Census of India — protected tribal reserve (opens in new tab) · verified 2026-06-11
- Indigenous belief systems (uncontacted)100%
100%
No external religious survey possible.
Andaman & Nicobar Administration (opens in new tab) · verified 2026-06-11
- Sentinelese (unclassified)100%
100%
Wikipedia — Sentinelese language (opens in new tab) · verified 2026-06-11
Narrative summary
Plain-language context behind the charts — with per-field sources.
| Age profile | Port Blair and settled islands: broad working-age population; indigenous groups not contactable for census. | Office of the Registrar General & Census Commissioner, India (opens in new tab)· verified 2026-06-11 · researched |
|---|---|---|
| Ethnic / cultural background | Settled islands: predominantly Indian mainland migrant communities (Bengali, Tamil, Hindi-speaking) and long-settled islanders; indigenous groups remain isolated. | Census of India (opens in new tab)· verified 2026-06-11 · researched |
| Religion | Hindu majority, Muslim and Christian minorities on inhabited Andaman settlements (India national pattern). | Census of India — religion tables (opens in new tab)· verified 2026-06-11 · researched |
Income tax
Top rate and band thresholds for the jurisdiction governing this island. Indicative only — not tax advice. National Insurance, social security, VAT/GST, and property taxes are separate.
| Top income tax rate | ~31.2% effective top (30% + 4% health & education cess, new regime FY 2025–26) | Income Tax Department — Government of India (opens in new tab)· verified 2026-06-11 · official |
|---|---|---|
| Income tax bands | India new tax regime (resident individuals): Nil: up to ₹4 lakh 5%: ₹4–8 lakh 10%: ₹8–12 lakh 15%: ₹12–16 lakh 20%: ₹16–20 lakh 25%: ₹20–24 lakh 30%: above ₹24 lakh 4% health & education cess on tax due. Old regime with deductions remains optional. | Income Tax Department — Government of India (opens in new tab)· verified 2026-06-11 · official |
Education
Early years, K–12 schools, and higher education — confirm enrollment, waitlists, and tuition directly before planning a move. Off-island options show typical ferry or hub access where documented.
Early years (preschool / nursery / kindergarten)
None documented on island.
Schools (K–12)
No documented school on island (16 residents, 2020–21 outline)
Children travel to mainland schools · ages N/A
Website (opens in new tab)verified 2026-06-11
Higher education
None documented on island.
Family essentials
Healthcare, housing costs, transport, and storm exposure — the fields families ask about first.
| Hospital on island | No full hospital on island No clinic — nearest care Mayabunder or Port Blair by boat. | Directorate of Economics & Statistics, A&N Islands — Island-wise Statistical Outline 2020–21 (2011 Census) (opens in new tab)· verified 2026-06-11 · official |
|---|---|---|
| Evacuation notes | No clinic — nearest care Mayabunder or Port Blair by boat. | Directorate of Economics & Statistics, A&N Islands — Island-wise Statistical Outline 2020–21 (2011 Census) (opens in new tab)· verified 2026-06-11 · researched |
| Rent band (monthly, USD) | $80–$150/mo (staff housing) | MagicBricks — Port Blair rental listings (researched proxy) (opens in new tab)· verified 2026-06-11 · researched |
| Groceries vs mainland US | 25–45% above mainland Indian cities — most goods arrive by ship from Chennai/Kolkata | Directorate of Economics & Statistics, A&N Islands — Island-wise Statistical Outline 2020–21 (2011 Census) (opens in new tab)· verified 2026-06-11 · researched |
| Island cost premium | Tiny lighthouse/fishing settlement | Directorate of Economics & Statistics, A&N Islands — Island-wise Statistical Outline 2020–21 (2011 Census) (opens in new tab)· verified 2026-06-11 · researched |
| Car necessity | Boat access only | Andaman & Nicobar Tourism (opens in new tab)· verified 2026-06-11 · researched |
| Language(s) | Hindi and English (official); Bengali, Tamil, Telugu, and Malayalam widely spoken; Andaman Creole Hindi common as a trade language | Andaman & Nicobar UT Administration (opens in new tab)· verified 2026-06-11 · official |
| Hurricane / cyclone exposure | Bay of Bengal cyclone exposure; monsoon storms and rough seas common May–November | Wikipedia — Andaman and Nicobar Islands climate (opens in new tab)· verified 2026-06-11 · researched |
Residency paths
US — India e-Visa / tourist visa + Restricted Area Permit (RAP)
U.S. citizens need a valid India visa (e-Visa for tourism, or regular tourist/business visa). Most foreign nationals require a Restricted Area Permit (RAP) for Andaman & Nicobar — often issued on arrival for 30 days for approved routes (Port Blair, Swaraj Dweep/Havelock, Shaheed Dweep/Neil, and select others). Long-term relocation requires an India employment, business, student, or other residency visa — not through tourism alone.
Official source · verified 2026-06-11 (opens in new tab)UK — India e-Visa / tourist visa + RAP
U.K. citizens apply for an India e-Visa or regular visa before travel. Andaman & Nicobar generally requires a Restricted Area Permit — auto-issued on arrival for standard tourist islands and routes. Permanent relocation needs an India long-stay visa category (employment, business, etc.) plus local registration.
Official source · verified 2026-06-11 (opens in new tab)EU — India e-Visa / tourist visa + RAP
Most E.U. nationals need an India e-Visa or embassy visa and a Restricted Area Permit for Andaman & Nicobar (often issued on arrival for approved tourist circuits). Confirm your nationality on the India MFA portal — long-stay relocation requires a separate India residency visa, not a tourist stamp.
Official source · verified 2026-06-11 (opens in new tab)
Full relocation profile
Connectivity, language, timezone, and property rules.
| Population | 16 | Directorate of Economics & Statistics, A&N Islands — Island-wise Statistical Outline 2020–21 (2011 Census) (opens in new tab)· verified 2026-06-11 · official |
|---|---|---|
| Main town | East Island — lighthouse settlement | Directorate of Economics & Statistics, A&N Islands — Island-wise Statistical Outline 2020–21 (2011 Census) (opens in new tab)· verified 2026-06-11 · official |
| Fiber available | No | Department of Telecommunications — India (opens in new tab)· verified 2026-06-11 · researched |
| Typical internet speed | Limited 4G | Department of Telecommunications — India (opens in new tab)· verified 2026-06-11 · researched |
| Language(s) | Hindi and English (official); Bengali, Tamil, Telugu, and Malayalam widely spoken; Andaman Creole Hindi common as a trade language | Andaman & Nicobar UT Administration (opens in new tab)· verified 2026-06-11 · official |
| Timezone | IST (UTC+5:30) — India Standard Time | Andaman & Nicobar Administration (opens in new tab)· verified 2026-06-11 · official |
| Foreign property ownership | Indian citizens may purchase in approved areas; foreigners cannot buy agricultural land — long-stay expats typically rent. Tribal reserve and forest lands are restricted. | Government of India — foreign nationals in India (opens in new tab)· verified 2026-06-11 · official |
Common questions about East Island
Answers from sourced island profiles — verify dates and official rules before relocating.
What is the cost of living in East Island?#
Cost of living on East Island — Typical rent: $80–$150/mo (staff housing). Groceries: 25–45% above mainland Indian cities — most goods arrive by ship from Chennai/Kolkata. Island premium: Tiny lighthouse/fishing settlement. Figures are sourced bands, not personal budgets — confirm current listings locally.
What are rent prices in East Island?#
Documented rent band for East Island: $80–$150/mo (staff housing). Island listings change seasonally — treat as a planning range, not a quote.
Are there schools in East Island?#
Yes — 1 on-island option documented. K–12: No documented school on island (16 residents, 2020–21 outline)
Is there a hospital on East Island?#
No full hospital on island on East Island. No clinic — nearest care Mayabunder or Port Blair by boat.
What is the population of East Island?#
East Island has about 16 residents; main town: East Island (Andaman Islands).
What language is spoken in East Island?#
Hindi and English (official); Bengali, Tamil, Telugu, and Malayalam widely spoken; Andaman Creole Hindi common as a trade language.
Do you need a car on East Island?#
Boat access only.
Can foreigners buy property in East Island?#
Indian citizens may purchase in approved areas; foreigners cannot buy agricultural land — long-stay expats typically rent. Tribal reserve and forest lands are restricted..
What is the hurricane risk in East Island?#
Bay of Bengal cyclone exposure; monsoon storms and rough seas common May–November.
How fast is the internet in East Island?#
On East Island, Fiber is limited or not widely documented; typical speeds around Limited 4G. Remote-work viability varies by address — verify with local ISPs.
How do you move to East Island?#
Residency rules depend on your passport. Documented paths for East Island: US (India e-Visa / tourist visa + Restricted Area Permit (RAP)): U.S. citizens need a valid India visa (e-Visa for tourism, or regular tourist/business visa). Most foreign nationals require a Restricted Area Permit (RAP) for Andaman & Nicobar — often issued on arrival for 30 days for approved routes (Port Blair, Swaraj Dweep/Havelock, Shaheed Dweep/Neil, and select others). Long-term relocation requires an India employment, business, student, or other residency visa — not through tourism alone. UK (India e-Visa / tourist visa + RAP): U.K. citizens apply for an India e-Visa or regular visa before travel. Andaman & Nicobar generally requires a Restricted Area Permit — auto-issued on arrival for standard tourist islands and routes. Permanent relocation needs an India long-stay visa category (employment, business, etc.) plus local registration. EU (India e-Visa / tourist visa + RAP): Most E.U. nationals need an India e-Visa or embassy visa and a Restricted Area Permit for Andaman & Nicobar (often issued on arrival for approved tourist circuits). Confirm your nationality on the India MFA portal — long-stay relocation requires a separate India residency visa, not a tourist stamp. Confirm with official immigration sources before moving.
Informational only — not immigration or legal advice. Disclaimer