My simple explanation of Auroville's economy:
Auroville has a very different economic structure, and although it meets my need for exploration and world change/consciousness, it often doesn't meet my need for comfort and ease when I'm wanting to do something that involves anything more than Rs.1000 ($25). The general income here is Rs.5000/month ($125)!! Many of us are living below that national poverty line, but it doesn't look like this on the outside. This is because a lot of money is donated to build Auroville, and so the exterior picture is wonderfully beautiful. And Aurovilians manage to live comfortably within Auroville, because many services are subsidized, so we pay less than guests do, and some things are totally free for us.

For example, Aurovilians don't pay for workshops, and guests pay about Rs.1200 ($30) for a 2-day course. This money is not direct income for the workshop leader. It instead goes towards Auroville's central pot and the facilities used (hall rental, etc). Also, this Rs.1200 for guests is quite flexible, and many guests who are volunteers or students ask to pay less or nothing. Also, guests are "not allowed" to make money in Auroville, and so if they offer workshops, they are offering these on a volunteer basis. Auroville is not like any other place I know!

For more information, see Auroville's website blurb, Economy