Moving to Bangalore: Can Anyone Share Real Insights on the Cost of Living?

Hello,

One of my friends is relocating to Bangalore with his family. This is the first time he is going to work outside Bangalore. I would be glad if anyone could help me with some information on the "Cost of living in Bangalore." I tried googling but found no help. :-( Please!

Thank you for your attention.

Hello Asha,

I have been living in Bangalore for the past 6 years. It all depends on your friend's salary. From my point of view, Bangalore is not much costlier than other metropolitan cities. The thing is, in Bangalore, you have a lot of unnecessary ways to spend. Ask your friend to track his/her expenses.

Thank you.

Dear Mahesh,

Thank you very much. He is a family man and quite conservative. He would like to know the expenses of basic things and what is required to help a middle-class family person live a decent life. Is there any analysis or report that you can help me with?

Hi, Mahesh.

Bangalore is costlier than other metro cities, but less expensive than Mumbai and Delhi. In comparison to Kolkata, Chennai, and Hyderabad, it is costly. The cost of living depends on the person's salary and their lifestyle.

Jeeva

It would be helpful if you have any documents that speak about or provide references to the cost of living in different cities (cost of living indices by government or private organizations). This information would assist you in recruiting people from various cities, especially Bangalore.

Any recruiters involved in hiring people for different cities may be able to help me with this info. :-(

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Any recruiters involved in hiring people for different cities may be able to assist me with this information. :-(

Hello Asha,

The issue is with the travel. If he is provided with some mode of transportation from his company, there are a lot of places in Bangalore where he can find a house for rent in the range of 5k.

Schooling for children - Yes, it's a little costlier because of the standards in the education industry.

As you have mentioned the salary range, I don't think it will be very hard for him to settle in Bangalore.

Please do check with him regarding his mode of transportation and office location so that I can provide more specific information.

Anyway, let me check for any piece of information regarding the document you have asked for.

Hi Jeeva,

Bangalore, for me, is not much costlier because you can get a normal meal for 20 Rs to more than 1200 Rs per meal. Again, public transportation is slightly above normal compared to Chennai. You have lots of facilities like "Car Pooling," etc., which are available in Bangalore.

People say Bangalore is costlier because people are paid more, and in turn, they tend to spend more. It's kind of "Demand Supply Elasticity."

Hi Asha,

I have been in Bangalore for over 2 years. It is better to take accommodation near the place of work to avoid traffic. Also, it would be good if one owns their mode of transport instead of relying on auto, taxi, or bus services. Accommodation is costly in central locations. On average, two persons can manage with living expenses of 8-10K per month. The rest may be allocated to lifestyle expenses.

Hi Asha,

The basic expenditure in Bangalore includes:

House Rent - 1BHK is around 4000/- in good residential areas and up to 7500/- in posh areas. For a house, we have to pay a security refundable deposit of around 10 months' rent.

Transportation - Depends upon your friend's office and residence, and even the mode of transportation.

Food and daily basic needs will be around 4K.

The remaining expenses are left to the person who lives here.

Jeeva

Hi Mahesh,

I'm sorry if I am hurting you. Nowadays, we don't get reasonable food for Rs. 20. The minimum price now is Rs. 25. House rent is at its peak compared to other southern cities, and we can't even think about the advance for the house, whereas in other cities, the advance amount is around 3 months' rent. The bus fare is not just a little high; it is too high. I agree about the auto fare being lower compared to other cities in India. Even food items like rice and dal are comparatively higher than in other cities.

Cheers,
Jeeva

Hello Jeeva,

There is nothing you said that made me feel hurt. I rather appreciate your way of communication. Let me tell you something. I mentioned that you can get food at that rate in some places like Tipasandra, KR Puram, Windsor Garden, Koramangala last stop, Jakasandra, etc. The house where I was staying was 12k, and now they have reduced it to 7k. It's due to the recession (at least it is helping us in this way).

Rice and dal are a little costlier because Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu are the major producers of these items, and they are transported to other places.

Bus rates are higher compared to Tamil Nadu. The reason is that public transportation rates in Chennai itself are lower than in other cities in Tamil Nadu, mainly because of the subsidiary procedure in the Tamil Nadu government's policy.

I don't say that Bangalore is a cheaper place. Instead, let me remind you that nowadays, every place is becoming costlier. A place like Trivandrum (my hometown) is more expensive than Chennai (I was actually surprised). However, they don't have multiple choices in commodities.

Please don't misunderstand me if you feel that my words are a bit harsh. Do well... All the best...

Hi Mahesh,

I appreciate the way you communicate. Of course, I agree that rentals have decreased in some areas like Koramangala and JP Nagar due to the recession. That's why I mentioned that rent varies from 4000/- to 7500/- per month.

I am not aware of the cost of living in Trivandrum. I have some friends from Kerala, and they have mentioned that it is not as expensive as Bangalore. I agree with you on the increasing cost of living in other cities like Hyderabad and Chennai, but it is relatively more economical compared to here.

Let's conclude this point.

Anyhow, it's been nice communicating with you :) :)

Jeeva

If we are comparing Bangalore city with other Indian cities, it is very low cost, cool, calm, and also a green city.

Hello Jeeva,

Thanks for the outcome. I think you are a little upset with my answer. It was simply a difference in our individual visions of ideas. I must mention that I don't know much about Kerala as I was raised in Chennai.

Anyway, no hard feelings. I just shared my knowledge of Bangalore. Please don't take it personally. :-)

Hi Mahesh,

I didn't get upset with your answers. I just wanted to stop this topic, or it will keep continuing. So, you were raised in Chennai. Where in Chennai? I am also from near Chennai.

I have no hard feelings. Just cheer up, dude. :)

Jeeva

Hello Asha,

Bangalore is expensive; however, it is manageable. Since your friend is conservative in his spending habits, I don't think it should be much of a problem. Someone with a salary of 30-35k can maintain a decent lifestyle and even save some money.

The point to be noted here is whether your friend has any outstanding liabilities, like loans, which may drastically limit his financial freedom. I have attached an expense chart (average) that I hope will be helpful.

Regards,

Satya

Hello,

I have been staying in Bangalore (Kaggadaspura) for the last 2 years. Previously, I lived in Delhi (Vasant Kunj) for 10 years. I find Bangalore to be more expensive than Delhi. The cost of living is higher here. For me, a 2 BHK flat costs 6500 excluding electricity. Being a family man, food costs range between 5000 to 7000 RS, which are basic expenditures. If you don't have an LPG connection, it will cost around 680 if you opt for private services since it's difficult to get an LPG connection without a local Ration card.

In terms of outings for food, Bangalore is expensive, but one advantage is that you don't need AC in your flat as Bangalore has a natural cooling effect.

Thank you.

Asha,

If the family can adjust to middle-class lifestyle, he can survive. As said earlier, Bangalore is an expensive city, but both the middle class and the lower classes live here. Yes, transportation is a problem, but I do think the organization provides some vehicles in this hectic traffic to ensure employees reach on time. With a salary of 30k, he can easily manage a decent life. However, if he has small kids, I would suggest he stays in the place he is currently living because the city is too polluted and, as some say, expensive.

Hi, I would like to answer your question about living in Bangalore for a four-member family.

1. Average rent of 2 BHK - 7000
2. Average expenditure on ration and toiletries - 3000
3. School fee - 800
4. Phone, water, electricity bills - 2000
5. Traveling by bus - monthly passes average around 700, with daily tickets costing around 20 Rs. Traveling by auto could be more expensive than a two-wheeler. With 2 litres of petrol and an average mileage bike, you can explore the whole of Bangalore. It's not very big in size compared to other metros. The overhead Metro train is coming up, making traveling easier.

So, a family can survive on 20K only if they don't have credit cards or loans. Otherwise, 40-50K is required.

Dear Ash,

Bangalore is not costly from the overall point of view - I have relocated virtually from Bangalore to Delhi/north zone. I can tell you that you can live within any average budget in Bangalore. Please let me know:

1. Which area is his office located in?
2. Will he be dependent on public transport or will the company provide transport?
3. If he is a person from the North - he may have to get a bit more familiar with the cuisine and culture - as it is always helpful.
4. Normal food cost/cost of provisions is less in Bangalore as compared to Delhi, etc. Public transport may be a bit costlier but the convenience is also much more. Rental accommodation is lower - but this depends on the area - than the northern part of India.

You or your friend may contact me at 09250335993 for any other tips/advice. All in all, Bangalore is a very good place to live in and has a very cosmopolitan outlook.

Regards,
H Prasad
Sr Trainer & Consultant
09250335993

Dear Satyajit,

Thanks a lot for the attachment; that will surely be helpful for my friend.

Dear Manoj & akuhr, thank you for sharing additional information. This helps me understand the average cost of living expenses in Bangalore.

Dear Prasad, that is really kind of you. I shall ask my friend to contact you.

Thank you all - the best thing about citehr is: everyone is there to help, from all the corners! :-)

Dear Taz,

I am impressed with the practical insights provided in a "nutshell"!!! "House rent is indirectly proportional to the distance from the Commercial Area; and transportation costs have a negative correlation." This can be applied universally, not just for Bangalore (except in US cities, where suburbs are costlier).

Regards.

Dear Raj Kumar,

Thank you for the valuable input. To make it "more clear", I am looking at data/reports prepared by government and private organizations (something like Kelly's?) on the cost of living in different cities.

Dear Raj Kumar,

Thanks for the valuable input. To make it "more clear", I am looking at data/reports prepared by Govt. private Organizations (something like Kelly's?) on Cost of living at different cities.

Dear Asha,

Thanks for your clarifications.

Dear, I could not help thinking of the book "The HRD Missionary" by Prof. T.V. Rao when I saw your earnest diligence and untiring efforts in finding out more detailed and factual information on "Cost of Living in Bangalore" for the sake of your colleague.

By the time you are finished with this, you would have added one more feather to your cap, that of a Relocation Expert!

This specialization will be much in demand in days to come, with more FDI, MNCs, and consequently more expatriates coming to India.

I browsed the web to help you - Google threw up more than 200,000 results for every broadly phrased search query.

The kind of reports that you are actually looking for come with a cost!

However, I am enclosing a few gratis blogs and links, which you may find helpful:

Link to a PPT on the "Cost of Living in Bangalore":

Cost of Living in Bangalore

Other links:

India, Bangalore - cost of living

Cost of Living in Bangalore | Bangalore Cost of Living

Bengaluru (Bangalore) Cost of Living | Living Costs in Bengaluru (Bangalore)

Opinio Juris: Ricardo in Bangalore

Expat Living in Bangalore

Cost of living in Bangalore. Accommodation and schools near Electronic city.? - Yahoo! Answers India

Cost of living in Bangalore? - Yahoo! Answers

What is the monthly cost of living in Bangalore... - R2IClubForums (Search On Cite | Search On Google)

No need to thank me - Taz's rip-roaring funny and focused lines are rewarding enough! :icon4:

Warm regards.

Regards.

Dear Raj Kumar,

I can't help but feel grateful, as I am taught to thank regardless of whether the material is useful or not.

However, only after a Google search did I come to know that it's not available for immediate reference and it comes with a cost. I was only looking for recruiters in Bangalore to help me with some basic information, and I did get that from our dear members.

I, along with the whole of citehr, don't actually take Ravi seriously; we all love him. We can't afford to miss him :-) And if you are wondering who Ravi is, it is taz.india... just that he has a new name each time. Ravi knows why... ;-)

However, I don't think my friend would consider a change as of now; he is earning 28K. I don't think he will move for 35K because I see that the rent is so costly. Here, we can live in a luxurious house for 5K rent a month! We need not pay 10 months' advance here.

It's not a glamorous city compared to Bangalore. But I guess if he earns about 50 - 55K, it's worth considering a move. His goal is to save money, so maybe I can ask him to look for a better offer in Bangalore.

Thank you all.

Hi Asha,

You are exactly right. Earning 25K in Coimbatore is the same as earning 35K in Bangalore. Coimbatore is not a very glamorous city. If he is getting 25K there, then that will be sufficient. Let me tell you some more disadvantages (other expenses) if he comes here.

1) For every festival or any occasions, he has to travel to his native place, which adds more burden and expenses. Especially on weekends and during festivals, getting tickets for buses or trains is a hassle.

2) Sometimes the climate might not be suitable; it can be quite cold, especially in winter, which can be tough. Moreover, it can have a significant impact on kids.

3) Sometimes people might feel like they are missing somebody.

4) Traffic and pollution are also significant concerns here.

There are some more reasons too. So, let him take a chance.

Jeeva

Dear Jeeva,

Thanks a lot. This was also something I had in the corner of my mind. Rightly said by you - a mere move for 6 - 7K will not be helpful. He is having a new baby now, and his main motive is to save money. It will be a difficult thing to accept the offer. Moreover, since it's a newborn baby, they should have a maid too. He may end up without any savings at this cost of living in Bangalore.

Please let me know if you need any further assistance.

Best regards

Bangalore! Hahaha! Go outside - money, cops - money, lawyer - money, doctor - money, hotel - money, relatives - money, school - money, to get a government job - money. Where do we save our money? The cost of living in Bangalore. We should start working 24/7, round the clock.

Hi Asha,

Saw the post today, hence the late reply....

I am staying in Bangalore for the last 5 years, was in Chennai 5 years prior to this...

1. As many said, it depends on the location; rent would be different - places like Koramangala/Indira Nagar would be expensive. When we stay with the family, we have to look at the location too...

2. Maids are very expensive (I am paying 4k as salary + medical + dress + up and down travel (to hometown) + phone expenses + other necessary things).

3. Autos: Meter runs so fast - the best thing, if you know how much it is going to cost you, tell him the amount and get into the auto. And they will charge you Rs 10 or 20 extra if it is after 6:30/7:00 PM (People are ready to pay; that is the reason).

If you have your vehicle, that is the best thing, but you will go mad in the traffic, especially during office time.

4. Regarding vegetables and fruits: Madiwala you will get an apple at Rs 70-90. But in my place, it's Rs 120!!! (Again, it depends on the place).

5. There are many A/C Volvo buses as well, starting at Rs 13/-

6. We would get meals at Rs 25/- (in small joints). I prefer home-cooked food than this with the flu around... cheap too...

I would say the cost of living in Bangalore is high... But at the end of the day, how you handle your funds matters... buy vegetables and groceries in places where it is cheap (there are a few places where we will get groceries for less than MRP).

Appreciate your effort for helping your friend...

Simmy

Asha,

Fine with the words of "saving money" but let me emphasize that in Bangalore you should look for many more offers which will eventually lead to a good increase in the CTC. Just ask your friend to check properly and make a decision. I still say that with 35k in hand, he can save at least 15k a month, which will add up to 1,80,000/year. Then, suggest he look for opportunities in larger companies and ask for a minimum 30% raise, which will result in at least 45k in hand. Come on, it's not that complicated.

Hi Jeeva,

Certainly, Bangalore is more costly than Trivandrum. I have stayed in both places. When I shifted from TVM to Bangalore, the house rent I had to pay was actually 3 times more. I was paying 3K for a decent 2BHK in TVM city, whereas I had to pay 8.5K for a similar house in Bangalore.

Hi Asha,
I am interested in carpooling. I travel from Vijayanagar to Electronic City. If you are interested, please call me on 9901800003.