Cost Of Living In Bangalore In 2023: List Of Expenses (2024)

All You Need to Know about the Cost of Living in Bangalore

Moving to a new city is always challenging, but it is also an important and exciting phase of life. If you have to leave home for a job or higher education, perhaps Bangalore is the finest city in India to move to. It is a fast-growing metropolis offering amazing educational institutions, employment opportunities, healthcare services, and plenty of greenery.

When you decide to relocate to this urban paradise, the first thing in your mind would be the cost of living in Bangalore. The city is relatively more affordable compared to most metropolitan cities in India, but it still depends on your lifestyle and needs. Here, we aim to give you a clear idea about the living expenses in the ‘Garden City of India’.

Factors that determine the cost of living in Bangalore

The living expenses in any location depending on factors, such as house rent, transportation, utilities, and monthly groceries. Here are a few aspects that can help ascertain the estimated cost to live in the city.

1. Compromise

The area where you decide to stay in mainly affects your living expenses in Bangalore. Although it is a smart idea to find accommodation near your college or workplace, you can consider your specific needs and expectations.

If you want to live in any of the happening areas like Koramangala or Indiranagar, a 1 BHK rent can cost you up to ₹20,000 per month. Similarly, a 2 BHK may cost anywhere between ₹30,000 and ₹35,000 monthly over there. If you are looking for something more cost-effective, consider finding a house in HSR or BTM layout. They are close enough to the central areas, but the monthly rent for a 1 BHK over there ranges from ₹12,000 to ₹15,000. You can also find a 2 BHK under ₹30,000 a month in these locations. Moreover, you can get cheaper options by moving further away from the center, but that will mean experiencing the infamous city traffic every day.

2. Food

The cost of living in Bangalore for bachelors includes monthly food-delivery expenses. The good news is that the city offers a variety of takeaway options through food-delivery apps. If you order two meals daily, it will cost you approximately ₹300 per day, accumulating up to ₹8,000 to ₹9,000 a month! It is best to hire a cook or learn cooking if you wish to save some money.

3. Groceries

The cost of groceries in Bangalore is quite similar to other metro cities in India. If you are ordering meals frequently, this expenditure will be minuscule. However, if you decide to cook, basic groceries like rice, pulses, and flour should not cost more than ₹6,000 a month.

4. Transport

The Bangalore traffic can be a nightmare, but that does not mean there is a lack of transportation options. You can easily get cabs, metros, rickshaws, and buses for your daily commute. While the metro and Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) buses will cost you the least, you may need to look for other alternatives like ride-hiring cab services when in a hurry. All things considered, monthly expenses for transportation should not cost over ₹3,000 with a mix of metro, auto rickshaws and taxis.

5. Utilities

Utility expenses primarily depend on your standard of living. If you opt for cable or Direct-to-Home (DTH) services along with electricity and Internet connection, the cost can add up. Unlimited broadband Internet plans cost more or less the same as other cities, which should not be more than ₹1,200. However, electricity is a little on the higher side compared to other major cities like Mumbai and Delhi. The higher your consumption, the more will be your bill. Although you may not use an air conditioner during most months due to the pleasant weather, the average cost is about ₹5.51 per unit of electricity consumption, which comes up to anywhere between ₹1,200 and ₹1,500 per month for a 2 BHK.

6. Childcare and schooling

By now, you may have got an idea about the cost of living in Bangalore for a bachelor, but it changes significantly if you bring a child into the picture. The city is home to some of the best schools. The monthly kindergarten fee may range from ₹3,750 to ₹12,500, while the international school fee for one child can be anything between ₹1 lakh and ₹3 lakh per year.

7. Shopping

Bangalore has everything from branded showrooms and malls to regular marketplaces. If you are looking for trendy apparel and accessories, check out places like MG Road, Chickpete, Commercial Street, and Majestic Market. You can find almost everything you require at reasonable rates. Unless you have expensive tastes, you can fulfill your shopping requirements at an average monthly cost of ₹5,000. But, if you prefer to buy only from big brands at malls, the cost will be much steeper.

8. Entertainment

You may look forward to exploring Bangalore’s nightlife and fun attractions. Orion Mall and Mantri Mall are places where you will find all the entertainment you need—multiplexes restaurants, gaming zones, and other activities. The weekend movie tickets will cost you about ₹300 per person. Apart from this, there are many amusem*nt parks and places of interest like Wonderla, Bannerghatta Biological Park, and Lalbagh Botanical Garden. For a monthly budget of ₹1,500, you can easily keep yourself entertained in the city.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How much does it cost to live in Bangalore for bachelors?

The average cost of living in Bangalore depends on your lifestyle. If you stay as a paying guest and do not spend much on entertainment, the monthly cost would not be more than ₹20,000. If you want to lead a comfortable life, the monthly living cost can be up to ₹40,000.

What are the living expenses for couples in Bangalore?

Couples can find budget-friendly accommodation in many areas of the city. A 2 BHK rent per month can be under ₹30,000 in areas such as HSR or BTM layout. The monthly rent of a 2 BHK in a posher area can be anything between ₹30,000 and ₹35,000. Other monthly expenses in Bangalore like electricity, Internet, groceries, and transportation should not cost over ₹10,000 per month.

Which are some of the reputable schools in Bangalore?

You do not have to worry about your child’s education in Bangalore. The city has some prime educational institutions such as Delhi Public School, Army Public School, St. Lawrence English School, Silver Oaks International School, Cathedral High School, and Bishop Cotton School.