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Expat Exchange - Cost of Living in Bangalore 2024
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Cost of Living in Bangalore

By Joshua Wood, LPC

William Russell
William Russell

Summary: Understanding the the cost of living in Bangalore helps a newcomer what to expect when it comes to apartment or house hunting, grocery shopping, transportation, dining out, utilities and more.

Cost of Living in Bangalore - Cost of Living in Bangalore

Apartment Rentals Rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center of Bangalore is around Rs. 20,000 per month. Rent for a three-bedroom apartment in the city center is around Rs. 40,000 per month. Rent for a one-bedroom apartment outside the city center is around Rs. 10,000 per month. Rent for a three-bedroom apartment outside the city center is around Rs. 25,000 per month.
Apartment Purchases The cost of purchasing an apartment in Bangalore varies depending on the location and size of the apartment. The average cost of a one-bedroom apartment in the city center is around Rs. 40 lakhs. The average cost of a three-bedroom apartment in the city center is around Rs. 1 crore. The average cost of a one-bedroom apartment outside the city center is around Rs. 20 lakhs. The average cost of a three-bedroom apartment outside the city center is around Rs. 50 lakhs.
Transportation The cost of transportation in Bangalore is relatively low. A monthly pass for the Bangalore Metro is around Rs. 800. A monthly pass for the Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) buses is around Rs. 500. A one-way ticket on the Bangalore Metro is around Rs. 20. A one-way ticket on the BMTC buses is around Rs. 10.
Groceries The cost of groceries in Bangalore is relatively low. A kilogram of rice is around Rs. 40. A kilogram of potatoes is around Rs. 20. A liter of milk is around Rs. 40. A dozen eggs is around Rs. 60. A kilogram of chicken is around Rs. 120.
Restaurants The cost of eating out in Bangalore varies depending on the type of restaurant. A meal at a fast food restaurant is around Rs. 100. A meal at a mid-range restaurant is around Rs. 300. A meal at a high-end restaurant is around Rs. 500.
Utilities The cost of utilities in Bangalore is relatively low. The average cost of electricity is around Rs. 5 per unit. The average cost of water is around Rs. 20 per month. The average cost of internet is around Rs. 500 per month.
Private School Tuition The cost of private school tuition in Bangalore varies depending on the school and grade level. The average cost of tuition for preschool is around Rs. 10,000 per month. The average cost of tuition for elementary school is around Rs. 15,000 per month. The average cost of tuition for middle school is around Rs. 20,000 per month. The average cost of tuition for high school is around Rs. 25,000 per month.

Monthly Budget for Retirees in Bangalore

"The cost of living in Bangalore is generally considered to be quite reasonable. Groceries, transportation, and utilities are all relatively inexpensive compared to other major cities in India. Eating out can be quite affordable, with many restaurants offering meals for less than $5 USD. Rent prices can vary depending on the area, but generally range from $200 to $500 USD per month," said one expat living in Bangalore.

Can I live in Bangalore on $1,500 a month?

"I've been living in Bangalore for a few years now, and I can tell you that it's definitely possible to live comfortably on $1,500 a month, but you'll have to make some adjustments and sacrifices. First, you'll need to find a place to live that's within your budget. Some of the more affordable neighborhoods in Bangalore include areas like Marathahalli, Whitefield, and Electronic City. These areas have a good mix of residential and commercial spaces, and you can find decent apartments for around $300 to $500 a month. On the other hand, you might want to avoid more expensive neighborhoods like Koramangala, Indiranagar, and MG Road, as rents can be quite high there.Next, you'll need to adjust your expectations when it comes to amenities. While you can find apartments with modern amenities like 24-hour power backup, security, and even a gym or swimming pool, these will likely be at the higher end of your budget. You might have to settle for a more basic apartment without these luxuries to save money.Transportation is another area where you can save money. Public transportation in Bangalore is quite affordable, with buses and the metro being the most popular options. You can get a monthly pass for around $10 to $15, which will give you unlimited access to both buses and the metro. Alternatively, you can use ride-sharing apps like Uber and Ola, which are also quite affordable, but the cost can add up if you use them daily.Eating out can be quite cheap in Bangalore, especially if you stick to local restaurants and street food. You can easily get a filling meal for under $2 at these places. However, if you prefer dining at more upscale restaurants or international chains, the cost can be significantly higher. Cooking at home can also help you save money, as groceries are relatively affordable.Finally, you'll need to be mindful of your entertainment and leisure expenses. While there are plenty of free or low-cost activities to enjoy in Bangalore, such as visiting parks and attending cultural events, going out to bars, clubs, or movie theaters can be quite expensive. You might have to limit these outings to once or twice a month to stay within your budget.Overall, living in Bangalore on $1,500 a month is doable, but you'll need to be smart about your spending and be willing to make some sacrifices. By choosing an affordable neighborhood, cutting back on luxury amenities, and being mindful of your transportation, food, and entertainment expenses, you can live comfortably in this vibrant city," commented an expat living in Bangalore.

Can I live in Bangalore on $3,500 a month?

"I've been living in Bangalore for a few years now, and I can tell you that it's definitely possible to live comfortably on $3,000 a month, even if you're used to modern amenities. However, you might have to make a few sacrifices to make it work. For example, you might not be able to afford a luxurious apartment in the most upscale neighborhoods, but you can still find a nice place to live in a more affordable area.Some of the more expensive neighborhoods in Bangalore include Indiranagar, Koramangala, and Whitefield. These areas have a lot of high-end apartments, shopping malls, and restaurants, but the cost of living is quite high. If you're looking to save money, I would recommend looking for a place in neighborhoods like HSR Layout, BTM Layout, or Marathahalli. These areas are still quite nice and have a good mix of modern amenities, but the cost of living is more reasonable.In terms of sacrifices, you might have to compromise on the size of your apartment or the number of amenities in your building. For example, you might not be able to find a place with a swimming pool or a gym within your budget. However, there are plenty of public parks and gyms in the city, so you can still maintain an active lifestyle.Another thing to consider is transportation. Owning a car in Bangalore can be quite expensive, so you might want to rely on public transportation or ride-sharing services like Uber and Ola. The traffic in Bangalore can be pretty bad, so using public transportation can actually save you a lot of time and stress.Eating out at fancy restaurants can also add up quickly, so you might want to cook at home more often or explore some of the more affordable local eateries. Bangalore has a great food scene, and there are plenty of delicious and budget-friendly options to choose from.Overall, living in Bangalore on $3,000 a month is definitely doable, but you'll need to be mindful of your spending and make a few compromises. By choosing a more affordable neighborhood and being smart about your expenses, you can enjoy a comfortable lifestyle in this vibrant city," said one expat living in Bangalore.

Can I live in Bangalore on $5,000 a month?

"I've been living in Bangalore for a few years now, and I can tell you that it's definitely possible to live comfortably on $5,000 a month, even with modern amenities. In fact, you'll probably be able to enjoy a pretty high standard of living with that budget. However, there might be a few sacrifices you'll have to make, depending on your lifestyle and preferences.Firstly, you'll need to choose the right neighborhood. Some of the more expensive areas, like Indiranagar, Koramangala, and Whitefield, might be a bit too pricey if you want to maintain a comfortable lifestyle on $5,000 a month. These areas are popular among expats and have a lot of high-end restaurants, bars, and shopping centers, but the cost of living is also higher.Instead, I'd recommend looking at more affordable neighborhoods like HSR Layout, BTM Layout, or Marathahalli. These areas still have plenty of modern amenities, like shopping malls, gyms, and good restaurants, but the cost of living is more reasonable. You'll be able to find a nice apartment or house for rent within your budget, and you'll still be able to enjoy a comfortable lifestyle.One sacrifice you might have to make is in terms of transportation. While Bangalore does have a metro system, it's not as extensive as in some other cities, so you might need to rely on auto-rickshaws or cabs for your daily commute. This can be a bit more expensive than public transportation, but it's still manageable within your budget.Another thing to consider is that while you'll be able to afford most modern amenities, some imported goods and luxury items can be quite expensive in India due to import taxes. So, you might have to cut back on certain items or find local alternatives.Overall, I think you'll find that living in Bangalore on $5,000 a month is definitely doable, and you'll be able to enjoy a comfortable lifestyle with most modern amenities. Just be prepared to make a few adjustments and choose the right neighborhood to make the most of your budget," commented an expat living in Bangalore.

About the Author

Joshua Wood Joshua Wood, LPC joined Expat Exchange in 2000 and serves as one of its Co-Presidents. He is also one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. Prior to Expat Exchange, Joshua worked for NBC Cable (MSNBC and CNBC Primetime). Joshua has a BA from Syracuse and a Master's in Clinical and Counseling Psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Mr. Wood is also a licensed counselor and psychotherapist.

Some of Joshua's articles include Pros and Cons of Living in Portugal, 10 Best Places to Live in Ireland and Pros and Cons of Living in Uruguay. Connect with Joshua on LinkedIn.


William Russell
William Russell

William Russell
William Russell

SJB Global
SJB Global

SJB Global is a top-rated financial advisory firm specializing in expat financial advice worldwide, offering retirement planning & tax-efficient solutions with a regressive fee model.
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SJB GlobalSJB Global

SJB Global is a top-rated financial advisory firm specializing in expat financial advice worldwide, offering retirement planning & tax-efficient solutions with a regressive fee model.
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