Cost of Living in Hyderabad
Summary: Understanding the the cost of living in Hyderabad helps a newcomer what to expect when it comes to apartment or house hunting, grocery shopping, transportation, dining out, utilities and more.
Apartment Rentals | The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Hyderabad is around Rs. 10,000 per month. For a two-bedroom apartment, the average rent is around Rs. 15,000 per month. For a three-bedroom apartment, the average rent is around Rs. 20,000 per month. |
Apartment Purchases | The average price of a one-bedroom apartment in Hyderabad is around Rs. 40 lakhs. For a two-bedroom apartment, the average price is around Rs. 60 lakhs. For a three-bedroom apartment, the average price is around Rs. 80 lakhs. |
Transportation | The cost of public transportation in Hyderabad is very affordable. A one-way ticket on the bus or metro costs around Rs. 10. A monthly pass costs around Rs. 500. Taxis are also available and the cost of a ride depends on the distance travelled. |
Groceries | The cost of groceries in Hyderabad is quite reasonable. A kilogram of rice costs around Rs. 40, a kilogram of potatoes costs around Rs. 30, a kilogram of onions costs around Rs. 25, and a litre of milk costs around Rs. 40. |
Restaurants | The cost of eating out in Hyderabad is quite affordable. A meal at a local restaurant costs around Rs. 150, while a meal at a mid-range restaurant costs around Rs. 500. A meal at a high-end restaurant costs around Rs. 1000. |
Utilities | The cost of utilities in Hyderabad is quite reasonable. 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 Hyderabad varies depending on the school. The average cost of preschool tuition is around Rs. 10,000 per month. The average cost of elementary school tuition is around Rs. 15,000 per month. The average cost of middle school tuition is around Rs. 20,000 per month. The average cost of high school tuition is around Rs. 25,000 per month. |
Monthly Budget for Retirees in Hyderabad
"The cost of living in Hyderabad is generally considered to be quite affordable. Groceries, transportation, and utilities are all relatively inexpensive compared to other cities in India. Eating out is also quite affordable, with many restaurants offering meals for a fraction of the cost of what they would be in other cities. Rent prices can vary depending on the area, but overall, Hyderabad is a great place to live for those looking for an affordable lifestyle," said one expat living in Hyderabad.
Can I live in Hyderabad on $1,500 a month?
"I've been living in Hyderabad 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 to your lifestyle. First, you'll need to find a place to live that's within your budget. Some of the more affordable neighborhoods in Hyderabad include Kukatpally, Miyapur, and Gachibowli. These areas have a good mix of residential and commercial spaces, and you can find a decent apartment for around $300 to $400 a month. On the other hand, you might want to avoid more expensive neighborhoods like Banjara Hills, Jubilee Hills, and HITEC City, as rents can be much higher there.When it comes to transportation, you can save money by using public transport like buses and the metro, which are quite affordable. However, if you prefer to have your own vehicle, you can consider buying a two-wheeler, which is a popular and cost-effective mode of transport in India. Owning a car can be expensive due to fuel costs and parking fees, so it's best to avoid that if you're on a tight budget.Eating out can be quite affordable in Hyderabad, especially if you stick to local cuisine and street food. However, if you prefer to eat at more upscale restaurants or international chains, your food expenses can add up quickly. To save money, you can cook at home and shop for groceries at local markets, which are generally cheaper than supermarkets.In terms of entertainment, there are plenty of affordable options in Hyderabad. You can visit historical sites like the Charminar and Golconda Fort, or spend time at parks like Lumbini Park and KBR Park. Movie tickets are also quite cheap, and there are numerous multiplexes where you can catch the latest releases. However, if you're into nightlife and clubbing, you might have to cut back on that, as it can be quite expensive in Hyderabad.Overall, living on $1,500 a month in Hyderabad is doable, but you'll have to be mindful of your expenses and make some sacrifices in terms of your lifestyle. By choosing an affordable neighborhood, using public transport, and being smart about your food and entertainment choices, you can live comfortably and enjoy your time in this vibrant city," commented an expat living in Hyderabad.
Can I live in Hyderabad on $3,500 a month?
"I've been living in Hyderabad 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 Hyderabad include Banjara Hills, Jubilee Hills, and HITEC City. These areas have a lot of high-end apartments, shopping malls, and restaurants, but the cost of living is also quite high. If you're looking to save money, I would recommend considering neighborhoods like Kondapur, Gachibowli, or Madhapur. These areas are still relatively close to the IT hubs and have a good mix of modern amenities, but the cost of living is more reasonable.In terms of housing, you can find a decent 2-3 bedroom apartment in one of these more affordable neighborhoods for around $500-$800 per month. This should leave you with plenty of money for other expenses like groceries, transportation, and entertainment. Keep in mind that the cost of living in India is generally much lower than in Western countries, so your money will go a lot further here.One sacrifice you might have to make is adjusting to the local cuisine and shopping at local markets instead of always eating out at fancy restaurants or buying imported groceries. This can actually be a fun and rewarding experience, as you'll get to try new foods and learn more about the local culture.Another thing to consider is transportation. While Hyderabad does have a decent public transportation system, it might not be as reliable or comfortable as what you're used to. Many expats choose to hire a driver or use ride-sharing apps like Uber or Ola to get around the city. This can be an additional expense, but it's still quite affordable compared to owning and maintaining a car.Overall, I think it's definitely possible to live comfortably in Hyderabad on $3,000 a month, as long as you're willing to make a few adjustments and be mindful of your spending. The city has a lot to offer in terms of culture, history, and natural beauty, so I'm sure you'll enjoy your time here," said one expat living in Hyderabad.
Can I live in Hyderabad on $5,000 a month?
"I've been living in Hyderabad for a few years now, and I can tell you that it's definitely possible to live comfortably on $5,000 a month, even if you're used to modern amenities. In fact, you might not have to make too many sacrifices at all. Hyderabad is a city with a mix of both affordable and expensive neighborhoods, so you'll have plenty of options to choose from.For affordable neighborhoods, I'd recommend looking into areas like Kondapur, Gachibowli, and Madhapur. These areas are well-connected to the rest of the city and have a good mix of residential and commercial spaces. You'll find plenty of modern apartments and gated communities here, with rents ranging from $300 to $800 per month, depending on the size and amenities. These areas also have a good number of supermarkets, restaurants, and shopping centers, so you won't have to compromise on your lifestyle.If you're looking for something more upscale, you might want to consider neighborhoods like Banjara Hills and Jubilee Hills. These areas are known for their luxury apartments and villas, and rents can go up to $2,000 per month or more. However, keep in mind that living in these neighborhoods might eat into your budget quite a bit, so you might have to cut back on other expenses like dining out or entertainment.In terms of other living expenses, you'll find that groceries, transportation, and utilities are quite affordable in Hyderabad. Eating out at mid-range restaurants can cost you around $5 to $10 per meal, while a monthly pass for public transportation is around $15. Utilities like electricity, water, and internet should cost you around $50 to $100 per month, depending on your usage.Overall, I think you'll find that living in Hyderabad on $5,000 a month is quite doable, and you won't have to make too many sacrifices to maintain a comfortable lifestyle. Just be mindful of your housing choices and budget accordingly, and you should be able to enjoy all the modern amenities you're used to," commented an expat living in Hyderabad.
About the Author
Betsy Burlingame is the Founder and President of Expat Exchange and is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University with a BA in International Business and German.
Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.