Cost of Living in Pune

Pune is one of the fastest-growing and most livable cities in India. Although it is only a few hours away from Mumbai, the cost of living here is relatively cheaper. It is even less expensive compared to Delhi, making it an affordable city to live in. But, when it comes to the cost of living in Pune vs Bangalore, Chennai, Hyderabad, and other southern cities the expenses for staying over here may seem higher than other places.

The overall cost of residing in the city depends on different factors like accommodation type, locality, and much more. Check out the average rent for:

• Cost of Living in Pune for Students and bachelors: The cost of living in Pune for a bachelor or a student is comparatively lower than other metro cities like Mumbai or Delhi. You can find a 1 BHK in areas like Kothrud or Wakad for a monthly rent of ₹15,000.
• Cost of Living in Pune for Couples: If you and your spouse want to stay in a plush area such as Koregaon Park or Viman Nagar, the living cost will be high. A rented 1 BHK in these affluent areas costs about ₹20,000 to ₹25,000 per month.
• Cost of Living in Pune for Family with children: You might need a 2 BHK to live comfortably with your spouse and children. The monthly rent for a 2 BHK in happening localities like Koregaon Park is around ₹30,000 to ₹45,000. You can get a similar house for a monthly rent of ₹20,000 to ₹30,000 in Kothrud. In the more inexpensive areas like Vishal Nagar and Wakad, you can find a 2 BHK for ₹20,000 to ₹25,000.

Renting vs. buying a house in Pune

The cost of living in Pune comes down to the rent you are paying every month. It is advisable to compare the costs of renting and buying a property in the city to decide which option is suitable for you. This table can help you get a clear idea:

Factors that determine the cost of living in Pune

Here is a list that explains how different aspects determine your overall living cost in Pune.

1. Accommodation
The monthly rent of a house depends on the locality and the property size. If you are looking for accommodation in an expensive area in Pune, such as Koregaon Park and Viman Nagar, you will have to pay a high amount. The rent for 1 BHK in these areas can be between ₹20,000 and ₹25,000 a month. For a 2 BHK, you may have to pay ₹30,000 to ₹45,000 per month.

There are some suburban localities where the rent is quite pocket-friendly. For example, Asia’s fastest developing suburb—Kothrud—is in Pune. You can rent a 1 BHK here for only around ₹15,000 and a 2 BHK for ₹20,000 to ₹30,000 a month. Wakad, Vishal Nagar, and Hadapsar are some other localities where the rent is quite cost-effective.

2. Travelling
Transportation in Pune is not ideal for daily commuters. You can get a monthly bus pass to travel within the city for ₹580 to ₹1,500, but the buses still do not go to certain areas. Therefore, most people in the city prefer cars for their daily commute, resulting in traffic congestion. Taxis and rickshaws are also viable modes of transport. You may put aside ₹2,500 every month if you wish to avail of these alternatives. One good news is that the construction of the Pune Metro railway system is rapidly progressing. Once it is operational, transportation issues will be resolved to some extent.

3. Food
If you are comfortable ordering food from restaurants every day, it will be the most convenient option and cost around ₹6,000 a month. Pune has ‘Dabbawalas’ like Mumbai, too. You can avail of their food delivery service for a monthly cost of ₹4,000. You can also consider preparing your meals at home or hiring a cook. A maid and a cook will cost you around ₹3,000 to ₹5,000 every month.

4.  Groceries
If you decide to cook at home, groceries will add up to your living expenses in Pune, but it will still be cheaper than eating out every day. Regular groceries are a bit expensive in Pune compared to some other cities, but you can easily get them delivered to your doorstep. Depending on your eating habits, monthly groceries can cost between ₹4,000 and ₹6,000.

5. Utilities
The city has a lot of greenery, keeping the overall temperature down throughout the year. So, you would not require the AC other than a few days during the summer. This is why the electricity cost is low in Pune compared to cities like Mumbai. The monthly bill might be anything between ₹1,000 and ₹1,500 for a 1 BHK and up to ₹2,000 for a 2 BHK. Moreover, you can enjoy unlimited Internet at ₹1,000 to ₹1,200 per month.

6.  Children’s schooling
The average living cost in Pune for parents depends on the educational expenses of their children. An average pre-school can charge around ₹2,500 per month, while a reputable institution might have an approximate cost of ₹8,500 a month. The city also has many international schools, where the yearly fees range from ₹60,000 to ₹2 lakh.

7.  Entertainment
There are many options for entertainment in Pune, such as weekend trips, fancy restaurants, and theaters. Lonavala, Lavasa, Lohagad Fort, and Mahabaleshwar are some of the nearby tourist destinations that you can visit with your friends and family. The cost is not that high and will mainly depend on the car rent, fuel, and food. You can also enjoy a movie in a multiplex with some snacks for ₹500 per person.