The first time I heard about Bangalore, it was in a conversation about India’s booming tech scene. “It’s like Silicon Valley but with better food,” my friend joked. She wasn’t wrong.
What I love most about Bangalore is how it feels international yet unmistakably Indian. You’ll find expats, digital nomads, and freelancers working from the same spaces where locals debate cricket and politics over strong filter coffee. Yeah, Indians love cricket.
But like every great city, living here requires money. If you’re looking to relocate or just curious about what it costs to live comfortably in India’s tech capital, I’ve broken it all down here.
Rent depends heavily on the area, property type, and level of furnishing. The city has experienced rapid growth over the last decade, transforming once-quiet suburbs into thriving hubs for tech professionals and tourists.
Neighbourhoods like Indiranagar, Koramangala, MG Road, and Richmond Town are where much of the action happens. Sure, it’s convenient, but you’ll have to pay about 30 - 50% higher rent than in outer zones.
You can get a 1-bedroom flat in Indiranagar or Koramangala for around ₹28,000 - ₹35,000 per month, while a modern 3-bedroom can easily hit ₹70,000 - ₹90,000, depending on proximity to the metro and whether it’s fully furnished. Premium developments or serviced apartments, especially those equipped with gyms or pools, can exceed ₹100,000 per month.
Meanwhile, outer districts such as Whitefield, HSR Layout and Electronic City are cheaper.
Utility bills are usually separate, averaging ₹2,500 - ₹5,000 per month for electricity, water, and maintenance, depending on usage and apartment size. We’ll get to utilities later.
I’ve met quite a few people who started out renting and eventually bought a home. It’s easy to see why. The city’s property market has been steadily growing, fuelled by its booming tech economy and expanding infrastructure. But how much you’ll pay depends almost entirely on where you choose to buy.
In central neighbourhoods like Indiranagar, Koramangala, and MG Road, property prices reflect both prestige and convenience. You’re paying for proximity, and that comes at a premium. Expect to spend around ₹180,000 per square metre, with a standard 2-bedroom apartment costing anywhere between ₹15 million and ₹25 million, depending on age and finishing.
If you’re open to newer or developing areas like Whitefield, Electronic City, Yelahanka, or Sarjapur Road, prices drop significantly. These neighbourhoods are slightly farther out, but the general feeling is that you get better value for money.
It’s also worth noting that property appreciation in Bangalore has remained strong, averaging 7-10% annually in many zones.
One of the first things anyone who’s visited Bangalore before talks about a lot is the food. The city has something for everyone.
For everyday meals, local eateries are unbeatable in both taste and value. You can enjoy a hearty South Indian meal, such as idli, dosa, or thali, for ₹250 - ₹350, while North Indian options like butter chicken or paneer curry with naan cost around ₹400 - ₹600. These small, family-run places are where most locals eat daily, and you can comfortably spend less than ₹500 a day eating out this way.
If you’re going out for a date night or a proper dinner, mid-range restaurants in neighbourhoods like Koramangala or Whitefield typically charge ₹1,500 - ₹2,000 for two people, including appetisers and drinks. High-end spots, the kind with city views, craft cocktails, or fusion menus, can easily cross ₹4,000 - ₹6,000 for two, especially if you add wine or imported beer.
Coffee culture is practically a lifestyle here. Pop timeless, Indian Coffee, Third Wave Coffee and Matteo are some of the most popular. Most cafés also double as remote work havens, which makes them popular with freelancers and digital nomads.
For drinks, domestic beer (such as Kingfisher or Bira) costs around ₹200 - ₹250 per pint, while imported beer (Heineken, Budweiser, Corona) ranges from ₹350 to ₹400. Cocktails at bars in Indiranagar or MG Road range between ₹600 and ₹1,000, depending on the venue.
Bangalore rewards those who like to explore. You can spend ₹700 a day eating local, ₹1,500 -₹2,000 for a mid-range dining experience, or splurge on ₹4,000+ fine dining nights, all within the same week. That flexibility is what makes living (and eating) here so enjoyable.
I personally don’t like grocery shopping, but if it’s your thing, then you’ll love Bangalore. You can find almost everything here, and the selection options are endless. How much you spend really depends on your shopping habits and how often you cook.
I’ve found that local markets like Russell Market, HAL Market, or Madiwala are unbeatable when it comes to price. A bag full of vegetables and fruits can cost just ₹400 - ₹700, which easily lasts a week for one person. On the other hand, if you shop at supermarkets like Spar, Nature’s Basket, or Big Bazaar, prices are slightly higher, but you get convenience and imported options that local vendors might not carry.
Basic essentials are affordable. A litre of milk costs about ₹55 - ₹60, a loaf of bread around ₹50-₹60, and a dozen eggs roughly ₹85 - ₹100. Cooking oil prices vary depending on brand, with a one-litre bottle of sunflower oil costing around ₹160 - ₹180. Fresh fruits and vegetables are also reasonably priced: tomatoes cost around ₹30 per kilo, potatoes are about ₹35 - ₹40, and onions are near ₹40 per kilo. Apples and oranges are pricier, at ₹200 - ₹250 per kilo, depending on the season.
Protein items like chicken fillets (₹300 - ₹350 per kilo) and beef or mutton (₹500 - ₹700 per kilo) form the bulk of a non-vegetarian’s grocery budget. Local cheese costs roughly ₹600 - ₹700 per kilogram, though imported varieties can easily double that. For those who enjoy a drink, domestic beer typically costs around ₹180-₹200 per bottle, while imported beer is priced at ₹300 - ₹350 per bottle. A decent bottle of wine starts around ₹900-₹1,200, depending on where you shop.
Getting around Bangalore is relatively inexpensive. The traffic can be legendary (and not always in a good way), but the good news is that getting from point A to B is relatively affordable.
For most people, public transport is the most economical way to get around. A BMTC bus ride costs between ₹15 and ₹60, depending on the distance, while a monthly pass is around ₹1,200-₹1,400, making it ideal for daily commuters. The Namma Metro, though still expanding, is a game-changer for many routes. A one-way metro ticket costs ₹10 - ₹60, and a monthly metro pass costs around ₹1,200-₹1,500, depending on zones covered. The metro is fast, air-conditioned, and a relief during rush hour.
Auto-rickshaws are the city’s iconic ride, and they always seem to be in a hurry. Fares start at ₹30 - ₹35 for the first 2km, with each additional kilometre costing around ₹15 - ₹18. For a 5-6 km ride, expect to pay ₹100 - ₹150, depending on traffic and time of day. Always insist that the driver uses the meter; bargaining is still a common practice here.
If you prefer the convenience of door-to-door service, ride-hailing apps like Uber and Ola are valid options. Short trips within central areas are usually between ₹100 - ₹200, while for longer rides to suburbs like Whitefield or Electronic City, you may spend around ₹400 - ₹700. During peak hours, surge pricing can drive fares higher, but it remains cheaper and more reliable than owning a car for most city dwellers.
Owning a car or bike is also common among residents, especially in areas where public transport coverage is limited. Petrol currently costs around ₹105 per litre, and an average commuter driving 20 km a day spends about ₹6,000 - ₹8,000 per month on fuel alone. Parking can be tricky and often costs ₹20 - ₹50 per hour in commercial areas. Bike rentals or subscription scooters, such as Bounce and Vogo, charge roughly ₹7 - ₹10 per kilometre.
For intercity travel, Bangalore is well connected by trains and buses. A train ticket to nearby cities like Mysore or Chennai costs between ₹150 and ₹500, while private AC buses range from ₹500 - ₹1,500, depending on the level of comfort and timing.
For a standard 85m² apartment, the average monthly cost of electricity, water, gas, and garbage collection is around ₹2,500-₹3,500, depending on usage and the number of residents. Single occupants who work outside most of the day might spend closer to ₹2,000, while families with multiple devices, geysers, and washing machines can hit ₹4,000 during peak months.
Electricity is billed at roughly ₹6 - ₹9 per unit, depending on the state electricity board and your consumption slab. Moderate users consuming around 300-400 units monthly will likely pay between ₹2,000 and ₹2,800, with an additional ₹300 - ₹500 covering water and waste collection. In some apartment complexes, water charges are bundled into the maintenance fee, while others bill separately.
For internet, providers like Airtel, JioFiber, ACT Fibernet, and BSNL are decent. A high-speed fibre plan (60-150 Mbps) costs between ₹800 and ₹1,200 per month, with premium plans (300 Mbps or more) ranging from ₹1,500 to ₹1,800. Many apartments include shared Wi-Fi in their rent, but dedicated connections are worth it if you need stability for video calls or uploading large files.
Here’s a breakdown of the essentials:
Overall, your total utility bill is likely to fall between ₹3,500 and ₹5,500 per month, depending on your lifestyle and whether you live alone or with family. For a city of its size, that’s refreshingly reasonable.
LDMAG
If there’s one thing to know about Bangalore, it’s that everyone likes to have a good time. And the best part? It’s surprisingly affordable to unwind here.
A standard gym membership in a mid-range chain like Cult.Fit, Gold’s Gym, or Snap Fitness costs between ₹1,200 and ₹2,000 per month, depending on the neighbourhood and whether you join group classes. Premium gyms with pools or personal trainers can go up to ₹4,000 - ₹5,000 monthly. If you prefer yoga (and honestly, this is the perfect city for it), drop-in sessions start around ₹300-₹500, while monthly memberships at yoga studios cost ₹1,200 - ₹2,500.
For those who enjoy outdoor sports, tennis court rentals average ₹500 - ₹700 per hour on weekends, depending on the location and club facilities. Badminton courts are even cheaper. They are usually around ₹300 - ₹500 per hour, and are easy to find in most residential areas. Many gated communities have their own indoor courts or small gyms, so you can save quite a bit if you live in one.
Entertainment options are equally accessible. A cinema ticket for international releases costs roughly ₹350 - ₹500 per seat, and prices rise slightly for premium screens or recliner seats. If you’re a movie buff, weekday matinees often go for less than ₹300. Bangalore also has a thriving arts scene. Stand-up comedy shows, music gigs, and theatre performances (₹700-₹1,500) are weekend staples at venues like Ranga Shankara and Gilly’s Redefined.
On average, if you’re moderately active and go out once or twice a week, you’ll spend about ₹3,000-₹6,000 per month on leisure.
While writing this, I spent a fair amount of time researching how families manage in Bangalore. I quickly found out how highly education is regarded here.
For preschoolers, local private schools and daycare centres cost between ₹8,000 and ₹15,000 per month, depending on location, hours, and facilities. Schools in upscale neighbourhoods like Indiranagar, Koramangala, and Whitefield tend to be on the higher end. International-standard Montessori programmes charge around ₹18,000 - ₹25,000 per month. Meanwhile, smaller community daycares or play schools in residential areas can be as affordable as ₹6,000 - ₹9,000 per month.
At the primary education level, things become more expensive. International schools such as The International School Bangalore (TISB), Canadian International School, or Stonehill International charge annual tuition between ₹300,000 and ₹800,000, depending on grade and curriculum (IB, IGCSE, or CBSE International). These schools also include extracurricular activities, language classes, and modern facilities in their fees.
Local CBSE or ICSE schools are significantly cheaper, typically ranging from ₹80,000 to ₹200,000 per year. At the same time, premium private institutions like Indus International or Greenwood High can exceed ₹1,000,000 per year, especially for upper grades or boarding options.
Childcare services for toddlers and infants are also readily available. Full-day nannies typically cost around ₹12,000 - ₹20,000 per month, while part-time help for a few hours daily can range from ₹6,000 to ₹8,000, depending on experience and location.
In neighbourhoods like Indiranagar, Koramangala, and Whitefield, you’ll find Zara, H&M, Levi’s, Nike, and Marks & Spencer sitting alongside Indian designer boutiques like FabIndia or Global Desi. A pair of quality jeans (think Levi’s or Pepe) costs around ₹2,500 - ₹3,000, while a casual summer dress from high-street brands goes for about ₹2,000- ₹2,800. For shoes, expect ₹4,000- ₹5,000 for Nike or Adidas sneakers and ₹3,000 - ₹4,500 for a pair of formal leather shoes.
If you prefer shopping local, Bangalore’s markets will be great for you. Head to Commercial Street or Jayanagar 4th Block, and you’ll find trendy tops, kurtas, and jeans for half the price. Tailors are affordable, too; getting a custom-fitted outfit made can cost less than ₹1,000 if you bring your own fabric.
Luxury shoppers aren’t left out. High-end malls like UB City feature international designers such as Louis Vuitton and Armani, where prices start at around ₹20,000-₹25,000 for clothing and increase from there.
Here’s what a typical clothing budget might look like for someone living in Bangalore:
Bangalore is one of the few places where you’ll find the perfect balance of opportunity, culture, and affordability. The tech ecosystem is booming, the weather is kind, and the city’s energy is incredible. Yes, rent and traffic can test your patience, but the lifestyle rewards are worth it.
If you plan carefully and budget wisely, Bangalore can be one of the best places in Asia to live, work remotely, and thrive as a freelancer or entrepreneur.
However, managing payments across borders can sometimes be very challenging. With Grey, you can open a free multi-currency account, receive USD, EUR, or GBP payments directly from international clients, and convert them seamlessly to INR, all at competitive rates and without the stress of traditional banking.
Sign up on Grey or download the app today and enjoy smooth, borderless payments while living and working in Bangalore.
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