Understanding the Cost of Living in Bangalore: A Detailed Overview for 2024

Bangalore, India's Silicon Valley, is a fast-growing metropolis with a special blend of modernity and legacy. Bangalore's cost of living varies significantly depending on your income level, way of life, and housing location. As the city continues expanding and upgrading in 2024, we may expect adjustments in cost of living in Bangalore in various places. Let's examine closely what living in Bangalore in 2024 may have to offer.

Quick Overview of Bangalore's Living Costs (2024)

Bangalore offers a variety of living situations, from affordable shared accommodation to luxurious homes and apartments. This table covers food, utilities, transportation, and rent and provides a look at the cost of living in Bangalore for a single person.

Expense	Cost (₹)
Rent (1 BHK in City)	₹20,000 - ₹35,000
Rent (1 BHK Outside City)	₹10,000 - ₹20,000
Rent (2 BHK in City)	₹35,000 - ₹60,000
Utilities (Electricity, Water, Gas)	₹3,000 - ₹5,000
Groceries	₹4,000 - ₹8,000
Public Transportation	₹1,500 - ₹3,000
Total Cost (Single Person)	₹25,000 - ₹45,000
Total Cost (Family of 4)	₹60,000 - ₹90,000
Total Cost (Couples)	₹45,000 - ₹65,000
Education Fees (School)	₹50,000 - ₹2,00,000 p.a.

This brief review helps one to get a rough sense of expected expenses. The living expenses in Bangalore for couples and singles vary depending on several factors.

How is Life in Bangalore?

While life in Bangalore can be exciting with its vibrant culture, it can also be expensive. The cost of living in Bangalore, especially housing, has increased. However, the city offers a good balance of quality of life and job opportunities, attracting people from different parts of the country. 

To enjoy life in Bangalore without breaking the bank, one can explore affordable dining options, public transportation, and leisure activities.

Factors Affecting the Average Cost of Living in Bangalore

Owing to a growing service industry and an active real estate market, not only businesses, including multinationals and start-ups, are expanding at an alarming rate, but the lifestyle choices for the average consumer are also abundant. The BBMP or Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (Greater Bangalore Municipal Corporation) has also provided the citizens with affordable services, including free water, a well-connected bus transportation system, a stable electricity supply and more. Given that Bangalore is the fifth city to serve as the host to a maximum number of Fortune companies after cities such as Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, etc., the average monthly expenses in Bangalore can also extend to the lifestyle of its poshest areas. 

That said, if we include the primary considerations for bachelors, couples, and families, the monthly expenses in Bangalore, on average, should be close to the figures listed below.

Description	Bachelors	Couples	Families
Rent	7,000 – 13,000	15,000 – 25,000	15,000 – 30,000
Groceries	3,000 – 5,000	6,000 – 8,000	8,000 – 15,000
Transport	1,500 – 2,000	2,000 – 5,000	5,000 – 7,000
Utilities	1,200 – 2,500	2,000 – 3,000	2,000 – 3,000
Entertainment	5,000 - 7,000	6,000 – 9,000	6,000 – 10,000
Schooling of kids	Nil	Nil	3,000 – 12,000

Cost of Accommodation in Bangalore

For instance, the cost of living in Bangalore for a bachelor is fairly affordable, given the presence of several paying guests, hostels, and apartments for rent around colleges and universities. 

• Paying Guests and Hostels: Rent covers utilities like electricity, water, and Wi-Fi, making it an affordable option for students and freshers.
• Shared Apartments: Fresher living costs are lower when sharing apartments, as expenses for amenities are divided among residents.
• Affordable Food Options: Budget-friendly dining options like fast-food joints, military hotels, and food trucks help reduce students' living costs.
• Reasonable Costs for Young Couples: Young couples can find affordable rental options in residential areas near business hubs.
• Variety of Housing Options: A range of rental units is available, from 1BHK to larger units like 2BHK, 3BHK, and villas.
• Factors to Consider: Decide based on proximity to work or college, property size, distance from commercial areas, and amenities offered.
• Rental Costs: In central Bangalore, renting a 2BHK apartment ranges from INR 15,000 to 30,000 per month.
• Cost Table: A cost table provides a clearer understanding of rental prices for different apartment sizes.

Average Electricity Bill in Bangalore

The average electricity bill in Bangalore for a household using around 100 to 120 monthly units is around INR 600. However, the cost of electricity in Bangalore varies based on the number of units consumed. 

As of April 1, 2024, the Karnataka Electricity Regulatory Commission (KERC) has revised the tariff rates for domestic consumers. The updated rates for domestic Low Tension (LT) supply are as follows:

• 0 to 50 units: INR 4.05 per unit
• 51 to 100 units: INR 5.90 per unit
• 101 to 200 units: INR 6.85 per unit
• Above 200 units: INR 7.70 per unit

This represents a reduction of INR 1.10 per unit for consumers using more than 100 units, dropping from INR 7.00 to INR 5.90​

Renting A House/ PG/ Apartment- Bangalore Cost of Living for Bachelors

Size of house	Rent in INR
1 BHK	7,000 – 18,000
2 BHK	16,000 – 35,000
3 BHK	22,500 – 50,000
Paying Guest	6,000 – 16,000

Popular Affordable Places to Buy/Rent in Bangalore

Location	Average Cost to Rent (INR)	Average Cost to Buy (INR Per Sq. Ft.)
Doddanekundi	~12,000	~5,200
Kuundalahalli	~11,000	~8,000
Banaswadi	~10,000	~7,000
Hennur	~12,000	~5,000
Nagwara	~8,000	~4,500
Yelahanka	~11,000	~7,000
Ejipura	~10,000	~6,000
Hebbal	~8,000	~5,500
R.T. Nagar	~12,000	~8,500
Tavarakere	~9,000	~6,000

Popular Posh Places to Buy/Rent in Bangalore

Location	Average Cost to Rent (INR)	Average Cost to Buy (INR Per sq. Ft.)
Indira Nagar	~15,000	~10,000
Marathahalli	~14,000	~6,000
Malleswaram	~16,000	~11,000
Hebbal	~17,000	~5,000
Jayanagar	~16,000	~9,000
Whitefield	~17,000	~8,000
HSR	~13,000	~8,000
Electronic City	~16,000	~6,500
Koramangala	~14,000	~13,000
Basavanagudi	~13,000	~10,000

Apart from the regular paying guest and renting options, you can also opt for co-living accommodations. The cost of living in Bangalore for students is significantly lowered due to single, double, and triple-sharing rooms available from anywhere between INR 6000 – 15,000, depending on the range of convenience and facilities you want to explore. The living expenses in Bangalore for students go down in many more ways than one, including food, maintenance, laundry, housekeeping, and property security.

Cost Of Transportation in Bangalore

Bangalore's public transit system includes BMTC buses, the Namma Metro, auto-rickshaws, taxis, and bike rentals. The distance you travel and your frequency of commuting determine the minimum cost of living in Bangalore.

Bangalore, often referred to as the "Silicon Valley of India," offers a wide range of transportation options to cater to the needs of its residents, making it a budget-friendly city for both bachelors and couples. Here's a breakdown of the most popular and economical modes of transportation:

BMTC Buses: 

With monthly passes ranging between ₹1,500 and ₹2,000, this is the most reasonably priced way to get around Bangalore. It's a sensible choice for everyday metropolitan travel.

Namma Metro: 

The Bangalore metro route offers a quick means of getting around the city and is quickly developing. Metro prices range from ₹10 to ₹60 based on distance. Available monthly passes may assist in lowering transportation expenses.

Autos & Cabs: 

Cars and taxis cost extra and might include the car parking charges in Bangalore airport if you are coming or going to catch a flight. While taxis (like Ola and Uber) might run ₹15 to ₹20 per mile, auto-rickshaw costs start at ₹30.

Private Transport: 

Should you decide to drive your bike or car, the monthly expenses include parking fees, gasoline (₹5,000 to ₹8,000), and vehicle maintenance, therefore rendering a more expensive choice.

Other Options

• Cycle Sharing: Several cycle-sharing services have gained popularity in recent years. These are great for short commutes and can be a fun and eco-friendly way to get around.
• Walking: For short distances, walking can be a convenient and free option. Bangalore's many parks and pedestrian-friendly areas make walking enjoyable.

Monthly Bus Pass Price in Bangalore

Based on the provided web search results, the monthly bus pass price in Bangalore depends on various factors, such as the type of pass, the distance of travel, and whether the pass is for AC or non-AC buses.

The prices for BMTC (Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation) monthly bus passes range from around Rs. 830 to Rs. 3150, depending on the pass type and distance travelled. 

Similarly, KSRTC (Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation) also issues monthly passes at concessional rates for regular passengers such as employees, students, and traders, and the prices may vary depending on the distance and type of pass. KSRTC monthly passes are issued at all bus stations and are valid for travel along with an identity card issued by KSRTC

Cost of Food and Groceries in Bangalore 

Food and grocery costs in Bangalore are affordable, with families spending INR 5,000 to 8,000 monthly. Bachelors may pay more, with restaurant meals ranging from INR 200 to 3,000, depending on the dining area.

Groceries

While couples may spend ₹7,000 to ₹9,000, individuals' monthly food costs might go from ₹4,000 to ₹6,000. Based on dietary habits, monthly shopping expenses for a household of four might range from ₹10,000 to ₹15,000.

Cost for Families:

• For two people, the monthly grocery expense ranges from INR 5,000 to 8,000, significantly reducing the overall cost of living.

Eating Out

Bangalore's street cuisine is reasonably priced—between ₹50 and ₹150 per dinner. While exquisite dining at high-end restaurants might run from ₹1,000 to ₹2,500 per person, eating at smaller eateries may cost ₹200 to ₹500 for each meal.

Dining Costs for Bachelors

• Dining Challenges:
  • Bachelors who cannot cook and do not prefer meals compared to paying for guest accommodations may face higher costs.
• Restaurant Costs:
  • A two-person meal in a medium-priced restaurant typically ranges from INR 200 to 1,500.
• Dining in Trendy Areas:
  • In popular areas with microbreweries and boutique eateries, costs can escalate to INR 1,000 to 3,000 for two people.

Healthcare and Education Costs

Bangalore has a strong healthcare system, with public and private facilities running under government direction. Private healthcare is, however, often more costly. Here are the details of the healthcare and education costs in Bangalore. 

Healthcare: 

A private hospital's consultation fee could go from ₹500 to ₹2,000. Depending on the therapy, hospitalisation might cost anywhere from ₹20,000 to ₹1,00,000. Though they may not have the same amenities or service, government hospitals provide reasonably priced healthcare.

Education: 

Bangalore's school fees vary greatly based on the institution. For example, the school in Whitefield Bangalore may be more than other less crowded areas. Annual rates for private schools range from ₹50,000 to ₹2,00,000; foreign institutions may charge significantly more. Particularly for private universities, tuition expenses for college or university students may run from ₹1,00,000 to ₹5,00,000 annually.

Bangalore Living Cost per Month: Breakdown

Your way of life will affect Bangalore's cost of living. The expenses might also increase due to renovation and increasing painting cost in Bangalore. The projected monthly costs for certain families, bachelors and couples in 2024 are listed here:

• Cost of Living in Bangalore for Single Person (Bachelors): ₹20,000 to ₹35,000
• Cost of Living in Bangalore for a Couple: ₹45,000 to ₹65,000
• Cost of Living in Bangalore for Family of 4 people: ₹60,000 to ₹90,000

Bangalore can accommodate both moderate and abundant lives, including rent, food, utilities, transportation, and other necessary expenses.

Cost of Utilities in Bangalore 

In Bangalore, utility costs for a single person typically range from INR 1,700 to 3,800 monthly, covering water, garbage disposal, and electricity. Internet and mobile services add another INR 500 to 1,500. Couples may face higher expenses, especially with children or elderly family members.

Utility Expenses:

• Households in Bangalore incur costs for essential utilities such as water, electricity, and garbage disposal.

Costs for Singles:

• For a single person living in a one-bedroom rental, the average utility costs may include:
  • Water: Approximately INR 200 to 300.
  • Garbage Disposal: Around INR 500.
  • Electricity: Roughly INR 1,000 to 2,000 (approximately INR 4.10 per unit).

Internet and Mobile Services:

• Internet, cellular recharge, and Wi-Fi services typically range from INR 500 to 1,500 per month, depending on usage and profession.

Cost for a Couple

• Utility expenses can be higher for couples, especially with children or elderly family members, leading to increased water and electricity consumption.

Bangalore Expenses Per Month

Based on the above calculations and results, we can conclude that

• Cost of living in Bangalore for a single person: ₹30,000 approximately
• Living cost in Bangalore for couples: ₹40,000
• Cost of living in Bangalore for family of 3 Person: ₹50,000
• Cost of living in Bangalore for family of 4 Person: ₹70,000

Approximate Figures. The actual number may vary depending on the current rates. 

Per Capita Income of Bangalore

Bangalore's per capita income was approximately US $25,461 in 2021. With a growth rate of 9.3%, the per capita income grew from Rs. 3,04,474 in 2022–2023 to Rs. 3,32,926 in 2023–2024.

Until 2035, Bangalore's GDP is expected to expand at a rate of 8.5%.

Bangalore is India's third-most productive metro area in terms of productivity.

An Inexpensive Yet Lavish Utopia: Namma Ooru Bengaluru

Whether you know Bangalore as the ‘IT City’, the ‘City of Gardens’ or the ‘City of Lakes’, people of all ages will find it welcoming. If you would like to know more about the cost of living in Bangalore, further reading into the most trending localities to invest in Bangalore 2024 may help. If you are curious about the premium areas, you can also check out the list of top posh areas in Bangalore here. For everything else real estate, from buying, renting to managing your property, be sure to check out the top starred professionals at NoBroker.

FAQ’s About Cost of Living in Bangalore