Lucknow, known for its rich history and architectural beauty, offers an affordable and comfortable lifestyle.
From housing and groceries to transportation and entertainment, every aspect of daily living is reasonably priced, making it a practical choice for people from diverse economic backgrounds.
What is the cost of living in Lucknow in 2025? This detailed guide breaks down key expenses, helping you assess your monthly budgets and decide if Lucknow aligns with your financial and lifestyle goals.
In Lucknow, accommodation costs vary based on location, size, amenities, and proximity to key facilities. For instance, centrally located areas like Gomti Nagar, Indira Nagar, and Hazratganj charge higher rents due to better infrastructure. On the other hand, Alambagh and Ashiyana Nagar offer more affordable options.
For families, areas like Vibhuti Khand and Jankipuram offer two-bedroom apartments ranging from Rs. 15,500 to Rs. 25,500 per month, while areas such as Mahanagar and Aliganj offer apartments with monthly rent ranging from Rs. 10,500 to Rs. 18,500.
Type of Accommodation |
Average Monthly Rent (Rs.) |
1 BHK Apartment |
Rs 7,500 – Rs 15,500 |
2 BHK Apartment |
Rs 10,500 – Rs 25,500 |
Residential House |
Rs 3,500 – Rs 9,500 |
Education is one of the influential factors in the cost of living in Lucknow. The city offers various educational options, including government schools, private schools, and international schools.
Expenses may also include admission fees, annual charges, uniforms, books, and transportation, all of which contribute significantly to a family’s monthly budget.
Type of School |
Fee Range Yearly (Rs.) |
Private Schools |
Rs. 30,000 – Rs. 1,00,000+ |
International Schools |
Rs. 1,00,000 – Rs. 3,00,000+ |
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Entertainment costs in Lucknow vary based on individual preferences and activities. The table below details the cost of entertainment.
Type of Activity |
Cost Range (Rs.) |
Movie Ticket |
Rs. 150 – Rs. 400 per person |
Dining for Two |
Rs. 550 – Rs. 1,050 |
Fitness Club |
Rs. 1,500 – Rs. 3,500 |
Cultural Events |
Rs. 550 – Rs. 2,500 |
In Lucknow, transportation costs are reasonable and vary based on the mode of travel. Public transportation options, such as city buses, shared autos, and the Lucknow Metro, offer economical commuting solutions.
For those using private vehicles, fuel costs, maintenance, and parking fees contribute to monthly expenses.
Type of Transport |
Cost Range |
Public Bus (One-way) |
Rs. 35 – Rs. 55 |
Auto-rickshaw |
Rs. 30 – Rs. 160 |
Taxi Start Sare |
Rs. 50 – Rs. 150 |
Taxi Per Mile |
Rs. 25 – Rs. 90 |
Monthly Pass (Public Transport) |
Rs. 550 – Rs. 1,550 |
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Shopping expenses vary significantly based on lifestyle and preferences. On average, monthly shopping costs range from Rs. 3,050 to Rs. 10,050, covering essentials such as clothing, personal care items, and occasional indulgences.
Overall, shopping expenses significantly contribute to the cost of living in Lucknow.
Item |
Cost Range |
Jeans (Levis or Similar) |
Rs. 1,550 – Rs. 4,550 |
Summer Dress (Chain Store) |
Rs. 1,250 – Rs. 5,050 |
Running Shoes (Nike Mid-range) |
Rs. 2,050 – Rs. 7,050 |
Business Shoes (Leather) |
Rs. 1,550 – Rs. 5,500 |
Budget-friendly meals can be found in local eateries and street food stalls, ranging between Rs 50 and Rs 200 per person, but these prices can fluctuate depending on lifestyle choices and dining habits.
Type of Restaurant/ Item |
Cost Range |
Meal (Inexpensive Restaurant) |
Rs. 150 – Rs. 300 |
Meal for Two (Mid-range Restaurant) |
Rs. 550 – Rs. 3,050 |
McMeal (Fast Food Combo) |
Rs. 300 – Rs. 450 |
Cappuccino (Regular) |
Rs. 60 – Rs. 300 |
Drinking Water |
Rs. 10 – Rs. 20 |
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In Lucknow, utility costs include expenses for electricity, water, heating, cooling, and internet services. The average monthly utility bill for a 2 bhk flats in lucknow ranges between Rs 3,500 and Rs 8,500, depending on usage and the size of the living space.
Utility Type |
Cost Range |
Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage (for 915 sq ft Apartment) |
Rs. 3,500 – Rs. 8,550 |
Mobile Phone Plan (10 GB+ Data) |
Rs. 300 – Rs. 400 |
Internet (60 Mbps Unlimited) |
Rs. 450 – Rs. 850 |
The average cost of groceries typically ranges between Rs. 5,050 and Rs. 6,500 per month for a small to mid-sized family. It includes essential items such as grains, vegetables, fruits, dairy products, and cooking oils. Costs may vary depending on dietary preferences, brand choices, and shopping habits.
Category |
Cost Range |
Milk (1 gallon) |
Rs. 200 – Rs. 280 |
Bread |
Rs. 20 – Rs. 75 |
Rice (1 kg) |
Rs. 32 – Rs. 80 |
Eggs (12 pieces) |
Rs. 60 – Rs. 120 |
Chicken Fillets (1 kg) |
Rs. 140 – Rs. 230 |
Apples (1 kg) |
Rs. 90 – Rs. 200 |
Tomatoes (1 kg) |
Rs. 15 – Rs. 30 |
Potatoes (1 kg) |
Rs. 15 – Rs. 30 |
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For families, the cost of living in Lucknow includes apartment rent, children's school fees, groceries, utilities, and recreational activities, with average monthly expenses of around Rs. 35,500.
Category |
Monthly Cost Range |
Rent |
Rs. 15,500 – Rs. 30,500 |
Groceries |
Rs. 8,500 – Rs. 12,500 |
Transportation |
Rs. 4,500 – Rs. 6,500 |
Utilities |
Rs. 3,500 – Rs. 6,500 |
Entertainment |
Rs. 3,550 – Rs. 6,500 |
For couples, Lucknow offers moderate living expenses with a 1 BHK apartment, averaging around Rs 11,550 onwards. Additional household expenses, transportation, and entertainment costs significantly influence the living costs.
Category |
Monthly Cost Range |
Rent |
Rs. 11,500 – Rs. 20,500 |
Groceries |
Rs. 5,500 – Rs. 8,500 |
Transportation |
Rs. 3,500 – Rs. 5,500 |
Utilities |
Rs. 2,550 – Rs. 4,550 |
Entertainment |
Rs. 2,500 – Rs. 4,500 |
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For bachelors, Lucknow offers a range of affordable rental options with monthly rents typically ranging between Rs. 8,500 and Rs. 18,500. Additional expenses, such as food, utilities, internet, and transportation, also influence the overall monthly budget, making it flexible based on individual lifestyle choices.
Category |
Monthly Cost Range |
Rent |
Rs. 11,500 – Rs. 20,500 |
Groceries |
Rs. 5,500 – Rs. 8,500 |
Transportation |
Rs. 3,500 – Rs. 5,500 |
Utilities |
Rs. 2,550 – Rs. 4,550 |
Entertainment |
Rs. 2,500 – Rs. 4,500 |
For students, the cost of living in Lucknow offers modest budgets and a variety of accommodation options. Shared rentals and PG accommodations start from as low as Rs. 4,500 per month, depending on the locality and facilities provided.
Category |
Monthly Cost Range |
Rent |
Rs. 4,500 – Rs. 8,500 |
Groceries |
Rs. 3,500 – Rs. 5,500 |
Transportation |
Rs. 1,500 – Rs 3,500 |
Utilities |
Rs 1,500 – Rs 2,550 |
Entertainment |
Rs 1,500 – Rs 2,550 |
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Factors Affecting the Cost of Living in Lucknow
Cost of Living for Families in Lucknow - Rs. 35,500 per month
Cost of Living for Couples in Lucknow - Rs 11,550 to Rs. 35,000 per month
Cost of Living for Bachelors in Lucknow - Rs 15,000 to Rs 30,000 per month
Cost of Living for Students in Lucknow - Rs. 14,000 to Rs. 25,500 per month
The cost of living in Lucknow for bachelors ranges between Rs 15,000 and Rs 30,000 per month, depending on factors such as room rent, groceries, transportation, and utilities.
The cost of living for a family in Lucknow varies depending on various factors, including:
Yes, Lucknow is considered an affordable city for students. With monthly living expenses typically ranging between Rs. 14,000 and Rs. 30,000, students can comfortably manage within a modest budget.
Alambagh, Indira Nagar, Jankipuram, Rajajipuram, and Aminabad are some of the most affordable areas to live in Lucknow.
No, utilities and groceries in Lucknow are not expensive. Monthly utility bills for a 2 BHK apartment typically range from Rs. 3,050 to Rs. 8,500, while grocery expenses for a family vary between Rs. 5,500 and Rs. 10,500, depending on preferences and family size.
Yes, public transportation in Lucknow is quite affordable. One-way bus fares cost between Rs. 35 and Rs. 55, monthly passes are approximately Rs. 1,550, and auto-rickshaw rides start at Rs. 30.
Yes, a couple can live comfortably in Lucknow on Rs. 30,000 per month by choosing affordable rent (Rs. 11,000 – Rs. 15,000), basic groceries (Rs. 5,000 – Rs. 6,000), and limiting entertainment and dining out expenses.
Yes, groceries and other essentials cost slightly more in central areas like Hazratganj compared to the suburbs. However, the price difference is not significant, and local markets offer budget-friendly alternatives across the city.
Yes, digital nomads can live affordably in Lucknow with co-working spaces, budget housing, and reliable internet.
Yes, healthcare in Lucknow is generally affordable. Government hospitals charge nominal fees, and private clinics offer a range of services at moderate costs, making them accessible for families, students, and professionals.