Cost of Living in Pune: A Guide with Factors

Understanding the cost of living in Pune requires insight into the diverse lifestyle choices and financial factors that impact residents' daily lives. Expenses can vary widely across different demographics and neighbourhoods, reflecting the specific needs of families, students, and individuals.

This guide explores Pune's cost of living in depth, examining the factors behind these differences, the pros and cons of residing in the city, and essential considerations for those choosing Pune as their home.

What is the Cost of Living in Pune?

The cost of living in Pune is around Rs. 35,000 per month. Rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city's centre averages around Rs. 17,000 per month, with utilities costing an additional Rs. 2,000 monthly. Additional expenses, including groceries, transportation, family dinner, and entertainment activities for a single individual, will be approximately Rs. 16,000.

It's important to note that the cost of living in Pune depends upon several factors, like the number of members in the family and the locality where one wants to reside.

Guide to Cost of Living in Pune

For Family

For Singles and bachelors

For Couples

For Students

Factors Affecting Cost of Living in Pune

Cost of Real Estate

The price of real estate can fluctuate significantly depending on the area. In Pune, upscale neighbourhoods such as Koregaon Park, Kothrud, Shivaji Nagar, and the Magarpatta area tend to command higher prices compared to other localities. Here, real estate rates typically range from Rs. 10,000 to Rs. 15,000 per square foot.

However, more affordable options can be found in areas like Waghori-Bakori, Bhugaon, and along the Pune-Mumbai Expressway, where prices range from Rs. 5,000 to Rs. 8,000 per square foot. These variations in cost cater to a diverse range of budgets and preferences for prospective buyers.

Cost of Renting a House

Several factors, such as the availability of rental properties, the central location, and the services and amenities provided, influence the cost of renting a house. Additionally, a security deposit is typically required when renting a house.

Rental charges for apartments primarily vary depending on the size of the property. For instance, a 1 BHK house rent may range from Rs. 8,000 to Rs. 17,500, while a 2 BHK could cost approximately Rs. 17,500 to Rs. 25,000. Larger properties like 3 BHK might command rents ranging from Rs. 25,000 to Rs. 60,000.

Cost of Food

Regarding dining out, the expenditure may be approximately Rs. 1,000 on two starters, excluding a cocktail at a mid-range restaurant. You can also hire a house helper who will cook for you twice a day, costing around Rs. 1,000 to Rs. 2,000. You can also avail of ‘Dabbawalas' services, costing around Rs. 3,000 to Rs. 4,000 a month.

Pune has excellent restaurants catering to diverse budgets. For more budget-friendly alternatives, you can find meals as low as Rs. 50 to Rs. 100 at local eateries. Mid-range restaurants offer meals at around Rs. 200 to Rs. 400 per meal. However, there are many luxurious restaurants and pubs in affluent localities, where the costs could be much higher.

Cost of Clothes

When considering the cost of living in Pune, transportation expenses significantly impact residents' budgets. For short-distance travel, local public transport typically charges between Rs. 20 to Rs. 50 for a one-way ticket. Monthly passes, catering to frequent travellers, are available at prices ranging from Rs. 700 to Rs. 2100.

Taxi rides are also an option, with fares typically ranging from Rs. 40 to Rs. 100, and for every kilometre travelled, taxi fares vary between Rs. 15 to Rs. 30. For individuals preferring the convenience of personal vehicles, the cost of petrol in Pune averages around Rs. 104 per litre.

Cost of Transportation

When evaluating the cost of living in Pune, transportation expenses play a significant role in residents' budgets. For short-distance travel, a one-way ticket in local transport typically ranges from Rs. 20 to Rs. 50, for frequent travellers, monthly passes are available at prices ranging from Rs. 700 to Rs. 2,100, a taxi ride typically costs between Rs. 40 and Rs. 100, for every kilometre covered, taxi fares range from Rs. 15 to Rs. 30. For those who prefer the convenience of personal vehicles, the cost of gasoline in Pune hovers between Rs. 95 and Rs. 100 per litre.

Cost of Groceries

Basic essentials in groceries are to be computed while estimating the overall cost of living in Pune. A litre of milk is priced between Rs. 40 and Rs. 60, a 500g loaf of white bread costs around Rs. 30 to Rs. 50, Staples like white rice, essential to Indian cuisine, costs Rs. 40 to Rs. 60 per kilogram, and eggs are priced between Rs. 50 and Rs. 70 for a dozen.

Cost of Schooling and Childcare

The children's schooling costs influence parents' living costs in Pune. A preschool may incur a monthly fee of approximately Rs. 3,000, while a reputed school might cost around Rs. 9,000 monthly.

Pune also offers various international schools with annual fees ranging from Rs. 60,000 to Rs. 2 Lakh. The cost of childcare in Pune is around Rs. 7,000 per month.

Cost of Leisure and Entertainment

Pune provides various entertainment choices, including weekend trips, luxurious restaurants, and movie halls. Nearby tourist destinations like Lonavala, Lavasa, Lohagad Fort, and Mahabaleshwar are accessible for outings with friends and family. Costs are reasonable, primarily depending on car rental, fuel, and food. For a cinematic experience in a theatre with snacks, the expense is approximately Rs. 500 per person.

Cost of Sports and Fitness

In Pune, living costs extend to sports and fitness activities, offering residents various options to stay active and entertained. Monthly fees for fitness clubs and gyms range from Rs. 700 to Rs. 3000, tennis court costs Rs. 300 to Rs. 900 per month.

Cost of Utilities

The cost of a Wi-Fi router or a data package is also reasonable, around Rs. 1000 per month. For medium-sized apartments, the monthly expenditure on essential utilities such as electricity, air conditioning, and water is approximately Rs. 2,000, depending on usage. A prepaid mobile tariff costs Rs. 200 to Rs. 500.

Cost of Healthcare

Pune offers a range of healthcare facilities, encompassing government hospitals, private clinics, and multispecialty medical centres. The cost of medical services can vary depending on the care level and the complexity of the treatments. It is advisable to take health insurance for each member of a family.

Pros and Cons of Living in Pune

Living in Pune offers a unique experience with both positive and negative aspects. The pros and cons of living in the city are:

Conclusion

What is the cost of living in Pune? The cost of living in Pune is around Rs. 35,000 per month, including rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city centre, which is around Rs. 17,000 per month, with utilities costing an additional Rs. 2,000 monthly.

Cost of living in Pune: Factors to Consider

• Whether you own a flat or rent a property
• Your job or profession
• The financial status of your family
• Your family's size
• Lifestyle options
• Daycare for families with kids
• Household expenses

Guide to cost of living in Pune

Several factors influence the overall cost of living in Pune. These costs typically differ based on whether you live as a family, single individual, couple, or student.

Factors affecting the cost of living in Pune

• Cost of food
• Cost of real estate
• Cost of renting a house
• Cost of clothes
• Cost of transportation
• Cost of groceries
• Cost of schooling and childcare
• Cost of leisure and entertainment
• Cost of sports and fitness
• Cost of utilities
• Cost of healthcare

Pros and cons of living in Pune

Living in Pune offers several advantages, such as its emergence as an educational and IT hub, rich cultural and historical heritage, and abundant green spaces and natural beauty. However, it also comes with challenges like water shortages, limited public transport, and a rising cost of living.