What is the Cost of Living in Pune in 2024?
Pune is the second-largest city in the state of Maharashtra. However, the cost of living in Pune varies from region to region. The average cost of living in Pune is slightly lower than the cost of living in Delhi, but it is higher than that of a number of cities in southern India.
In this article, we have summed up the approximate cost of living in Pune for a bachelor, a couple, a student, and a family of four.
Be prepared for all the expenses before you move to Pune!
What is the Average Cost of Living in Pune?
The average cost of living in Pune varies from person to person based on lifestyle, but it is roughly ₹20,000 to ₹30,000 per month, including rent, food, transportation, and other miscellaneous expenses.
This will most likely be pushed by housing costs; rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city centre is approximately between ₹15,000 and ₹25,000 per month. Take a look at the following table for a better understanding:
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Cost of Living in Pune for Bachelors
Living in Pune City as a Bachelor usually covers expenses like rent, bills, food, fun activities, getting around, and more. Check out the table below for a breakdown of the main costs.
Cost of Living in Pune for Students
Take a look at this table, which outlines the major expenses students face while living in Pune:
Cost of Living in Pune for a Family
Being one of the most popular cities in India, Pune offers ample accommodation choices, such as skyscrapers, apartments, villas, cottages, etc. Take a look at the table below to see the key expenses associated with the cost of living in Pune:
Cost of Living in Pune for Couples
Check out the table below for a full breakdown of the living expenses for couples in Pune, including housing, utilities, food, transportation, and entertainment:
Factors That Determine the Cost of Living in Pune
Several factors determine the cost of living in Pune. These factors include the cost of housing, utilities, groceries, transportation, etc. Let us take a look at those factors:
1. Accommodation
The price for buying or renting a decent living space depends on the area you are staying in and the housing type. Furthermore, individuals should consider the money they have to pay a security deposit once they plan to own or rent a property in Pune.
2. Transport
The monthly pass for transportation in public vehicles will cost around ₹ 580 to ₹ 1,500. Recently, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the foundation for the third metro line between Hinjewadi and Shivaji Nagar. This will help the residents avoid jams and save time and money spent on transportation.
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3. Groceries
Individuals cooking their own food tend to save a lot of money. In this regard, Pune offers its residents numerous local markets and supermarkets from which you can buy the items you need daily. However, the cost of grocery items is considerably higher than most of the urban cities in India.
4. Utilities
The money spent on utilities like electricity bills, gas supply, internet connection, and many more plays an important role in deciding the expenses for living in Pune. However, the cost of electricity is lower in Pune than in Mumbai.
5. Entertainment
Pune offers various options for entertainment and relaxation, such as fancy restaurants, weekend trips, and cinema halls.
6. Childcare and Schooling
The monthly tuition fees paid for the schooling of the kids add up to a significant figure in the cost of living in Pune for a family of four.
Tips on Reducing the Cost of Living in Pune
Here are the effective tips you can follow to curb your living expenses while staying in Pune:
- Making purchases, living within your means, and setting some cash aside are all part of having a financial plan. This means staying clear of over-purchasing and eating out less. Keep your expenses minimum.
- Considering the upfront costs of support and fuel, transport is costly if one moves around with a car while studying. Therefore, using public transport or some other less expensive mode of travel may help save a lot of money.
- Buying dinner is costly, no matter how simple and handy it seems. Cooking meals is the best way to save money and care for your health.
- While planning, ensure you don't have any unnecessary memberships on mobile applications, computerised television, or paper if you need more time or energy to learn them.
Cost of Living in Pune vs Other Cities in India
The table below signifies the comparison between important cities of India with Pune:
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Important Things to Know Before Moving to Pune
Following are the key things to remember while moving to Pune:
- Climate: Pune has a fairly temperate climate, with boiling summers and cool winters. Summers may reach 40°C, while the winters are pleasant—temperatures often drop to about 10°C. Pack both hot and cool weather clothing.
- Cost of Living: Pune, compared to cities like Mumbai or Delhi, is cheap, but again, it depends on the place you will stay and the lifestyle you lead. Major expenses include rent, groceries, and transport.
- Transport: Pune is developing a public transport system, and buses and a metro rail system are under construction. Again, the mode of commuting depends on where you want to stay and work.
- Culture and Language: Pune has a rich cultural heritage and is more of an education and IT hub. While Marathi is the official language, Hindi and English are widely spoken in urban areas.
- Safety: Compared to many other Indian cities, Pune is considered safe. Still, staying cautious is essential.
- Local Cuisine: Many Maharashtrian cuisines is available in Pune, from street food to fine dining. Try out the local specialities like Misal Pav and Puran Poli.
- Searching for Accommodation: Start hunting for accommodation in good time since certain areas will always be more in demand than others. Consider access to work, schools, and other facilities if you rent or want to buy.
Therefore, this is all the information related to the cost of living in Pune for an individual. Although the monthly expenses in Pune are a bit higher than those in many top cities in India, the city offers you more than you pay. Moreover, with a little bit of management in the lifestyle and standard of living, one can even save a lot of money from their monthly salary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Pune more expensive to live in than Bangalore?
When compared with the cost of living in Bangalore, Pune is a bit less.
Why is Pune expensive?
Owing to the high cost of transportation and rent of housing spaces, Pune is more expensive than many cities in India.
What minimum salary is required to stay in Pune?
A minimum salary of about ₹25,000 to ₹30,000 per month is usually considered comfortable in Pune. This much money can cover basic accommodation, utilities, groceries, transportation, and other miscellaneous expenses, depending on individual living choices and place of residence within the city.
Is Pune a safe place to live?
Pune is a relatively safe city compared to other metropolises across India. Though crime-related issues exist, particularly in some areas, its crime rate is lower than most big Indian cities. Hence, it is a generally safe place to live. However, normal precautions must be taken.
What is the best way to commute in Pune?
The best way to commute in Pune is by public buses, which cover almost every part of the city and are run by PMPML. Auto-rickshaws are preferred for shorter distances, but fares must be bargained before hiring. Cycles and walking also work in certain parts of the city.
Why is Pune the best place to live?
Pune is a highly likeable place because of its pleasant climate, lower cost of living compared to other metros like Mumbai and Delhi, and vibrant educational and IT sectors. Cultural heritage blended with modernity, greenery, and a cosmopolitan lifestyle make this city desirable for working and leisure.
What is the average rent for a 1 BHK apartment in Pune?
In Pune, the average rent for a 1 BHK apartment can range from ₹15,000 to ₹25,000 per month in the city centre and ₹10,000 to ₹18,000 outside the city centre.
How much do groceries cost per month for a family?
In Pune, monthly grocery expenses for a family typically range between ₹8,000 and ₹12,000, depending on family size and dietary habits.
What are typical entertainment charges in Pune?
Entertainment costs like movie tickets, cultural events, and recreational activities in Pune can range from ₹200 to ₹500 per person, depending on the venue and type of event.
Does Pune have metro trains?
Yes, Pune Metro is the 15th metro system in the country. It is managed by Maharashtra Metro Rail Corporation Limited and was officially launched on 6 March 2022.
What does health care run in Pune?
Healthcare depends on the hospital and the nature of the treatment that one needs. The Consultation fees with a Specialist may come at ₹500 to ₹1,500.
What is the education expense in Pune?
These vary from school to school or institute in Pune. The tuition fees for a private school in Pune may start at an average of ₹20,000 per year and go up to over ₹1,00,000 yearly for a different curriculum and facilities.
Has the option of entertainment become affordable in Pune?
Be it parks, museums, theatres, or shopping malls, various sorts of entertainment are available in Pune. Most of these forms of amusement are reasonably charged—with an entry fee ranging from ₹50 to ₹500, depending on the place.
What is the cost of utilities in Pune?
The household's bills for power, water, heating, and other utility charges would do an average price range of ₹2,000 to ₹5,000 for an average apartment in Pune.
How much do Internet and mobile costs?
The range is huge, depending on the provider and the plan. A simple broadband costs ₹600 - ₹1,500 a month; mobile plans that come with data cost ₹200 - ₹1,000 per month.
How expensive is Pune compared to other Indian cities?
Since Pune appears to be somewhat pocket-friendly, many outgoings, such as accommodation and education, are increasing quickly. Still, they are low overall compared to big towns like Mumbai and Delhi.
How far has the cost of living in Pune risen compared with other places in Maharashtra?
The cost of living in Pune will normally be less compared to Mumbai but comparable to places like Nashik or Nagpur; it all depends on various expense categories.
Are the health care facilities in Pune affordable?
Pune has government-run hospitals and private clinics; hence, it has adequate healthcare facilities to suit every pocket.
What is the cost of living for students in Pune?
This would extend from person to person in Pune, depending on one's choice of lifestyle and accommodation. One can have options for hostels and affordable food outlets that may bring down the cost of living.
What are some of the affordable places to live in Pune?
Kothrud, Hadapsar, Wakad—these locations in Pune are reasonably priced, if not highly priced, compared to places in the city centre.