Monthly Cost of Living Calculator by City
See how far your salary goes in India's major cities. Get an itemized monthly cost estimate — rent, food, transport, utilities, and how much you'll save (or not). Based on 2026 median cost data per city and lifestyle tier.
Updated: May 2026
What does this city cost calculator do?
This tool helps Indian professionals and job seekers estimate their monthly spending across major tech hubs. It provides an itemized breakdown of costs like rent, food, commute, and utilities based on the city's current market rates and your chosen lifestyle (Budget, Mid-Range, or Premium). It is particularly useful for those considering a relocation or evaluating a job offer in a new city.
How is the cost of living calculated?
Our data is compiled using a mix of rental market surveys, grocery price indexes, and transport costs for 2026. We apply a 'Living Arrangement' multiplier: sharing a flat typically reduces rent by 55% and utilities by 45%, while living with family eliminates rent and significantly lowers food and miscellaneous costs.
Example: Bangalore (Mid-Range) Base = ₹42,000. Shared Multiplier = 0.7x.
Result: Total Monthly Cost ≈ ₹29,400 + personal extra expenses.
Who should use this tool?
Students and freshers moving to their first job city should use the Budget tier to see how much they can save. Mid-career professionals moving for a 30-50% salary hike should use the Mid-Range or Premium tiers to ensure the relocation actually results in a higher surplus, not just a higher cost of living. It's also helpful for HRs and Recruiters to advise candidates on relocation expectations.
Worked Example: Moving from Hyderabad to Mumbai
Consider Amit, who earns ₹1,20,000 monthly in Hyderabad. He pays ₹18,000 for a nice 1BHK. If he moves to Mumbai for a ₹1,50,000 salary (a 25% hike), his rent for a similar 1BHK in a tech hub like Powai or Andheri would be at least ₹45,000. While his salary increased by ₹30k, his rent increased by ₹27k, and other costs also went up. Amit might find that his monthly surplus in Mumbai is actually lower than in Hyderabad despite the higher salary.
Frequently Asked Questions
How accurate is the cost of living data?
Our data is updated for 2026 based on median market rates for rent in tech hubs like Sarjapur (Bangalore), Gachibowli (Hyderabad), and Hinjewadi (Pune). Individual costs can vary by +/- 20% depending on the exact locality and building amenities.
Which is the cheapest city among the top 6 tech hubs?
Pune and Hyderabad currently offer the best balance. Rents in Pune are nearly 50% lower than in Mumbai, and Hyderabad offers premium living at nearly 30% lower cost than Bangalore. Chennai is the most affordable for food and public transport.
Is a ₹1 lakh salary enough to live comfortably in Bangalore?
Yes. A single person earning ₹1 lakh (in-hand) can live a very comfortable mid-range life in Bangalore, spend ₹35,000–45,000 on all expenses (including rent), and still save over ₹50,000 per month.
Why is Mumbai rent so high?
Mumbai's geography (it's an island) prevents outward expansion, creating extreme demand-supply mismatch. Rents in Mumbai often consume 40-60% of a mid-career professional's salary, compared to 20-30% in other cities.
Does this include insurance and EMIs?
The base calculation covers daily living. You should enter your specific insurance premiums, SIPs, and EMIs in the 'Other Monthly Expenses' field to get an accurate savings figure.