Yaar, it’s not Delhi, but it grows on you.”
That’s what Ankit heard from his colleague on his first day in Bangalore. Fresh out of university and used to the hustle of Delhi’s metro life, he landed in India’s tech capital to chase a job in a startup. He was ready for long work hours, traffic, and yes, the unpredictable weather.
What was he not ready for? The surprise costs that came with living here.
While the city’s charm lies in its laid-back vibe, the cost of living in Bangalore, when added up, can quietly squeeze your budget if you’re not careful. So if you are also like Ankit and thinking of moving to Bangalore, then this blog is for you!
Bangalore Life: Laid-Back But Not Cheap
Bangalore has a rhythm of its own. Mornings start slow with filter coffee, evenings often involve rooftop hangouts or pub nights in Indiranagar, and weekends are for quick drives to Coorg or Nandi Hills.
Compared to Delhi’s high-paced energy, Bangalore feels softer. But when it comes to finances, especially for young professionals and students, both cities can punch equally hard.
Let’s take a quick comparison.
Bangalore vs Delhi: Monthly Cost of Living Breakdown
| Expense Category | Bangalore (₹) | Delhi (₹) |
| Rent (1 BHK) | 18,000 – 30,000 | 14,000 – 28,000 |
| Food & Groceries | 4,000 – 6,500 | 5,000 – 7,500 |
| Local Travel (Metro/Auto) | 1,200 – 2,000 | 1,000 – 1,800 |
| Utilities (Wi-Fi, etc.) | 800 – 1,500 | 1,000 – 1,800 |
| Leisure & Outings | 2,000 – 4,000 | 2,500 – 5,000 |
| Total (Est. Monthly) | 26,000 – 44,000 | 25,500 – 45,000 |
While Delhi might win on cheaper rent in some areas, Bangalore balances the scale with better air, lower pollution, and a startup-friendly culture. But still, the cost of living in Bangalore remains high, especially if you’re living near Koramangala, HSR Layout, or Indiranagar.
The Bangalore Budget Struggle Is Real
Ask anyone who’s rented a flat here—deposit amounts can be as high as 10 months of rent. Then there’s furniture, co-working space charges if you’re a freelancer, and of course, weekend plans that spiral into ₹2,000+ without warning.
Most newcomers don’t expect these costs up front. The city feels affordable at first glance, but it’s the subtle, everyday expenses that sneak up on you. Suddenly, your well-planned ₹30,000 monthly budget starts to fall down.
How Do Locals and Newcomers Cope?
The answer: adjustments.
- You share flats with two strangers just to split the rent.
- You start meal prepping instead of ordering in every day.
- You get used to BMTC buses or metro instead of cabs.
- And you try to avoid peak Zomato hours because surge pricing is a real thing.
The reality is—the cost of living in Bangalore can be manageable, but only if you plan well and build a financial cushion for those in-between moments: job switches, delayed salaries, or surprise expenses like health bills or travel emergencies.
What to Expect in the First Three Months?
The first 90 days in a new city test your budgeting like nothing else. Between house-hunting, shifting, security deposits, and settling in, your savings take a hit. Add to that setting up broadband, buying basics like mattresses, utensils, or even an office chair for WFH, and suddenly you’re deep into your emergency fund.
Even with the average salary being competitive in Bangalore, your initial cost of living in Bangalore can feel overwhelming. That’s why many newcomers look for small credit options just to bridge the gap during the early hustle phase.
Your Financial Cushion with Viva
This is where something like Viva Money’s credit line can make all the difference.
Unlike traditional loans, which demand heavy paperwork and long wait times, Viva provides instant credit access with minimal documentation—often just your Aadhaar, PAN, and income proof.
It works like a pre-approved limit of up to ₹2,00,000 that you can dip into when needed—₹3,000 for groceries, ₹10,000 for rent balance, or even ₹500 for that last-minute metro recharge. You only pay interest on what you use, and here’s the best part: Viva offers a 0% interest grace period of up to 51 days, giving you room to breathe.
For those managing the ups and downs of the cost of living in Bangalore, that breathing room can be life-changing.
Final Take
Bangalore is vibrant, welcoming, and full of opportunity. But it also demands smart financial planning—especially when you’re just starting out. Rent isn’t cheap, lifestyle expenses pile up fast, and the city’s fun side can eat into your salary quicker than expected.
Understanding the cost of living in Bangalore and preparing for it is the first step. The next? Ensuring you have tools like flexible credit to support you in moments of need, without locking you into rigid EMIs or high-interest traps.
Because when you’re building your life in a new city, every little support helps. And with Viva, you’ve got just that: a smart, flexible way to manage your money while you focus on building the life you came here for.
Need a financial backup for Bangalore’s surprises? Get instant access to flexible credit with our loan app—easy, fast, and with 0% interest for up to 51 days. Apply today and breathe easier!
FAQs
How much does it cost to live in Bangalore each month?
On average, living in Bangalore costs between ₹26,000 and ₹44,000 per month, including rent, food, travel, and other expenses.
Why is living in Bangalore expensive?
Expenses like rent, security deposits, daily travel, and eating out add up quickly, especially in popular areas like Koramangala and Indiranagar.
What are some ways to save money while living in Bangalore?
Sharing flats, cooking at home, using public transport, and avoiding surge pricing on food delivery can help save money.
What should I expect financially in the first few months of moving to Bangalore?
Initial months can be costly due to security deposits, buying home essentials, and settling in, so having a financial buffer is important.
