Planning to move to Pune? Let’s cut straight to the numbers. Pune offers a great standard of living with amazing people, history, environment and many other distinguishing features found in few large cities across India. What is the cost of living in Pune? There is no simple answer. A single person needs around ₹25,000-₹35,000 per month, while families may need ₹50,000-₹70,000, depending on lifestyle. But there are many considerations when you want to know the cost of living in Pune.

Main Aspects of Cost of Living in Pune

Housing: Your Biggest Expense

Your accommodation will eat up the largest chunk of your budget. The rental costs determine the final living expenses in Pune. 

Premium areas like Koregaon Park and Baner command higher prices, while affordable zones like Pimpri-Chinchwad and Hadapsar provide better value for money.

Area-wise Rent Comparison

PG Rent in Pune

For students and young professionals, PG accommodations start at ₹7,000 per month. Popular PG areas include Viman Nagar, Kharadi, Balewadi, and Fursungi. These come with basic amenities like meals, Wi-Fi, and laundry services.

Transportation Costs

Getting around Pune requires planning your transport budget carefully.

Public Transport

• Monthly bus pass: ₹580 – ₹1,500
• Auto-rickshaw: ₹30 per km (negotiate fares)
• Metro (expanding): Cost-effective once fully operational

Private Transport

• Fuel costs: ₹2,500 – ₹6,000 monthly (depending on usage)
• Vehicle maintenance: ₹2,000 – ₹3,000 monthly

Most residents budget ₹1,500 – ₹3,000 monthly for transportation, depending on commute distance and travel frequency.

Food and Groceries

Your food expenses depend heavily on dining choices. There are ways to save big on food expenses.

Home Cooking

• Monthly groceries: ₹4,000 – ₹6,000
• Includes vegetables, grains, dairy, and pantry items

Dining Out

• Restaurant meals: ₹150 – ₹500 per meal
• Dabbawala service: ₹4,000 monthly
• Food delivery: ₹6,000 monthly

Cooking at home can reduce food expenses by 40-50% compared to ordering daily.

Utilities and Bills

Living Expenses in Pune for Students

Cost of Living in Pune for a Single Person

Healthcare and Education

Healthcare expenses in Pune remain reasonable compared to other metro cities. Basic health insurance costs between ₹1,000 and ₹3,000 monthly. Doctor consultations range from ₹300 to ₹1,000 per visit, and the town boasts excellent medical facilities that provide quality treatment at affordable rates. 

Education costs vary dramatically– government schools charge ₹2,000 to ₹5,000 annually, private schools range from ₹50,000 to ₹2,00,000 annually, and international schools cost ₹2,00,000 to ₹8,00,000 annually. However, higher education institutions offer competitive fee structures compared to those in Mumbai or Delhi.

Entertainment and Lifestyle

Pune’s vibrant cultural scene provides entertainment options for every budget. Movie tickets cost ₹150 to ₹400, while gym memberships range from ₹1,500 to ₹5,000 monthly. Weekend getaways to nearby hill stations cost ₹2,000 to ₹8,000 per trip. The city’s rich heritage offers regular music concerts, theatre performances, and art exhibitions priced between ₹200 and ₹2,000. 

Pune’s diverse food scene accommodates all budgets, from pocket-friendly street food to fine dining establishments. Premium fitness centres in upscale areas command higher prices, while neighbourhood options provide excellent value for money.

Money-Saving Tips for Pune Living

• Consider areas like Kothrud, Wakad, or Hadapsar for better value accommodation.
• Choose shared accommodations to reduce rent by 30-40%, whether it is PG or rent.
• Use public transport for daily commutes instead of personal vehicles.
• Cook at home regularly to reduce food expenses by 40-50%.
• Explore local markets for fresh produce at lower prices.
• Use the dabbawala services for office meals instead of restaurant orders.

Why Pune Remains Attractive Despite Costs

Pune is one of the fastest-growing and most livable cities in India. Although it is only a few hours away from Mumbai, the cost of living here is relatively cheaper.

• Lower costs compared to Mumbai and Delhi.
• Excellent educational institutions.
• Growing IT and automotive job market.
• Pleasant climate year-round.
• Rich cultural heritage and modern amenities.

FAQs

What is the cost of living in Pune vs Hyderabad?

The cost of living index in Pune is 23.97, slightly lower than Hyderabad’s 24.64. It indicates that Pune is marginally more affordable than Hyderabad regarding overall living expenses.

What is the cost of living in Pune per month?

The average cost of living in Pune per month ranges from ₹25,000 to ₹45,000 for a single person, depending on lifestyle and housing choices. For families, monthly expenses can range between ₹60,000 to ₹1,00,000.

Is Pune cheaper than other cities in India?

Yes, Pune is generally cheaper than major metros like Mumbai, Delhi, and Bangalore, especially regarding housing and daily expenses. However, it’s slightly more expensive than cities like Ahmedabad or Indore.

Are there luxury range PGs in Pune?

Yes, Pune has several luxury-range PGs with premium amenities like furnished rooms, housekeeping, high-speed Wi-Fi and in-house dining. Tribe Stays is a well-known option offering upscale co-living experiences for students and professionals.