Working out the cost of living in Chennai vs. Bangalore will help
you understand which city is lighter on your pocket and will help you save more.
Every city comes with its own allure and special attributes along with a whole lot of pros and cons. There is a long-standing debate about the cost of living in Chennai vs. Bangalore since many people remain stuck at crossroads on the best city amongst the two predominant southern metros. Both Chennai and Bangalore are happening and cool cities to live in, being major hubs of the IT and ITeS sectors along with boasting of major industries, ample recreational and entertainment avenues, shopping and gastronomic delights and all necessary infrastructure and facilities for residents.
However, before you choose a city for settling down in the future, it is important to conduct an analysis of the cost of living in Chennai vs. Bangalore. This will help you take an informed decision if you are looking to work hard and save some money at the same time.
Cost of living in Chennai vs. Bangalore- Key Parameters
Here’s decoding the cost of living in Chennai vs. Bangalore on the basis of several major parameters.
- Food & Restaurants- Food is of course one of the biggest reasons why we love our cities here in India. Bangalore and Chennai are no different; both cities have their plethora of tasty eats, restaurants, cafes and local cuisine that will have your taste buds salivating in no time at all. However, the prices may vary at times. Keep in mind that Bangalore may be a wee bit costlier in this category although it is more cosmopolitan (equates to more available options) than Chennai. A staple fast food meal will cost anywhere between Rs. 120-300 on an average in Chennai as compared to anywhere between Rs. 150-350 in Bangalore. Basic meals with drinks will cost Rs. 100-250 in Chennai and Rs. 150-350 in Bangalore approximately. Liquor costs are slightly lower in Bangalore which is why it is known as the pub capital of India.
- Transport Costs- Both cities are blessed with expansive systems of public transportation although Chennai has slightly more options. Metro tickets (one-way) may cost Rs. 20 and Rs. 30 in Chennai and Bangalore respectively on an average while the monthly commuting plans are priced at approximately Rs. 1,000 and Rs. 1,500 in Chennai and Bangalore respectively.
- Real Estate- Both Chennai and Bangalore have flourishing real estate sectors and plenty of options at almost every price point. However, Chennai scores over Bangalore in terms of overall affordability and property rental/purchase costs. On an average, you can rent a 1 BHK unit in Chennai for Rs. 12,500 every month as compared to Rs. 15,000 in Bangalore. Average rentals for a 1 BHK unit in the suburbs will be anywhere around Rs. 7-8,000 in Chennai while this will go up to Rs. 8-9,000 in Bangalore. Utility costs will hover around Rs. 1,500-1,600 in Chennai while they are slightly cheaper at Rs. 1,000-1,100 in Bangalore.
- Household Necessities & Groceries- Bangalore is more upscale than Chennai and this is reflected in the slight difference in costs of groceries and other household necessities. For instance, a litre of milk which costs Rs. 43 on an average in Chennai, may come for Rs. 40 in Bangalore which is cheaper. However, basic internet connections are priced at Rs. 1,200 in Bangalore on an average in comparison to Rs. 1,000 in Chennai. Vegetables are slightly cheaper in Bangalore.
- Children’s Education- Bangalore has excellent kindergarten and pre-school facilities available where you may be required to shell out Rs. 7,000 every month on an average. This translates into Rs. 4,300 on an average in Chennai every month. Studying at an international school (primary) in Chennai means paying approximately Rs. 118,300 annually while this rises to Rs. 165,200 annually in Bangalore.
- Leisure & Fitness- Gym memberships are slightly costlier in Bangalore (Rs. 1,600 average cost) as compared to Chennai (Rs. 1,400 average cost) although rentals for an hour for basketball/tennis courts are cheaper in Bangalore. Rs. 480 is what you can expect to fork out for an hour on the courts in the Garden City while this will cost you Rs. 500 in Chennai for instance. Movie ticket prices are costlier in Bangalore (average price of Rs. 290) as compared to Chennai (average price of Rs. 180).
Cost of living in Chennai vs. Bangalore- Which city wins?
In reality, there is not a lot of difference in living costs between Bangalore and Chennai. Yet, Chennai makes for a more affordable option in terms of the rentals or housing aspect since property is costlier in Bangalore. Otherwise, everything else is pretty much balanced between the two Southern metropolises.
