Table of Contents
Hyderabad, known as the city of Nawabs, epitomizes the fusion of tradition and modernity, captivating people from diverse corners of the nation. With its dynamic culture and forward-looking lifestyle, Hyderabad stands out as a coveted destination for many. The city famous for its lip-smacking biryani and its Nawabi lifestyle is also a magnet for students and bachelors looking for studies and jobs. The flourishing IT companies in Hyderabad provide abundant career opportunities, making it appealing to both students and professionals. Renowned for its rich historical heritage and captivating architecture, Hyderabad seamlessly blends modern conveniences with traditional allure. This narrative explores the cost of living in Hyderabad, shedding light on its diverse facets.
In Hyderabad, residents enjoy a rich tapestry of cultural experiences, culinary delights, and recreational activities. The city’s iconic landmarks, such as the Charminar and Golconda Fort, reflect its glorious past and architectural grandeur. Hyderabad’s cosmopolitan vibe, coupled with its warm hospitality and diverse community, fosters a welcoming environment for all. ZoloStays provides a variety of convenient and budget-friendly housing options designed to meet the requirements of students, professionals, and families alike. PG In Hyderabad‘s double occupancy averages around 10,000 rupees monthly, while single rooms can reach 16,000 rupees, covering rent, meals, housekeeping, and laundry services. Our priority is to offer comfortable and fully-equipped living accommodations.
Overview of Cost of Living in Hyderabad
The average monthly cost of living in Hyderabad stands at Rs. 22,500. Hyderabad is known for its relatively affordable food prices, encompassing expenses for food, accommodation, transportation, and other essential needs.”
1. Accommodation Cost in Hyderabad
When relocating to a new city, securing accommodation becomes your foremost expenditure. It’s essential to find a place that fits your budget while maintaining your desired lifestyle. Though the housing search can be daunting, diligent research can lead you to a suitable residence, alleviating concerns. A useful strategy is to allocate approximately one-third of your total income towards accommodation expenses.
In major cities, rental rates vary based on the locality you select. For those seeking decent-paying guest accommodations in areas like Himayathnagar, Uppal, LB Nagar, and Ameerpet, options range from Rs. 3,500 to Rs. 7,000. In these areas, a 1 BHK apartment typically costs between Rs. 5,000 to Rs. 8,000, while a 2 BHK unit ranges from Rs. 7,500 to Rs. 15,000.
In upscale neighbourhoods like Jubilee Hills and Madhapur, rental rates are higher. A 1 BHK apartment in these areas may command a monthly rent of Rs. 14,000 to Rs. 23,000, while a 2 BHK unit could range from Rs. 30,000 to Rs. 35,000.
| Apartments Rental in Hyderabad | Price (Rs) Monthly INR |
| 1 BHK Apartment | ₹10,000 – ₹20,000 |
| 2 BHK Apartment | ₹15,000 – ₹30,000 |
| 3 BHK Apartment | ₹25,000 – ₹45,000 or more |
| Paying Guest (PG) | ₹5,000 – ₹15,000 |
Below are the localities categorized by posh areas, affordable areas, and best PG options in Hyderabad
| Posh Areas | Affordable Areas | Paying Guest Locations |
|---|---|---|
| Jubilee Hills | Miyapur | Gachibowli |
| Banjara Hills | Ameerpet | Gowlidoddy |
| Gachibowli | Kondapur | Hitech City |
| HITEC City | Uppal | Journalist Colony |
| Madhapur | Shamshabad | Kondapur |
| Kokapet | KPHB | |
| Somajiguda | Serilingampally | |
| Begumpet | Manikonda | |
| Lanco Hills |
2. Transport Cost in Hyderabad
Opting to reside near your workplace is always a prudent choice. This not only saves you considerable money but also minimizes the time spent on your daily commute. Hyderabad, being a bustling metropolitan hub, offers a plethora of transportation options. The MMTS, a local rail service, emerges as the most economical mode of travel. However, it tends to get heavily crowded during peak hours. Buses represent the most frequently available and cost-effective means of transportation in Hyderabad. RTC buses provide extensive connectivity across the city, with tickets available for as low as Rs. 7.
| Transportation Cost | Price (INR) | Range (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Metro One-way Ticket | ₹50.00 | ₹35.00-₹100.00 |
| Monthly Metro Pass (Regular Price) | ₹1,250.00 | ₹750.00-₹2,000.00 |
| RTC Bus One-way Ticket | ₹7.00 | |
| Monthly RTC Bus Pass (Regular Price) | ₹1,000.00 – ₹1,200.00 | |
| Petrol | ₹414.80 | ₹394.36-₹454.25 |
3. Food Cost in Hyderabad
Hyderabad offers a diverse culinary scene, making it a food haven. For a budget-friendly yet satisfying option, cooking at home is advisable for newcomers. It not only saves money but also promotes a healthier lifestyle.
Alternatively, hiring a cook or maid can cost between Rs.1,000 to Rs.2,500, depending on the number of meals prepared. Hyderabad provides various restaurant and home delivery choices, ensuring food availability at any hour. Self-cooking expenses average around Rs.3,000, while regular food ordering may increase the monthly budget to Rs.5,000 – Rs.6,000. Dining out spans from INR 150 to INR 250 per meal at standard restaurants and INR 400 to INR 800 at mid-range establishments. Monthly grocery costs for bachelor homemakers range from INR 3,000 to INR 5,000.
Checkout: Best cafes in Hyderabad
4. Groceries Cost in Hyderabad
Grocery expenses in Hyderabad, like in many other Indian cities, are relatively affordable. You can find groceries at reasonable prices in nearby shops and malls. For bachelors who prefer eating out, grocery costs may not significantly impact their budget. However, for those who cook regularly, the expenses can vary. On average, if you’re a bachelor who doesn’t cook, you can manage your grocery expenses, but you may end up spending more on dining out. The monthly expenditure on groceries typically amounts to. The average monthly expenditure on groceries and household stuff would come to around Rs. 5,000.
| Item | Price (₹) | Price Range (₹) |
|---|---|---|
| Milk (regular), (1 gallon) | 254.47 | 151.42 – 302.83 |
| Loaf of Fresh White Bread (1 lb) | 43.72 | 31.75 – 60.00 |
| Rice (white), (1 lb) | 26.30 | 20.41 – 36.29 |
| Eggs (regular) (12) | 74.93 | 60.00 – 104.00 |
| Local Cheese (1 lb) | 212.31 | 103.42 – 385.55 |
| Chicken Fillets (1 lb) | 130.37 | 72.57 – 181.44 |
| Buffalo Round (1 lb) (or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat) | 247.21 | 113.40 – 453.59 |
| Apples (1 lb) | 90.92 | 45.36 – 136.08 |
| Banana (1 lb) | 29.10 | 20.41 – 45.36 |
| Oranges (1 lb) | 49.73 | 20.41 – 158.76 |
| Tomato (1 lb) | 17.70 | 6.80 – 27.22 |
| Potato (1 lb) | 16.58 | 9.07 – 22.68 |
| Onion (1 lb) | 14.97 | 7.56 – 22.68 |
| Lettuce (1 head) | 70.29 | 20.00 – 113.00 |
| Water (1.5 liter bottle) | 30.31 | 25.00 – 40.00 |
| Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range) | 1,000.00 | 400.00 – 1,800.00 |
| Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle) | 172.94 | 100.00 – 250.00 |
| Imported Beer (12 oz small bottle) | 280.80 | 170.00 – 500.00 |
| Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro) | 360.00 | 250.00 – 440.00 |
5. Utility Cost in Hyderabad
The monthly electricity expenses for a family can vary between ₹1,500 to ₹3,000, contingent upon the property size and electricity usage. Water bills generally fall between ₹500 to ₹1,000 per month. Internet plans usually commence at approximately ₹500 per month, subject to the selected package.
| Utility | Average Cost (₹) | Price Range (₹) |
|---|---|---|
| Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 915 sq ft Apartment | 3,250.80 | 1,750.00 – 7,000.00 |
| Mobile Phone Monthly Plan with Calls and 10GB+ Data | 372.95 | 200.00 – 700.00 |
| Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL) | 750.59 | 500.00 – 1,200.00 |
6. Entertainment Cost in Hyderabad
Hyderabad provides a variety of recreational options, such as exploring historical sites, watching movies, and shopping. Movie tickets typically range from INR 150 to INR 300, while admission fees for well-known tourist spots vary from INR 100 to INR 500. Moreover, having a gym membership may cost you approximately INR 1,500 to INR 3,000 per month.
| Item | Cost Range (INR) |
|---|---|
| Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult | ₹800.00 – ₹3,000.00 |
| Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour on Weekend) | ₹400.00 – ₹1,200.00 |
| Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat | ₹250.00 – ₹500.00 |
Checkout: Best Pubs in Hyderabad
Cost of Living for Couples in Hyderabad
Typically, monthly expenses for a couple range from Rs. 20,000 to Rs. 30,000, covering various essentials such as food, transportation, utilities, and other necessities. It’s important to note that the actual cost of living may fluctuate based on the couple’s lifestyle choices and spending habits.
| Expense Category | Monthly Cost Range (INR) |
|---|---|
| Accommodation | ₹ 12,000 – ₹ 28,000 |
| Groceries | ₹ 2,000 – ₹ 5,500 |
| Transport | ₹ 1,500 – ₹ 3,500 |
| Utilities | ₹ 2,000 – ₹ 3,500 |
| Entertainment | ₹ 2,000 – ₹ 7,000 |
Cost of Living for Families in Hyderabad
The total cost of living in Hyderabad for a family of four typically ranges from Rs. 30,000 to Rs. 50,000 per month. However, there are various neighbourhoods in Hyderabad where a family can comfortably manage on a budget of Rs. 20,000, contingent upon their lifestyle preferences.
| Expense Category | Monthly Cost Range (INR) |
|---|---|
| Accommodation | ₹ 12,000 – ₹ 38,000 |
| Groceries | ₹ 2,500 – ₹ 11,000 |
| Transport | ₹ 1,500 – ₹ 4,000 |
| Utilities | ₹ 2,000 – ₹ 3,500 |
| Entertainment | ₹ 2,000 – ₹ 8,000 |
| Kids’ Schooling | ₹ 3,000 – ₹ 18,000 |
Cost of Living for Students in Hyderabad
The overall cost of living for students in Hyderabad typically ranges from ₹10,000 to ₹20,000 per month. This includes expenses for accommodation, food, transportation, utilities, and other necessities
| Expense Category | Monthly Cost Range (INR) |
|---|---|
| Accommodation | ₹ 4,000 – ₹ 9,500 |
| Groceries | ₹ 1,000 – ₹ 2,500 |
| Transport | ₹ 1,000 – ₹ 2,000 |
| Utilities | ₹ 1,200 – ₹ 2,500 |
| Entertainment | ₹ 4,000 – ₹ 7,000 |
| Kids’ Schooling | NA |
Cost of Living for Bachelors in Hyderabad
The average cost of living for bachelors in Hyderabad falls between ₹12,000 to ₹25,000 per month. This estimate covers expenses such as accommodation, food, transportation, utilities, and other essentials.
| Expense Category | Monthly Cost Range (INR) |
|---|---|
| Accommodation | ₹ 4,000 – ₹ 9,500 |
| Groceries | ₹ 1,000 – ₹ 2,500 |
| Transport | ₹ 1,000 – ₹ 2,000 |
| Utilities | ₹ 1,200 – ₹ 2,500 |
| Entertainment | ₹ 4,000 – ₹ 7,000 |
| Kids’ Schooling | NA |
What are the Average Monthly Salaries in Hyderabad
The typical annual salary for entry-level positions in Hyderabad is approximately ₹2.9 Lakhs per year (equivalent to ₹24.0k per month). These estimates are derived from data collected from 1.2k recent salaries of freshers across different industries.
The below table is the salary range based on the Job profile
| Job Title | Range | Average |
|---|---|---|
| Software Engineer | ₹340k – ₹2m | ₹766,687 |
| Senior Software Engineer | ₹586k – ₹2m | ₹1,247,291 |
| Sr. Software Engineer / Developer / Programmer | ₹591k – ₹2m | ₹1,156,264 |
| Software Developer | ₹303k – ₹2m | ₹669,527 |
| Data Analyst | ₹284k – ₹1m | ₹547,973 |
| Project Manager, (Unspecified Type / General) | ₹596k – ₹3m | ₹1,570,533 |
| SAP Consultant | ₹352k – ₹2m | ₹712,875 |
FAQ’s
Hyderabad is comparatively cheaper compared to other metropolitan cities. Hence, the overall cost of living also is lesser. If you looking to stay in budget areas like Uppal, Himayathnagar, LB Nagar, etc. then a PG/Hostel will cost you somewhere around Rs. 3,500-Rs. 4,500 approximately. A 1 BHK in the same areas will cost you around Rs.5,000-Rs.8,000. Add to that the expenses for food, transport, utility bills, etc. and you can live comfortably in Hyderabad with a budget of Rs. 10,000-Rs. 12,000 in a PG and Rs. 12,000-Rs. 15,000 in a 1Bhk flat. In upscale areas like Jubilee Hills, Madhapur, etc. your expenditure for the month can go up to Rs.25,000-Rs. 30,000.
A family living in Hyderabad can have a comfortable or luxurious lifestyle depending on the area they stay in. If you stay in areas like Uppal, Ameerpet, LB Nagar, etc. you can get a 1Bhk flat for Rs.5,000-Rs.8,000. With the added expense of food, transport, utilities, medical, school, etc. your total budget for a family of 4 would come around Rs. 15,000-Rs. 20,000 depending on your lifestyle.
This rate goes up if you get a 2Bhk flat which should cost you around Rs. 7,500-Rs. 13,000 in these areas. If you choose to live in posh localities like Jubilee Hills, Madhapur, etc. then the rental charges go up to somewhere around Rs. 14,000-Rs. 20,000 for a 1Bhk flat and Rs. 25,000-Rs. 30,000 for a 2 BHKflat. Overall expenses for staying in these areas would be around Rs. 30,000- Rs. 50,000 depending on your type of stay as well as your lifestyle.
Rental charges for flats in Hyderabad are comparatively cheaper than in other big cities. For a couple moving to Hyderabad, a 1Bhk flat in areas like Hi-Tech city, Madhapur, etc will cost around Rs. 15,000. Adding to that the expenses in food, transport, utility bills, etc. your overall budget for the month to live a comfortable life would come up to Rs. 25,000- Rs. 35,000. If you choose to move to budget areas like Ameerpet, Himayathnagar, etc. then your overall expenses can come down by Rs. 5,000-Rs. 7,000.
On average, a single person would need a monthly salary of INR 15,000 to INR 25,000 to live comfortably in Hyderabad. For a family of three, the required monthly salary would range from INR 30,000 to INR 50,000 to cover living expenses in the city.
Yes, it is possible to live in Hyderabad with a salary of 20,000 rupees, depending on your lifestyle and expenses. Families can manage living expenses comfortably within a budget of 20,000 rupees in certain areas of Hyderabad, though the total cost of living for a family of four typically ranges from 30,000 to 50,000 rupees.
The cost of living in Bangalore is generally 3 to 4 times higher than in Hyderabad. However, Bangalore’s strong economy and job market often make it a viable choice despite the higher costs. On the other hand, Hyderabad boasts a lower cost of living compared to other major Indian cities, making it a cost-effective option for many residents.
Yes, Hyderabad has been recognized as the best Indian city to live in, according to Mercer’s Quality of Living survey for 2023. Despite a slight decline in its global ranking, Hyderabad remains ahead of other Indian cities such as Pune, Bengaluru, Chennai, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Delhi.
In Hyderabad, you typically don’t need an AC except during April, May, and mid-June. The daytime temperatures can be high, but they usually decrease at night. Hyderabad experiences a noticeable temperature difference between day and night.
Jubilee Hills is recognized as one of the wealthiest commercial and residential neighbourhoods in India. Positioned between Hyderabad’s IT hub of HITEC City and the affluent commercial district of Banjara Hills, Jubilee Hills is renowned for its posh surroundings and upscale lifestyle.
Pune has 1.5% higher consumer prices than Hyderabad (excluding rent). Pune’s overall consumer prices, including rent, are 4.7% higher than Hyderabad’s. Additionally, Pune’s rent prices are 18.3% higher than those in Hyderabad. Pune also boasts a local purchasing power that surpasses Hyderabad’s by 25.8%.
In comparison, Pune has 1.5% higher consumer prices than Hyderabad (excluding rent). Pune also has 4.7% higher consumer prices overall, including rent, compared to Hyderabad. Additionally, Pune’s rent prices are 18.3% higher than those in Hyderabad. Pune’s local purchasing power surpasses Hyderabad’s by 25.8%.
Some of the best areas for living in Hyderabad include Kukatpally, Kondapur, Begumpet, Uppal, Miyapur, Dilsukhnagar, Lingampally (Serilingampally), and Gachibowli.
Gachibowli is considered one of the most peaceful areas in Hyderabad. Situated in the western part of the city near the IT hub of HITEC City, Gachibowli is known for its tranquil and green surroundings, making it a preferred residential choice for many.
Foreigners often find comfort living in areas such as Banjara Hills, Jubilee Hills, Somajiguda, Masab Tank, Gachibowli, HiTec City, Lingampall
Celebrities in Hyderabad reside in impressive locations, with homes situated in beautiful neighbourhoods across the city. Mahesh Babu lives in Film Nagar, while Akkineni Nagarjuna, Allu Arjun, Chiranjeevi, and Prabhas have chosen Jubilee Hills as their preferred residential area.
Charminar is a bustling and crowded area located in the old city of Hyderabad.
Telugu and Urdu are the official languages spoken in Hyderabad, while English is widely used. Hyderabad’s Telugu dialect is known as the Telangana dialect, and the Urdu spoken in the city is referred to as Deccani Urdu.
Area-wise, Bangalore spans 741 km2, serving as the capital of Karnataka, India. Hyderabad, on the other hand, covers a total area of 694 km2 and serves as the capital of Telangana state. In terms of climate, Bangalore experiences pleasant weather throughout the year due to its mild climate.
Dosa
Biryani
Haleem
Boti Kebab
Chicken 65
Paaya
Nihari
Keema Samosa
Hyderabad is renowned for its thriving Telugu film industry, which stands as the highest-grossing film industry in India as of 2021. Historically, the city was famed for its pearl industry and earned the moniker “City of Pearls” until the 19th century. Additionally, Hyderabad was the sole trading center for Golconda diamonds worldwide.
Hyderabad offers a diverse culinary scene beyond its famous non-vegetarian dishes. A must-try delicacy is the Veg Meal, also known as the Andhra Meal, featuring an array of dals and gravies served on a banana leaf.
