Minimum Cost of Living in Bengaluru for a Software Engineer
The cost of living in Bengaluru, for a software engineer, can significantly vary based on lifestyle, housing choices, and personal preferences. However, recent data up to August 2023 suggests a detailed breakdown of the minimum estimated monthly expenses for a software engineer residing in Bengaluru.
Breaking Down the Minimum Estimated Monthly Expenses
Housing
The rent for a 1 BHK apartment in a decent area can range from Rs. 15,000 - 25,000. Additionally, utilities like electricity, water, internet, and gas can cost anywhere between Rs. 3,000 - 5,000 per month.
Food
For groceries and eating out, expenditures can range from Rs. 5,000 - 10,000. With an estimated consumption of 1kg of groceries per fortnight and dining out on an average of 1-2 times a week, a moderate lifestyle budget is reasonable.
Transportation
The cost for public transport or fuel can be between Rs. 2,000 - 4,000 per month. However, this amount can be lower if one drives or uses Uber.
Miscellaneous
Other miscellaneous expenses, such as mobile phone bills and personal costs, typically vary from Rs. 1,000 - 3,000 per month.
Total Estimated Minimum Cost
Based on the above estimates, the minimum monthly cost for a software engineer living in Bengaluru would be approximately Rs. 26,000 - 47,000 per month.
Additional Considerations
Lifestyle Choices
The cost of living can increase significantly if one engages in more frequent dining out or entertainment activities, or resides in premium localities. Additional costs may range from Rs. 5,000 - 10,000 per month.
Salary
Entry-level software engineers in Bengaluru typically earn between Rs. 500,000 - 1,000,000 annually. These earnings comfortably cover the estimated monthly expenses outlined above.
Overall, a budget of around Rs. 30,000 - 50,000 per month would be a reasonable estimate for a comfortable living situation for a software engineer in Bengaluru.
Alternative Options for Living Expenses
Based on various sources and personal experiences, the living expense can varies widely:
Accommodation
An okay PG might cost around Rs. 10,000 per month, while a good PG can cost between Rs. 15,000 - 20,000. Renting a house with a couple of friends could cost anything from Rs. 5,000 - 20,000 per month. A reasonable average for living expenses is taken to be between Rs. 10,000 - 20,000.
Food
Food costs can range from Rs. 5,000 - 15,000 per month depending on one's preferences. Including food in a PG can save some money, but having lunch outside when in the office can be a bit more expensive. Roughly, this falls between Rs. 5,000 - 10,000 for a moderate diet.
Travel
Travel expense varies widely depending on the mode of transportation. If you live near the office, travel can be free. Using BMTC, Volvo, or the metro could cost around Rs. 1,000 - 2,500 per month. Driving or using Uber might increase this to Rs. 2,000 - 4,000, with the average being around Rs. 2,000.