Cost of Living in Hyderabad

Hyderabad is a rapidly growing city that attracts people from across the country and even around the world. Whether you’re considering a move for work, education, or a change of scenery, Hyderabad is a fit for all. It has created a large set of opportunities for people in IT sector and has driven the country’s pharmaceuticals and biotechnology sector with its major contribution. 
We know about all these factors previously, but is Hyderabad living budget friendly too? Let’s dive into the financial side of living in this beautiful city and find out what it truly costs to call Hyderabad our home.

Living Expenses in Hyderabad

The capital of Telangana, Hyderabad offers a unique combination of opportunity and affordability in urban living. It is ranked as a best city for living and also the cost of living is very affordable. Whether renting or buying, Hyderabad offers a range of affordable housing options and best of amenities. Whether you’re a student, working professional, or a family, the cost of living depends largely on the size of the accommodation and the overall convenience the area offers like proximity to schools, offices, or public transport.

Tenant Type	Configuration	Approx. Monthly Rent (₹)	Notes
Students	PG / Hostel	5,000 – 10,000	Basic facilities, meals often included
Students / Bachelors	Shared Apartment	8,000 – 15,000 per person	Cost-effective with better privacy & space
Small Families	1BHK Apartment	12,000 – 18,000	Suitable for couples or small families
Mid-size Families	2BHK Apartment	20,000 – 35,000	Offers more space, commonly found in gated setups
Larger Families	3BHK Apartment	40,000 – 60,000+	Spacious, with amenities like security, parks, etc.

Groceries and other Essentials

Hyderabad’s grocery expenditure varies according to lifestyle and family size. Families with higher expenditures cover more items, whereas students and bachelors tend to shop for essentials or quick-fix food to save money and time.

Category	Estimated Monthly Spend (₹)	Typical Items Purchased
Family (4 members)	8,000 – 12,000	Vegetables, fruits, dairy, packaged goods, meat & fish
Students	2,000 – 4,000	Basic vegetables, dairy, snacks, essentials
Bachelors	3,000 – 5,000	Ready-to-eat meals, basic groceries, quick staples

Utility and Healthcare

Utility and healthcare expenditures are also key components of monthly budgeting. Maintenance costs for gated communities are generally higher because they include additional amenities, and healthcare expenditures fluctuate depending on lifestyle and household size.

Maintenance

Expense Type	Monthly Cost (₹)	Notes
Electricity	1,500 – 4,000	Higher with AC and appliances usage
Water & LPG	500 – 1,500	Includes basic water supply and cooking gas
Wi-Fi / Internet	600 – 1,200	High-speed broadband for home use
Maintenance (Gated Community)	3,000 – 6,000	Covers security, gym, clubhouse, etc.
Maintenance (Non Gated Community)	2,000+	Basic upkeep and common utilities

Healthcare

Category	Monthly Spend (₹)	Notes
Families	2,000 – 5,000	Includes insurance, checkups, and basic healthcare
Students	500 – 2,000	Campus healthcare or low-cost insurance plans
Bachelors	1,000 – 3,000	Consultations, medications, and minor treatments

Travel Expenses

Getting around Hyderabad can be both affordable and convenient, depending on your mode of transport. Public options remain the most budget-friendly, while personal vehicles offer flexibility but come with added expenses.

Mode of Transport	Approx. Cost	Notes
Public Transport	₹10 – ₹60 per ride	Includes metro, city buses, and shared autos
	₹1,000 – ₹1,500/month	Metro or bus passes for daily commuters
Ride-hailing & Carpooling	₹100 – ₹300 per day	Ola/Uber rides vary by distance; carpooling starts at ₹50/ride
Private Vehicle (Fuel + Maintenance)	₹3,000 – ₹6,000/month	Based on fuel (₹110/litre petrol), basic service & insurance

Cost of Education

Hyderabad education fees are quite diverse depending on the type of institution and level of study. From schools to universities and coaching centres, the fees can constitute a major portion of a family’s monthly or annual budget.

Education Type	Annual Fees (₹)	Notes
Private Schooling (Nursery–Grade 10)	2,00,000 – 3,00,000	Depends on the school’s facilities and reputation
Higher Education (Colleges/Universities)	1,00,000 – 5,00,000	Varies by course and institution type (private or public)
Coaching & Test Prep	20,000 – 1,00,000	Includes coaching for entrance exams or skill-based courses

Comparison with other cities

Categories	Hyderabad	Bangalore	Chennai
Rent – Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre	18,000.00-157,760.15	45,000.00-100,000.00	30,000.00-75,000.00
Buy – Price per Square Meter to Buy Apartment in City Centre	65,000.00-566,201.97	107,639.10-300,000.00	107,639.10-269,097.76
Taxi 1km (Normal Tariff)	15.00-50.00	20.00-60.00	15.00-50.00
Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course	700.00-3,000.00	1,000.00-4,000.00	600.00-2,000.00
Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 85m2 Apartment	2,000.00-8,000.00	2,000.00-5,000.00	2,500.00-6,375.00

Smart ways to Manage your Finance

1. Create a Monthly Budget
2. Prioritize Needs Over Wants
3. Use Public Transport or Carpool
4. Choose Shared Living or Affordable Housing
5. Cook at Home Often
6. Use Subscriptions Wisely
7. Build an Emergency Fund
8. Track and Reduce Utility Consumption
9. Buy Health Insurance
10. Take Advantage of Student/Employee Discounts
11. Use Credit Cards Smartly
12. Set Financial Goals

Conclusion

One of the biggest advantages of living in Hyderabad is its comparatively low cost of living when compared to other cities like Mumbai, Delhi, and Bangalore. From budget-friendly PGs and shared flats for students and bachelors to spacious gated community flats for families, the city has something for everyone. Apart from accommodation, daily life expenses such as groceries, transportation, healthcare, and education are affordable. With improving infrastructure, job opportunities, and balanced living, it has become an ideal choice.

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