The Cost of Living in Hyderabad – Insights for Newcomers

Hyderabad, the capital city of Telangana, India is known for its cultural heritage, rich history, and lately IT industry. The urban place is rapidly expanding and becoming a cosmopolitan city, which has attracted many people to the metropolis.

The unique combination of affordability and opportunity has made Hyderabad one of the best cities to live with excellent amenities, and a fast-growing job market. Explore further if you want to understand the cost of living in Hyderabad to build a successful career, get familiar with various cultures, or live a comfortable life as a bachelor or family man.

Factors influencing the cost of living in Hyderabad

Many people consider Hyderabad to be excellent for career opportunities. Hence, the folks from outside start adjusting to the environment and ultimately enjoy living in the city. However, all the influential factors depend on the dynamics of the city. Thus, here are six main things that affect the cost of living in Hyderabad:

1. Accommodation
2. Groceries
3. Utilities
4. Leisure & Entertainment
5. Transportation, and
6. Child care (optional for a bachelor)

Understanding the living costs

For argument’s sake, the cost depends on your lifestyle. However, Hyderabad is comparatively cheaper than other metropolitan cities in India. For students, it is more economical than for families. House rent, transport charges, monthly utility bills, and childcare expenses all add up to the cost of living. So, you will have to spend anywhere from approximately ₹15,000 to ₹1.20 lakhs per month in Hyderabad considering the way of living of a student and a family. Nonetheless, living in a city like Hyderabad is undemanding, where you can save money while enjoying a fancy lifestyle.

Besides, Hyderabad, also known as the ‘city of Pearls’ is a leading Tier-1 city with a strong IT base. With the Hyderabad Metro expanding, housing demand is also on the rise. Moreover, the growth of businesses and infrastructural developments around the neighborhood have motivated homebuyers to look for properties as they grasp their region’s progress sooner or later.

How to manage the cost of living in Hyderabad?

Firstly, for an outsider, finding a place to live in a new city is understandably the biggest expense, hence it is crucial to look for accommodation that fits your budget and lifestyle. Doing some research on the internet or discussing it with your colleagues or friends can help you find a good place to live and reduce your worries.

Undeniably, the cost of living in Hyderabad varies depending on students and families, reflecting diverse spending habits. However, the city guarantees a comfortable living experience for everyone, regardless of financial constraints.

Average living cost for a bachelor in Hyderabad

Although the cost of living in Hyderabad can vary depending on your preferences and spending habits, the city offers a relatively affordable lifestyle for bachelors compared to other major Indian cities. Here is a breakdown of costs to give you an idea:

• Accommodation – This is typically the biggest expense for bachelors. It is suggested to keep a budget from ₹3500 to ₹8000 per month considering you stay in a paying guest accommodation or rent a 1BHK apartment.
• Food – Hyderabad is a paradise for foodies because of popular Hyderabadi Biryani, Haleem, etc. Depending on your eating habits, you can manage your budget within ₹2500 per month.
• Transportation – Public transportation in Hyderabad is efficient and cost-effective. Buses and the metro can get you around the city for a few rupees per trip. If you own a bike, add only fuel costs.
• Utilities – Expect a monthly expense of approximately ₹1200 to ₹2500 for utilities such as water, electricity, and internet, depending on your usage and apartment type.
• Total Cost – on average, including some miscellaneous expenses, a bachelor can expect to live comfortably on a monthly budget of ₹15,000-₹25,000 in Hyderabad.

Average living costs for families in Hyderabad

The average cost of living in Hyderabad for a small family ranges between ₹30,000 to ₹50,000 per month, depending on factors like location and infrastructure. Compared to a bachelor’s, the miscellaneous costs of utilities, groceries, etc are generally higher for families. Lifestyle choices like dining out, weekend getaways, and fitness classes can also impact expenses. Also, some families might hire house help for cooking or cleaning, which adds to the cost.

Average living costs for working couples in Hyderabad

Infrastructure costs are relatively lower in Hyderabad, making it easier for couples to find affordable housing, typically below ₹10,000 per month for a 1BHK. Utilities would also be considerably lower compared to that of a family. If both partners are earning, expenses can be split between the two making the impact on their fiscal health much lower. Travel expenses might range from ₹2000 to ₹3000 monthly and other miscellaneous expenses would also not be significant.

What does the research say about Hyderabad?

Hyderabad, with a rank of 153, has surpassed other Indian cities in Mercer’s Quality of Living City Ranking for 2023. Not just that, it is the fourth time in a row that the City of Pearls is crowned with the  tag of being the top Indian city in terms of liveability. The significantly lower crime rate compared to other Indian cities and the favourable weather helps Hyderabad retain its position year after year.

The city is followed by Pune at 154 and Bengaluru at a rank of 156. Other Indian cities on the list include Chennai at 161, Mumbai at 164, and Kolkata at 170. New Delhi shares 172nd rank with Riyadh in Saudi Arabia. 

Takeaway on cost of living in Hyderabad

Overall, Hyderabad offers a blend of rich cultural heritage and modern amenities, making it a comfortable and affordable city for diverse lifestyles. The city has something for everyone whether you are looking for a career boost or a comfortable lifestyle. There are numerous housing options to suit any budget. Also, public transport is easily available at a reasonable cost. Hope the above blog has given you a clearer perspective on living costs in Hyderabad.