New City | Initial Cost Assessment | Influencing Factors | Accommodation | Transportation | Groceries | Utility | Shopping | Food | Touring Places | FAQ
The biryani city or the city of Nawabs as it is fondly called is a great place to stay. It is also emerging as the new IT hub as one can find a flurry of companies emerging. There are a lot of bachelors and students who stay here owing to the promising prospects of education and jobs.
The usp of this city is the rich lifestyle, friendly people, good architecture, and decent quality of life. This is perhaps the reason why so many people are choosing to move to Hyderabad.
So, if you want to know the cost of living in Hyderabad, here we are going to dissect the details for you.
Moving To A New City
We know how daunting moving to a new city is. Several challenges come up and settling in can take some time. So, you should make it a point to be patient in your approach and give yourself some time and assess best how you can be at ease even in a new place.
Once you get familiar with the transportation network, the common departmental joints, and the food options, settling in becomes comparatively easier. Hyderabad is usually an easy city to settle in as the people tend to draw you in. Language could be a barrier in the initial days, but owing to the high legacy rate, a significant part of the population is also conversant in English.
The Cost Of Living In Hyderabad- An Initial Assessment
When you try to determine the cost of living in Hyderabad, the details are going to vary based on whether you will move as a bachelor, as a couple, as a whole family or more. Each of these details is crucial and it will allow you to make a rough assessment of the expense that will be entailed. You have to understand that this is a mere approximation and your actual expenses will be based on your chosen lifestyle.
The range is very broad as the cost of living in Hyderabad can vary from as low as Rs. 7,000 a month to more than 1.5 lakhs per month. Some students tend to live on minimal expenses while some are more lavish in their style of life. At the same time, a family moving into Hyderabad is likely to incur more expenses as the school fees for children, the spacious apartment, and everything else have to be factored in. Once again, the lifestyle will have a role to play in determining the overall cost of living.
So, here we will give you an approximation based on the average cost that will be entailed. If you like to live on a shoestring budget, you can cut down the expenses further. At the same time, those who like to live a little on the luxurious side will end up inflating the figure significantly.
Rough Approximation Of Expenses
- 2 BHK flat: Rs. 50 lakhs approx.
- 2 BHK flat on rent: Rs. 12,000 per month
- School fee: Rs. 2,000 – 12,000 per month
- 1 meal in a moderately average restaurant per person: Rs. 150
- Local train travel: Rs. 500-1,000 p.m.
- Basics like electricity, water, garbage: Rs. 1500 p.m.
- House help: Rs. 5,000 – 12,000 p.m.
- Groceries: Rs. 5,000- 8,000 p.m.
Hyderabad, despite being a tier I city, falls in the affordable range and therefore ends up creating a lot of demand. It is way more affordable as compared to some of the other metro cities, for instance, Delhi or Mumbai.
The work of the Hyderabad metro is constantly evolving and this makes it very well connected with the different sub-parts. Owing to the IT boom happening in the city, more and more people are looking to move into this city.
The city itself is witnessing massive growth as infrastructural development and business growth are happening at a steady pace. So, different parts of the city are also growing and this has led to a big boom in this city.
The Likeability Quotient
This is not all as the city also registers a good rank as far as quality of living is concerned.
- As per the Mercer quality of living, Hyderabad managed to get the top slot and shared it with Pune.
- Apart from this, the city also managed to be rated the number one Indian city in terms of liveability and this occurred for the fourth time in a row.
- The crime rate in the city is significantly low compared to other cities in India, thereby making it a safer choice, even for older couples
- The government also carried out ease of living index and the city managed to secure the 27th spot
So, the different parameters also seem to justify the good-naturedness and easy living ability of the city.
Now let us try to split the different main parameters and judge the cost of living in Hyderabad
Factors That Influence The Cost Of Living In Hyderabad
Let us sum up the different factors that end up influencing the overall cost of living in Hyderabad.
- The accommodation overhead
- Transportation overhead
- Child care cost
- Groceries expenses
- The utility factor
- Entertainment and shopping overhead
These are the broad categories and if you draw a rough budget for each of these categories, you will be able to determine your net cost of living in Hyderabad. Of course, you should always have some cushion money for an accidental expense that may come out of nowhere.
When you know how to plan your expenses well, it will be easier for you to stick to the right estimates. Of course, you cannot expect to always have the same expense every month, yet having a ballpark figure is going to help you be sure that you don’t up spend more than what you can afford.
So, choose wisely and be sure that you know what the cost of living in Hyderabad will be tantamount to and if you can afford it well.
The Cost of Living in Hyderabad – Accommodation
One of the most important factors which you need to bear in mind while judging the cost of living in a city has to be the accommodation.
Finding the right place where you can stay and choosing the one that fits your budget is very crucial. Sometimes when you like a home, you may not be able to afford the price. On the other hand, some homes are affordable but they are not at par with the lifestyle you are seeking.
This is why you have to weigh the different parameters and then come to the right decision. Choosing the right apartment is crucial. The key is to strike the right mark between budget and lifestyle.
One of the top budgeting tips is to keep a third of your monthly salary for accommodation. So, choose an apartment whose rent falls within a third of your salary. At the same time, those who want to buy a home, need to make substantial savings in this way.
The Areas
As we all know, the rent of apartments will vary significantly based on the chosen area.
- 1 BHK flat in areas like Himayat Nagar, Ameerpet and even Uppal will cost Rs. 5,000 to 8,000 p.m. on average.
- Similarly, a 2 BHK flat in the same area is likely to cost you somewhere from Rs. 7,000 to 15,000
If you want to stay in the upscale areas of Hyderabad like Madhapur, Banjara Hills, Gachibowli, or even Jubilee Hills, the cost will go high significantly.
- A 1 BHK fat in these areas will cost you anywhere from Rs. 15,000 to 25,000 per month
- Similarly, a 2 BHK flat in these areas can push you back by Rs. 30,000 to 40,000.
So, based on your earnings and the desired lifestyle, you can choose an apartment accordingly.
Cost of Living in Hyderabad – Transportation
While Hyderabad boasts of very well-connected networks, one has to be mindful of the transportation network too to be sure what to expect from the city.
The best thing to do is to choose to stay at a place that is close to your workplace. This move will save you both time and money because transportation expenses could be a major overhead.
MMTS is the local train rail service and it is often the cheapest mode of travel in the city. However, when travelling during peak hours, it can be uncomfortable as the rush is too high.
You can also choose to travel by bus as the RTC buses connect almost the whole of Hyderabad and the fare too is pretty low. The next option is to choose the metro train. They are still developing and don’t connect all parts of the cities still if they ply on your route, this is the right option.
You can also choose cabs and autos; however, they can be comparatively expensive. Those who would like to have their comfort can drive in their cars. The traffic isn’t as bad as in Delhi or even Kolkata.
The Groceries in Hyderabad
Popular online portals that deliver groceries including BlinkIt, Big Basket, Swiggy InstaMart and more are all readily available in Hyderabad. Apart from this, every locality has abundant grocery stores that make it easy to buy stuff as and when needed.
The average expenses will come around Rs. 6,000 to 10,000 based upon the number of people in the house and the stuff you choose to buy.
The Utilities in Hyderabad
Different utility bills are going to be a part of your monthly expenses and these include the internet connection, your phone bills, the electricity connection, the gas connection, water supply, and so on.
These charges can come anywhere in the range of Rs.1,500 to 5,000 based on where you stay, how many people are there with you, the type of usage, and so on.
Shopping in Hyderabad
If you are a shopaholic, Hyderabad is going to be a lot of fun. There are a lot of big brands and luxury shops where you can shop your heart out. At the same time, those who want to shop within a stipulated budget will find several economical shopping joints as well.
Places like Begum Bazaar and Koti Market are areas wherein you can find good stuff for less. You won’t find branded stuff here, but even then, the quality is pretty decent. The budget for shopping will be very wide. For those who want to opt for thrift shopping stores, they can keep aside 7 to 8k per month for their shopping needs.
However, those who have a preference for branded clothes should opt for malls and other luxury stores and their shopping budget can be huge spanning to more than 30k a month as well. It all boils down to how you spend your money.
Fun and Entertainment in Hyderabad
When you live in a city, of course, there will be times when you will like to unwind and chill. So, you need to keep some money aside for your entertainment budget as well. From going to local sightseeing joints, film city, or even movie halls, there are tons of different things you can engage in to have a fun weekend.
The Hussain Sagar Lake, the Ramoji Film City, Charminar, and even the Golconda Fort are some of the popular places where people can often be spotted. Some of these places are more frequented by tourists rather than the locals.
There is an abundance of movie halls and pubs too. So, if you tend to frequent these places, your monthly expenses can shoot high. The right thing to do is to keep a budget aside for your entertainment expenses and then go out accordingly to make sure you are not overspending.
The Food in Hyderabad
Hyderabad is an exciting place foodwise. You will be amazed at the number of food options you will find in this city. The city boasts of an eclectic range of cuisines and it is their biryani that is renowned all over the world.
When you want to mind the budget, you should cook at home. There is no substitute for home-cooked food as it would be a healthier and more economical alternative.
Bachelors living alone tend to hire a cook rather than eat out all day. Based on the number of meals they are making and for how many people, they can charge anywhere from Rs. 2,000 to 7,000 and upwards.
Those who love to party and eat out will be impressed by the plethora of options that the city has to offer. There are tons of great eating joints and a lot of them offer deliveries even late at night.
So, feel free to check what options suit best to you and choose accordingly.
Cost of Living in Hyderabad : Tourism
When you are looking to have a good time in Hyderabad, you will need to visit some of the places. Here are some of the top joints you can frequent, apart from malls, movie halls, and restaurants.
The Ramoji Film City
No description of Hyderabad is complete without the mention of the Film City. This Film City is so huge that it finds a place in the Guinness Book of World Records. You can choose a guided tour if you are interested in all the details. If you are lucky, you may also bump into a celebrity here.
The place is a must-visit for all tourists, however, it can get tiring and take up the whole day.
Charminar
One of the top attractions of Hyderabad, the Charminar was built by the Sultan to honour his wife. It was built way back in 1591 and is 56 metres tall and 30 metres wide. It remains one of the star points of the city.
The Golconda Fort
This fort is located in the outskirts as it is 11 kilometres outside the city. It is huge and you can check out the different historical references here. Once again, this can get tiring so avoid going on a hot scorchy day.
The Hussain Sagar Lake
This is the largest artificial lake in the whole of Asia and it also has a ferry ride to help you enjoy the whole of Hyderabad. It is a great way to destress. You can choose to head here in the evening when it is a little breezy and it will help you have a relaxed evening.
The Purani Haveli
The Nizam stayed at this place and later it was converted to the Purani Haveli. The haveli boasts of one of the finest European architectures and has some of the most jaw-dropping backyards. The place is a visual treat even today and remains frequented by tourists.
FAQ
Is Hyderabad a good city to live in?
Yes, Hyderabad is a good city with great quality of life and a low crime rate as well.
Are there ample job opportunities in Hyderabad?
The IT sector is on a boom in this city and so you will find plenty of job opportunities in the city. The infrastructure work is also developing rapid and fast.
Is the city safe to live in?
The crime rate in the city is very low as compared to the rest of the cities in India. This makes the city safe even for elderly and old couples who don’t stay with their children.
Are there fun things to do in Hyderabad?
There are plenty of attractions for both adults and kids alike. The city has the right mix of work and entertainment and is, therefore, a good choice for people.
Is the cost of living in Hyderabad as high as in Mumbai?
No, there is a significant difference in the cost of living in both cities. Mumbai is way more expensive and Hyderabad can be affordable if you plan your budget well.
What are the posh localities in Hyderabad?
Banjara Hills and Jubilee Hills are some of the posh localities in this city. The apartment costs here are pretty high.
Can I get vegetarian food in Hyderabad?
Yes, there is an abundance of vegetarian food joints in Hyderabad
What is the cheapest mode of conveyance in Hyderabad?
The local trains and buses are very cheap modes to travel. However, they can get very congested during peak office hours.