Written by Stanza Living Content Team in collaboration with our Bangalore resident team

Moving to Pune for work is exciting, but it also brings many questions — especially about money. Whether you are a fresher joining your first job or a professional switching cities, knowing the monthly expenses in Pune helps you plan better and avoid stress later.

Pune is considered more affordable than Mumbai and slightly cheaper than Bangalore, but costs can still add up if you don’t plan properly. From rent and food to transport and lifestyle spending, this guide explains how much working professionals actually spend in Pune every month, with realistic ranges and practical advice.

From our experience speaking to people who recently moved to Pune, most budget issues happen because expenses are not planned in advance — not because the city is expensive.

What Is the Average Monthly Cost of Living in Pune?

For most working professionals, the monthly cost of living in Pune ranges between ₹25,000 and ₹45,000.

Here’s how it usually breaks down:

• Budget lifestyle: ₹25,000–₹30,000
• Comfortable lifestyle: ₹30,000–₹40,000
• Premium lifestyle: ₹40,000–₹50,000+

Your final monthly expense depends mainly on:

• Where you stay
• How close you live to your office
• Whether you choose a PG or a rented flat
• Your daily food and travel habits

Accommodation Cost in Pune (Biggest Monthly Expense)

Accommodation takes the largest share of your monthly budget, so choosing the right option is very important.

Read More- Why Co-Living Is the Best Choice for Working Professionals

PG and Co-Living Expenses in Pune

For freshers and newly relocated professionals, PGs and co-living spaces are the most practical option.

Typical monthly cost:

• Shared room: ₹8,000–₹12,000
• Private room: ₹12,000–₹18,000

What is usually included:

• Furnished room
• Electricity and water
• Wi-Fi
• Housekeeping
• Meals (in many PGs)

Because most expenses are bundled, PGs help you keep your monthly budget predictable. This is why many professionals initially prefer staying in a PG in Pune, especially near IT hubs.

Personal suggestion: If you are new to Pune, start with a PG near your office. It saves money, time, and daily travel stress.

Explore Stanza PGs in Pune – 

PG in Akurdi, PG in Balewadi, PG in Baner, PG in Dhankawadi, PG in Fursungi, PG in Hadapsar, PG in Hinjawadi, PG in Karve Nagar, PG in Katraj, PG in Kharadi, PG in Kondhwa, PG in Koregaon Park, PG in Kothrud, PG in Lohegaon Dhanori, PG in Loni Kalbhor, PG in Narhe, PG in Pimple Saudagar, PG in Senapati Bapat Road, PG in Shivaji Nagar, PG in Vadgaon, PG in Viman Nagar, PG in Wagholi, PG in Wakad, PG in Erandwane

Cost of Renting a Flat in Pune

Renting a flat offers more independence, but it also increases monthly and upfront expenses.

Average monthly rent:

• Shared flat: ₹10,000–₹15,000 per person
• 1BHK (individual): ₹15,000–₹22,000

Additional monthly costs:

• Electricity: ₹1,000–₹2,000
• Internet: ₹700–₹1,200
• Maintenance charges: ₹1,000–₹2,000

You will also need to pay a security deposit of 2–3 months’ rent, which can be difficult for someone just starting out.

Explore Flats in Pune

Food Expenses in Pune (₹4,000 – ₹8,000 Per Month)

Food costs depend completely on your eating habits and accommodation type.

Food Cost If You Stay in a PG

Most PGs provide regular meals.

• Outside food expenses: ₹2,000–₹4,000 per month
• Suitable for professionals with busy work schedules

Food Cost If You Live in a Flat

• Groceries: ₹3,000–₹4,500
• Eating out or ordering food: ₹1,500–₹3,000

From experience, ordering food daily can silently push monthly expenses above ₹8,000 without realising it.

Read – PG with Food vs PG without Food – Which Saves More?

Transportation Expenses in Pune (₹1,500 – ₹5,000)

Transport costs depend mainly on how far your home is from your office.

Common travel costs:

• Public transport (bus/metro): ₹1,500–₹2,500
• Two-wheeler fuel: ₹2,000–₹3,500
• Daily cab usage: ₹4,000–₹6,000

Personal advice: Avoid choosing accommodation far from your office just to save rent. Pune traffic around IT areas like Hinjewadi can affect your daily routine and energy levels.

Living closer to work saves both money and mental stress.

Utility and Connectivity Expenses (₹800 – ₹2,500)

If utilities are not included in rent, expect:

• Electricity: ₹800–₹1,500
• Internet: ₹700–₹1,200
• Mobile bills: ₹300–₹500

Most PGs and co-living spaces bundle these costs, which helps control monthly spending.

Lifestyle and Personal Expenses (₹3,000 – ₹8,000)

Lifestyle expenses vary from person to person.

Typical monthly spending includes:

• Gym or fitness: ₹800–₹2,000
• Movies, cafés, outings: ₹1,500–₹3,000
• Shopping and subscriptions: ₹1,000–₹3,000

This is the area where budgets usually go off track if not monitored.

Total Monthly Expense Breakdown for Pune

For a working professional in Pune:

• Accommodation: ₹8,000–₹18,000
• Food: ₹4,000–₹8,000
• Transport: ₹1,500–₹5,000
• Utilities: ₹800–₹2,500
• Lifestyle: ₹3,000–₹8,000

Total monthly cost: ₹25,000–₹45,000

PG vs Flat: Which Is More Cost-Effective in Pune?

PG Is Better If:

• You are new to the city
• You want fixed monthly expenses
• You don’t want maintenance responsibilities

Flat Is Better If:

• You plan to stay long-term
• You want full independence
• You can manage variable costs

For most professionals, PGs are the smarter option during the first 6–12 months.

Read – What is Co-Living? Benefits, Cost & Who Should Choose It

Common Mistakes That Increase Monthly Expenses

• Living far from office to save rent
• Ignoring electricity and maintenance costs
• Using cabs daily
• Ordering food too often
• Not tracking monthly spending

Avoiding these mistakes can save ₹5,000–₹8,000 every month.

Read – Things No One Tells You Before Staying in a PG?

Simple Tips to Control Monthly Expenses in Pune

• Choose accommodation near your workplace
• Start with PG or co-living
• Use public transport when possible
• Cook at least a few meals weekly
• Track expenses monthly

Which is the cheapest area to live in Pune?

Some of the cheapest and budget-friendly areas in Pune for working professionals are:

• Wagholi
• Hadapsar (inner areas)
• Wakad (older pockets)
• Ravet
• Bhosari / Pimpri side

In these areas, you can find:

• Shared PGs: ₹7,000–₹10,000
• Shared flats: ₹8,000–₹12,000 per person

Personal suggestion: Cheap areas are good for saving money, but always check distance from your office. Saving ₹2,000 on rent is not worth spending 2–3 hours daily in traffic.

Is ₹20,000 enough to live in Pune?

Yes, ₹20,000 is enough to live in Pune, but only with a very basic lifestyle.

Here’s how it usually works:

• Shared PG accommodation: ₹7,000–₹9,000
• Food (mostly PG meals): ₹3,000–₹4,000
• Transport (bus or walking distance): ₹1,000–₹2,000
• Mobile + basic expenses: ₹1,000
• Very limited lifestyle spending

Reality check: ₹20k is manageable, but not comfortable. It leaves little room for savings or social life.

Final Thoughts

Pune offers a balanced and affordable lifestyle for working professionals. With proper planning, most people can live comfortably within ₹30,000–₹40,000 per month without compromising on daily comfort.

The most important decision is where you stay. Once accommodation and commute are sorted, managing other expenses becomes much easier.

FAQs: Monthly Expenses for Working Professionals in Pune

1. What is the average monthly expense in Pune?
   ₹30,000–₹40,000 for most working professionals.
2. Is Pune expensive compared to other cities?
   Pune is cheaper than Mumbai and similar or slightly cheaper than Bangalore.
3. Is staying in a PG cheaper than renting a flat?
   Yes, especially for newcomers, because many costs are bundled.
4. Which areas in Pune are affordable for professionals?
   Hinjewadi, Wakad, Kharadi, and Hadapsar.
5. Can a fresher live in Pune within ₹25,000?
   Yes, with shared PG accommodation and controlled spending.
6. What expense should I plan first before moving to Pune?
   Accommodation, as it affects all other monthly costs.
7. Is a ₹50,000 salary enough to live in Pune?
Yes, a ₹50,000 monthly salary is more than enough to live comfortably in Pune.