What is the average monthly cost of living for a student in Pune?

A typical student in Pune spends ₹15,000-₹25,000 per month including PG rent, food, transport and internet. Premium options can push it to ₹30,000+.

What is the cheapest PG in Pune for students?

Triple-sharing PGs in Kothrud, Karve Nagar, Warje and Sinhagad Road start from around ₹5,500-₹7,000 per month including basic meals.

How much does food cost per month in Pune?

Mess and tiffin services range from ₹2,500 to ₹4,500 per month. Cooking yourself can bring it down to ₹2,000 if you share groceries.

How much should I budget for transport in Pune?

Auto and bus commuting is ₹800-₹1,500 per month for most students. A used scooter cuts running cost to under ₹600 per month.

Is Pune cheaper than Mumbai or Bangalore for students?

Yes. Rent, food and transport in Pune are typically 20-35% cheaper than equivalent areas in Mumbai or Bangalore.

Cost of Living in Pune for Students (2026)

Pune is one of India's most student-friendly cities. With dozens of top universities and a well-developed PG ecosystem, you can live comfortably here on a modest budget — if you plan well. Here is a category-by-category breakdown of what a student should expect to spend.

Accommodation: ₹6,000 – ₹18,000 / month

This is your single biggest expense. Cost depends on sharing type, locality and amenities:

Triple-sharing PG with meals in Kothrud / Karve Nagar / Warje — ₹6,000–₹8,500
Twin-sharing PG with meals in Aundh / Viman Nagar — ₹8,000–₹12,000
Single-sharing AC room with meals in Baner / Koregaon Park — ₹14,000–₹18,000
1 BHK shared by 2-3 students — ₹6,000–₹10,000 per head

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Food: ₹2,500 – ₹6,000 / month

Most PGs include 2 meals a day. If you eat out occasionally, budget ₹2,000-₹3,000 extra for college canteens, weekend dinners and the inevitable late-night Maggie runs. Cooking yourself in a shared flat brings food to ₹2,000-₹2,500.

Transport: ₹600 – ₹2,000 / month

PMPML bus pass — ₹350-₹600/month for students
Auto / shared auto — ₹1,200-₹1,800/month for daily campus commute
Used scooter — ₹400-₹600/month in fuel (one-time cost ₹25,000-₹45,000)
Pune Metro — economical for Vanaz to Ramwadi route

Internet & phone: ₹500 – ₹900 / month

Most PGs include WiFi. A 1.5 GB/day mobile plan costs around ₹300/month. Budget ₹500-₹900 if you need a personal broadband connection.

Books, supplies & academic: ₹500 – ₹2,000 / month

Varies hugely by course. Engineering students often spend more on printing and lab kits; humanities students less.

Lifestyle & social: ₹1,500 – ₹4,000 / month

Pune is famous for affordable cafes, FC Road street food and budget breweries. Most students keep this under ₹3,000 with the occasional movie or trip.

Sample monthly budgets

Frugal student: ₹6,500 PG + ₹500 transport + ₹500 internet + ₹2,000 misc = ₹9,500/month

Comfortable student: ₹10,000 PG + ₹3,000 food extras + ₹1,500 transport + ₹800 internet + ₹3,000 lifestyle = ₹18,300/month

Premium student: ₹16,000 single AC PG + ₹4,000 food + ₹1,800 transport + ₹900 internet + ₹4,500 lifestyle = ₹27,200/month

How to save

Pick a PG within walking or cycling distance of campus.
Share a flat with 2-3 friends instead of a single room.
Use student passes on PMPML and the Metro.
Cook breakfast and dinner at home; eat lunch at the canteen.
Compare PGs on Livverse by amenities, not just price.

Cost of Living in Pune for Students