A social media post detailing the monthly expenses of an intern living in Bengaluru has sparked discussion online about the rising cost of living in India’s technology hub.
The conversation began after Anshika Aggarwal, an intern in the city, shared a breakdown of her monthly spending while completing a two-month internship in Bengaluru.
Her estimate suggested that the average monthly cost of living during the internship was around ₹26,000, offering insight into the financial challenges faced by students and young professionals relocating to the city for work experience.
Accommodation takes the biggest share
According to Aggarwal’s breakdown, housing accounted for the largest portion of her expenses.
She spent approximately ₹12,500 per month on accommodation in a paying guest (PG) facility. For many newcomers to Bengaluru, PG accommodation is a common choice, though it remains one of the biggest expenses.
Housing costs in areas close to offices or technology parks are particularly high, which often forces students and interns to carefully manage their budgets.
Food and daily living costs
Food formed the second-largest monthly expense, amounting to around ₹6,000.
While PG facilities typically include meals, Aggarwal noted that the food provided was not always reliable, leading her to frequently purchase meals outside.
However, she also mentioned that affordable eateries are still available across the city for those willing to explore.
In addition to food and housing, transportation costs averaged about ₹2,000 per month, mainly for auto-rickshaw rides and cab travel.
Modest spending on leisure
Aggarwal explained that she spent around ₹2,000 on social activities and occasional outings, as her primary focus during the internship remained work.
Another ₹1,000 to ₹2,000 was spent on day-to-day necessities, including personal items and miscellaneous expenses.
Altogether, these expenses brought her total monthly spending to roughly ₹26,000.
Social media reactions
After the post gained attention online, many users on X shared similar experiences of living in Bengaluru as interns or early-career professionals.
Some users said the estimate accurately reflected their own expenses, while others noted that monthly spending can vary significantly depending on lifestyle choices and accommodation preferences.
The discussion once again highlighted how housing and daily living costs in Bengaluru continue to shape the financial realities of students and young professionals starting their careers in the city.