Pune, often called the “Oxford of the East,” is known for its vibrant culture, booming IT sector, and pleasant climate. However, living in this city on a tight budget can feel like walking a tightrope—especially with a monthly salary of just ₹20,000. But don’t worry—it’s not impossible. In fact, thousands of students, entry-level employees, and freelancers manage just fine.
Table of Contents
In this guide, we will show you exactly how to survive in Pune on a ₹20,000/month salary. You’ll find realistic expense breakdowns, saving tips, and smart hacks to make the most of your money.
Why Pune?
Before diving into the budget details, let’s briefly understand why people choose to live in Pune despite financial constraints.
- Affordable compared to Mumbai or Bangalore
- Well-connected via local buses, metro, and shared transport
- Good quality of life
- Strong job market for freshers
- Numerous PG accommodations and hostels
If you’re earning ₹20,000 per month, your financial priorities must revolve around housing, food, and transport. Let’s take a deeper look.
Monthly Budget Breakdown
Here’s a practical breakdown of how a single person can allocate their ₹20,000 salary across essential categories:
| Expense Category | Estimated Cost (Monthly) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Rent (Shared/PG) | ₹5,000 – ₹6,000 | Opt for shared rooms or hostels in affordable areas like Katraj, Warje, Vishrantwadi |
| Food (Groceries + Tiffin) | ₹3,000 – ₹3,500 | Local tiffin services are cost-effective and healthy |
| Utilities + Internet | ₹800 – ₹1,200 | Many PGs include these in rent |
| Mobile Recharge | ₹200 – ₹300 | Choose budget prepaid plans |
| Transport (Public) | ₹1,000 – ₹1,500 | Use PMPML buses, metro, or shared auto |
| Personal Care | ₹300 – ₹500 | Toiletries, haircuts, etc. |
| Entertainment | ₹500 – ₹800 | Limit outings to once or twice a month |
| Emergency + Savings | ₹2,000 – ₹3,000 | Always keep a buffer |
💡 Pro Tip: Keep track of your expenses with free budgeting apps like Walnut or Money Manager.
Step-by-Step Guide to Surviving on ₹20K
1. Choose Your Location Wisely
Rental prices can vary drastically from one area to another. While Koregaon Park or Viman Nagar may be attractive, they are not budget-friendly.
Instead, opt for:
- Kothrud
- Karve Nagar
- Bibwewadi
- Wagholi
- Aundh (fringes)
- Nigdi (PCMC)
These areas are close to major job hubs and offer better value for money.
2. Opt for PGs or Shared Flats
Rent is your biggest monthly expense. To reduce it:
- Go for PG accommodations with food included
- Share a 1BHK flat with 2–3 roommates
- Search on platforms like NoBroker, Facebook groups, or local WhatsApp housing communities
✅ A typical PG in Pune with food and WiFi will cost around ₹5,000–₹6,000.
3. Eat Smart: Homemade or Tiffin Services
Cooking at home is the cheapest option. But if you don’t have access to a kitchen or time, Pune has plenty of affordable tiffin services.
- Home-cooked meals (monthly groceries): ₹1,800–₹2,000
- Tiffin service: ₹2,500–₹3,000/month
Some popular budget-friendly tiffin services in Pune:
| Tiffin Provider | Cost (Per Month) | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Pune Tiffins | ₹2,500 | Veg only |
| Aunty’s Kitchen | ₹2,800 | Home-style |
| Daily Tiffin Pune | ₹3,000 | Veg/Non-Veg |
Always choose tiffin services near your location to avoid delivery charges.
4. Master Public Transport
Avoid Ola and Uber. Instead:
- Use PMPML buses for long distances
- Share autos for short hops
- Walk or cycle when possible
- Metro rail (Pune Metro) is expanding and offers a fast, low-cost commute
Monthly pass (PMPML): Around ₹700–₹1,000
5. Limit Outings and Entertainment
We all need downtime, but it doesn’t have to be expensive.
- Attend free events, open mics, or cultural festivals
- Visit public parks or explore Pune on weekends
- Watch movies at budget theatres like City Pride on discount days
- Avoid daily Zomato/Swiggy orders
Set a strict entertainment budget of ₹500–₹800 max per month.
Real Example: Rahul’s Monthly Life in Pune on ₹20,000
Rahul, a 24-year-old software support executive, shares a flat in Kothrud with two friends. Here’s how he manages:
| Expense | Monthly Amount |
|---|---|
| Shared Rent | ₹5,500 |
| Tiffin Service | ₹2,800 |
| Transport (Bus Pass + Autos) | ₹1,200 |
| Mobile + Internet | ₹400 |
| Utilities | ₹500 |
| Entertainment | ₹500 |
| Savings + Emergency | ₹3,000 |
| Personal Needs | ₹600 |
| Total | ₹19,500 |
Rahul saves ₹500–₹1,000 every month and has gradually built an emergency fund of ₹12,000 in six months.
Tips to Make It Easier
✅ Cook twice a week
Meal-prep on weekends and store food in the fridge to reduce daily cooking time and expenses.
✅ Buy second-hand
Furniture, cycles, utensils, and even electronics are available at lower prices on OLX or Quikr.
✅ Use Free WiFi
Work or study from public libraries, cafés with free WiFi, or coworking cafes with hourly pricing.
✅ Freelance or Side Hustle
Utilize weekends for online gigs like content writing, data entry, or tutoring. Even ₹2,000 extra per month can ease your budget.
✅ Student Discounts
Always ask for student discounts at gyms, movie theatres, cafes, and public transport.
Additional Stats: Cost of Living in Pune (2025 Averages)
| Category | Average Cost (Single Person) | Remarks |
|---|---|---|
| Rent (1BHK) | ₹10,000+ | High-end areas like Baner, KP |
| Shared PG with Food | ₹5,000–₹7,000 | Best for tight budgets |
| Monthly Groceries | ₹1,500–₹2,000 | For home-cooked food |
| Tiffin Service | ₹2,500–₹3,500 | Veg/Non-Veg options |
| Transport | ₹800–₹1,500 | Bus pass + occasional autos |
| Total (Budget Living) | ₹16,000–₹19,000 | Leaves ₹1K–₹4K for savings |
Final Thoughts
Surviving in Pune with a ₹20,000 monthly salary is absolutely possible if you make smart choices and stay disciplined. Cut down on luxury, track your spending, and take advantage of low-cost housing and food options. With consistency, not only can you survive—you can thrive and even save.
Living on a tight budget teaches you financial discipline and creative problem-solving. Eventually, as your income grows, these habits will serve you well.
