Cost of Living in Ahmedabad 2025: Complete Guide & Prices
Thinking about moving to Ahmedabad? Every month, thousands of professionals and families relocate to Gujarat's Economic Capital for its vibrant culture, affordable lifestyle, and booming opportunities. But here's what everyone wants to know: How much does it really cost to live in Ahmedabad?
Whether you're a student starting college, a bachelor beginning your career, a couple planning relocation, or a family with kids, this guide breaks down real expenses—rent, food, transportation, utilities, and lifestyle costs. No fluff, just practical numbers you can use to plan your budget.
Quick Overview: What You'll Actually Spend
Let's cut to the chase. Here's what you can expect to spend monthly in Ahmedabad, depending on your situation:
| Living Situation | Basic Budget | Comfortable Budget | Premium Budget |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single/Bachelor | ₹10,000-₹16,000 | ₹18,000-₹30,000 | ₹35,000-₹55,000 |
| Working Couple | ₹22,000-₹35,000 | ₹40,000-₹60,000 | ₹65,000-₹90,000 |
| Family (3-4) | ₹35,000-₹55,000 | ₹60,000-₹90,000 | ₹1,00,000-₹1,60,000 |
These ranges account for rent, food, transportation, utilities, and basic entertainment. Your actual costs depend on lifestyle choices, location, and personal priorities. Let's break down exactly where your money goes.
The Big Five: Major Expenses That Matter Most
Five expense categories will consume 80-90% of your monthly budget. Get these right, and you'll live comfortably within your means.
A. Accommodation: Your Biggest Monthly Expense
Rent will likely be your largest expense—typically 25-35% of your monthly budget. The good news? Ahmedabad offers some of the most affordable housing among metro cities.
For Bachelors/Singles:
PG (Paying Guest): ₹3,500-₹8,000/month
- Includes: Furnished room, food (in most cases), Wi-Fi, housekeeping
- Best for: Students, first-time movers, cost-conscious professionals
- Popular areas: Navrangpura, Satellite, Vastrapur, Maninagar
Shared Apartment: ₹4,000-₹10,000/person
- More independence, split costs with roommates
- Need to manage utilities separately
- Better for those who value privacy
1 BHK: ₹7,000-₹18,000
- Full independence, your own space
- Wide range based on location and amenities
- Complete control over your living environment
For Couples:
1 BHK: ₹9,000-₹22,000
- Adequate space for two people
- Can accommodate work-from-home setup
2 BHK: ₹12,000-₹30,000
- Better space, can host guests
- Home office setup possible
- More storage and living area
For Families:
2 BHK: ₹15,000-₹35,000
- Suitable for small families
- Basic amenities included
3 BHK: ₹20,000-₹50,000
- Spacious for families with kids
- Gated communities cost more but offer amenities like parks, gym, and security
- Near good schools: Add 15-25% premium to rent
Neighborhood Guide - Where to Live:
| Area Type | Examples | 1 BHK Rent | Why Choose |
|---|---|---|---|
| Budget-Friendly | Naranpura, Maninagar, Chandkheda, Ghatlodia | ₹5,000-₹10,000 | Affordable, good local markets, connectivity |
| Mid-Range Residential | Satellite, Vastrapur, Prahlad Nagar, Bodakdev | ₹8,000-₹18,000 | Good infrastructure, safety, family-friendly |
| Premium Central | Navrangpura, SG Highway, Ambawadi | ₹12,000-₹25,000 | Prime location, luxury amenities, premium lifestyle |
The Hidden Costs of Renting:
Beyond monthly rent, prepare for these upfront and ongoing costs:
- Security Deposit: 2-3 months' rent (typically 2 in Ahmedabad) - Plan for ₹18,000-₹50,000 upfront
- Brokerage: 1 month's rent if using agent (₹7,000-₹18,000)
- Maintenance: ₹800-₹2,500/month in gated communities
- Registration: ₹1,200-₹2,500 for rental agreement
💡 Pro Tip: Want to save? Look for 'no broker' deals on NoBroker, Facebook groups, or direct owner postings. You can save ₹7,000-18,000 in brokerage.
B. Food & Groceries: Cook or Eat Out?
Food costs in Ahmedabad can range from ₹2,000 to ₹10,000+ monthly depending on one choice: do you cook or eat out?
Cooking at Home (Most Economical):
Monthly Grocery Budget:
- Bachelor cooking for self: ₹2,000-₹4,000
- Couple: ₹4,500-₹8,000
- Family of 4: ₹8,000-₹13,000
What You'll Pay (Sample Prices):
- Rice (5 kg): ₹180-₹320
- Dal/Pulses (1 kg): ₹65-₹120
- Chicken (1 kg): ₹170-₹230
- Fish (1 kg): ₹180-₹320
- Eggs (30): ₹140-₹180
- Vegetables (weekly): ₹250-₹500
- Milk (1L): ₹42-₹55
- Fruits: ₹350-₹700/week
Where to Shop:
- Local Markets: Cheapest option, 25-35% less than supermarkets
- BigBasket/Blinkit/Zepto: Convenient, competitive pricing, delivery charges ₹0-₹40
- Reliance Fresh/D-Mart: Mid-range, quality assured
Eating Out Culture:
Daily Meal Options:
- Local Mess/Dhabas: ₹25-₹70 - Thali, roti, vegetables, dal - authentic Gujarati experience
- Office Cafeterias: ₹35-₹90 - Most companies offer subsidized meals
- Local Restaurants: ₹100-₹220 per person - Decent meal with variety
- Mid-range Dining: ₹250-₹600 for two - Weekend treat, good ambiance
- Food Delivery (Swiggy/Zomato): ₹130-₹300 per order - Convenient but adds up quickly
Monthly Eating Out Budget:
- Occasional (1-2x/week): ₹1,200-₹2,500
- Frequent (4-5x/week): ₹3,500-₹7,000
- Daily users: ₹7,000-₹13,000
Meal Subscription Services:
- Alternative to cooking: ₹2,200-₹4,000/month for daily lunch/dinner
💡 Pro Tip: Save ₹3,500+ monthly: Cook dinners at home, eat office lunch, weekend treat yourself. Best of both worlds.
C. Transportation: Getting Around the City
Ahmedabad has excellent public transport options, making commuting affordable. Here's what each option really costs.
Public Transportation (Most Economical):
AMTS Bus:
- Single ticket: ₹5-₹20 per ride
- Monthly pass: ₹700-₹1,000 (unlimited travel)
- Best for: Budget-conscious, extensive route coverage
- Reality check: Can be crowded during peak hours
BRTS (Bus Rapid Transit System):
- Per trip: ₹5-₹25 (distance-based)
- Smart card benefits: 10% discount
- Average daily commute: ₹25-₹45 round trip = ₹600-₹1,000/month
- Best for: Fast, reliable, comfortable
- Coverage: Extensive network connecting major areas
Auto Rickshaws:
- Minimum fare: ₹18-₹25
- Per km: ₹10-₹15
- Typical 5 km ride: ₹70-₹100
- Shared autos: ₹8-₹25 per person for short routes
Ride-Sharing & Cabs:
Daily Commuters:
- Ola/Uber regular use: ₹2,000-₹4,500/month
- Peak hour surge can add 30-80%
Local Taxis:
- Minimum fare: ₹25
- Per km: ₹10-₹14
- Budget-friendly for short distances
- Monthly spending: ₹1,200-₹2,500
Owning a Vehicle:
Two-Wheeler (Popular Choice):
- Purchase: ₹65,000-₹1,20,000
- Monthly EMI: ₹2,200-₹4,500
- Petrol (150-200 km/week): ₹1,600-₹2,800/month (@₹105/L)
- Insurance: ₹2,200-₹4,000/year
- Servicing: ₹1,000-₹2,200/6 months
- Parking: ₹200-₹800/month
- Total monthly cost: ₹4,000-₹8,000
Car:
- EMI: ₹7,000-₹18,000
- Fuel: ₹3,500-₹7,000/month
- Insurance: ₹13,000-₹22,000/year
- Parking: ₹1,200-₹2,500/month
- Total monthly cost: ₹11,700-₹27,500
💡 Pro Tip: Living near BRTS corridors saves ₹1,500-₹3,500 monthly AND 1-2 hours daily. Factor location into your rent decision.
D. Utilities: The Monthly Essentials
These bills arrive every month. Here's what to expect and how to keep them reasonable.
Electricity:
- 1 BHK: ₹700-₹1,600
- 2 BHK: ₹1,000-₹2,200
- 3 BHK: ₹1,800-₹3,000
- Summer months (April-June): Add 20-40% due to AC usage
- Power backup: ₹120-₹350 (in many apartments)
Water Supply:
- Municipal connection: ₹150-₹400/month
- Borewell/tanker water: ₹250-₹700 (especially in summer)
- Reality: Most areas have reliable water supply
Cooking Gas:
- LPG cylinder (14.2 kg): ₹850-₹1,000
- Lasts: 30-45 days for family, 60-90 days for couples
- Piped gas (where available): ₹550-₹800/month
Internet & Mobile:
- Broadband (fiber): ₹350-₹900/month
- 100 Mbps plans: ₹450-₹650 (sufficient for most)
- 300+ Mbps: ₹700-₹1,100 (for heavy users/WFH)
- Mobile prepaid: ₹200-₹550/person
- OTT subscriptions (Netflix, Prime, Hotstar): ₹200-₹700 combined
Society/Maintenance:
- Gated communities: ₹800-₹2,500/month
- Covers: Security, cleaning, amenities, repairs
- Independent houses: Lower or none
Total Monthly Utilities:
- Bachelor/Small apartment: ₹1,000-₹2,000
- Couple/2BHK: ₹1,800-₹3,200
- Family/3BHK: ₹2,500-₹4,300
💡 Pro Tip: Use LED bulbs, set AC to 24-25°C, and unplug devices when away. Save ₹250-₹700 monthly on electricity.
E. Everything Else: Entertainment, Healthcare & More
Life isn't just about bills. Here's what the fun stuff (and necessities) cost.
Entertainment & Lifestyle:
- Movie tickets: ₹100-₹300
- Gym membership: ₹700-₹2,200/month
- Weekend dining/outings: ₹1,200-₹3,500
- Cafe culture (coffee/co-working): ₹100-₹250 per visit
- Pubs/bars: ₹800-₹2,000 per outing
- Shopping (clothes, personal care): ₹1,200-₹3,500/month
Healthcare:
- Doctor consultation: ₹150-₹700
- Routine medicines: ₹350-₹1,000/month
- Health insurance (highly recommended):
- Individual: ₹3,500-₹9,000/year
- Family floater: ₹10,000-₹22,000/year
- Emergency fund: Keep ₹35,000-₹70,000 buffer
For Families - Education:
- Daycare/Preschool: ₹2,500-₹7,000/month
- CBSE/ICSE schools: ₹35,000-₹90,000/year (₹3,000-₹7,500/month)
- School transport: ₹1,200-₹2,500/month
- Tuitions/activities: ₹1,200-₹3,500/month
Domestic Help (For working couples/families):
- Part-time maid: ₹1,200-₹2,500/month
- Cook: ₹2,000-₹4,500/month
Quick Expense Comparison:
| Category | Monthly Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Entertainment & Lifestyle | ₹1,700-₹6,000 |
| Healthcare | ₹350-₹1,200 |
| Education (per child) | ₹4,200-₹13,000 |
| Domestic Help | ₹1,200-₹7,000 |
Complete Monthly Budget Breakdown
Now let's put it all together. Here's what real monthly budgets look like for different lifestyles.
A. Single Bachelor/Working Professional
Budget-Conscious Lifestyle (₹10,000-₹18,000):
- Rent (PG with food): ₹7,000
- Additional food/eating out: ₹1,200
- Transportation (public): ₹800
- Utilities (if separate): ₹700
- Entertainment: ₹1,000
- Miscellaneous: ₹800
- Savings: 25-35% possible on ₹25,000 salary
Comfortable Lifestyle (₹22,000-₹38,000):
- Rent (1BHK): ₹10,000
- Food & groceries: ₹3,800
- Transportation (mix): ₹1,700
- Utilities: ₹1,300
- Entertainment: ₹2,500
- Miscellaneous: ₹1,700
- Ideal salary: ₹30,000-₹50,000
New to the city as a bachelor? Here's a comprehensive guide to help you settle in smoothly: A Bachelor's Guide to Settle in a New City
B. Working Couple (No Kids)
Moderate Lifestyle (₹32,000-₹48,000):
- Rent (2BHK): ₹16,000
- Food & groceries: ₹6,200
- Transportation: ₹3,000
- Utilities: ₹2,200
- Entertainment: ₹3,500
- Miscellaneous: ₹2,600
- Combined salary needed: ₹55,000-₹75,000
Comfortable Lifestyle (₹50,000-₹75,000):
- Rent (2BHK, better area): ₹22,000
- Food & groceries: ₹8,000
- Transportation: ₹4,500
- Utilities: ₹2,800
- Entertainment & dining: ₹5,200
- Shopping/personal care: ₹3,500
- Savings/investments: ₹7,000
- Combined salary needed: ₹75,000-₹1,00,000
C. Family with Kids
Basic Comfortable (₹55,000-₹80,000):
- Rent (3BHK): ₹27,000
- Food & groceries: ₹10,500
- School fees & activities: ₹7,000
- Transportation: ₹4,500
- Utilities: ₹3,200
- Healthcare: ₹1,800
- Domestic help: ₹2,200
- Entertainment: ₹2,800
- Miscellaneous: ₹3,500
- Household income needed: ₹80,000-₹1,10,000
Premium Lifestyle (₹90,000-₹1,40,000):
- Rent (3BHK, premium area): ₹40,000
- Food & groceries: ₹14,000
- School fees (premium): ₹13,000
- Transportation (car + fuel): ₹7,000
- Utilities: ₹4,000
- Healthcare & insurance: ₹2,700
- Domestic help: ₹3,500
- Entertainment & travel: ₹6,300
- Household income needed: ₹1,30,000+
Smart Money-Saving Tips
Want to stretch your budget further? These practical tips can save you ₹2,500-₹8,000 monthly.
Housing: Share apartments (save 40-50%), look for 'no broker' deals, choose suburbs, time your move during off-peak season.
Food: Cook basic meals, shop at local markets (25-35% cheaper), use grocery app subscriptions, meal prep on weekends, eat subsidized office lunch.
Transportation: Live near workplace or BRTS, use BRTS smart card (10% discount), share cabs with colleagues, bike for short distances.
Utilities: Set AC to 24-25°C, use LED bulbs, unplug devices, share internet costs, choose right mobile plan.
Entertainment: Attend free events, use happy hour discounts, share OTT subscriptions, explore free attractions like Sabarmati Riverfront and Kankaria Lake.
💡 Pro Tip: Follow the 50-30-20 rule: 50% on needs, 30% on wants, 20% on savings. Stick to this and you'll never overspend.
Best Areas to Live Based on Budget & Workplace
Location determines your cost of living more than anything else. Here's a quick guide:
For IT Professionals working in:
- SG Highway/Infocity: Live in Prahlad Nagar, Bodakdev, Thaltej (Rent: ₹9,000-₹22,000)
- Satellite: Live in Satellite, Vastrapur, Navrangpura (Rent: ₹8,000-₹20,000)
- Corporate Offices: Live in Navrangpura, Ambawadi (Rent: ₹10,000-₹25,000)
Budget-Friendly Areas: Naranpura, Maninagar, Chandkheda, Ghatlodia - Rent: ₹5,000-₹12,000
Family-Friendly: Satellite, Vastrapur, Prahlad Nagar, Bodakdev
For detailed insights on the best neighborhoods, check our comprehensive guides: Top Residential Areas in Ahmedabad for Families, Posh Areas in Ahmedabad, and Best Places to Live in Ahmedabad
💡 Pro Tip: Live within 30 minutes of your workplace. Your time and reduced stress are worth paying ₹1,500-3,500 extra in rent.
Ahmedabad vs Other Metro Cities
How does Ahmedabad compare to other Indian metros?
| City | 1 BHK Rent | Monthly Expenses (Single) | Overall Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ahmedabad | ₹7,000-₹18,000 | ₹13,000-₹30,000 | Most Affordable |
| Mumbai | ₹25,000-₹50,000 | ₹35,000-₹60,000 | Highest |
| Delhi-NCR | ₹12,000-₹28,000 | ₹22,000-₹42,000 | Moderate |
| Bangalore | ₹15,000-₹28,000 | ₹25,000-₹45,000 | Moderate-High |
| Hyderabad | ₹10,000-₹22,000 | ₹20,000-₹38,000 | Affordable |
| Chennai | ₹10,000-₹24,000 | ₹20,000-₹40,000 | Affordable |
| Kolkata | ₹8,000-₹20,000 | ₹15,000-₹35,000 | Affordable |
The Verdict: Ahmedabad is 45-55% cheaper than Mumbai, 30-40% cheaper than Bangalore/Delhi, and slightly more affordable than Hyderabad/Chennai/Kolkata. It offers the best balance of low cost of living, rich cultural heritage, excellent food, and growing opportunities.
What Salary Do You Need to Live Comfortably?
For Bachelors:
- Survival: ₹16,000-₹20,000
- Comfortable: ₹27,000-₹40,000
- Comfortable + Savings: ₹40,000-₹55,000
For Couples (Combined):
- Basic: ₹45,000-₹60,000
- Comfortable: ₹70,000-₹95,000
- Comfortable + Travel: ₹1,20,000+
For Families:
- Basic needs: ₹70,000-₹90,000
- Comfortable: ₹1,00,000-₹1,40,000
- Premium: ₹1,80,000+
The 50-30-20 Budget Rule:
- 50% on Needs: Rent, food, utilities, transport, insurance
- 30% on Wants: Dining out, entertainment, hobbies
- 20% on Savings: Emergency fund, investments
Example (₹45,000 salary):
Needs: ₹22,500 | Wants: ₹13,500 | Savings: ₹9,000
Industry Average Salaries: IT/Software (₹2.8-7 LPA), Manufacturing (₹2.2-5.5 LPA), Healthcare (₹2.8-6.5 LPA), Finance (₹3-7.5 LPA), Education (₹2.2-5.5 LPA)
💡 Pro Tip: Factor in perks like company transport, subsidized meals, and health insurance—these save ₹2,500-6,000 monthly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Is ₹18,000 per month enough for a bachelor in Ahmedabad?
Yes, comfortably. Opt for PG with food (₹5,000-8,000), use public transport (₹700), enjoy reasonable eating out. You'll have ₹4,000-7,000 for other expenses and savings.
Q2: Which areas are most affordable for living?
Budget-friendly areas: Naranpura, Maninagar, Chandkheda, Ghatlodia. Expect ₹5,000-10,000 for 1BHK. Trade-off: Longer commute to central areas.
Q3: How much security deposit do landlords ask for?
Typically 2 months' rent in Ahmedabad. For ₹12,000 monthly rent, expect ₹24,000 deposit. Some landlords accept 1 month deposit for students.
Q4: Can I live comfortably without knowing Gujarati?
Absolutely. English and Hindi work everywhere in corporate areas, restaurants, and malls. Learning basic Gujarati helps with local shopping and auto negotiations.
Q5: What's the real cost of daily commute?
- BRTS pass: ₹600-1,000/month (most efficient)
- Bus pass: ₹700-1,000/month
- Auto rickshaw: ₹1,000-1,800/month
- Own two-wheeler: ₹1,800-3,200/month
- Daily cab (20 km): ₹2,500-4,500/month
Q6: When do electricity bills peak?
April-June (summer) due to AC usage. Bills can increase 20-40%. A 2BHK might jump from ₹1,300 to ₹2,000. Use AC at 24-25°C and fans to save.
Q7: Is health insurance really necessary?
Yes. A single hospitalization costs ₹25,000-₹1.2 lakhs without insurance. Basic insurance costs ₹3,500-9,000/year for individuals—well worth the peace of mind.
Q8: How much emergency fund should I keep?
Minimum 3-6 months of living expenses:
- Bachelor: ₹35,000-₹90,000
- Couple: ₹70,000-₹1,80,000
- Family: ₹1,30,000-₹2,70,000
Q9: Are groceries cheaper than other cities?
Yes, Ahmedabad has among the lowest grocery prices among metros. Local markets offer 25-35% savings. Monthly groceries for a couple: ₹4,500-8,000.
Q10: Do I need a car in Ahmedabad?
Not necessary. BRTS is excellent, public transport is affordable and extensive. Consider a car only if you have kids, travel frequently outstation, can afford ₹11,700-27,500 monthly.
Q11: What's the cheapest way to commute daily?
BRTS monthly pass at ₹600-1,000 or bus pass. These are the most economical and efficient options for daily commuting.
Q12: How much does it cost for a family with two kids?
Budget ₹70,000-₹1,30,000 monthly including rent (₹25,000-45,000), groceries (₹10,000-16,000), school fees (₹8,000-22,000), transportation, utilities, healthcare, and help.
Conclusion: Is Ahmedabad Worth the Cost?
Absolutely—with excellent value for money. Ahmedabad isn't just affordable; it offers rich cultural experiences, excellent food, heritage, and a comfortable pace of life. Monthly expenses range from ₹10,000 for bachelors to ₹90,000 for families.
Your action plan: Calculate your budget, choose housing near your workplace or BRTS, plan for upfront costs (₹25,000-₹70,000), build an emergency fund, and follow the 50-30-20 savings rule.
Remember: Don't chase cheap rent at the cost of long commutes. Choose wisely, budget smartly, and Ahmedabad will reward you with an enriching lifestyle.
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