PG vs flat sharing in Bangalore — which is actually cheaper?

The 30-second answer

For a single professional earning under ₹40,000/mo → PG is usually cheaper. For anyone earning above ₹60,000/mo who values privacy → shared flat wins.

Detailed cost break-down (Koramangala, Feb 2026)

Option A — Sharing a 3BHK with 2 others

• Rent per head: ₹18,000
• Society maintenance: ₹800
• Electricity per head: ₹1,000
• Internet (WiFi shared): ₹350
• Food (self-cook + zomato mix): ₹6,000
• Housekeeping / cleaner: ₹700
• Total ≈ ₹26,850/month + one-time ₹40,000 deposit (refundable) + ₹5,000 brokerage.

Option B — Twin-sharing PG in HSR

• PG fee (with 3 meals): ₹18,500
• Wifi + electricity: included
• Laundry: ₹800
• Weekend outings + snacks: ₹3,500
• Total ≈ ₹22,800/month + ₹20,000 refundable deposit.

Option C — Private 1BHK studio

• Rent: ₹28,000
• Society + electricity: ₹2,500
• Wifi: ₹700
• Food (mostly Swiggy): ₹9,000
• Total ≈ ₹40,200/month + ₹90,000 deposit + ₹28,000 brokerage.

Beyond money — lifestyle factors

• Privacy: 1BHK > 3BHK sharing > PG twin.
• Meals: PG saves you 90 min/day of cooking. Priceless during 12-hour startup weeks.
• Networking: 3BHK sharing usually with peers. PG has strangers but a bigger pool.
• Flexibility: PG = 30-day notice. Flat = usually 60 days.

The right choice by salary band

• ₹25-40k salary — PG is 2-3x cheaper effectively. Go PG.
• ₹40-70k salary — Shared 3BHK with peers.
• ₹70k-1.5L — 1BHK studio if you value privacy; 2BHK with a partner otherwise.
• ₹1.5L+ — 2-3BHK; treat rent as a business expense.

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