City Comparison
Bangalore vs Chennai
Cost of Living Comparison 2026
Chennai is ~17% cheaper overall
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · Reviewed April 2026
Bangalore
India
COL+Rent
21.8
Rent Index
13.2
Groceries
27.6
Restaurant
21.7
Chennai
India
COL+Rent
18.1
Rent Index
10
Groceries
23.9
Restaurant
18
Monthly Cost Comparison
| Category | Bangalore | Chennai | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1BR City) | $378 | $286 | +$92 |
| Rent (1BR Outside) | $223 | $168 | +$55 |
| Groceries | $112 | $97 | +$15 |
| Restaurant Meal | $6 | $5 | +$1 |
| Transit Pass | $13 | $11 | +$2 |
| Utilities | $35 | $30 | +$5 |
Monthly Budget Comparison
| Lifestyle | Bangalore | Chennai |
|---|---|---|
| Minimal | $373/mo | $297/mo |
| Typical | $628/mo | $499/mo |
| Comfortable | $797/mo | $636/mo |
Purchasing Power Equivalence
| Budget in Bangalore | ≈ in Chennai | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $1,500/mo | $1,245/mo | -$255 |
| $2,000/mo | $1,661/mo | -$339 |
| $3,000/mo | $2,491/mo | -$509 |
Detailed Budget Analysis
See exactly how specific monthly budgets break down in each city:
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Bangalore or Chennai cheaper to live in?
Chennai is approximately 17% cheaper overall. Bangalore's COL+Rent Index is 21.8 vs Chennai's 18.1 (NYC = 100).
How much is rent in Bangalore vs Chennai?
A 1BR in Bangalore city center costs ~$378/mo vs $286/mo in Chennai. Outside the center: $223 vs $168.
What is $2,000/month in Bangalore worth in Chennai?
Using cost-of-living adjustment, $2,000/month in Bangalore has the purchasing power of approximately $1,661/month in Chennai.
Are groceries cheaper in Bangalore or Chennai?
Monthly groceries cost approximately $112 in Bangalore vs $97 in Chennai. Groceries Index: 27.6 vs 23.9 (NYC = 100).