City Comparison
Chennai vs Bangalore
Cost of Living Comparison 2026
Chennai is ~17% cheaper overall
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · Reviewed April 2026
Chennai
India
COL+Rent
18.1
Rent Index
10
Groceries
23.9
Restaurant
18
Bangalore
India
COL+Rent
21.8
Rent Index
13.2
Groceries
27.6
Restaurant
21.7
Monthly Cost Comparison
| Category | Chennai | Bangalore | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1BR City) | $286 | $378 | $92 |
| Rent (1BR Outside) | $168 | $223 | $55 |
| Groceries | $97 | $112 | $15 |
| Restaurant Meal | $5 | $6 | $1 |
| Transit Pass | $11 | $13 | $2 |
| Utilities | $30 | $35 | $5 |
Monthly Budget Comparison
| Lifestyle | Chennai | Bangalore |
|---|---|---|
| Minimal | $297/mo | $373/mo |
| Typical | $499/mo | $628/mo |
| Comfortable | $636/mo | $797/mo |
Purchasing Power Equivalence
| Budget in Chennai | ≈ in Bangalore | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $1,500/mo | $1,807/mo | +$307 |
| $2,000/mo | $2,409/mo | +$409 |
| $3,000/mo | $3,613/mo | +$613 |
Detailed Budget Analysis
See exactly how specific monthly budgets break down in each city:
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chennai or Bangalore cheaper to live in?
Chennai is approximately 17% cheaper overall. Chennai's COL+Rent Index is 18.1 vs Bangalore's 21.8 (NYC = 100).
How much is rent in Chennai vs Bangalore?
A 1BR in Chennai city center costs ~$286/mo vs $378/mo in Bangalore. Outside the center: $168 vs $223.
What is $2,000/month in Chennai worth in Bangalore?
Using cost-of-living adjustment, $2,000/month in Chennai has the purchasing power of approximately $2,409/month in Bangalore.
Are groceries cheaper in Chennai or Bangalore?
Monthly groceries cost approximately $97 in Chennai vs $112 in Bangalore. Groceries Index: 23.9 vs 27.6 (NYC = 100).