Many people in Hyderabad, especially those with low-paying jobs, are struggling to afford their daily expenses. Even after trying to save money, the cost of living exceeds ₹30,000 per month. Those earning between ₹15,000 and ₹20,000 are finding it particularly hard to manage. A recent survey ranked Hyderabad as the sixth most expensive city in India.
The cost of living in Hyderabad has risen sharply. Renting a single room can cost up to ₹8,000. When adding grocery expenses, school fees, and medical costs, a person needs around ₹31,253 per month to live in the city, as per a survey conducted by an online media startup.
The survey also found that rent prices have increased significantly in areas with IT companies, industries, government offices, and hospitals. In these locations, even a small family has to pay at least ₹15,000 per month for a single-room house. A double-bedroom apartment is too expensive for most, forcing many families of four to live in a single room to cope with rising rental costs.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, many people left Hyderabad, causing rent prices to drop temporarily. However, landlords increased rents again in the following years. In areas like Jubilee Hills, Banjara Hills, Somajiguda, Gachibowli, Kondapur, and Madhapur, house rents now start at ₹25,000. A real estate consulting firm reported that between 2021 and 2024, rents in these areas rose by 54% to 62%. In Gachibowli and Hi-tech City, renting a two-bedroom house costs between ₹25,000 and ₹35,000 per month.
The survey further revealed that to live comfortably in Hyderabad, a family needs to earn at least ₹50,000 per month. Without this income, it becomes difficult to cover expenses, and even small unexpected costs can lead to financial struggles and debt.
