When you move to a new city like Bangalore, money management is one of the most important skills that you need to learn. So, you need to take a closer look at your expenses and what you spend your hard-earned money on. Well, living in one of the rental properties in Bangalore will mean that the largest chunk of your income is going to go towards your housing. But how big should that chunk really be? Is it really worth it to spend more than half of your salary on rent if you don’t spend a lot of time at home? What are the facilities that are included in the rent amount and what will cost you extra? If these are some questions on your mind as you try to narrow down a place to live, we’re here to help you out. Here’s a smart guide to help you decide once and for all how much rent you should be paying in Bangalore.
Set an upper limit
In a city like Bangalore which is uber migrant friendly, you will be able to find accommodation at any price point. But that makes it even more important to set an upper limit on your search. Without a precise cap on your expenses, your search platform or broker is bound to point you towards pricier options that will make it difficult for you to manage your finances or be completely out of your reach. If you’re looking for a rough estimate for what your upper limit should be, you could settle for the tried and trusted 30% method where people allocate thirty per cent of their income towards housing. Just remember that this is a guideline and not a rule and feel free to tweak it to suit your needs and any other living expenses that you have to incur.
Have an overall expense plan
Determining how much money you should spend on rent is difficult if you’re not sure what else you need to spend your money on. Which means that you need to have an expense plan in place for your other competing needs. Breaking down your monthly expenses, from essentials like electricity, gas, internet and groceries, to extra expenses like shopping, entertainment and hanging out with friends will help you understand exactly where you’re spending money. If you want to ensure that you’re able to sustain your lifestyle by prioritising some expenses over others. If living in a big and well-furnished apartment is important for you, then you might be able to make do with fewer non-essential expenses. But if you’re someone who spends most of their time outside the house, a lower rent will help you maintain your lifestyle and enjoyment.
Consider hidden savings
We all know about the hidden costs that living in a rented apartment can have, but the hidden savings are often less talked about. Often, choosing a higher priced apartment with a lot of amenities or a convenient location can wind up being more affordable than a cheaper place far away from the city centre. Hear us out. Living in a flat isn’t just about having a roof over your head. You need to think about all the household maintenance required, the daily chores as well as your commute to and from work. These all contribute to your monthly expenses along with your flat rent. But if your apartment rent includes a WiFi connection and gas bill, and is walking distance from your office, you’ll end up saving more money (and time) than if you opt for a cheaper but less convenient facility. So, see what hidden savings are included in your rent and don’t rule out higher prices without reading the fine print.
Set something aside for emergencies
The most important thing to remember when it comes to deciding how much rent to pay in Bangalore is to remember that you shouldn’t be spending all your money every month. Even if you’re not big on saving up, having an emergency fund is super important, even if it means opting for a slightly lower priced flat. It’s one of the best-known universal truths that you should always expect the unexpected. This fund will come in handy if you run into any problems in your Bangalore rooms for rent or if you have to incur any unplanned expenses for parking, repairs or maintenance while you live in the flat. It’ll also ensure that you’re a lot more financially stable and independent and don’t need to worry about living hand to mouth in a new city.
So, these are our top tips to help you decide how much you should be spending on rent in Bangalore. We hope they help you plan better financially for your move. Good luck!
