Cost of Living in Pune, India

A response to Mark-
When you say clothes and electricity are expensive, why would you automatically expect it to be cheaper for you than in your home?
Besides, our clothes, while they might shrink, have the reputation of being both sturdy, and having long lifespans.. And if you think they are so expensive, then why buy them in the first place?
Rickshaws have and always will be an arguable subject. But before you so thoroughly censure them,do really think about them. If you can afford the airfare from UK, is it fair to begrudge them an extra euro? And there are always alternative modes of transport, such as bus or taxi.
Generalizing about Indians is like saying that all Englishmen are sodden drunkards, a statement that is both unfair and untrue.
Furthermore, don"t you think you should make a lttle more effort to understand Indians,as your hosts? Our cultural differences might be vast, but that does not mean we are superior, or vice versa.
And how dare you even imply that our workers do not have common sense? All those who have ever worked for you, the poorest of the poor, they SURVIVE through common sense.
On the whole, I would say that your article is offensive, untruthful, and simply an easy way to whine on-line. Please show some respect, and maybe people will think the better of you for it.
-A resident of India, and a proud one

If you compare Pune with Bangalore or Hyderabad (not compared with smaller or bigger cities) the difference is quite significant. I think around 20% you are loosing for nothing (income - expense).

I am staying in Pune for last 3 to 4 years. I have been to Bangalore for some time but just to stay close to family I came here. The data is quite deductive. Life in Pune is really tough as far as finances are concerned irrespective of your earnings and it will for sure affect mental peace. Though I am Maharashtrian I think cities like Pune, Mumbai, Navi Mumbai makes your life miserable people are simply running and working for nothing.

If any one want to drive on Pune roads, be careful of rash driving people.

Reasonably accurate illustration of expenses. Mark's comment certainly is over hyped. Perhaps due to his ignorance & myth about Indians. Smart buyers always do research & know what to get from where. Rickshaw's have Tariff cards & Call cabs are easily available. Generally Puneites are co-operative & friendly. Pune has been voted as the 2nd best city to live in India, no wonder the City has seen a large influx of outside population including expats around the globe.

Clothes and Electrical very expensive usually more than UK, because of taxes and import duties.

Local clothes are not that cheap and generally come up small. Buy large or xl as they shrink 20/30% due to natural cotton and dye runs as they are not set. Have to go to dry cleaners first.

Ricshaws - drivers will rip you off - roughly 10 rupees per km. all meter but not always used. basically what ever is on meter times it by 8 and add three. if meter says 2.0 for example 2*8+3 = 19 so roughly 20 rupees. Remember they will try and get away with not putting meter on (against the law - many will rufuse to take you not just Eurpeans). Many do not know the city or only work their local part of their city. Or will take you the long way. One journey should have been 5/10 mins took me and a friend on a tour of the local Pune (interesting enough) if not in a hurry but 100 rupess later.

Indians will tell you what you want to here in that very moment also as they do not like being told off and will tell you something different 5 mins later which contradicts what they just told you.

Nodding of head, very stop or very slow very unhappy. faster is very happy. Also instead of answering yes or no they will no slowly bairly no difference between no or yes, (yes slightly faster).

If you have cleaners or workmen you have to watch them as they do not have common sence (exist rarely here - I have found to my cost and ruined suit).

Drama and sob stories and not taking responsiblity for acts is cultural.

People are nice and friendly.