Pune is often referred to as the “Oxford of the East”. It is a vibrant city in Maharashtra, India with a lower cost of living than other major cities like Mumbai. The city is known to have a pleasant climate, and there are only three seasons- summer, winter, and monsoon. The city has an extensive range of housing options from budget-friendly apartments to luxurious villas. The city offers a diverse culinary scene. The city celebrates festivals year-round but a special aura can be felt during Ganesh Chaturthi and Diwali. Pune is a major IT hub providing multiple opportunities in the technology sector. The state has great connectivity with buses, trains, and local taxis

Cost of living
The cost of living is relatively affordable compared to the other major cities in India like Mumbai and Delhi. The housing is available at various prices and the rental prices depend on the location, size, and amenities. Other utilities like gas, water, electricity, and internet are affordable. There are multiple public transportation options available in the city at affordable prices. The healthcare cost can vary depending on the type of treatment and facility. Private hospitals may be more expensive.
Description | Min Cost (INR) | Max Cost (INR) |
---|---|---|
Rent (1 BHK Apartment)
|
₹15,000 | ₹25,000 |
Utilities (Electricity, Water, Gas)
|
₹2,000 | ₹4,000 |
Internet
|
₹700 | ₹1,200 |
Groceries
|
₹3,000 | ₹6,000 |
Eating Out (4 times a month)
|
₹2,000 | ₹4,000 |
Transportation (Public)
|
₹1,500 | ₹3,000 |
Fitness Club Membership
|
₹1,000 | ₹2,500 |
Entertainment (Movies, etc.)
|
₹1,000 | ₹2,000 |
Miscellaneous
|
₹2,000 | ₹4,000 |
Job Market & Economy
The economy of Pune is thriving with several flourishing sectors particularly IT. The city is a major IT hub attracting several multinational companies and startups. Numerous jobs are available for software development, data analytics, and cybersecurity positions. There has been increased digitalization and technological advancements in the city with the growth of the IT industry.
Other than the IT sector, various industries thriving in Pune are-
- Automobile
- Manufacturing
- Engineering
- Pharmaceuticals
- Electronics
- Education
- Finance
- Banking
- Healthcare
Education system
Pune is known for its excellent education system which attracts students from across India and the world. The city is home to several prestigious schools, colleges, and universities. There are several international schools with the International Baccalaureate (IB) and Cambridge International Examinations (CIE). There are schools in the city that are affiliated with the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) and state boards.
There are several schools across the city but some of them are more preferred and best including-
- Aundh Center for Education
- Bishop Cotton School
- Symbiosis International School
- The Cathedral School
- Vibgyor High School
There are many universities and colleges in the city including-
- University of Pune (Savitribai Phule Pune University)
- Pune University of Technology (PUT)
- Bharati Vidyapeeth University
- Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Pune
- College of Engineering Pune (COEP)
- Symbiosis International University
These educational institutions offer several academic programs for students of all ages and interests.
Healthcare facilities
With the growing need for healthcare facilities, there are several healthcare facilities providing healthcare services for various needs and budgets. Pune has many government-run hospitals, private hospitals, and specialized hospitals. Specialized hospitals in the city are for specific medical needs such as oncology, cardiology, neurology, and more.
The quality of healthcare in Pune generally meets international standards. Medical practitioners use advanced medical equipment to cater to quality healthcare.
Some of the best government and private hospitals in the city are-
- Sassoon General Hospital
- Ruby Hall Clinic
- Jehangir Hospital
- Inlaks and Budhani Hospital
- Apollo Hospitals
Top Locations to Live in Pune
If you are moving to Pune, you can rent a house that will fit your budget and needs. There are a variety of options available in Pune. Some of the best localities in Pune to live in are-
- Koregaon Park –
This is a part of Central Pune which is known for its posh and affluent neighbourhood. The location has tree-lined streets, luxury apartments, and high-end restaurants. - Baner –
This is a rapidly developing area with modern amenities, infrastructure, a growing IT hub, and shopping malls. - Hinjewadi –
A perfect location for IT professionals as the location is an IT hub with many multinational companies. There are plenty of housing options from affordable apartments to luxury villas. - Pimple Saudagar –
This is a residential area with a mix of old and new buildings. The location offers a good quality of life. - Ravet –
If you are looking for suburban locality, move here. The location has good connectivity with the city center and plenty of amenities, good schools, hospitals, and shopping malls. - Kharadi –
This location is a growing IT hub with modern infrastructure and a wide range of housing options. - Viman Nagar –
This locality is in proximity to the airport and city center. This is a well-developed area with a wide range of housing options from apartments and villas.
Traffic and Transportation
Pune has a well-developed road network with connectivity to major highways. Despite good road infrastructure, traffic congestion will be a challenge. The traffic is bad during peak hours.
The Pune Mahanagar Parivahan (PMP) operates a fleet of buses that connect various parts of the city. The Pune Metro connects some portions of the city.
Apart from buses and metro, there are auto-rickshaws and taxis for commuting small distances. People prefer personal vehicles for commuting.
Climate & weather
The city has a pleasant climate compared to other cities throughout the year. The city experiences only 3 seasons- summer, winter, monsoon. During summer, the days can be hot, but evenings are usually cooler.
Things to do in Pune
The best way to connect with the new city is to explore it. So, after shifting to Pune, you can do the following things-
- Visit Aga Khan Palace which is a historical landmark and memorial to Mahatma Gandhi.
- Dig the history of Pune and explore Shaniwar Wada which is a 17th-century fort.
- If you are interested in antiques and artifacts, visit the Raja Dinkar Klekar Museum.
- For film enthusiasts, explore the history of Indian cinema at the National Film Archives of India.
- Plan a thrilling day at Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary to watch leopards and waterfalls.
- Shopping lovers can explore JM Road Market, Pimpri Market, FC Road, Ravivar Peth, and more.
- For high-end brand shopping visit Phoenix Marketcity and Inorbit mall.
- The city is home to several waterfalls and dams, and the best time to visit these places is monsoon.
Pros and Cons of Living in Pune
When you move to a new city, learn about all the pros and cons of it. This will help you to prepare for upcoming challenges.
Pros of living in Pune | Cons of living in Pune |
---|---|
Pune enjoys pleasant climate throughout the year | Traffic congestion can be an issue during peak hours |
City is home to prestigious educational institutions | Some parts of the city faces water scarcity issues |
The city boasts rich cultural heritage with numerous historic sites | Monsoon can cause flooding and waterlogging in some areas |
The city has relatively affordable cost of living | Industrialization resulted in increased pollution |
Pune has well-developed infrastructure with good roads and healthcare facilities |
FAQs about Pune
1. Which location is best for living in Pune?
Some of the best and affordable locations to live in Pune are Aundh, Hinjewadi, Ravet, Pimple Saudagar, Kharadi, and Viman Nagar.
2. What are the benefits of living in Pune?
Pune offers affordable housing options, good connectivity, and abundant opportunities for IT professionals.