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Karnataka

Living in Bengaluru

India’s tech capital and the most popular landing spot for returning NRIs and foreign professionals: mild weather, big expat community, notorious traffic.

Cost of living₹₹₹ High
ClimateMild all year (rarely above the low 30s °C); monsoon June to September.
AirportKempegowda International (BLR)
Best forTech and startup jobs, families wanting international schools, returning NRIs

Bengaluru has the country’s deepest pool of tech, product and startup jobs, a large international community, many international schools and a pleasant climate. The trade-off is traffic: choosing where to live near where you work matters more here than almost anywhere.

Neighbourhoods to know

  • Whitefield: Tech parks, gated communities, international schools; far from the centre.
  • Indiranagar & Domlur: Central, walkable, restaurants and nightlife.
  • Koramangala & HSR Layout: Startup hub, young crowd, cafés.
  • Sarjapur Road & Bellandur: Large apartment complexes near Outer Ring Road offices and schools.
  • Hebbal & North Bengaluru: Closer to the airport, newer developments.
  • Jayanagar & Basavanagudi: Older, leafy, traditional South Bengaluru.

Pros

  • Mild, pleasant weather
  • Largest tech job market
  • Strong international-school and expat network
  • Great food and craft beer scene

Cons

  • Severe traffic: commute times dominate life
  • High rental deposits by Indian standards
  • Summer water shortages in some areas

Tips for newcomers

  • Live close to your office or your children’s school: this one decision shapes daily life.
  • Ask landlords about water supply (borewell, tanker or municipal) before signing.
  • The metro network is expanding; check the nearest station.

Before you move

Read our guides to moving to India, renting, FRRO registration and, for NRIs, returning to India.

We compare costs relatively rather than quoting rents, which change quickly and vary street by street. Check current listings on property portals before you budget.

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