How Rich are People in Bengaluru?
Bengaluru, a major city in India with a population of over 8 million according to data sources like Geonames, is known for its technology industry. When asking how rich people are here, the answer isn’t a single number because there’s a wide gap between different groups.
Looking at typical salaries, data from cost-of-living websites like Numbeo suggests that the average monthly net salary (after tax) in Bengaluru is roughly between ₹65,000 and ₹75,000. This average includes everyone from top executives to entry-level workers. The median salary, which is perhaps a better indicator of what a typical person earns, might be lower than this average, reflecting the large number of people in middle or lower income brackets.
Comparing these wages to the cost of living shows a challenge. Bengaluru is one of the more expensive cities in India. Rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center can easily cost ₹20,000 to ₹25,000 or more per month. A single person’s monthly expenses without rent might range from ₹30,000 to ₹35,000. For a family of four, monthly expenses without rent could be around ₹110,000 to ₹130,000. This means that while the average salary might seem decent, covering basic costs, especially housing, can be difficult for many, particularly those earning below the average.
This situation highlights the significant income inequality in Bengaluru. There’s a large population of highly paid professionals, especially in the technology and startup sectors, alongside a vast number of people working in lower-wage service jobs or informal sectors. This creates a noticeable divide in living standards across the city.
The wealthier residents of Bengaluru often live in specific neighborhoods known for higher property values and amenities, such as Koramangala, Indiranagar, Sadashivanagar, and parts of HSR Layout or Whitefield. Their lifestyle typically involves living in larger homes or upscale apartments, driving premium cars, dining at high-end restaurants, and accessing exclusive clubs or facilities.
The sectors that generate the highest incomes are primarily Information Technology (IT), IT-enabled Services (ITES), startups (particularly in tech, e-commerce, and fintech), and also fields like finance, consulting, and senior management roles across various industries. These sectors attract talent from across India and offer salaries significantly higher than the city’s average, contributing to the upper tier of income earners.
In summary, while Bengaluru is home to many high-earning individuals and families, particularly driven by its strong tech sector, the general population’s wealth levels vary greatly. The high cost of living means that even average incomes can be stretched thin, and there’s a considerable gap between the city’s richest residents and a large portion of its workforce.