Introduction

Vellore, located in Tamil Nadu, is a city that blends history with modern growth. Known for landmarks like the Vellore Fort, Christian Medical College (CMC), and VIT University, the city attracts thousands of students, healthcare seekers, and professionals every year. One of the most common questions for newcomers is: What is the cost of living in Vellore?

This blog provides a detailed breakdown of expenses in Vellore, covering housing, food, transport, education, healthcare, and lifestyle. Whether you’re a student, working professional, or a family planning to settle here, this guide will help you budget wisely.

Overview of Cost of Living Expenses in Vellore

Compared to metro cities like Chennai or Bangalore, Vellore is affordable for most people. Students, in particular, find it a cost-effective place due to the availability of hostels, PGs, and budget food. Families and professionals also benefit from lower rental rates and medical costs, though lifestyle expenses can vary based on personal choices.

Housing and Rental Expenses in Vellore

Cost of Apartments and Independent Houses

Housing is one of the biggest monthly expenses. Rent depends on the area and type of property:

• 1BHK apartment: ₹6,000 – ₹10,000/month (Katpadi, Gandhinagar)
• 2BHK apartment: ₹10,000 – ₹18,000/month
• Independent houses: ₹15,000 – ₹25,000/month depending on location and amenities

PG and Hostel Accommodation Costs

For students and working professionals, PGs and hostels are common:

• PG accommodation: ₹4,000 – ₹8,000/month (meals included in some cases)
• VIT hostels: ₹50,000 – ₹90,000/year depending on type (AC, non-AC, single or shared)

Food and Grocery Expenses in Vellore

Dining at Restaurants and Cafes

Food is relatively affordable in Vellore. From local South Indian messes to branded cafes, options are varied:

• Budget meals at local mess: ₹70 – ₹120 per meal
• Mid-range restaurants: ₹150 – ₹300 per meal per person
• Premium dining: ₹500+ per person (at hotels and specialty restaurants)

Monthly Grocery and Household Expenses

For families and bachelors cooking at home, groceries form a big chunk of expenses:

• Monthly groceries for a family of four: ₹4,000 – ₹7,000
• Vegetables and fruits (local markets): affordable compared to metros
• Branded supermarkets like Reliance Fresh or Nilgiris: slightly higher prices

Transportation Expenses in Vellore

Public Transportation Costs

Public transport in Vellore is simple and budget-friendly:

• Bus fares: ₹10 – ₹25 per local trip
• Auto-rickshaw minimum fare: ₹30 – ₹50 for short distances
• Share autos: ₹10 – ₹20 per person within city limits

Fuel and Vehicle Maintenance Costs

Many residents rely on two-wheelers for daily commuting:

• Petrol price (2025 estimate): ₹102 – ₹107 per liter
• Two-wheeler monthly expense: ₹1,000 – ₹1,500
• Car monthly expense: ₹3,000 – ₹6,000 depending on usage

Education and Healthcare Expenses in Vellore

School and College Fees

Vellore has reputed schools and colleges, making education a significant expense:

• Private school fees: ₹30,000 – ₹70,000 per year
• Engineering colleges: ₹1.5 – ₹2.5 lakhs per year
• VIT University: ₹1.5 – ₹2 lakhs/year (undergraduate programs)

Healthcare and Medical Costs

The presence of Christian Medical College (CMC) makes healthcare accessible:

• General consultation: ₹300 – ₹600
• Diagnostic tests: ₹500 – ₹2,000 depending on type
• In-patient treatments: Affordable compared to private hospitals in metros

Lifestyle and Entertainment Expenses in Vellore

Shopping and Personal Care Costs

Lifestyle costs depend on personal choices:

• Clothing & accessories: ₹1,500 – ₹5,000/month (local markets vs malls)
• Salon & beauty services: ₹200 – ₹1,500 per visit
• Household utilities: Electricity (₹1,000 – ₹2,000), internet (₹600 – ₹1,000)

Entertainment and Leisure

While not as bustling as metros, Vellore has growing entertainment options:

• Movie tickets: ₹120 – ₹250
• Pubs and cafes: ₹400 – ₹1,000 per visit
• Gym memberships: ₹1,200 – ₹2,500/month
  

Comparison of Vellore Expenses with Other Cities

When compared with larger cities, Vellore stands out for affordability:

• Vellore vs Chennai: Housing is 40–50% cheaper
• Vellore vs Bangalore: Food and transport are almost 30% cheaper
• Vellore vs Coimbatore: Almost similar costs, but education and healthcare are more advanced in Vellore due to VIT and CMC

Tips to Manage Expenses in Vellore

Managing expenses is easy with smart planning:

• Choose PGs or shared flats if you’re a student
• Buy groceries from local markets to save more
• Use share autos or buses for regular commuting
• Opt for government or CMC healthcare for affordable treatments

Conclusion

The cost of living in Vellore is affordable compared to metro cities, making it a popular choice for students, families, and professionals. With reasonable housing rents, budget food options, cheap transport, and world-class healthcare, Vellore strikes the right balance between affordability and quality of life.

If you are moving to Vellore for studies, work, or family life, you can comfortably manage with a monthly budget ranging from ₹12,000 (students) to ₹35,000 (families), depending on lifestyle choices.