When someone hears that a PG costs: ₹9,000 for 3 sharing, ₹12,000 for 2 sharing, ₹22,000 for single sharing — the most common reaction is: "For that price, we can rent a flat."
At first glance, that statement seems reasonable. A quick search online might show a 2BHK flat for ₹25,000 or ₹30,000 per month, and it might look like a better deal.
But what many people forget is that rent is only one part of the total cost of living.
When you break down the real expenses of living in a flat — especially when you're just starting your career — the picture becomes very different.
Let's take a closer look.
The Hidden Costs of Renting a Flat
When people compare PG prices with flat rent, they usually compare only the rent number.
But living in a flat comes with several additional costs.
1. Security Deposit
Most landlords ask for 2–6 months of rent as deposit.
Example:
Flat rent: ₹25,000
Deposit (4 months): ₹1,00,000
For someone who just moved to a new city or started their first job, blocking ₹1 lakh or more in deposit is a big financial burden.
PGs usually require very small deposits or minimal advance, making them much easier to move into.
2. Furniture and Appliances
Most rental flats are semi-furnished or completely unfurnished.
You may need to buy:
- Bed and mattress
- Wardrobe
- Refrigerator
- Washing machine
- Gas stove and cylinder
- Kitchen utensils
- Dining table or study desk
Even basic setup can easily cost ₹50,000 – ₹1,00,000.
PGs already provide fully furnished rooms, so you can move in with just your luggage.
3. Monthly Utility Bills
In a flat, you also pay for:
- Electricity
- Water
- Internet
- Gas
- Maintenance charges
These can add ₹3,000 – ₹6,000 per month per person, depending on usage.
Most PGs already include many of these in the rent.
4. Groceries and Cooking
Cooking daily may seem cheaper in theory, but in reality it involves:
- Grocery shopping
- Cooking time
- Cleaning utensils
- Managing kitchen supplies
If you eventually choose food delivery or outside meals frequently, your monthly food cost can easily reach ₹6,000 – ₹10,000.
Many PGs provide meals or shared kitchen setups, saving both time and effort.
5. Housekeeping and Cleaning
In a flat, cleaning is your responsibility.
You either:
- Spend your time cleaning
- or hire a maid (₹1,500 – ₹3,000 per month)
PGs usually include regular housekeeping, which removes this daily stress.
The Real Monthly Cost of Living in a Flat
Let's take a realistic example.
Example: 3 Friends Renting a 2BHK Flat
Flat Rent: ₹30,000
Per person: ₹10,000
Add other costs:
| Expense | Per Person |
|---|---|
| Rent | ₹10,000 |
| Electricity & Internet | ₹2,000 |
| Groceries & Cooking | ₹4,000–₹6,000 |
| Maid & Maintenance | ₹1,500 |
| Miscellaneous | ₹1,000 |
Total Monthly Cost: ₹18,000 – ₹20,000 per person
And this does not include the initial deposit and furniture setup costs.
Compare That with PG Living
Typical PG costs:
- 3 Sharing: ₹9,000
- 2 Sharing: ₹12,000
- Single Sharing: ₹22,000
What you usually get included:
- Fully furnished rooms
- WiFi
- Housekeeping
- Maintenance
- Security
- Community environment
And most importantly:
No major setup costs.
Time Is Also a Cost
When you're early in your career, money is important — but time is even more valuable.
Living in a flat often means spending time on:
- Grocery runs
- Cooking
- Cleaning
- Managing utilities
- Maintenance issues
These small tasks slowly eat into your evenings and weekends.
For someone in their first few years of career, that time could instead be spent on:
- Learning new skills
- Networking with peers
- Building healthy routines
- Exploring the city
- Resting and recharging
Your living environment should support your growth, not slow it down.
Why PG Living Makes Sense Early in Your Career
During the initial phase of your career, PGs provide:
- Lower financial risk — You don't have to lock large deposits or buy furniture.
- Convenience — Everything is already set up.
- Flexibility — If your job changes or you move locations, relocating is easier.
- Community — You live with people who are also early in their careers, which helps build friendships and professional networks.
Why We Built The LÖÖP
When we spoke with many professionals who moved to the city for work, we noticed the same challenge again and again.
People were not just looking for a room.
They were looking for:
- A comfortable place near work
- A hassle-free living experience
- A community of like-minded professionals
- A place that felt like home in a new city
That's what inspired us to build The LÖÖP.
At The LÖÖP, we designed a modern co-living space where residents don't have to worry about daily living struggles and can focus on what truly matters — their career, growth, and connections.
Because in the early years of your career, the right environment can make all the difference.
See the space. Book a tour and compare for yourself.
Book a Tour at The LÖÖP