About Relocating to Gurgaon

cheeryislandgirl · Apr 7th, 2008, 17:29

Hi there!

Would like to ask a few questions about cost of living in Gurgaon.

Before that, for your reference, here's a link to my other post in Introduce Yourself ...

Hello from the Philippines! Might be working in Gurgaon!

rgaon-t53400/

Now going back, would like to know if I'm making the right computation for ave. monthly cost of living in Gurgaon. Some of it I've based on the other posts that I've read...

Rates are monthly INR

10,000 - Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in DLF Phase 2 or 4
1,500 - English-speaking helper 4-5x a week
8,000 - Food allowance (mostly resto) for one person monthly
5,000 - Communications - Internet connection and mobile phone
3,000 - Electricity bill with aircon and refrigerator
4,000 - Transportation (within Gurgaon and 3x monthly to Delhi)
1,500 - Entertainment (spa, movies, nice restos, karting, etc.)
5,000 - Contingency (others, medical, etc)
======
38,000 INR

Would you say that this is just the right estimate of monthly expenses for a single person without a family? Too big? Too small?

I don't even know if I can afford it! Honestly, this is pretty big where I come from. So any help or insight in making this lower would greatly help! Info on this will help me negotiate if I get a job offer.

Appreciate any help.

Cheers!
islandgirl

puchoo · Apr 7th, 2008, 17:54

You can definetely save on the rent and the communications...while Vinay would best confirm this i think you can get a decent place around 8000 p.m. in the 2 areas you are looking at and maybe even a little less.

I don't know your mobile usage but u can get a 256kbps connection inclusive of tax for around 1200 and my mobile bill (i use it extensively enough) hovers around 1000-1200 (incl international calls once in a while)...so thats about 2500 INR...

Food...cook at home and save as much as you can...!

overall reduction of about 4500 per month but at the same time i don't think you have put down enough for the helper and entertainment, and the savings might actually neg negated by increase expenses here....

3000 for electricity should be fine , even with the ac and the firdge i think this should not cross 2200-2400 (it does not with me)..but then again u might save all of it given Gurgaon not having any electricity most of the time

cheeryislandgirl · Apr 7th, 2008, 19:20

Thanks Siddhart! This is very helpful!

Just have some follow up questions, though -

Quote:

Originally Posted by puchoo

I don't know your mobile usage but u can get a 256kbps connection inclusive of tax for around 1200 and my mobile bill (i use it extensively enough) hovers around 1000-1200 (incl international calls once in a while)...so thats about 2500 INR...

By 256kbps, you mean a broadband connection, I suppose? I purposely added a extra because I assumed I will be using the internet a lot or making a lot of international calls out of loneliness ehheheh but I guess I put in a little too much. 3,500INR should be a good enough budget for this, then.

Quote:

Originally Posted by puchoo

Food...cook at home and save as much as you can...!

Oooohh boy! I really wish I could!!! Except for simple frying and sautéing, I don't know how to cook

... thus my need for an English-speaking helper who can cook a good meal for me 4-5x a week! I adore Indian food, so this should be just fine!

Quote:

Originally Posted by puchoo

overall reduction of about 4500 per month but at the same time i don't think you have put down enough for the helper and entertainment, and the savings might actually neg negated by increase expenses here....

Savings in buying food from the market can be added to the cost of helper per month, then. Would you say that 3,500 INR for an English-speaking helper to cook and clean 5x a week is enough?

I shall increase my entertainment expense to 3,000 INR, too.

Quote:

Originally Posted by puchoo

3000 for electricity should be fine, even with the ac and the firdge i think this should not cross 2200-2400 (it does not with me)..but then again u might save all of it given Gurgaon not having any electricity most of the time

Uh-oh!

Is there any way I can avoid this brown/blackouts? Are there apartments available, at 8,000 INR, that have generators for electric fans and heaters at least?

I think I will start dying a slow a death at 35 degrees, and my brain will start to numb starting at 15 degrees.

Okay, maye that's an exaggeration

But seriously, I come from a tropical country where the temperature range is small and there aren't a lot of climate changes..

So here’s my new computation:

9,000 - Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in DLF Phase 2 or 4 (added extra for an apartment with generator)
3,500 - English-speaking helper 4-5x a week
5,000 - Food allowance (mix of resto/home-cooked) for one person monthly
3,500 - Communications – DSL Internet connection and mobile phone
3,000 - Electricity bill with aircon and refrigerator
4,000 - Transportation (within Gurgaon and 3x monthly to Delhi)
3,000 - Entertainment (spa, movies, nice restos, karting, etc.)
5,000 - Contingency (others, medical, etc)
======
36,000 INR

Woohoo!

Savings of 2,000 INR ..not bad, especially since I still have contingency fund which I don’t intend to use unless necessary. So hopefully, I can live at 30,000 per month. Still high compared to our country, but I guess it’s just normal considering I won’t have my regular resources living in a foreign country. Of course, add to this are my regular "obligations" that I need to continue whether I live somewhere or not (insurances, etc.).

Does anyone think I'm missing out on other important expenses that a non-local is bound to incur?

Once again, any help is MUCH appreciated!

Cheers~
islandgirl

vinayverma · Apr 7th, 2008, 23:54

Oh..I just saw your post when I was going to hit the bed..
don't worry it I'l come back to you with my answers in the morning. hang on there....

merains · Apr 8th, 2008, 00:04

hey island girl,
u hav done ur homework pretty well,sure enough in around 30 k ,u cud live off well and as u settle and make more friends,u wud come to know more tips to save like sharing apartment with ur colleague,having precooked meals(available in market) and using public transport onec a while etc etc.so for sure there are ways and means to earn more(u get jumps in pay package if u gain experience and shift to other) and save more,cheers and wish u nice stay in india,
merains
Moderator Note:

Please post in full English, avoiding SMS/Text abbreviations.

The site policy so that posts can be understood by our members of
all ages and languages.

Thanks

puchoo · Apr 8th, 2008, 00:20

Quote:

Originally Posted by cheeryislandgirl

By 256kbps, you mean a broadband connection, I suppose? I purposely added a extra because I assumed I will be using the internet a lot or making a lot of international calls out of loneliness ehheheh but I guess I put in a little too much. 3,500INR should be a good enough budget for this, then.

yes i did mean a broadband connection, depending on the operator u eventually choose you can get an unlimted data transfer connection in this much....use skype along with that and it will drastically reduce communication costs.

Quote:

Originally Posted by cheeryislandgirl

Oooohh boy! I really wish I could!!! Except for simple frying and sautéing, I don't know how to cook

... thus my need for an English-speaking helper who can cook a good meal for me 4-5x a week! I adore Indian food, so this should be just fine!

Not advocating or suggesting that you try it but there are a lot of pre-packaged food options availabae....the veggie packs cost 40-45 INR and the non veg around 90-100....put them in the ,micro and there you go...

Quote:

Originally Posted by cheeryislandgirl

Uh-oh!

Is there any way I can avoid this brown/blackouts? Are there apartments available, at 8,000 INR, that have generators for electric fans and heaters at least?

This is where Vinay would need to come in , while im 100% sure of the rates now i have no idea on back ups regarding electricty etc at this rent level.

Nick-H · Apr 8th, 2008, 00:32

I think you'd have to buy your own generator.

You can keep your computer going with a UPS, especially if it is a laptop and you keep the battery in good condition. Add one small desk lamp, and a couple of rechargable lanterns and you'll soon get used to the power cuts!

cheeryislandgirl · Apr 8th, 2008, 18:01

How much is a small generator set that could accommodate an AC/heater?

Also, just realized that I failed to mention that the apartment must be fully furnished as I don't hope to buy furniture for 6-12 months use. Do you think I can find one at 10,000 INR monthly?

shashank.aggarwal · Apr 8th, 2008, 18:03

Quote:

Originally Posted by cheeryislandgirl

Also, just realized that I failed to mention that the apartment must be fully furnished as I don't hope to buy furniture for 6-12 months use. Do you think I can find one at 10,000 INR monthly?

In one single word NO !!

vinayverma · Apr 8th, 2008, 20:16

As I read your other posts and found that you would be working in one of the BPOs in Gurgaon.
Most of the BPOs have a pick up and drop facility for their employees and you can use this to commute to office. However, there is practically no public transport in Gurgaon and this could restrict your movement around the place to restaurants etc. On the weekends you can hire a car for either few hours or for the entire day, but typically this would set you back by Rs. 800 for the 8 hour use of cab.
On the accomodation, you'll find it very difficult to find a small appt in Gurgaon especially in the areas you mentioned. The best bet would be finding it on the 2nd floor of a privately built house. In Gurgaon there are practically no 1 bedroom appts. For 2 Bedroom appt the rent would start from Rs. 9000 and this is for unfurnished and does not include the water, electricity and maintenance charges, which can run to Approx Rs. 2000 per month.
Most of the appts with 100% power back-ups are bigger (at least 3 bedroom) and they offer power back-up enough to run one AC or Heater along with lights, TV etc. However, I haven't come across any 1-2 bedroom appt with this kind of facility. The other option is to have an inverter which, depending on the rating, can actually run a small 1 ton AC and TV and your PC/notebook.

So given all this, without sounding like a pessimist, I think an appt share would be a better idea. You can check this with your employer and they may have other employees looking for sharing an appt. and this way you would be able to afford a good appt with power backup, and maybe partially furnished.
The other option is privately run hostel (may not be the right term) or Paying Guest(PG) accomodation in Gurgaon. Unfortunately I do not have much information about them, but I've seen many advertisements in the major markets for many PG accomodation avialability. These are mainly houses with amny bedrooms and each accupant gets one bedroom. These are normally furnished.
This would again fit with in your budget.

cheeryislandgirl · Apr 8th, 2008, 22:54

Quote:

Originally Posted by shashank.aggarwal

In one single word NO !!

Uh-oh.... This is not good.. not good at all...

cheeryislandgirl · Apr 8th, 2008, 23:48

Quote:

Originally Posted by vinayverma

As I read your other posts and found that you would be working in one of the BPOs in Gurgaon.
Most of the BPOs have a pick up and drop facility for their employees and you can use this to commute to office. However, there is practically no public transport in Gurgaon and this could restrict your movement around the place to restaurants etc. On the weekends you can hire a car for either few hours or for the entire day, but typically this would set you back by Rs. 800 for the 8 hour use of cab.
On the accomodation, you'll find it very difficult to find a small appt in Gurgaon especially in the areas you mentioned. The best bet would be finding it on the 2nd floor of a privately built house. In Gurgaon there are practically no 1 bedroom appts. For 2 Bedroom appt the rent would start from Rs. 9000 and this is for unfurnished and does not include the water, electricity and maintenance charges, which can run to Approx Rs. 2000 per month.
Most of the appts with 100% power back-ups are bigger (at least 3 bedroom) and they offer power back-up enough to run one AC or Heater along with lights, TV etc. However, I haven't come across any 1-2 bedroom appt with this kind of facility. The other option is to have an inverter which, depending on the rating, can actually run a small 1 ton AC and TV and your PC/notebook.

So given all this, without sounding like a pessimist, I think an appt share would be a better idea. You can check this with your employer and they may have other employees looking for sharing an appt. and this way you would be able to afford a good appt with power backup, and maybe partially furnished.
The other option is privately run hostel (may not be the right term) or Paying Guest(PG) accomodation in Gurgaon. Unfortunately I do not have much information about them, but I've seen many advertisements in the major markets for many PG accomodation avialability. These are mainly houses with amny bedrooms and each accupant gets one bedroom. These are normally furnished.
This would again fit with in your budget.

Hi Vinayverma!

Thanks so much for the VERY valuable input! Will definitely consider all these options when I negotiate and make a decision.

The info you gave me are all quite overwhelming... from the cost of the furnished apartment, the transpo situation, and room sharing... very different from how i thought it would be

... but still excited and eager to work out the kinks!

Will not make any worry about this further for now as I hope to hear from the company within the week.

Will keep IM community updated! Hopefully it'll be good news that I will share!

Cheers~

islandgirl

mikemo · Apr 13th, 2008, 21:52

Hey Cheery Island Girl!

Well, guess what? Im a Filipino currently here in Gurgaon for a 2-week visit to check out my work possibilities too!!! Here mainly to look for a place to stay at and so far, negative.

However...the more impt thing is that India (if you havent been here), is waaaay better than how most people perceive it to be. Yes, there are lots of poor fellows in the streets but if you have a decent job as I assume you would here, then its going to be one hell of a ride.

Im basically here to assess if I will accept the opportunity given to me and so far, sooooo good. I think I'll really like it here. I just need to finish off the assessment by hopefully finding the right place.

Message me at mikemoindia at gmail dot com (yes i have to spell it out just to make sure i dont get spam mail). Lets exchange info thru that.

Good luck and hope to hear from you soon.

cheeryislandgirl · Apr 17th, 2008, 23:09

hi mikemo! Wow! Am so glad to find a fellow filipino in this forum! Ü i still haven't finalized the opportunity, but will definitely get in touch with you he it works out! Am really happy to know that you like it there! Hope i can also have a chance to have a look-see to know if it suits me right. . Anyway, thanks for your offer to help? Will keep in touch.

mikemo · Apr 19th, 2008, 18:11

Alright then! Hear from you. Now back in Manila!

Apr 7th, 2008, 17:29	#1
cheeryislandgirl Newbie Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Manila, Philippines Posts: 13	About Relocating to Gurgaon Hi there! Would like to ask a few questions about cost of living in Gurgaon. Before that, for your reference, here's a link to my other post in Introduce Yourself ... Hello from the Philippines! Might be working in Gurgaon! rgaon-t53400/ Now going back, would like to know if I'm making the right computation for ave. monthly cost of living in Gurgaon. Some of it I've based on the other posts that I've read... Rates are monthly INR 10,000 - Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in DLF Phase 2 or 4 1,500 - English-speaking helper 4-5x a week 8,000 - Food allowance (mostly resto) for one person monthly 5,000 - Communications - Internet connection and mobile phone 3,000 - Electricity bill with aircon and refrigerator 4,000 - Transportation (within Gurgaon and 3x monthly to Delhi) 1,500 - Entertainment (spa, movies, nice restos, karting, etc.) 5,000 - Contingency (others, medical, etc) ====== 38,000 INR Would you say that this is just the right estimate of monthly expenses for a single person without a family? Too big? Too small? I don't even know if I can afford it! Honestly, this is pretty big where I come from. So any help or insight in making this lower would greatly help! Info on this will help me negotiate if I get a job offer. Appreciate any help. Cheers! islandgirl __________________ "If you reject the food, ignore the customs, fear the religion and avoid the people, you might better stay home." — James Michener

Apr 7th, 2008, 17:54	#2
puchoo Maha Guru Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: New Delhi & Himachal Pradesh (Shimla) Posts: 3,407	You can definetely save on the rent and the communications...while Vinay would best confirm this i think you can get a decent place around 8000 p.m. in the 2 areas you are looking at and maybe even a little less. I don't know your mobile usage but u can get a 256kbps connection inclusive of tax for around 1200 and my mobile bill (i use it extensively enough) hovers around 1000-1200 (incl international calls once in a while)...so thats about 2500 INR... Food...cook at home and save as much as you can...! overall reduction of about 4500 per month but at the same time i don't think you have put down enough for the helper and entertainment, and the savings might actually neg negated by increase expenses here.... 3000 for electricity should be fine , even with the ac and the firdge i think this should not cross 2200-2400 (it does not with me)..but then again u might save all of it given Gurgaon not having any electricity most of the time __________________ Cheers! Sidharth puchoo.wordpress.com

Apr 7th, 2008, 23:54	#4
vinayverma Maha Infrequent Member Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Gurgaon Posts: 1,286	Oh..I just saw your post when I was going to hit the bed.. don't worry it I'l come back to you with my answers in the morning. hang on there.... __________________ If Life is a journey....travel on...and on..on..on.....

Apr 8th, 2008, 00:32	#7
Nick-H Loud-mouthed, Noisy Bird Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Chennai, India Posts: 25,811	I think you'd have to buy your own generator. You can keep your computer going with a UPS, especially if it is a laptop and you keep the battery in good condition. Add one small desk lamp, and a couple of rechargable lanterns and you'll soon get used to the power cuts! __________________ . Just one member of the IndiaMike Mod Team

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Apr 8th, 2008, 00:04	#5
merains Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: cochin,kerala Posts: 12	hey island girl, u hav done ur homework pretty well,sure enough in around 30 k ,u cud live off well and as u settle and make more friends,u wud come to know more tips to save like sharing apartment with ur colleague,having precooked meals(available in market) and using public transport onec a while etc etc.so for sure there are ways and means to earn more(u get jumps in pay package if u gain experience and shift to other) and save more,cheers and wish u nice stay in india, merains Moderator Note: Please post in full English, avoiding SMS/Text abbreviations. The site policy so that posts can be understood by our members of all ages and languages. Thanks

Apr 8th, 2008, 18:01	#8
cheeryislandgirl Newbie Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Manila, Philippines Posts: 13	How much is a small generator set that could accommodate an AC/heater? Also, just realized that I failed to mention that the apartment must be fully furnished as I don't hope to buy furniture for 6-12 months use. Do you think I can find one at 10,000 INR monthly?

Apr 8th, 2008, 20:16	#10
vinayverma Maha Infrequent Member Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Gurgaon Posts: 1,286	As I read your other posts and found that you would be working in one of the BPOs in Gurgaon. Most of the BPOs have a pick up and drop facility for their employees and you can use this to commute to office. However, there is practically no public transport in Gurgaon and this could restrict your movement around the place to restaurants etc. On the weekends you can hire a car for either few hours or for the entire day, but typically this would set you back by Rs. 800 for the 8 hour use of cab. On the accomodation, you'll find it very difficult to find a small appt in Gurgaon especially in the areas you mentioned. The best bet would be finding it on the 2nd floor of a privately built house. In Gurgaon there are practically no 1 bedroom appts. For 2 Bedroom appt the rent would start from Rs. 9000 and this is for unfurnished and does not include the water, electricity and maintenance charges, which can run to Approx Rs. 2000 per month. Most of the appts with 100% power back-ups are bigger (at least 3 bedroom) and they offer power back-up enough to run one AC or Heater along with lights, TV etc. However, I haven't come across any 1-2 bedroom appt with this kind of facility. The other option is to have an inverter which, depending on the rating, can actually run a small 1 ton AC and TV and your PC/notebook. So given all this, without sounding like a pessimist, I think an appt share would be a better idea. You can check this with your employer and they may have other employees looking for sharing an appt. and this way you would be able to afford a good appt with power backup, and maybe partially furnished. The other option is privately run hostel (may not be the right term) or Paying Guest(PG) accomodation in Gurgaon. Unfortunately I do not have much information about them, but I've seen many advertisements in the major markets for many PG accomodation avialability. These are mainly houses with amny bedrooms and each accupant gets one bedroom. These are normally furnished. This would again fit with in your budget.

Apr 13th, 2008, 21:52	#13
mikemo Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Manila, Philippines Posts: 10	Hey Cheery Island Girl! Well, guess what? Im a Filipino currently here in Gurgaon for a 2-week visit to check out my work possibilities too!!! Here mainly to look for a place to stay at and so far, negative. However...the more impt thing is that India (if you havent been here), is waaaay better than how most people perceive it to be. Yes, there are lots of poor fellows in the streets but if you have a decent job as I assume you would here, then its going to be one hell of a ride. Im basically here to assess if I will accept the opportunity given to me and so far, sooooo good. I think I'll really like it here. I just need to finish off the assessment by hopefully finding the right place. Message me at mikemoindia at gmail dot com (yes i have to spell it out just to make sure i dont get spam mail). Lets exchange info thru that. Good luck and hope to hear from you soon.

Apr 17th, 2008, 23:09	#14
cheeryislandgirl Newbie Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Manila, Philippines Posts: 13	hi mikemo! Wow! Am so glad to find a fellow filipino in this forum! Ü i still haven't finalized the opportunity, but will definitely get in touch with you he it works out! Am really happy to know that you like it there! Hope i can also have a chance to have a look-see to know if it suits me right. . Anyway, thanks for your offer to help? Will keep in touch.

Apr 19th, 2008, 18:11	#15
mikemo Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Manila, Philippines Posts: 10	Alright then! Hear from you. Now back in Manila!

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