Bangalore (Bengaluru) is India's Silicon Valley, home to offices of Google, Microsoft, Amazon, and thousands of startups. Tech salaries have risen dramatically, but the cost of living remains a fraction of Western cities. Here's the real picture.
Tech Salaries in Bangalore (2026)
Salaries vary widely based on company type - MNCs and top startups pay significantly more:[?]
| Role | Startup/Local | MNC/Top Startup |
|---|---|---|
| Software Engineer (0-2 yrs) | ₹6-12 LPA | ₹15-25 LPA |
| Software Engineer (3-5 yrs) | ₹12-20 LPA | ₹25-45 LPA |
| Senior Engineer (5-8 yrs) | ₹18-30 LPA | ₹40-70 LPA |
| Staff/Principal | ₹30-50 LPA | ₹70-120+ LPA |
LPA = Lakhs Per Annum. 1 Lakh = ₹100,000 (~$1,200)
Cost of Living
Bangalore offers excellent value - here's what you'll spend monthly:[?]
- 1BHK in Koramangala/Indiranagar: ₹25,000 - ₹40,000 ($300 - $480)
- 1BHK in Whitefield/Electronic City: ₹15,000 - ₹25,000 ($180 - $300)
- Groceries: ₹8,000 - ₹12,000 ($95 - $145)
- Eating out: ₹10,000 - ₹20,000 ($120 - $240)
- Transport (auto/Uber): ₹5,000 - ₹10,000 ($60 - $120)
- Utilities + Internet: ₹3,000 - ₹5,000 ($35 - $60)
- Gym membership: ₹2,000 - ₹5,000 ($24 - $60)
Best Neighborhoods for Tech Workers
- Koramangala: Startup hub, cafes, nightlife - expat favorite
- Indiranagar: Upscale, restaurants, 100 Feet Road
- HSR Layout: More affordable Koramangala alternative
- Whitefield: Tech parks, newer apartments, suburban feel
- Marathahalli: Budget-friendly, near tech parks
Indian Tax System
India uses a progressive tax system with optional new vs old regimes:[?]
- Up to ₹3 Lakh: 0%
- ₹3-7 Lakh: 5%
- ₹7-10 Lakh: 10%
- ₹10-12 Lakh: 15%
- ₹12-15 Lakh: 20%
- Above ₹15 Lakh: 30%
For a ₹25 LPA salary, expect take-home of roughly ₹1.6-1.7 Lakh/month (~$1,900).
Purchasing Power
The real advantage of Bangalore: your money goes much further. A ₹25 LPA salary (~$30,000) provides a lifestyle comparable to $80,000+ in most US cities - eating out frequently, domestic help, and comfortable housing.
See what you can afford
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