Bangalore Tech Salaries & Cost of Living 2026

Bangalore salaries at the big MNCs run ₹15-70+ LPA, the cost of living sits roughly 70% below US cities, and the purchasing-power math often surprises people. This guide covers pay ranges, taxes, and what your money actually buys day to day.

Calculate your budget: Bangalore cost of living calculator

Software engineer salaries in Bangalore (2026)

Pay splits sharply by employer. MNCs and top-tier startups sit at the upper end:^[?]

LPA = Lakhs Per Annum. 1 Lakh = ₹100,000 (~$1,200)

Cost of living

Bangalore gives back a lot for the money. Here is a typical monthly spend:^[?]

• 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)

Where tech workers live

• 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

The Indian tax system

India runs a progressive tax system with a choice between the new and 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 Bangalore advantage is purchasing power. ₹25 LPA (~$30,000) buys a life that would cost $80,000+ in most US cities: eating out regularly, domestic help, comfortable housing.