Berhampur, popularly known as the Silk City of Odisha, is one of the fastest-growing urban hubs in the state. With its expanding infrastructure, educational institutions, healthcare facilities, and proximity to Gopalpur-on-Sea, Berhampur attracts families, students, and professionals alike. But how much does it actually cost to live in this vibrant city? Let’s break it down in detail.
1. Housing & Rent Costs
The biggest component of living expenses in Berhampur is accommodation. The city offers a mix of independent houses, apartments, and rental rooms.
- 1BHK / Small Flats: ₹1,500 – ₹8,000 per month (depending on locality).
- 2BHK Apartments: ₹3,000 – ₹15,000 per month (popular in areas like Hillpatna, Gandhi Nagar, Gosaninuagaon).
- Independent Houses: ₹12,000 – ₹20,000+ depending on size and proximity to city center.
- PGs & Shared Rooms (for students): ₹2,500 – ₹6,000 per bed, often including meals.
👉 Buying property is still relatively affordable compared to Bhubaneswar, with plot prices starting from ₹8-15 lakhs in developing areas.
2. Food & Groceries
Berhampur is known for its delicious food culture—street food, local Odia delicacies, and South Indian flavors.
- Groceries for a Family of 4: ₹3,000 – ₹10,000 per month (depending on lifestyle).
- Vegetables & Fish/Chicken (weekly market shopping): ₹300 – ₹2,000 per week.
- Eating Out:
- Budget meals (thali/dosa): ₹40 – ₹150
- Mid-range restaurants: ₹300 – ₹600 for two
- Premium dining: ₹1,000+ for two
3. Transportation Costs
Berhampur is compact, so daily travel is not very expensive.
- City Auto-rickshaw Fare: ₹20 – ₹30 for short rides.
- Monthly Auto/Local Travel Expense: ₹1,500 – ₹3,000.
- Two-Wheeler Fuel: ₹110 per litre (approx.), costing ₹1,000 – ₹2,500 per month depending on usage.
- Car Owners: Fuel + maintenance can range from ₹2,000 – ₹10,000 monthly(not advisable to use car inside Berhampur owing to less parking space and narrow streets).
- Rail & Bus Connectivity: Affordable for inter-city travel (Berhampur to Bhubaneswar bus: ₹250–₹400).
4. Utilities & Bills
Modern housing colonies and apartments in Berhampur have reliable utility services.
- Electricity: ₹1,500 – ₹3,000 (average family usage with AC).
- Water: Usually included in rent or very minimal (₹200 – ₹500).
- Cooking Gas (LPG): ₹1,000 – ₹1,200 per cylinder.
- Internet & Mobile: ₹600 – ₹1,200 per month (broadband plans available).
5. Healthcare Expenses
Berhampur is home to MKCG Medical College & Hospital and several private hospitals.
- Doctor Consultation: ₹200 – ₹800 (private hospitals).
- Medical Insurance Premium (family of 4): ₹10,000 – ₹25,000 annually.
- Pharmacy & Medicines: Affordable compared to metro cities.
6. Education & Childcare Costs
As an educational hub, Berhampur has top schools and colleges.
- School Fees (Private Schools): ₹500 – ₹6,000 per month.
- Higher Education: Berhampur University, IISER, and engineering colleges keep costs relatively affordable compared to metro cities.
- Tuition & Coaching: ₹1,000 – ₹5,000 depending on subject/level.
7. Lifestyle & Entertainment
- Cinema Tickets: ₹150 – ₹300.
- Gyms & Fitness Clubs: ₹500 – ₹2,000 per month.
- Shopping: Bada Bazar, Annapurna Market, and malls offer a range of budget to premium options.
- Weekend Getaways: Gopalpur beach and Tampara Lake add little extra travel cost for leisure.
8. Average Monthly Budget for a Family of 4
Here’s a rough estimate:
- Housing (2BHK): ₹8,000
- Food & Groceries: ₹8,000
- Transportation: ₹3,000
- Utilities: ₹3,000
- Education: ₹5,000
- Healthcare & Misc.: ₹4,000
👉 Total: ₹30,000 – ₹40,000 per month (comfortable middle-class lifestyle).
Final Takeaway
The cost of living in Berhampur is significantly lower than metro cities like Bhubaneswar, Visakhapatnam, or Hyderabad, while still offering quality education, healthcare, and lifestyle options. For students, professionals, and families, Berhampur provides a perfect balance of affordability, convenience, and cultural richness. With upcoming infrastructure and real estate growth, living standards are expected to rise further in the coming years.
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