The ₹9,000 Room That Actually Costs ₹13,000

Every student who's been in a Delhi PG for a few months knows this feeling. Your rent is ₹9,000. Your stated budget was ₹9,000. But somehow, every month, you're spending significantly more than that. Where does the extra money go?

Delhi's PG market is notorious for costs that aren't visible in the initial rent quote. Understanding them before you commit — not after you've paid the security deposit — is one of the most financially important decisions of your first year.

Electricity: The Big One Nobody Tells You About

Most PG rent quotes in Delhi do not include electricity. The phrase "electricity extra" hides a cost that can range from ₹300 to ₹3,000 per person per month, depending on the season, your AC usage, and the PG's meter arrangement.

Here's the real breakdown: In summer (May-August), if you run an AC for 8 hours a night, your share of the electricity bill could be ₹1,000-₹2,500 per month. Without AC, it's more like ₹300-₹600. In winter, if you use a room heater or geyser frequently, budget ₹500-₹1,500 extra per month.

Always ask: Is electricity included in the rent? If not, what's the average monthly electricity bill in the last three months for a room like mine?

Food: The ₹2,500 Gap

Many PGs quote "food included" but what they actually include is breakfast, lunch, and dinner on working days. What they don't include: meals on Sundays and holidays (many students forget to check this), snacks or tea between meals, extra portions, and food when you're ill and the mess menu doesn't suit you.

Budget ₹1,000-₹2,500 per month for the food gaps your PG doesn't fill. This covers Sunday tiffin services, the evening chai and toast that's not included, and the occasional restaurant meal when you can't face another dal-chawal dinner.

Water: Sometimes Charged Separately

Delhi has a water crisis in summer. Some PG buildings install water meters and charge separately for water tanker usage. This is particularly common in areas with borewell dependency. Ask explicitly: "Is water included? Is there a water tanker charge?" The answer can add ₹200-₹800 per month in summer.

The Security Deposit: The Cash You Need Upfront

PG deposits in Delhi typically range from one month's rent to three months' rent. On a ₹9,000 room, that's ₹9,000-₹27,000 upfront before you move in. This is cash you need to have available, separate from your monthly budget. When you leave, getting the deposit back can take 30-60 days, depending on the owner.

Read the deposit terms carefully. Some PG owners deduct "normal wear and tear" from the deposit at rates that feel arbitrary. Get a written condition report of the room at move-in.

The "Maintenance" Charges Nobody Mentions

Some PGs add a monthly "maintenance charge" on top of rent that ranges from ₹200-₹1,000. This is sometimes listed separately in the agreement, sometimes revealed after you move in. Check for this specifically.

The Transport Cost Nobody Calculates

If your PG is 30 minutes from your college by metro, that's an hour of travel every day. Assuming 24 college days per month, that's 24 hours of travel — the equivalent of three full working days. More practically: metro pass costs ₹800-₹1,500 per month depending on your route. Auto-rickshaw rides for the "last mile" (from metro to college, or for late-night returns) add ₹500-₹1,500 more per month.

Planning for the Real Number

Add 20-30% to your budgeted rent figure to get your realistic monthly cost. A ₹9,000 room realistically costs ₹11,000-₹12,000 per month when electricity, food gaps, transport, and miscellaneous costs are included. Budget for this from the start, not after you've already committed.