Furnished flats look expensive on paper and unfurnished flats look cheap, until you price the fridge, the beds and the six weekends spent buying them. We ran the numbers for a typical 2BHK in the areas we cover.
What the terms mean in Kolkata
- Unfurnished: bare flat, maybe fans and a geyser.
- Semi-furnished: wardrobes, modular kitchen, fans, lights, geyser, sometimes AC.
- Fully furnished: all of the above plus beds, sofa, dining table, fridge, washing machine, TV and usually AC.
One-year cost for a 2BHK in Baguiati or Kestopur
| Item | Unfurnished | Semi-furnished | Fully furnished |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent per month | ₹12,000 | ₹14,000 | ₹18,000 |
| Rent for 12 months | ₹1,44,000 | ₹1,68,000 | ₹2,16,000 |
| Buying essentials (beds, wardrobe, fridge, washing machine, kitchen) | ₹80,000–1,20,000 | ₹40,000–60,000 | ₹0 |
| Resale value of items after a year | minus ₹25,000–40,000 | minus ₹12,000–20,000 | ₹0 |
| Net first-year cost | ₹2,00,000–2,25,000 | ₹1,95,000–2,10,000 | ₹2,16,000 |
Over the first year, furnished and unfurnished come out roughly even; semi-furnished is often cheapest. Over three years the picture changes: the unfurnished tenant has paid for the furniture once, while the furnished tenant has paid ₹6,000 extra every month, roughly ₹2,16,000 more.
The one question that decides it
How long will you stay? Under 18 months, or unsure: go furnished or semi-furnished and keep your weekends. Over two years, or you already own furniture: unfurnished pays back quickly. Company transfers and project postings almost always mean furnished.
Other things to weigh
- Furnished flats mean a bigger deposit and a signed inventory; you are responsible for the owner’s items.
- Furnished supply is concentrated in Salt Lake, New Town and DLF Kolkata; in Dum Dum and Lake Town you will find mostly semi-furnished and unfurnished.
- Ask whether the AC and fridge are covered by the owner for repairs; write it into the agreement.
Tell us how long you plan to stay and we will show you the right flats for rent.
Need help now? WhatsApp +91 96148 13713 with your area, budget and move-in date and we will send matching options the same day.
