Every June and every January we get the same question from people arriving in Kolkata for a first job or a course: “PG or should we three take a flat?” Both work. Which is right depends on money, time and how much you like cooking.
What each one really costs per person
| Item | PG bed (twin sharing, meals) | Shared 2BHK (three people) |
|---|---|---|
| Rent share | ₹6,000–10,000 | ₹4,500–8,000 |
| Meals | Included | ₹3,000–5,000 (cook or self) |
| Electricity, Wi-Fi, housekeeping | Usually included | ₹800–1,500 |
| Furniture and kitchen setup | Nil | ₹5,000–15,000 one-time |
| Deposit | One month | One to two months, shared |
| Realistic monthly total | ₹6,500–11,000 | ₹8,500–14,000 |
The PG usually wins on pure cost in the first six months because you do not buy anything. The shared flat wins after that if you cook and split fairly.
Rules and freedom
PGs come with gate timings, guest rules and set meal times; that structure suits many people in a new city. A shared flat has none of that, but it also has no one to fix the geyser at 10 pm except you.
Which areas suit each
- PGs: Kestopur (largest supply, cheapest), Salt Lake near Sector V (walk to work), New Town co-living (newest buildings).
- Shared flats: Kestopur and Baguiati standalone buildings (owners used to bachelors), Dum Dum for the metro.
Questions to ask a PG owner
- What exactly is included in the rent and what costs extra?
- Gate timing, and is there flexibility for shift work?
- How many people share a bathroom?
- Notice period and deposit refund terms?
- Can I see the room I will actually get, not the sample room?
Questions to ask before sharing a flat
- Whose name goes on the agreement and who holds the deposit?
- Will the owner accept the flat being shared by three professionals? Not all do.
- How will you split bills and what happens when one person leaves early?
We list both: browse rooms and PGs or ask us for bachelor-friendly 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.
