Kolkata looks cheap until you hunt a flat in Park Street or Ballygunge on a fresher salary. Salt Lake Sector V and New Town have wide rent spreads — PG in Rajarhat vs shared flat in Sector V can differ by ₹5k per head.
- Shared 2BHK near Salt Lake Sector V / New Town: often ₹5–9k per head.
- PG with food near Rajarhat IT hub: often ₹6–10k all-in for freshers.
- Solo 1BHK in central Kolkata: often ₹12–18k — tight on 8 LPA, workable on 12+ LPA.
Kolkata's rent is lower than Bangalore on paper, but fewer big-tech offices mean commute trade-offs. A cheap Rajarhat PG plus daily metro is not free housing — factor total cost before signing.
The takeaway
Cap rent near 30–35% of in-hand. Get deposit and notice-period terms in writing before you transfer.