We call Pune, home: Say expats living in the city (2024)

Punekars love their city. But there are many expats who consider the place their home, too! From those who have only spent a few months here to others who’ve been in the city for decades, Pune has embraced many foreigners. Here, a few expats from different nationalities living in Pune tell us about their life here and why they chose to make the city their home.

We call Pune, home: Say expats living in the city (1)

Dr. Dale Taylor, head of college, UWC Mahindra College, Pune

From: Canada

We call Pune, home: Say expats living in the city (2)

I live just outside Pune, in the Khubavali area along the Mulshi River. I visit the city as often as I can. I like the quaint old houses, and the historic parts of Pune. I also appreciate the friendliness of the people and all the good academic institutions. I love the variety of yoga studios and opportunities to take classes – in person and online. Sometimes, I feel like I can stay in this part of India indefinitely. I like the mild temperatures, the amazing cuisine… one is never bored. There are many great opportunities in India and Pune just vibrates with an entrepreneurial and can-do spirit. Pune is a place where life can be as fast or slow, as you want it to be. I love the film scene in the city, too. Pune feels like a welcoming place, no matter who you are.

Edita Paluri, maternity and baby photographer

From: Lithuania

We call Pune, home: Say expats living in the city (3)

I have been living in Pune for around 15 years. I like the climate and people here. The city has given me some great friends and stability that I didn’t have before. My hometown, Vilnius in Lithuania, mostly has either rainy or cold weather. It’s rare to see the sun. In Pune, the sun is almost always shining. I like that. I personally like the pace of Pune, unlike some other busy cities. Pune has people from different cultures.

Christian Huber, Italian chef

From: Italy

We call Pune, home: Say expats living in the city (4)

I came to Pune in November 2010 and have been living here since then. I come from Merano, a small city in Italy that has 45,000 people. I started liking Pune only after a few years; I had to acclimatize and appreciate it first. As a foreigner here, you have to understand how India works, as it is a totally different life. I love that Pune is green and the climate here is pleasant. People are friendly and highly cultured. Whenever I visit old Pune, I’m stunned by the beautiful wadas. The old roads, cantonment zones, parks, roadside food and old cafes – they are amazing. Pune attracts expats because of the job opportunities. I feel it’s the best city in India. After living here for 11 years now, I feel Pune belongs to my heart.

Shola Carletti, abstract artist

From: Italy

We call Pune, home: Say expats living in the city (5)

I made Pune my home 15 years ago. The city has a lot to offer, and my life here is a charming balance between spirituality and mundaneness. I keep nurturing my spirituality just by going around the city. I love to see small temples and how people here are full of devotion. I am a professional abstract artist, and living here is very inspiring! I live in Koregaon Park. The colours, people, sizzling or quiet life – it’s great. I love the amazing banyan trees that are silent witnesses of the evolution of the city. I’ve seen many changes over the years, but I still love this place, in spite of the many building that are coming up and the sometimes-stressful traffic.

Antje Bauer, professional coach and farmer

From: Germany

We call Pune, home: Say expats living in the city (6)

We have been living in Pune since 2013 and it’s our home now. The climate, speed of development and restaurants, everything here is amazing. We have a farm just outside Pune, where we stay. It was a barren hill slope when we bought, and today, it has roughly 30,000 trees of 200 varieties. When we moved to Baner in 2013, I wouldn’t have dared to walk around the streets in shorts. But today, looking at Balewadi High Street, you could just as well be in Bandra. I feel the companies that are there in the city and the relative comfort over other Indian metropolises is what attracts expats to Pune. Things are still within an hour’s reach, the climate is less humid and extreme than in other parts of India. We look at ourselves as Punekars.

The Pune Expat Club

Founded in 2010, the Pune Expat Club has been supporting the expat community living in Pune (the population is approximately 500) for 12 years now. “There are so many expats who have stayed in the city for longer than they’d planned when they came to India. We try to help them see the positive aspects of India. Before the pandemic hit, we would organise social events and activities for them every week, which also included trekking, bird watching, musical nights, etc. The club is there to help the expat community in all ways – from helping them find a certain variety of cheese and fish to helping them settle down in the city,” says Preeti Roongta, co-founder, Pune Expat Club.

Popular hangout spots expats in Pune

* Paasha, JW Marriott Hotel

* Masu, Conrad Pune

* The Sassy Spoon

* Toit

* One lounge

* Sorriso, Marriott Suites Pune

* Alto Vino, JW Marriott Hotel

We call Pune, home: Say expats living in the city (2024)

FAQs

Where do expats live in Pune? ›

Most of the expatriates prefer to stay in the following areas in Pune: Koregaon Park. Kalyani Nagar. Boat Club Road.

Why do foreigners come to Pune? ›

The old roads, cantonment zones, parks, roadside food and old cafes – they are amazing. Pune attracts expats because of the job opportunities.

How do people live in Pune? ›

It is not overcrowded like Delhi or Mumbai. This lack of overcrowding keeps public areas spaciously empty, opens up space for large homes, and keeps traffic during peak hours low. It also ensures that Pune is a safe place to live. It is also not underpopulated enough to not be a metro city.

Why is Pune the best city to live? ›

With thousands of educational institutes and IT organisations, Pune holds a comparatively younger crowd than other big cities in India. The city has world-class breweries, pubs, and restaurants to enjoy the nightlife.

What are people living in Pune called? ›

Punekars, as Pune residents are called, are considered high-handed across the region – often to the point of rudeness. O.

Which Indian city has most expats? ›

According to Mercer's 2023 Cost of Living survey, which includes 227 cities from across five continents, Mumbai, positioned at 147 in the global ranking, retains the top spot as India's most expensive city for expats, while Hong Kong topped the global chart.

What is Pune people known for? ›

Pune Culture

It is the home of great freedom fighters like Bal Gangadhar Tilak, Agarkar and Gopal Krishna Gokhale. Jayant Narlikar, the famous contemporary scientist, is from Pune. Pune is the seat of North Indian Classical music.

What is Pune famously known for? ›

Pune is famous for its stunning wildlife, including rare, endangered, and near-extinct plant and animal species. The city boasts several historical monuments, and its suitable climate is another factor that draws tourists from all over India.

Do international flights land in Pune? ›

The airport serves both domestic and international flights.

Where do richest people in Pune live? ›

Boat Club Road is located on Pune's eastern outskirts and is known for its ultra-luxury housing societies. The area has become a popular residential destination for wealthy start-up owners due to its proximity to the Pune-Mumbai Highway and prominent IT areas in Pune.

How much salary is enough to live in Pune? ›

A person working in Pune, with a skilled qualification typically earns around ₹50000 per month (After tax) and it's not qualification specific. ₹50000 is a good salary according to the average cost of living which is ₹35000.

How much money do you need to live in Pune? ›

What is the cost of living in Pune for working couples in 2023?
ExpensesAverage expenditure
Cost of residential propertiesRs 5,000 per sq ft onwards
Household expensesRs 6,000 per person per month
BillsRs 3,000 per month
Overhead expensesRs 6,000 per person
3 more rows

What are disadvantages of living in Pune? ›

Cons of living in Pune
  • Substandard public transport. Pune does have a decent road transport system, but the buses are old and uncomfortable. ...
  • Traffic jam. Pune is notoriously popular for its traffic congestion. ...
  • Too many potholes on the street. ...
  • People can be rude sometimes.
Nov 1, 2022

Which is better Mumbai or Pune? ›

Mumbai may be the financial capital of India, but it comes at a hefty price. Punekars, on the other hand, live the dream life without breaking the bank. From lower rental rates to affordable food and transportation expenses, Pune is a budget-friendly city that won't leave a dent in your wallet.

Which is the richest area in Pune? ›

Posh Areas in Pune: 5 Expensive Areas to Live in Pune
  • New Kalyani Nagar. New Kalyani Nagar, being an expansion of Kalyani Nagar, is seeing some major private and business development. ...
  • 2- Shivaji Nagar. Shivaji Nagar is one of the greener areas of Pune. ...
  • 3- Koregaon Park. ...
  • 4- Kothrud. ...
  • 5- SenapatiBapat Road.
Mar 24, 2022

What language do people in Pune speak? ›

District At a Glance
DescriptionDetails
Languages SpokenMarathi, Hindi, English are major languages but all Indian languages are spoken.
Best Time to VisitThroughout the year
PopullationPune District's Population according to 2011 Census Report Total: 9426259 Male: 4936362 Female:4490597
10 more rows

Is Pune a world class city? ›

PUNE: Pune is among the 50 cities that made it to the final round of the Global Mayors Challenge Competition 2021. Around 631 cities from 99 countries had applied for the competition.

What city is best for American expats? ›

#1 Valencia: Livable, Friendly & Affordable

Valencia places 1st out of 50 in the Expat City Ranking 2022, as well as 1st in the Quality of Life Index. Expats describe public transportation as affordable (85% happy vs. 70% globally) and love the great opportunities for recreational sports (92% vs. 75% globally).

Which city in USA has more Indians? ›

New York. The New York metropolitan area has a higher population of Indians than other urban areas in the country. There are a total of 526,133 people of Indian descent living in New York City. Indians in New York made up the second largest Asian group after Chinese-Americans.

Which place has highest Indian population in USA? ›

India Square, in the heart of Bombay, Jersey City, New Jersey, home to the highest concentration of Asian Indians in the Western Hemisphere, is one of at least 24 Indian-American enclaves characterized as a Little India which have emerged in the New York City Metropolitan Area, with the largest metropolitan Indian ...

Do people in Pune sleep in the afternoon? ›

There's an unwritten rule about Pune you need to know before shifting here. Most of the establishments and eateries are closed between 2.00 pm and 4.00 pm because clearly, afternoon naps are more important than business. So, when you come here, don't be surprised to see empty roads and shops shut post lunch.

What is the nickname of Pune? ›

Pune – Queen of Deccan or Oxford of the East

It was the best city on the Deccan Plateau. So, it was given the name of Queen of Deccan. Pune is called as the Oxford of the East due to having the more number of educational institutes and centers than any other place in India.

Why do people go to Pune? ›

Pune boasts several historical monuments and museums. There is the Aga Khan Palace, Pataleshwar, the Chaturshringi Temple, the Sinhagad Fort, and the famous Shaniwar Wada are some of the historical and architectural gems worth visiting.

Which God is famous in Pune? ›

Nira Narsinhpur is located in Indapur taluka of Pune district. It is very famous for the very ancient temple of Lord Narsinha. Many people visit this holy place and worship Lord Narasinha . Many people believe that Lord Narsinha is a vigilant God & fulfils the wish.

Why do we love Pune? ›

It's Actually A Green City!

Given that Pune is a small city it can give takkar to major cities in terms of its green cover. All thanks to the cantonment, defence areas, tekdis, hills and ample gardens, Pune is lush green all year round which gives it its favourable climate that is loved by all!

What things are special in Pune? ›

Camping near Pawna lake, Visit to Shaniwar Wada, Chill at Cafe Paashh, Lohagad Fort trek, visit to Aga Khan Palace, Bazaar walk through Pune Kasba, Trip to Della Adventure Park, Cultural night at Chokhi Dhani, Visit Hard Rock Cafe, Dine at Spice Factory, Dance at Mi-a-Mi, Pune food walk tour and many more.

Why flights from Pune are so expensive? ›

When contacted, aviation analyst and expert Dhairyashil Vandekar said, “The increase in the aeronautical and non-aeronautical charges will result in making Pune Airport expensive for travel and flight operations. The airlines will have to work assiduously on pricing to keep their fares attractive and competitive.

Which airport is near to Pune? ›

Pune International Airport (PNQ) serves Pune in India. - Pune features for its architecture, such as Savitribai Phule Pune University building. Pune International Airport (IATA: PNQ, ICAO: VAPO) serves Pune, located in the state of Maharashtra in India. Pune Airport is located 10 km (6.2 miles) northeast downtown Pune.

How many airports do Pune have? ›

List
City ServedAirportOperator
PuneHadapsar AirportDGCA
Pune International AirportIndian Air Force
New Pune International Airport(Under Construction)MADC
AurangabadAurangabad AirportAAI
28 more rows

Why is Pune so rich? ›

Pune is ranked as the seventh-largest metropolitan economy with a strong industrial base and has the sixth-highest income per capita in India. The manufacturing, engineering and automobile sectors have seen significant foreign investments in recent years. The city is also a key hub for software and IT services.

Which famous personality lives in Pune? ›

Movie, television and theater personalities
  • Bharati Achrekar (1957-) - actress and singer.
  • Mohan Agashe (1947-) - theater/film actor and Sangeet Natak Akademi awardee.
  • Radhika Apte (1985-) - film and stage actress.
  • Sanskruti Balgude (1992-) - actress who appears in Marathi movies and television.

Who is the richest family in Pune? ›

Cyrus Poonawalla

The chairman of Poonawalla Group which also includes the Serum Institute of India, a biotic company which manufacture vaccines. He is popularly known as the 'Vaccine Billionaire' of the world. An alumni of The University of Pune, he started Serum Institute 50 years back.

Which is more expensive Pune or Mumbai? ›

Pune's consumer prices, including rent, are 27.20 percent less expensive than Mumbai's. Pune rent costs are 61.29% less than Mumbai rent costs. Pune's restaurant costs are 10.36% less expensive than Mumbai's.

Which is more expensive Pune or Bangalore? ›

When compared to Pune, Bengaluru is a little more costly to live in. The cost of life in Pune is substantially lower, including lodging, food, transportation, and even leisure activities.

Which is better city Pune or Bangalore? ›

Bangalore is considered more cosmopolitan and diverse and has an array of cultural events. The city also houses several top-notch universities in multiple fields. Pune, on the other hand, is known for its rich history and culture. The city has many historical monuments and museums.

Is Pune expensive city to live? ›

The total cost of living is around ₹35000 in Pune. The average rent in Pune for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center is approximately ₹20000 per month, and utilities cost around ₹2000 a month. Other costs will be around ₹16000 including markets, transportation, restaurants, and sports and leisure for one-person.

How many millionaires are there in Pune? ›

Mumbai, March 1, 2022: According to Knight Frank's The Wealth Report 2022, Pune was home to 360 ultra-high net worth individuals (UHNWIs, with net worth of US$ 30m and above) 2021, which is third highest in the country after Mumbai and Hyderabad.

Is 25k enough to live in Pune? ›

If you rent a 1BHK in areas like Koregaon Park and Viman Nagar, you'll easily have to shell out ₹20,000-25,000 per month. But if you look for accommodation in areas like Kothrud, Wakad, Vishal Nagar, and Hadapsar, you can find some budget-friendly options between ₹12,000-15,000 per month.

Which is the safest place in Pune? ›

Best area to live in Pune #1: Hinjewadi, Pune

Reviewers aver that “the majority crowd here are white collar professionals”. Also, “roads are maintained and well-lit”. However, “vehicular jam” is a menace, which is likely to be addressed post the development of the Hinjewadi-Shivajinagar metro corridor.

Which is the safest area in Pune? ›

Best Areas To Live In Pune: Top 5 Safest Localities
LocalityAverage property price (per sq ft)Locality rating
KharadiRs 8,5004.3/5
HadapsarRs 7,1004.3/5
WakadRs 7,7004.2/5
BanerRs 9,3004.2/5
1 more row
May 15, 2023

What is crime rate in Pune? ›

Safety in Pune, India
Safety walking alone during daylight75.53High
Safety walking alone during night55.53Moderate

What is the local drink of Pune? ›

Mango mastani is a local beverage hailing from Pune that blends mangoes and chilled milk.

What is the famous drink in Pune? ›

According to the proprietor of an age-old Mastani joint called Gujjar Cold Drink, initially, when this drink was served to people they used to appreciatively remark ''mast' or awesome thus, this drink is called Mastani.

What is famous sweet in Pune? ›

Prepared with fresh and pure figs, milk, ghee and dry fruits, Anjeer Halwa is very sweet in taste.

How clean is Pune? ›

Pune : India's 5th cleanest big city

The city has also achieved the rating of three stars in Garbage Free City (GFC) rating.

Is there a beach in Pune? ›

One of the mesmeric beaches in Pune is Mandwa Beach where different water sports can be tried. Nature lovers will absolutely like this tranquil place that is less crowded and climate is mostly comfortable.

Is Pune too expensive? ›

Why is Pune expensive? Owing to the high cost of transportation and rent of housing spaces, Pune is more expensive than many cities in India. Owing to the high cost of transportation and rent of housing spaces, Pune is more expensive than many cities in India.

What salary is needed to live comfortably in Pune? ›

A person working in Pune typically earns around ₹50000 per month (After tax) and it's not qualification specific. ₹50000 is a good salary according to the average cost of living which is ₹35000. 4. What is the average rent in Pune?

Which is best residential area in Pune? ›

Aundh. Aundh is a popular residential area located in the north-western part of Pune. The locality is known for its excellent infrastructure, amenities, and strategic location, which makes it one of the most preferred residential areas in Pune.

Which area do celebrities live in Pune? ›

Old age tranquil area and new age masses, Kothrud is one of the preferred humble residential destinations. Famous for housing a few B-town celebrities and sports personalities such as Radhika Apte, Kedar Jadhav and Mrinal Kulkarni. Kothrud can be a prominent address for home-seekers wanting to be in the real Pune.

Which is the best green area in Pune to live? ›

KOTHRUD. Kothrud is known as the western district of Pune city which has a population of almost around 250,000. This place has become one of the best places to live as it is covered with lots of green cover. The locality also has a number of parks that adorn its streets.

Is Pune a costly city to live? ›

The metro city of Pune offers a remarkable lifestyle and exceptional living conditions but is considered an expensive city in Maharashtra after Mumbai. However, various factors play out to determine the cost of living in Pune city such as choosing to live in rented accommodation or owned property.

Which area is cheapest to buy a house in Pune? ›

  • Bhugaon - affordable locality in Pune for living.
  • Lohegaon - An affordable locality near Pune Airport.
  • Wagholi - Upcoming & Affordable Residential Area.
  • Kharadi - An affordable suburb in East Pune.
  • New Projects in Pune.
Mar 22, 2023

Which area in Pune has highest rent? ›

Popular Localities for Rent in Pune that have Seen an Increase in Rent
  • Hinjewadi– rent increased by 18.75%
  • Kharadi – rent increased by 16.37%
  • Wakad – rent increased by 9.99%
  • Dhanori – rent increased by 7.88%
  • Pimple Saudagar – rent increased by 6.88%

Which is the cleanest place in Pune? ›

Koregaon Park

The serene paths of Koregaon Park, Pune! Koregaon Park is well-known for its greenery and cleanliness.

Which is the cleanest village in Pune? ›

  • pune News.
  • Govt names Sangli cleanest village | Pune News - Times of India.
Jul 7, 2002

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