Rs 23,000 rent for 2BHK: Bengaluru woman reveals why living in Rishikesh isn’t as cheap as you think

The mountains have become more than a holiday destination for several youngsters. Slow mornings, clean surroundings, and the need to break free from the hustle and bustle of the city have led many to move to the quieter hill towns. While some are working remotely or starting cafés, others are running homestays and small businesses. Although trading corporate routines for mountain life sounds dreamy, it comes with its own set of challenges, as highlighted by Bengaluru woman Asha Mane, who moved to Rishikesh permanently earlier this year.

Bengaluru woman left city life and moved to Rishikesh

Asha pointed out some of these realities in an Instagram video posted a couple of months ago, breaking down the real cost of living in Rishikesh. But apart from the challenges, she also made sure to highlight the unique perks of such a lifestyle.

Asha said that although Rishikesh is a Tier-3 city, it doesn’t feel like one because of the surging expenses. To explain herself, the Bengaluru woman wrote in her caption that even a regular cup of tea costs about Rs 30 here. Asha then went on to detail 4 things to consider if you are willing to shift to Rishikesh.

Things to consider before moving to Rishikesh

The Bengaluru woman shared that the place you decide to move in matters more than you think. An individual can rent a 2 BHK for about Rs 11,000 - Rs 15,000 in the main city. But for outskirt locations like Tapovan or Jonk Village, the same 2 BHK will cost Rs 23,000 because that's where most tourists and long-term visitors stay.

Asha noted that an individual can find 3 types of people in Rishikesh: locals who have lived here for generations, migrants who've settled here over the last couple of decades, and a constantly changing crowd of travellers who come for a few months and then move on. She emphasised that if a person is planning to shift here without a remote job or steady income, they should have at least 6 months of savings ready.

Bengaluru woman on perks of Rishikesh

The Bengaluru woman further urged eager travellers to look for work beyond traditional roles. Yoga schools, cafés, hostels, homestays, and local businesses often need people for operations, content creation, photography, social media, marketing, design, and community building that one can join, she said.

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A post shared by Asha Mane | Travel Stories (@ashamane_)

As per Asha, the best part of living in Rishikesh is the people. One can meet travellers, creators, and professionals from all over the world, with every week bringing fresh conversations, new friendships, and sometimes even unexpected opportunities.