How to use the Hostel vs PG Cost Calculator
- 1. Enter hostel costsRoom fee and mess fee per year, plus monthly extras and the deposit.
- 2. Enter PG costsRent, extra food, bills, daily travel to college and the deposit.
- 3. CompareSee the cost per year and per month of stay for both, and which one saves money.
How the comparison works
Hostel per year = room fee + mess fee + extras per month × months you stay.
PG per year = rent × months of rent you pay + (extra food + bills + daily travel × college days) × months you stay.
Many PGs charge rent for all 12 months if you keep the room during vacations, while a hostel usually charges per year. That is why rent months and stay months are separate inputs. Refundable deposits are shown but not added, because you get them back when you leave.
Worked example
Hostel: room ₹75,000 + mess ₹45,000 + extras ₹400 × 10 months = ₹1,24,000 a year.
PG: rent ₹8,000 × 12 = ₹96,000; extra food ₹2,000 × 10 = ₹20,000; bills ₹700 × 10 = ₹7,000; travel ₹40 × 22 days × 10 months = ₹8,800. Total ₹1,31,800 a year.
The hostel is cheaper by ₹7,800 a year in this example. If the PG only charged rent for the 10 months you stay, it would cost ₹1,15,800 and come out cheaper. Small terms change the answer, so read the rent agreement.
What the numbers do not show
Cost is only one part. Think about travel time to college, food quality, safety, curfew and visitor rules, study space, Wi-Fi and how easy it is to make friends. Visit both before you decide. Use the current hostel fee notice and the PG's written terms, since rates change. Then plan monthly spending with the student monthly budget planner.
Frequently asked questions
Is a hostel always cheaper than a PG?
Not always. It depends on the fees, whether food is included, travel costs and whether the PG charges for vacation months. Enter your own numbers.
Why is the deposit not in the total?
A refundable deposit comes back when you leave, so it is not a cost. You still need the cash upfront, so it is shown separately.
What if PG food is included in the rent?
Enter 0 for extra food per month. Add snacks or eating out if you expect them.
Is it free?
Yes. You enter your name and WhatsApp number once to see the result, and other Uncodemy tools then open without the form.