Furnished vs Unfurnished PG: Which Saves You More?
Short answer: For stays under 12 months, furnished PGs are almost always cheaper once you amortise setup cost. Unfurnished only makes sense if you are staying 2+ years and plan to keep the furniture.
Most Delhi PGs are furnished by default, but a handful of unfurnished options do exist — usually at a small rent discount. Is the saving worth the hassle?
Feature Comparison: Furnished PG vs Unfurnished PG
| Feature | Furnished PG | Unfurnished PG |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Rent | ₹8,000-25,000 | ₹6,500-20,000 |
| One-time Setup | Zero | ₹25,000-60,000 on bed, mattress, desk, wardrobe |
| Move-in Time | Same day | 1-2 weeks to procure furniture |
| Flexibility to Leave | Full — just walk out | Sell or transport furniture on exit |
| Resale Loss on Exit | N/A | 30-50% depreciation typical |
Our Verdict
For stays under 12 months, furnished PGs are almost always cheaper once you amortise setup cost. Unfurnished only makes sense if you are staying 2+ years and plan to keep the furniture.
Best For — Furnished PG
Students and professionals with stays under 2 years
Best For — Unfurnished PG
Long-term residents building their own setup
Real-world Scenarios
Scenario 1 — The first-year student: You're arriving in Delhi in July for your first semester, you have two trunks of clothes, and you don't know which lane has the cheapest dal. A Furnished PG gets you meals, WiFi, cleaning and a locked door by evening. A Unfurnished PG is viable only if a senior has already scouted the area.
Scenario 2 — The UPSC repeater: You're in Delhi for the long haul, study 10+ hours a day and want complete silence. A Furnished PG with a noise-down policy beats a Unfurnished PG where schedules clash.
Scenario 3 — The first-job professional: You've just started earning ₹35,000 in-hand and want to save aggressively. A Furnished PG locks your predictable monthly spend; a Unfurnished PG introduces variable costs that wreck your budget.
Hidden Costs People Miss
- Brokerage: A standalone Unfurnished PG usually carries one month's rent as brokerage. A managed PG is almost always zero broker.
- Furniture depreciation: If you furnish a rental yourself, expect 30–50% resale loss on exit.
- Utility lumpiness: Delhi summer electricity bills spike 2–3× in May–July.
- Security deposit: Private rentals demand 2–3 months; PGs demand one.
- Cook / maid: A reliable cook + maid is ₹3,500–₹6,000/month on top of rent.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for students — Furnished PG or Unfurnished PG?
For stays under 12 months, furnished PGs are almost always cheaper once you amortise setup cost. Unfurnished only makes sense if you are staying 2+ years and plan to keep the furniture.
Which is cheaper?
While Unfurnished PG may have lower base rent, Furnished PG often includes meals, WiFi and services — so the total monthly cost is typically lower or comparable.
Is there a minimum lock-in?
Kangaroo House PGs run on a one-month notice model. Independent rentals usually require 11-month leases. Hostels tie you to a full semester.
What about safety differences?
Managed PGs enforce biometric entry, CCTV, manned security, and visitor registers. DIY rentals shift that entire burden to you.
Can I switch later if I change my mind?
Absolutely. Short notice periods make switching painless. We frequently host residents who trialled a different option first.
What does Kangaroo House recommend?
Kangaroo House PGs combine the comfort of a home-like setup with professional management and modern amenities. Book a visit to see the difference.
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