Planning to move to Bengaluru? Here's a reality-check on some myths you might have heard about the city

Bengaluru, the capital of Karnataka, is a city of contrasts. Known for its tech industry and pleasant weather, it also faces challenges like rising temperatures, traffic congestion, and soaring rent prices. Yet, myths about the city persist, shaping how outsiders perceive life here. From exaggerated tales of "eternal coolness" to misconceptions about its cost of living, it's time to revisit and re-examine some of the most common myths about Bengaluru, backed by facts.

"It’s always cool in Bengaluru"

Contrary to the lingering notion of perpetual cool weather, Bengaluru has been experiencing rising temperatures due to urbanisation and the loss of green spaces. In the 1970s, the city enjoyed over 68% green cover; today, that number has fallen below 3%, contributing to the heat island effect. In 2023, summer temperatures nearly surpassed 37°C — four degrees above what is normal — proving that while the city remains relatively cool compared to other Indian metros, it's far from immune to climate change.

As for the non-summer months, the temperature typically ranges between 15-29°C. While Bengalureans have generally shied away from air conditioners — you just didn’t need it with how cold the unofficial hill-station was — more and more residents are turning to the tech due to rising temperatures.

"Bengaluru is only about IT and tech jobs"

Although Bengaluru is India’s tech hub, its economy is far more diverse. Sectors such as aerospace, biotechnology, and education thrive here, with organisations like ISRO and Biocon playing a major role. Bengaluru is also home to numerous startups in sectors ranging from healthcare to clean energy, illustrating its broad entrepreneurial spirit. The city's economic landscape is much richer than just IT and tech, though those industries continue to dominate public perception.

Bengaluru also frequently recruits in creative and financial roles, such as UX/UI designers. Additionally, corporate lawyers draw some of the biggest salaries in Bengaluru compared to other Indian states, according to some sources.

"Traffic is the worst only in Bengaluru"

While Bengaluru often tops lists of congested cities, it shares this burden with other Indian metros. In 2023, it ranked sixth globally for traffic congestion, but cities like Mumbai and Pune face comparable traffic issues. Congestion is driven by rapid urbanisation, narrow roads, and an influx of vehicles — factors present in many growing cities across India.

The city is testing many innovative traffic management initiatives, such as the usage of AI traffic signals and automated fining, to bring down congestion. However, things have yet a long way to go before the fruits of these labours ripen.

"Everyone speaks only Kannada"

Kannada is the official and widely spoken language in Bengaluru, but the city’s cosmopolitan nature means that many other languages thrive here too. With people from across India settling in Bengaluru for work or education, Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, and English are commonly spoken.

However, tensions surrounding language persist, and have worsened in some regards. Recent clashes have emerged over prioritising Kannada in government and business, stirring debates about linguistic inclusivity versus regional pride. While Kannada remains essential, the city's multilingual environment makes communication in most aspects quite easy for non-Kannada speaking migrants.

"Bengaluru has no nightlife"

Once known for its restrictive early curfews, Bengaluru has embraced a more liberal nightlife over the last decade. While regulations remain in place, areas like Koramangala, Indiranagar, and Church Street now boast a range of pubs, live music venues, and restaurants open late.

As per a recent directive aimed at improving the city’s nightlife, the government announced that the operating hours for hotels, shops, bars and licensed establishments will now be extended till 1 AM. So don't fret — as the cultural and social heart of South India, Bengaluru offers a vibrant after-dark experience despite earlier stereotypes.

"It’s just a concrete jungle now"

Though Bengaluru has seen massive urbanisation, the city retains pockets of greenery such as Cubbon Park and Lalbagh Botanical Garden. Lake rejuvenation projects are ongoing, with several lakes being restored to combat water shortages and preserve biodiversity.

While Bengaluru has lost much of its green cover, efforts to reclaim and restore its natural spaces are growing. Initiatives to revive lakes like Bellandur and Ulsoor are key to preserving the city's ecological balance.

"It’s too expensive to live in Bengaluru"

Bengaluru’s cost of living varies greatly depending on the neighborhood. In prime areas like Koramangala, Indiranagar, and Whitefield, rents can range from Rs 40,000 to Rs 80,000 per month for a 2BHK apartment. In contrast, areas like Yeshwanthpur, BTM Layout, and Kengeri offer more affordable living options, with rents ranging between Rs 13,000 and Rs 30,000 for a similar-sized apartment.

Living costs also depend on lifestyle choices. Monthly expenses, including food, utilities, and transportation, typically range between Rs 20,000 to Rs 40,000 for an average individual — and can certainly be more affordable, if you want to be really frugal. While Bengaluru may not be as expensive as Mumbai or Delhi, its affordability can be a challenge for those on tighter budgets, especially with rising rents in sought-after areas.

In conclusion, Bengaluru is far more than the myths suggest. It’s a city of diversity — of languages, industries, and experiences. While the city grapples with issues like urbanisation and affordability, its vibrant culture, green initiatives, and evolving identity make it a unique metropolis poised for further growth.