Tiffin subscription vs. cooking yourself — the real monthly cost

A decent two-meal tiffin subscription in Nashik runs ₹2,200–₹3,200 a month. Cooking for one person, once you account for a gas cylinder, basic groceries and the time you're not spending studying or working, usually comes out close — sometimes higher, once you price your own time.

The real trade-off isn't cost, it's consistency and variety. A good tiffin service rotates its weekly menu; cooking solo, most bachelors default to the same 3–4 dishes on repeat within a month.

If you do cook, splitting a gas connection and bulk grocery runs with a roommate brings the per-person cost down meaningfully — often below a mid-range tiffin plan.

Either way, check whether your PG already includes food before signing up for a separate tiffin — some PGs on Bachyug bundle both, and paying twice is a common first-month mistake.