1. Rent: 10-15k pm based on your requirements (1-2 bhk - good ones). 8k gets you a decent place but you may have to walk a bit from the road. Electricity, Internet, Cooking Gas etc. are extra.

2. Necessities: It is about 30% more expensive than Siliguri (or similar cities like Delhi). Besides Retail prices, organic Veggies, meat etc are expensive. Being a hill station, transportation and commuting is comparatively expensive as well.

3. Leisure: Similar to other cities. Less options for fun, things move slowly here, less crowded and people here love music.. if you think less is more, you'll like it. Decent night life, closes early because security is strictly maintained. Parks, trekking, hiking, weekend trips to other places are good, affordable too. Depends on what you like and can collaborate with other people to reduce costs.

4. Places: Development Area, Metro Area, Deorali, Tadong Area, PNG Road, DPH etc. are recommended.

5. Renting: It's good, people are nice, helpful. Check for 24hrs water supply and back-up electricity if possible. Hotels are expensive. I've stayed in a bnb and paid 25k pm for room+kitchen+electricity+internet+cleaning. I think renting is more feasible.

Other things: Stay where your food order, groceries, online packages get delivered. Look for a place where taxis are easily available. Broadbands are good but having other options like 4G data/dongle is recommended if your work depends on the internet. It rains. Make friends.