I can empathize. Infra is nowhere near NCR and since you're so used to the metro network.
Things are bright for Bengaluru nevertheless. Once the ORR metro is completed (2yrs, give or take a few months) the outlook will be very different.
South India is very beautiful and definitely worth traveling, even if it comes at a higher cost. Don't move back before visiting places like Coorg, Hampi, Kodai, Ooty, Wayanad, Pondi, to name a few.
Bengaluru is expensive because living near the ORR belt is similar to living in South Delhi or posh GGN.
Try Kanakpura, Whitefield, E-city (even places in HSR). It's an added 20 minutes to your usual commute, but that's alright. It'd be the same if you were going from say Janakpuri to GGN for work.