When it comes to living in metro cities, it won’t be wrong to say that one has to deal with the rising expenses that range from housing to healthcare, education, and even daily necessities. In an expensive place like the national capital of India, a man recently claimed that he and his partner are doing just fine under a six-figure salary. Taking to Reddit, the man offered a complete breakdown of their shared expenses, stating that they make a collective income of Rs 70,000 every month.
He also argued that one doesn’t need a Rs 7 lakh salary to survive in Delhi, contrary to the belief that living costs are higher in the city. “I earn less than 50k a month and breathe just fine in Delhi,” the title of the post read.
I earn less than 50k a month and breathe just fine in Delhi!
byu/Paul_Semicolon1 inpersonalfinanceindia
Mentioning that he works as a freelance content strategist, the user noted that his earnings are not fixed every month, whereas his partner has a full-time job, and they take care of their household needs without any difficulty. Residing in a 2BHK DDA flat in South Delhi, the couple’s monthly expenses include Rs 24,000 for rent, Rs 5,000 for furniture rent, Rs 20,000 for groceries, house help, and a cook, Rs 5,000 for utilities and other bills, and Rs 10,000 for eating out, shopping, and other miscellaneous expenses.
The user also mentioned having three pets, with one of them living with the couple, thus bringing some medical expenses. They don’t have any EMIs, outstanding loans, fancy club memberships, or credit cards, nor do they possess a car or an iPhone, he added. “So no, we don’t need Rs. 7 lakh a month to breathe. We do it for Rs. 70,000 instead. And let me repeat. We are privileged middle-class Indians to even be able to do that. I hope the ones earning Rs 7 lakh a month and living in Gurgaon realize that too,” the user concluded the post.
The Reddit post garnered mixed reactions on the platform, with discussions also going around about saving plans for the future. One wrote, “Medical emergency funds, investment, contingency funds, etc. You are living paycheck to paycheck; any single event can topple your life… always prepare for it,” while another added, “The point is that you can very comfortably live life in a tier 1 metro city on 70k, and if you budget better, you can save decent money for emergencies and investments too. It’ll take some time, but everyone doesn’t need to have it figured out completely by their 30s. Savings will grow with time. That’s true everywhere.”
Praising the man’s optimistic approach, one added, “You are an inspiration. In a country where the median income is about 30K a month, I’m always infuriated when I hear people complain about being poor on 30 LPA incomes. I earn pretty well, but if I didn’t recognise my privilege, I wouldn’t deserve it.”
Reddit users strongly argued over how life has never been very expensive, but it is one’s lifestyle that makes the changes.