Bengaluru Man Says Rs 1.5 Lakh/Month Is Not Enough

INDIA’S Silicon Valley Bengaluru is generally considered a land of opportunities; young professionals flock to the city for its job market, high salaries and robust tech ecosystem. Yet, the city’s living expenses are so high that even a take-home Rs 1.5 lakh salary per month — high by the standards of most other parts of India — leaves most people feeling like they can’t afford anything. A recent Reddit post with a caption by a 26-year-old working professional in Bengaluru that went viral shows just exactly what’s wrong beneath the surface despite earning what many would call a dream income. His story resonates with thousands for whom the paycheck-to-paycheck lifestyle is little more than a joke, increasingly unaffordable as inflation and rent and costs soar. Earning Rs 1.5 Lakh in Bengaluru Is No Cakewalk.

The user, who explained his finances:

“So, I (26M) live in Bangalore with my to-be wife(26F). I get paid around Rs 1.5 lakh/month and have my family and an EMI to manage back in my hometown. I save some money every month 30-40k or so.” However, he and his fiancée remain in PG, even after getting a decent salary, rather than renting an actual apartment. The primary reason? Soaring rental prices in Bengaluru and their constantly rising cost of living.

Top Expenses Breakdown In Bengaluru

1.Housing: It’s a Financial Nightmare

Housing is the biggest cost of living for any resident of Bengaluru.

• Rentals: A decent 2BHK apartment in areas like Indiranagar, Koramangala, or Whitefield will put you back anywhere between Rs 45,000 to Rs 80,000 per month. Even in the outskirts, rent isn’t cheap.
• Money and Security Deposits: Most landlords ask for 8–10-month security deposits.
• PG & Co-living Costs: People who cannot afford apartments, PGs have an average monthly cost of Rs 12,000 to Rs 25,000 with shared facilities.

2.The Cost of Food Quality Will Cost More

Even dining out or buying groceries is costing more.

• Dining in a restaurant: A basic meal in an average restaurant can set you back by Rs 300-500 per person, while fine dining can take it over Rs 1,500 for two.
• Grocery Prices: Essential grocery prices have gone up in the last few years by about 18-25%. Organic or premium products are much more expensive.
• How much it costs: Now, if you order via Swiggy or Zomato, you’ll have to pay additional delivery charges + taxes on your meal, so even a budget meal ends up being expensive.

3.The Hidden Cost of Convenience: Transportation

• Fuel Costs: Petrol and diesel prices change but are very high, thus car travel is expensive.
• Ola/Uber Fares: Rides from app-based cab companies have now been erratic and high-priced.
• Metro & BMTC: Public transport is cheaper, but the Bengaluru metro and bus fares have also increased gradually.

4.Healthcare — an expensive requirement

Know what the maximum cost is of the basic treatment in a few things like doctor consultation: A normal private clinic consultation is between Rs800-1,500.

• Medicines & Tests: Thanks to medical inflation, diagnostic tests and drugs cost well more than before.
• Health Insurance: Many professionals buy private health insurance to cover the uncertainty of medical expenses.

5.EMI & Family Responsibilities

For many professionals, financial commitments go beyond personal costs. The Reddit user highlighted:

• EMI Payments: A lot of folks are repaying loans for education, home, or vehicles, which eats away a sizable part of their salary.
• Family Support: It is common for workers to send money home to support their parents, adding another level of pressure to the finances.
• Savings & Emergency funds: With expenses going high, saving anything above Rs 30,000-40,000/month is not possible. A single job loss could result in financial collapse in only 3-4 months.

Why Does Bengaluru Cost So Much?

The cost of living in Bengaluru has been escalating for several reasons:

• Inflation: The general increase in prices and fall in the purchasing value of money.
• High Demand, Low Supply: IT professionals have flooded the economy, driving up demand for housing, transport and food.
• Startup & IT Boom: Rising Salaries = Rising Spending = Rising Prices
• Weak Infrastructure: Water scarcity, traffic jams and bad urban planning drive up living and maintenance costs.

Is This a Bengaluru-Specific Problem, or an Indian Issue?

As bad as Bengaluru’s inflation and rising costs are, other metro cities like Mumbai, Delhi, and Hyderabad are not too far behind. But Bengaluru’s infrastructural woes, coupled with its sudden economic spurt, have exacerbated it.

How Do You Make Ends Meet in a High-Cost City?

If income versus expenses is a struggle, here are some financial interventions:

• Budgeting & Expense Tracking

You can track and curb spending by using apps, such as Walnut, Money view, or YNAB. Use trend analysis techniques to spot unnecessary expenses.

• Cost-Saving Alternatives

Housing: Share accommodation or move a little far from prime spots. Transport: Public transport or cycle — it is cheaper than travelling in cab. Food: Prepare meals at home instead of eating out often.

• Increase Your Income Streams

Think about freelancing, consulting or passive income sources. In the meantime, invest in yourself and negotiate for better salaries to mitigate inflationary pressure.

• Intelligent investing to ensure your financial future

Invest the money in logistics into mutual fund stocks and real estate. Have an emergency fund of at least 6 months of expenses.

Conclusion: Is Rs 1.5 Lakh Sufficient?

Bengaluru offers high-paying jobs, but income levels don’t match increasing expenses. With salaries unable to catch up with inflation, financial planning is necessary to survive in this high-cost environment. And Rs 1.5 lakh per month making you feel broke is what it is. What do you think? Bengaluru cost of living — does it makes sense, or has it gone haywire? Let us know in the comments!