BENGALURU: A Bengaluru manager’s comments about the city’s cost of living have sparked a discussion online, with users debating how far a salary can stretch in one of India’s most expensive urban centres.Content creator and product manager Shivank Goel shared his views in an Instagram video, describing the expenses he encounters as a working professional in Bengaluru.
‘If your salary is less than Rs 1 lakh’
Goel said people earning below Rs 1 lakh a month should reconsider moving to Bengaluru, pointing to the cost of housing, eating out, events and hobbies.“If your salary is less than 1 lakh, you shouldn’t come to Bangalore. Because the definition of fun here is overspending and cafe culture. Every event is ticketed, and every hobby is a subscription,” he said.
‘12 LPA salary feels like 4 LPA’
Goel argued that Bengaluru’s expenses can significantly reduce the spending power of salaried professionals.“The city is so commercialized that a 12 LPA salary feels like 4 LPA, and stepping out of your home is just one long bill,” he said.He also highlighted rental costs, saying large security deposits have become a common expense for people looking for accommodation in the city.
Rs 2 lakh deposit, Rs 600 cab ride
Goel pointed to commuting as another expense, particularly when traffic adds significant travel time.“Paying a Rs 2 lakh security deposit is normal without anyone questioning it, as is paying Rs 600 for a 5 km cab ride where you spend an hour stuck in traffic,” he said.He also rejected the idea that residents can simply turn to free public spaces for affordable recreation, citing Cubbon Park as an example.“Don’t tell me to go to Cubbon Park, because that takes planning a day in advance and 4 hours out of my life,” Goel said.
Social media users join the debate
The video prompted users to share their own experiences of living in Bengaluru and other major cities.One user wrote, “I come there for 10 days and I spend my monthly salary in that time.”Another said the issue was not unique to Bengaluru, writing, “I think that’s the problem with most metro cities at this point :(”A third user compared Bengaluru with Mumbai, saying the salary threshold would be around Rs 3 lakh a month there.
