A social media post detailing the experience of living in India’s technology hub has caught the attention of people on the internet, with several left stunned after learning about the salary and savings at the end of the month. Taking to
The post shared how his cousin, a computer science graduate, excitedly moved to Bengaluru for his first software developer job with a salary of ₹1.5 lakh per month. He added that the family back home initially believed the move meant he had “made it”.
“My cousin moved to Bengaluru for a ₹1.5L per month tech job. Six months later, he realized something no one tells freshers. A Computer Science graduate in his first software developer role, he moved to Bengaluru for better opportunities with a salary of ₹1.5L per month,” the user wrote.
“Back home, everyone thought he had made it. Big tech job. Big city. Big salary.”
Living costs quickly change the perception
However, the post explained that the reality of living in Bengaluru quickly changed that perception. According to the user, a significant portion of the salary was consumed by basic living costs.
“Rent for a small apartment near the office was ₹36K. Food and groceries cost ₹13K to ₹15K. Cabs and autos, with traffic being insane, added another ₹6K to ₹8K. Swiggy, coffee and weekends came out to ₹10K to ₹12K.”
He added that a number of overlooked expenses pile up over time.
“Then came the things nobody talks about. Subscriptions. Medical expenses. Unexpected bills. Sending money back home.”
Limited savings by month’s end
According to the post, the young professional was left with only limited savings by the end of the month.
“By the end of the month, ₹15K to ₹20K.”>savings were barely ₹15K to ₹20K.”
“That’s when he realized something most people outside big cities don’t see. A ₹1L plus salary sounds huge in your hometown, but in a city like Bengaluru, it often just means you’re getting started. Big salary. Small savings. Welcome to Bengaluru life,” the post added.
Social media users weigh in
The post has evoked several responses from social media users, many of whom discussed the cost of living in the city.
One user asked, “Is Bengaluru that expensive?” while another suggested that rent could be reduced with better location choices. “Well the rent part could be reduced if you find places a little further away from the office area along the metro, from where he could reach his office, which would save quite a lot!”
Others simply agreed with the sentiment. “It’s expensive here,” one person wrote, while another added, “Yes, that’s true. If you’re working in your hometown, you’re earning the most.”
A different user summed up the situation by calling it the “Sad reality of Bengaluru.”
Another asked: “Is Bangalore that expensive?”
Another said: “The expenses listed are mostly exaggerated and discretionary. You can do away with most of these.”
(Disclaimer: This report is based on user-generated content from social media. Mint has not independently verified the claims and does not endorse them.)
