How much do H1B visa holders need to live in the US? Indian startup founder reveals cost of living, “No one tells you…” | Today’s news
A big American salary can look impressive when converted to Indian Rupees. But entrepreneur Aniruddha Anjana says family expenses can change that picture.
In an Instagram post, the former American corporate professional discussed the comfortable cost of living. His estimates included two adults and two children in ten major American cities.
Anjana used the 50/30/20 budget rule to explain her calculations. This allocates half of the budget to fixed expenses, including daily necessities. Another 30% covers necessities such as vacations and entertainment. The remaining 20% goes to investments.
According to his post, San Francisco was asking $407,597 ( ₹3.91 crore per annum, which is the highest estimate. San Jose followed at $402,771 ( ₹3.86 crore), while Boston stood at $368,742 ( ₹3.53 million crowns).
Its estimate in New York was $337,875 ( ₹3.24 crore), followed by Seattle at $334,131 ( ₹3.20 million crowns). Next came Washington DC, which required $319,405 ( ₹3.06 crore) under its proposed framework.
Chicago requested $242,278 ( ₹2.32 crore), while Austin needed $229,050 ( ₹2.19 billion crowns). Dallas stood at $214,490 ( ₹2.06 crore), while Houston’s estimate was the lowest at $204,672 ( ₹1.96 million crowns).
Even Houston topped $200,000 ( ₹1.92 million) per annum in its comparison. Anjana argued that many H1B visa holders outside of large tech companies earn significantly less.
“Here’s the part no one tells you when you’re chasing the American dream: a salary that sounded great in India often barely covers a stressed and stretched budget once you’re actually living here with your family,” the startup’s founder wrote on Instagram.
LiveMint could not independently verify the authenticity of the living expenses shared by Aniruddha Anjana.
Earn in dollars, pay in rupees
Anjana also described why he changed his own work arrangements. He said he felt underpaid for the sacrifices his American life had made.
“There’s another way to think about it. Instead of just chasing higher pay in the same system, you can build an income that’s not at all tied to the cost of living in the US,” he wrote.
He subsequently set up an American company and returned to India to manage it. His approach allows him to earn dollars while paying daily expenses in rupees.
“I know I was underpaid for what I gave up, so I decided to change that. I started a company in the US and moved back to India to run it – I earn in dollars but spend in rupees.”
“That one shift is what really gave me the freedom to travel to the US whenever I want, on my own terms, and live the version of the American dream that really works for my life,” he added.
