India vs Germany: Multinational couple reveals which country is actually more affordable in viral post | Today’s news
Multinational couple, Sofia and Gokul, took to Instagram to share the stark differences between the cost of living in India and Germany. The couple, who share a joint social media account under ‘fiaandgoki’, currently lives in Puducherry.
Sofia, who is a German national, moved to Puducherry after her marriage to Gokul, an Indian.
In a viral Instagram Reel, they shared the key differences they noticed in the two countries’ cost of living, including average salaries, taxes, rent and transportation costs.
They noted that the cost of living depends largely on whether one lives in a big city or a village and how one lives.
Here is an excerpt of “Life in India vs. Germany” by Sofia and Gokul:
In particular, the couple later clarified that there is a flaw in India’s after-tax income – “With an average income, there should not be a tax cut.”
They also noted that unlike India, health and life insurance is mandatory in Germany. — “We have free/affordable healthcare in India.”
Sofia and Gokul also clarified that their Reel focuses solely on the average income of two people and said that the reality could be lower or higher depending on where (city, village) and how you live (family, lifestyle, travel).
They also said that unlike in India, many insurance plans (health, pension, etc.) are mandatory in Germany. “In India we have free/cost healthcare.
How netizens reacted:
Social media users noted some discrepancies in the couple’s math, particularly their insurance and after-tax income. “0 insurance is misleading. It makes us think we have free insurance,” the user said. Another user said: “800 for shipping… maybe you ride a bike?”
Several netizens noted that despite the higher cost of living, German nationals still have a nice amount left over to spend and enjoy a better standard of living.
“Very interesting! Thanks for sharing. More income, more expenses. It all just about balances out,” said one netizen.
“She still has 350,000 left. Quality of life is high. Standard of living too,” added another. “Yet he has millions and we can spend them in India.