Techie earns ₹1.5 LPA but saves only ₹15,000; cost of living in Bengaluru leaves netizens divided

The cost of living in Bengaluru is often discussed on the internet. While some blame the rising cost of rent and real estate, others say the cost of commuting remains high because of the city’s transportation. In the midst of this, the post revealed how even people sa ₹1.5 lakh salary per month in Bengaluru will end up saving only ₹15,000 up to ₹20 thousand per month.

Cost of living in Bengaluru

A viral post by a user named AlfinCodes that appeared on X, formerly Twitter, was about a young software developer who moved to Bengaluru for his first job. A technician, although he earns ₹1.5 lakh, is trying to save due to the high cost of living. The post described that although his family and friends thought he had achieved financial freedom at a young age, the reality in Bengaluru was different.

“My cousin moved to Bangalore ₹1.5 l/month technical work. Six months later, he realized something no one tells freshers. Computer science graduate. First job as a software developer. Moved to Bengaluru for better opportunities Salary: ₹1.5 l per month. Everyone at home thought he had done it. Great technical work. Big city. Big salary. But a few months later, the reality looked different,” it said.

Non-negotiable

The post claimed that the man’s expenses are high despite earning what many would consider a well-paid salary. According to the schedule, he spent around ₹36,000 on rent for a small flat near his office, while food and groceries cost between ₹13,000 a ₹15,000 per month. The daily commute added another big expense, taxis and car rides were costly ₹6,000–8,000, largely due to traffic in Bengaluru. “Traffic is crazy,” the post said.

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Lifestyle spending such as Swiggy orders, coffee runs and weekend outings further increased monthly spending by ₹10,000-12,000.

Other expenses

However, the post also pointed out that recurring subscriptions, medical expenses, unexpected bills and sending money back home create additional financial pressure that often goes unnoticed.

Despite appearing to be financially independent, the techie is usually just scrambling at the end of each month ₹15,000-20,000.

“That’s when he realized something that most people outside of big cities don’t see. ₹1L+ salary sounds huge in your hometown. But in a city like Bangalore, that often means you’re starting over. Big salary. Small savings,” the post concluded, sparking an online debate.

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The Internet is responding

In response to the post, a user wrote in the comments: “True, it totally depends on your cost of living.”

“If your cousins are spending 10,000 to 12,000 on weekends at Swiggy and coffee and also 15,000 on groceries… they don’t know how to spend wisely,” said another.

Someone else said, “The expenses listed are mostly excessive and discretionary. You can eliminate most of them.”

Another commented: “Tbh saving a total of 20,000 every month is still better than the lack of opportunities in the home town. This is how urban civilization and modern capitalism literally converge. It’s not that it’s going to go down from here and the next paycheck will just be better.”

(Disclaimer: This report is based on user-generated content from social media. Live Mint could not independently verify the claims and does not endorse them.)