‘Everything Is Expensive in Bengaluru’: Viral Reddit Post Sparks Debate
User claims ₹50,000–₹60,000 salary isn’t enough for a nuclear family; sparks mixed reactions online
A Reddit post has sparked a heated debate online after a user claimed that Bengaluru tops the list as the most expensive city to live in across India. Posting under the handle ‘Optimal-Animal-90’, the user compared the cost of living in Bengaluru to other major cities like Pune, Ahmedabad, Mumbai, Hyderabad, and Kolkata.
“People, I have lived in Pune, Ahmedabad, Mumbai. I have friends in Hyderabad and Kolkata. All these cities offer affordable options—from street food to local transport like autos. But here, everything is costly,” the Redditor wrote, expressing frustration over the rising expenses in India’s tech hub.
“₹50,000–₹60,000 Salary Isn’t Enough”
The user argued that a monthly income of ₹50,000 to ₹60,000 is no longer sufficient to support a nuclear family in Bengaluru. Citing a recent trip to Mumbai, the Redditor said, “I had to get to a destination just 2 km from the railway station and the Mumbai auto guy charged me ₹30. I was shocked and double-confirmed before getting in. Even street food starts at ₹10–15 there!”
Comparing cities, the post emphasized that while places like Ahmedabad have relatively low rents, Bengaluru’s high cost is reflected in nearly every aspect—housing, food, local transport, and general lifestyle.
Mixed Reactions Pour In
The post quickly gained traction, garnering over 100 comments from users across the country, many of whom weighed in with their own experiences and opinions.
One user refuted the claim, writing, “Bangalore is nowhere, I repeat nowhere close to being as expensive as Mumbai. I’ve lived in both for years.” Another chimed in with, “Mumbai street food is on another level in terms of price and quantity. No comparison whatsoever.”
However, several commenters supported the original claim. “Hyderabad is getting just as costly as Bangalore. I’ve seen a big jump in the past year,” one said.
A user from Pune commented, “Guru, I’m staying in Pune now and I just want to come back to Bengaluru. The food and infrastructure here are so poor.”
Others pointed to basic economics, highlighting that Bengaluru’s popularity has driven up prices. “People are flocking to Bengaluru for a reason, and high demand always leads to high prices,” noted one commenter.
Adding a different perspective, a user from Gurgaon remarked, “Sorry boys, but Gurgaon is more expensive. The only thing that feels overpriced in Bengaluru is auto rides—normal cabs are about the same everywhere.”
The Larger Cost of Living Conversation
The Reddit thread reflects a broader conversation taking place in urban India, where rising housing costs, inflation, and urban migration are reshaping how residents perceive affordability. While official data often ranks Mumbai and Delhi among the costliest cities, lived experiences suggest that the gap may be narrowing—especially in tech-driven cities like Bengaluru.
