A viral post on social media has caught the attention of thousands, as a 44-year-old Indian-American tech professional lays out his case for retiring comfortably in India on a monthly budget of ₹3 lakh. Currently based in the United States, the NRI plans to return to India at the age of 48, once his daughter starts college. With a net worth of $2 million (approximately ₹16 crore), he believes that is more than enough to sustain him and his wife for the rest of their lives—even into the 2070s. His investments, mostly in the U.S., are assumed to yield 6% post-tax annually. With Indian inflation also pegged at 6% and the rupee assumed to remain stable against the dollar, he expects his purchasing power to hold steady.
He outlines a lifestyle based in Bangalore or Chennai, with an estimated monthly spend of ₹3 lakh. This includes ₹1 lakh for renting a luxury 2BHK apartment, ₹50,000 on groceries, ₹30,000 on dining and social outings, and the rest spread across utilities, transportation, medical needs, household help, entertainment, and travel—mostly one annual trip to the U.S. to visit his children. While he notes he could cut some expenses—like opting for a ₹50,000 apartment instead—he prefers the comfort and peace of mind a more premium lifestyle brings.
Importantly, he has set aside separate funds for his children: $200,000 each for their U.S. college education and $400,000 each toward a down payment on a future home. Beyond that, he has no intention of passing on additional wealth, preferring instead to use his money for a meaningful, stress-free life with his wife. “I don’t need luxury cars in India. I’ve already driven a $100k car in the U.S. I’m perfectly fine with Uber or a ₹30 lakh car,” he wrote.
Addressing the common concern that retirement might lead to boredom, he dismisses it outright. His plan involves daily workouts, quality time with his wife, the occasional movie, phone calls with his kids, and a lot of downtime—exactly how he likes it. “I’m the kind of person who can spend several weeks at home without stepping out and not get bored, as long as my wife is with me,” he explains. “She’s similar—give her a couple of outings a week and she’s happy.”
“Your plan looks sound”
Netizens quickly reacted to the post. A user said, “You know so much about yourself unlike others here. Just follow your gut, your plan looks sound and you only know this better.” Another asked, “$3M earns $20,000 per month @ 8%. Thats approx ₹17,00,000 per month. Why do you restrict your budget to ₹3,00,000 ??.” “8% should be achievable in hybrid & debt funds. It may not be consistent every month but still, even with ₹4,00,000 monthly expenses, he should be good, I believe,” said a user.
“If you give away $1M you will be left with $2m. If that including home equity, 401k etc? Do you plan to transfer everything in INR and keep it in FD? For 16 Cr you can expect 5-6 lakhs per month interest easily post tax. I’m 46 and thinking similar. Want to go back in 4 years. But my life not so well planned like you. Less NW, kids still very small. But still planning to go back,” claimed another. “Nope, you gotta earn more. That’s not enough if you plan to pay for their education, college, wedding and home down payment,” opined a user.