For many Non-Resident Indians (NRIs), the question of moving back to India is no longer just a vague thought, it is an emotional and practical consideration. A recent social media post by an NRI mother in her late 30s has struck a chord online, reigniting the question Which Indian city offers the best lifestyle for returning NRIs, Bengaluru, Mumbai, or Hyderabad?
The woman, a mother of a two-year-old son and living abroad with her husband, says the decision to move back is not driven by money. With a net worth of $7 million and a household income of $1.3 million, financial comfort is not a concern. Instead, what is missing is connection, culture, and variety. “The only reason to come back is loneliness and being away from family,” she writes. “Food has no variety here. Same paneer recipe in every restaurant. I don’t want to eat outside anymore. No spice in life. Same boring life.”
Craving more than just comfort
The post clearly depicts a deeper longing, “not for luxury, but for a life with flavour.” While living abroad offers security, clean air, and well-planned infrastructure, many NRIs eventually find it emotionally isolating and culturally sterile.
With their eyes set on Bengaluru, they believe they can afford a good lifestyle, but they’re cautious about three key concerns: Pollution, access to high-quality, organic food, Law and order. While air purifiers and indoor plants can help manage pollution, the bigger worry remains food. “Here I always buy organic food, but I don’t see many options in India,” the user laments, echoing a common concern among NRIs used to Western food safety standards.
“Why underestimate Hyderabad?”
The post ignited a debate on which is the city best for NRIs. Another user said, “Why underestimate Hyderabad. Its literally the best place for IT folks.” “You can buy organic food pretty easily in Bangalore. As a rule of thumb, anything a private company can provide, you can get here with money. Anything where govt needs to intervene, don’t have any expectations,” noted a netizen.
“Whether or not Bangalore or even India (anywhere) works for you depends on deep personal choices. As you said Air and water pollution can be managed. You are not breathing in fumes in traffic all day. If you are vegetarian, food options are pretty decent. Even those that are not organic aren’t as bad (yet) as in America. If you are a non vegetarian, your choices simply suck (except for fish). You have to be careful where and who you buy from. (Also I am referring to eating meat / poultry everyday like in the US. Once a week India style should still be ok). Possibility of unpleasant interaction with government officials but the risk is overblown. One exception is when driving, all it takes is for some moron to fall in front of you and you will be looking at a case. But even this is managed with your money (just don’t let anyone know you have 7M). Stay in gated communities. Drive luxury cars Employ staff (maid. Driver) Life is good. If you have kids and they are 10+ the adjustment will be a problem,” added another user.
Another citizen also pointed Mumbai as an option, “Live in Mumbai if you want organic gourmet food. You can get it from Ambani’s fancy grocery store in the Jio City mall. I see many firangi expats shopping there. You cannot escape pollution in India. If that’s important to you (and it should be), better to stay in the US.”