A Google software engineer, Maitri Mangal, has shed light on the steep cost of living in New York City, revealing her monthly expenses amount to approximately Rs 4.28 lakh (around $5,000). Her viral Instagram reel, reshared by content creator Kushal Lodha, offers a candid look into the financial realities of residing in one of the world’s most expensive cities.
According to Ms. Mangal’s detailed breakdown, a significant portion of her expenditure is allocated to rent, which stands at $3,000. This figure aligns with typical rental costs in New York City, where decent accommodations can range from $2,000 to $3,000 per month.
Daily expenses and outings, encompassing groceries, dining, and various miscellaneous costs, add an additional $1,000 to $2,000 to her monthly budget. Commuting, in contrast, remains relatively affordable at $100-$200.
Considering the usual data available on social media, the average cost of living in New York City generally varies between $4,500 and $6,000 per month, influenced by individual lifestyle choices and accommodation. Housing, utilities, groceries, transportation, and healthcare are major contributors to these overall expenses.
In the reel’s caption, Lodha quoted Ms. Mangal stating that the average package for a software engineer at Google is approximately Rs 1.6 crore across various roles. He highlighted the “eye-opening” nature of her detailed expense breakdown, from rent to groceries.
The viral video has elicited a mixed reaction online. While some users commended Ms. Mangal’s transparency regarding her finances, others criticised the post for a perceived lack of detailed information. Comments included queries about tax implications and requests for more specific insights into the “average package” at Google, suggesting the need for clarification on factors like experience level.
