A man from Delhi, who earns less than Rs 50,000 a month, has claimed that he “breathes just fine” in the national capital and has no desire to chase Gurugram’s 7 LPA lifestyle. The man said that he and his partner spend Rs 70,000 a month.
“I earn less than 50k a month and breathe just fine in Delhi,” the man wrote on Reddit’s “PersonalFinanceIndia” community. He added that as a freelancer, some months even reaching that amount is a stretchn – while in others, he might earn more.
The man, who goes by “Paul_Semicolon1”, also shared that he and his partner, who has a full-time job, have no EMIs or outstanding loans.
The couple lives in a rented 2BHK DDA flat in South Delhi, for which they pay Rs 24,000 a month. They have also rented furniture for Rs 5,000 monthly. Their household expenses, including help, a cook, and groceries, amount to around Rs 20,000. Another Rs 5,000 is set aside for utilities and subscriptions.
“We have three pets, one stays with us currently. Some months, there are medical expenses to be taken care of,” he further said, before adding that they spend approximately Rs 10,000 every month on eating out and shopping.
“Paul_Semicolon1” also revealed that they don’t have an active holiday budget, but they are committed to making one. “[We plan to] explore India and some nearby asian countries.”
At a time when many find it hard to get by on anything under a six-figure salary, this couple seems to be doing just fine. Their secret? They’re not chasing the so-called American dream.
“We don’t have any EMIs. We don’t have any outstanding loans. We don’t have any fancy club memberships. We don’t have any credit cards. We don’t have a car or an iPhone,” he claimed, before stressing, “So no, we don’t need Rs 7 lakh a month to breathe. We do it for Rs 70,000 instead.”
However, he clarified that they can afford the typical trappings of a modern lifestyle, like club memberships, an iPhone, or even a car, but simply choose not to.
The man ended his post with a thought-provoking line: “I hope the ones earning Rs 7 lakh a month, living in Gurgaon, realise that too.”
I earn less than 50k a month and breathe just fine in Delhi!
byu/Paul_Semicolon1 inpersonalfinanceindia
Rs 70k/month vs Rs 7 LPA lifestyle: Reactions on Reddit
While many said that the couple is living from “paycheck to paycheck”, others said that the post gave them a “feel good” sense of contentment and perspective.
“Medical emergency funds, investment, contingency funds etc… you are living pay check to pay check any single event can topple your life… always prepare for it,” siad one social media user.
Another added, “You are an inspiration. In a country where the median income is about 30K a month, I’m always infuriated when I hear people complain about being poor on 30 LPA incomes. I earn pretty well, but if I didn’t recognise my privilege, I wouldn’t deserve it.”
“In the end, you are enjoying your life and also debt-free. May God bless you and your partner,” expressed a third.
A fourth commented, “Not everyone wants to build wealth, even the privileged ones.”
“I have always said this to my irl friends. Life is never expensive; lifestyle is expensive. One can live on 50k a month. Of course, nothing lavish but good enough. But then we start having aspirations, responsibilities, etc. 50k a month is good for a single person in every city except Mumbai and maybe Bangalore. NCR real estate is slightly forgiving,” said yet another Reddit user.