A viral Reddit post titled “I am leaving Bengaluru after 3 months” has struck a chord with many netizens grappling with the high cost of living in India’s tech capital. The original post, shared in a Bengaluru subreddit, sparked intense discussion around urban affordability, work-life balance, and the growing allure of tier-2 cities.
‘Too expensive, too exhausting’
The Reddit user, who claimed to have lived in Bengaluru for just three months, said the city’s rent, food, and transport costs left him with almost no savings. “Very very expensive,” he wrote, citing a daily commute of four hours and a lack of accessible public transport options like metro or Rapido bike services.
The user added he was now shifting to Kolkata or Hyderabad for a similar job with better pay, lower rent, and significantly improved quality of life. “Thank you, only the weather is amazing,” he concluded.
The post garnered widespread support from other Reddit users, many of whom shared similar experiences. One wrote, “Good decision buddy… It’s high time Bengaluru realizes that living here is harder than working here.” Another user encouraged others to consider tier-2 cities, arguing that they offer better savings, shorter commutes, and improved work-life balance.
“You’ll save a lot, have more free time, and reach your office in 10 minutes. Quality of life at any tier-2 is better than tier-1 now,” a commenter advised.
Many echoed that tech companies enforcing return-to-office mandates in tier-1 cities were making life harder for employees, pushing them to explore quieter, more affordable alternatives.
Mixed reaction
However, not all responses were sympathetic. One Redditor criticised the original poster, saying, “You couldn’t hack it in this city. Maybe those other cities are more your speed.” The user implied that while some struggle, others thrive in Bengaluru, buying homes and enjoying the city’s vibrant lifestyle.
Another pointedly questioned whether the poster had actually lived in Bengaluru, referencing their profile and suggesting exaggerated opinions about locals.