A social media post by an NRI has gone viral after he recounted his friend’s return to India following an eight-year stay abroad, drawing widespread attention to the country’s rapid growth and relative affordability compared with life in the US.
The post, shared on X by a man named Alok Jain, recounted how his friend was struck by the “energy” and pace of development across Indian cities, but his reaction to the cost of everyday services provoked the most online discussion.
‘Phone bills in NYC cost $600’
In his viral update, Jain said his friend highlighted that mobile and internet bills in New York can reach as high as $600 (about ₹50,000) per month, a figure that stood in sharp contrast to much lower charges for similar services in India. The visitor also pointed out that health insurance for a family of four in the US can run up to $30,000 per year, and that property tax alone can amount to nearly 2% of a home’s value annually.
A friend visited me from New York today. He had come to India after 8 yrs.
— Alok Jain ⚡ (@WeekendInvestng) December 23, 2025
He was all praise for the amazing energy in the country and how rapidly he felt India is growing.
An outsiders perspective can be so different from our own.
He was shocked to see our cost of medical…
‘Air quality better in US’
While Jain’s post acknowledged that certain aspects such as air quality may be better in the US, it emphasised that many everyday costs in India remain comparatively affordable, especially in telecommunications, healthcare, and transport. His friend’s surprise at these differences resonated with many on social media, inspiring debates on the country’s development trajectory and cost of living.
How did netizens react?
Responses to the post were mixed. Some social media users echoed the sentiment, sharing their own experiences of India’s vibrant economy and cost efficiencies relative to major Western cities. Others cautioned that direct comparisons can be misleading, noting that higher incomes and public services in places like New York come with corresponding cost structures. Commenters also pointed out issues such as civic infrastructure and quality of life factors that vary widely between nations.
“All my friends who live in Bangalore prefer Bangalore to New York City. Just like when I see my friends Ferrari, I think “wow, so impractical!” as I drive my Prius into the sunset,” a user wrote on X.
“Really? Have you seen the quality or roads, lack of footpaths, traffic etc?” another user wrote, commenting on India’s infrastructural limitations.
As the debate continued online, the viral post has underscored a growing sense of national pride among some Indians, and a reminder that perspectives can shift dramatically when seen through the eyes of those returning after long spells abroad.
(This story is based on a post shared by a social media user. The details, opinions, and statements quoted herein belong solely to the original poster and do not reflect the views of Financialexpress.com. We have not independently verified the claims.)