A Google techie has started a debate on social media after claiming on LinkedIn that a Rs 45 LPA in Bengaluru offers a better lifestyle than a Rs 1.15 crore package in London. In the next few lines, Vaibhav Agarwal explained the concept of PPP, which stands for Purchasing Power Parity, to support his argument.
‘Rs 45 LPA in Bengaluru > £108k in London?’
“Rs 45 LPA in Bengaluru > £108k in London? Let’s talk PPP. On paper, £108,000 is Rs 1.15 Crore. It sounds like you are earning 2.5x more than the Bengaluru engineer. But let’s look at the lifestyle,” he wrote on LinkedIn.
He then compared the cost of living in two different cities, starting with Bengaluru.
According to him, a Rs 45 LPA salary results in a monthly take-home pay of around Rs 2.7 lakh. With this income, one can rent a luxury 2BHK apartment in a gated community for approximately Rs 50,000 in Bengaluru.
He added that everyday services remain affordable in the city. A cook typically charges Rs 5,000 per month, a maid costs around Rs 3,000, while commute can be managed via Uber and groceries delivered through quick commerce apps like Blinkit.
“Status: Top 1% Earner. You live like a King. You outsource every chore,” he added.
In contrast, Agarwal said that a £108,000 annual salary in London will be a net income of about £6,100 monthly after income tax and National Insurance deductions.
Housing, however, takes up a significant portion of that income. A decent one-bedroom apartment in Zone 2 (outside central London) would cost around £2,200 per month, or roughly Rs 2.4 lakh, he said.
“Lifestyle: Public Transport (Tube), Cook your own food, Clean your own toilet, Do your own dishes. Domestic help is a luxury for the ultra-rich,” he described the life in the capital of the UK, before adding, “Status: Upper Middle Class. You live a comfortable, but standard life.”
‘Don’t convert Pounds to Rupees…’
Agarwal, towards the end of his LinkedIn post, said that those prioritising luxury and comfort should choose Bengaluru, while London makes sense for people seeking global exposure, cleaner air, and a stronger currency.
“Don’t convert Pounds to Rupees. Convert Lifestyle to Lifestyle,” he added.
Here’s what social media users have to say:
Agarwal’s post quickly gained traction on LinkedIn, with many flocking to the comments section to share their thoughts.
“So cleaning your own room and cooking your own food is luxury and exploiting cheap labor in india in the name of that luxury? And that is apparently a definition of lifestyle for you. London has walkable roads, a dense public network, people also preferring riding bicycles. Bro atleast research they love the way of living!” said one LinkedIn user.
Another added, “London – 1-You will get global exposure, 2-Better Air, 3-Free education in State funded school till secondary school. But it’s still From my point of view stay in India and look for another switch for 55 LPA.”
“But you also forgot that, earning 45+ LPA in India (in hand by your calculation) is lot harder than getting 108 euro Job in England (actually that just above the average pay per SDE there),” commented a third.
A fourth joined, “PPP math is brutal when you factor in rent, healthcare, and visa stress. I freelanced remotely for UK clients while living in Mumbai, making less than half their salary, but saving three times more. London rent alone ate up 40% of their take-home pay. Mine was 15%. The real gap isn’t currency conversion. It’s disposable income after basic survival costs. £108k sounds huge until you’re paying £2k/month for a 1-bedroom flat. ₹45L in Bengaluru gets you a comfortable life and actual savings. The question isn’t which number is bigger. It’s which life leaves you with breathing room.”
Disclaimer: The content in this article is based on a viral social media discussion and is intended for informational and entertainment purposes only. The financial figures and strategies mentioned are personal to the user and have not been independently verified. This story does not constitute financial advice or an endorsement of any specific investment strategy. Readers are advised to consult a SEBI-registered investment advisor before making financial decisions.