Is ₹1 Lakh a Month the New Normal? Bengaluru Woman’s Expense List Sparks Cost Debate

The cost of living in Bengaluru has come back into sharp focus after a city-based woman shared her monthly expense breakup on social media, claiming it nearly costs ₹1 lakh to live alone. 

The Instagram video, posted by Shradha Saini, quickly went viral and triggered intense online discussion around rent, daily commute and lifestyle expenses in India’s tech hub. The debate highlights growing concerns that the cost of living in Bengaluru may be rising faster than income growth for young professionals.

What the viral expense list reveals about everyday expenses

In her Instagram reel, Saini offered a transparent look into her finances after recently relocating to the city. According to the video, her basic monthly expenses stand at around ₹40,000, covering rent, utilities, apartment maintenance, cleaning services and groceries.

She further explained her weekday commute, stating that she spends ₹50 every morning on an auto to reach work and walks back home in the evening. This daily travel pattern works out to nearly ₹1,000 a month. On weekends, however, she relies heavily on cabs for shopping, social outings and meeting friends, adding another ₹5,000 to her monthly budget.

When discretionary spending such as dining out, shopping and personal purchases are included, her total monthly outgo approaches ₹1 lakh. The full details of her expense list were reported by Hindustan Times in its coverage of the viral post, which can be read here:
https://www.hindustantimes.com/trending/rs-1-lakh-a-month-to-live-alone-in-bengaluru-womans-expense-list-sparks-discussion-101765868286456.html
 

How Bengaluru’s living costs have evolved over time

The discussion around affordability is not new. Bengaluru has consistently ranked among India’s most expensive cities for renters since 2023. Multiple Indian news reports and real estate analyses have pointed to 20–30 percent rental increasesin areas such as Whitefield, Bellandur and Indiranagar after companies resumed office operations.

A similar cost-of-living debate surfaced in 2024, when social media users compared Bengaluru’s expenses with Mumbai and Gurugram. While Mumbai remains more expensive in terms of rent, analysts noted that transport, food and lifestyle costs often make the cost of living in Bengaluru comparable for single professionals. This aspect was also highlighted in Mathrubhumi English’s report on the viral expense list, available here:
https://english.mathrubhumi.com/news/india/rs-1-lakh-a-month-to-live-alone-in-bengaluru-this-womans-expense-list-goes-viral-lob5esb6

Financial platforms tracking housing affordability have also flagged this trend. A 2024 explainer published by LoansJagat explains how rising urban expenses are pushing salaried individuals to reassess long-term financial commitments, including housing affordability and EMI planning. The article can be accessed at https://www.loansjagat.com/home-loan-eligibility-calculator.
 

What social media users and experts say about the trend

Social media reactions to the video have been divided. While many users agreed that the cost of living in Bengaluru has become overwhelming for single earners, others argued that lifestyle choices play a crucial role in pushing monthly expenses higher. 

Urban finance experts quoted in recent Indian media reports have observed that while ₹1 lakh a month is not the norm, it reflects a growing section of young professionals prioritising convenience, proximity to work and social mobility over cost savings.

Conclusion

The viral expense list has reopened a broader debate on affordability and lifestyle choices in India’s tech capital. 

Whether essential or discretionary, the discussion underscores how the cost of living in Bengaluru is reshaping financial planning for young urban residents.
 

Apply for Loans Fast and Hassle-Free

Apply Now

About the Author

LoansJagat Team

‘Simplify Finance for Everyone.’ This is the common goal of our team, as we try to explain any topic with relatable examples. From personal to business finance, managing EMIs to becoming debt-free, we do extensive research on each and every parameter, so you don’t have to. Scroll up and have a look at what 15+ years of experience in the BFSI sector looks like.