"India's Cost of Living on the Rise": IIT Alumnus' Post Initiates Controversial Online Discussion
Life in India: Expensive Dream or Genuine Concern?
Are we quietly succumbing to the high cost of living in India? A viral tweet from IIT Bombay alum Monali Dambre echoes the sentiments of many, as she voices her worries over escalating costs - even in small, tier-3 towns.
"I'm finding it hard to ignore the rising costs, even in supposedly budget-friendly towns. I can't help but wonder about the struggling lower and middle class, and how they're managing... or how they're going to survive in the coming years," she shared on social media.
With uncertainty clouding her thoughts, Dambre admitted she wasn't sure if she was reading too much into it, but noted the rising prices feel "awkward."
Even in bustling cities like Bengaluru, she highlighted the steep surge in grocery bills for everyday items. "Basic produce like fruits, veggies, and daily essentials - it all feels unusually pricy," she added.
May 3, 2025 The tweet ignited a broad discussion about inflation, stagnant salaries, and the pressure mounting on India's middle and lower-income groups, who are now trimming their budgets to make ends meet.
"Inflation is just 5-6%. Have faith in the numbers," a user responded.
Another user countered, "While it's true that expenses in metros are soaring, I've observed that daily necessities in tier 2 and 3 towns often sell at lower prices, and tend to be of better quality. I've seen this myself in numerous regions. The freshness and quality of the produce are top-notch, with millets being much cheaper than the standard grains like wheat."
"In Bengaluru, the monthly cost of living for a family of four would easily surpass 2 lakh per annum for a mediocre lifestyle. I believe the GST is to blame, as it's driving up prices across the board," a third user chimed in.
Users also highlighted the growing imbalance between the rising living costs and stagnant wages - a gap that refuses to narrow. "It's not an overreaction. Something feels off. Every passing day, life is becoming tougher for those who aren't even asking for much. I share her concerns. With all the delivery app charges, it feels like I'm paying twice just to have groceries delivered home. Of course, I could opt for the local vegetable market, but even that's starting to feel unaffordable," the fourth user wrote.
Affordability Factors
Inflation and housing trends impact the cost of living, but smaller towns and cities might still offer relatively affordable living conditions for middle and lower-income families. Factors like government initiatives supporting home ownership and rental rates in metropolitan areas could push people towards property investment rather than renting. In contrast, lower housing and living expenses in smaller cities make them a more manageable choice for many. however, economic elements, such as wage growth and income stability, remain critical in determining long-term affordability.
- The cost of living in India, even in supposedly budget-friendly towns, is escalating, concerning many individuals like Monali Dambre.
- Inflation, stagnant salaries, and the pressure on India's middle and lower-income groups are becoming increasingly apparent in discussions about the high cost of living.
- Users have noted the steep surge in grocery bills in cities like Bengaluru, noting that even basic produce like fruits, vegetables, and daily essentials feel unusually pricy.
- The monthly cost of living for a family in Bengaluru can easily surpass 2 lakh per annum for a mediocre lifestyle, with users blaming the GST for driving up prices across the board.
- Economic factors, such as wage growth and income stability, remain critical in determining long-term affordability, with many users expressing concerns about the growing imbalance between the rising living costs and stagnant wages.
