Delhi man says Rs 70,000 is enough to live well, shares full expense list on Reddit

India Today

a day ago

A Delhi-based man has gone viral for claiming that he and his partner live comfortably in the capital with a combined monthly income of Rs 70,000.In a Reddit post on r/personalfinanceindia, he broke down their shared expenses - from rent and groceries to pet care, arguing that one doesn't need a Rs 7 lakh salary to 'breathe' in Delhi, contrary to popular belief.advertisement'I earn less than 50k a month and breathe just fine in Delhi,' read the title of the Reddit post in which the man said that he doesn't even make that much in some months, since he works as a freelance content strategist.
'While on others, I probably make more. My partner has a regular full-time job. She and I take care of our household needs without much difficulty,' he added.The couple resides in a 2BHK DDA flat in South Delhi, paying Rs 24,000 in rent. Rented furniture costs them another Rs 5,000 monthly, while housekeeping, a cook, and groceries amount to Rs 20,000. Rs 5,000 is set aside for utilities and subscriptions, and another Rs 10,000 goes towards eating out, shopping, and other discretionary expenses.'We don't have an active holiday budget, but we are committed to making one and exploring India and some nearby Asian countries,' the man said.advertisementDespite having three pets, only one of whom currently stays with them, the couple manages occasional medical expenses when needed. They don't own a car or luxury gadgets, have no credit cards, and live without EMIs or loans.'So no, we don't need Rs 7 lakh a month to breathe. We do it for Rs. 70,000 instead. And let me repeat. We are privileged middle class Indians to even be able to do that. I hope the ones earning Rs 7 lakh a month, living in Gurgaon realise that too,' the man added.Read the post here:
The Reddit post triggered several responses, with many applauding the couple's grounded lifestyle and financial choices.'You are an inspiration. In a country where the median income is about Rs 30,000, I'm always infuriated when people with Rs 30 LPA incomes complain about being poor,' a user said.advertisementOthers offered words of caution. 'Medical emergency funds, investment, contingency funds - you're living paycheck to paycheck. Any single event can topple your life,' one user warned.Some users brought in their own perspectives on financial planning, inheritance, and the illusion of wealth. 'Not everyone wants to build wealth, even the privileged ones,' a user added. Another wrote, 'People with Rs 26 LPA spend like they're living paycheck to paycheck.'Several users agreed that the post documented what a typical middle-class life in India looks like - decent earnings, manageable expenses, family support, and a debt-free mindset.'Savings for emergencies, yes. But trying to save Rs 1-1.5 lakh a month and calling that middle class is delusional,' a user said.However, amid all the financial advice and debate, a recurring theme emerged: gratitude. One user summed it up poignantly, 'Today when I went for a shower, I enjoyed it and felt alive. Maybe it's time we stop chasing what we don't have and start enjoying the little things.'- EndsTune InMust Watch