Bengaluru: A Russian content creator, Yulia, has sparked widespread discussion on the cost of living in Bengaluru after sharing a video detailing her monthly expenses in the city. The video, titled “How much does life really cost in Bangalore”, has gone viral on social media, giving an eye-opening perspective on expenses for expats and locals alike.
Monthly expenses revealed
Yulia, who has been living in India for over a decade, shared that she spends Rs 1.25 lakh on house rent and Rs 45,000 on a maid every month. Her other expenses include Rs 30,000 on school fees, Rs 75,000 on food and household needs, Rs 30,000 on health and fitness, and Rs 5,000 on petrol.
She explained that while personal monthly expenses can be optimised to Rs 25,000–35,000, a family of three living comfortably in Bengaluru requires at least Rs 2.5 lakh per month.
Life in Bengaluru: Then and now
Reflecting on her early days in the city, Yulia said that 11 years ago, she could rent a semi-furnished 2 BHK in HSR Layout for Rs 25,000, and Meru cabs to the airport cost around Rs 700. She highlighted that the cost of living has escalated sharply over the years, especially for those seeking a comfortable lifestyle with good amenities.
“Things were much more reasonable back then, possibly because my home currency was stronger,” she added.
Reactions from social media
Yulia’s video has nearly three lakh views and hundreds of comments. Reactions are mixed, with many users surprised by the high expenditure.
Some commented that her lifestyle likely contributes to higher costs, while others noted that even a 3 BHK in a prestigious apartment rarely exceeds Rs 40,000 per month. One user remarked, “I’ve lived in Bengaluru for over 20 years and haven’t spent even half that amount monthly.”
The maid expense of Rs 45,000 drew particular attention, with users calling it excessive compared to local standards.
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Bengaluru among India’s expensive cities
Yulia compared Bengaluru to other Indian metros, stating that cities like Gurgaon and Mumbai are even more expensive for families seeking a comfortable life. Her video sheds light on the realities of living costs for expats and well-off locals, sparking debates on affordability and lifestyle choices.
Conclusion
Yulia’s detailed breakdown of her monthly spending provides a stark illustration of Bengaluru’s rising cost of living, especially for families maintaining a high standard of lifestyle. While her expenses are above the average for most residents, the video has ignited conversations about urban living, rent escalation, and lifestyle inflation in India’s Silicon Valley.