An NRI living in New Zealand was left rethinking his plans to return to India after discovering that the cost of living in cities such as Bengaluru has risen far beyond what he had expected.
The revelation came during a discussion with a financial advisor, who shared the case as an example of a growing trend among overseas Indians planning a homecoming based on outdated assumptions about life in India.
According to the advisor, the client believed his family of four could comfortably live in Bengaluru on ₹60,000 a month and estimated that his two children’s education would cost around ₹10,000 monthly. However, when presented with current expenses, he was reportedly taken aback.
Rising costs surprise returning NRIs
Having not visited India for nearly eight years, the client was unaware of the significant increase in housing, education and lifestyle expenses across major metropolitan cities.
After reviewing the numbers, he reportedly admitted that he needed to reconsider his relocation plans, saying he never imagined cities like Bengaluru and Mumbai had become so expensive.
The financial advisor noted that similar conversations occur frequently with NRIs who left India years ago and continue to rely on outdated cost estimates.
What a family spends in a metro city today
According to the estimates shared, a family of four living comfortably in a major Indian city may now spend substantially more than many returning NRIs anticipate.
Monthly rent for a three-bedroom apartment in a decent locality can range from ₹60,000 to ₹1.2 lakh. School fees in private institutions may cost between ₹25,000 and ₹50,000 per child, while groceries, utilities, transport, healthcare and leisure expenses can add significantly to the monthly budget.
As a result, a comfortable lifestyle in cities such as Bengaluru, Mumbai or Gurugram may require between ₹2.5 lakh and ₹3.5 lakh every month.
Experts advise realistic planning
Financial planners recommend that NRIs considering a return to India speak with relatives and friends currently living in their preferred city to understand real-world expenses.
Experts also caution against relying on old retirement calculations, noting that inflation and rising urban living costs can significantly impact long-term financial security.
The case has sparked discussion online, highlighting how India’s rapidly evolving urban landscape is changing the economics of relocating back home.