Once the land of opportunity for India’s tech talent, Bengaluru is now drawing concern over its rapidly rising cost of living—an issue that has hit the city’s middle class, especially IT professionals, hard. A viral LinkedIn post by Harish A N, director at Ceiyone, lays bare the painful paradox: a city full of dreams that’s becoming unaffordable to live in.

From Dream Destination to Financial Strain
Milk prices have gone up by ₹4/litre, diesel nears ₹91.02/litre, and the Namma Metro hiked its maximum fare to ₹90. Rents in areas like Whitefield and Koramangala have soared to ₹40,000/month for a 2BHK, up from ₹25,000 just a year ago. Meanwhile, freshers and newcomers from smaller cities struggle to stay afloat, caught between stagnant wages and spiraling expenses.

Commute and Chaos
Long commute times—especially in gridlocked zones like Hebbal—add to the frustration. With electricity tariffs, garbage taxes, and school fees shooting up, many feel Bengaluru is becoming less of a tech hub and more of a survival test.

What Keeps Them Hooked? The Weather.
Despite the economic crunch, many residents remain because of Bengaluru’s famed climate. As Harish puts it, “It’s hard to say goodbye.” For many, the cool breeze offers emotional respite from the financial heat.

Online Outrage & Possible Solutions
His post has triggered wide conversation online. While some lament that Bengaluru is “catching up with Bombay” in terms of unaffordability, others advocate large-scale adoption of remote work to reduce pressure on infrastructure and rent.

The Bigger Picture
With bachelors now spending ₹40,000+ monthly and families shelling out over ₹90,000, Bengaluru’s affordability crisis has reached a tipping point. What was once a launchpad for middle-class prosperity is now testing their endurance.

The Final Question
As Harish poignantly asks, “Is it just Bengaluru, or are cities around the world pricing out the very people who built them?”

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