A viral social media post by a 23-year-old engineer working with JPMorgan Chase has triggered fresh discussion around Bengaluru’s rising cost of living.
Arushi Garg shared a detailed monthly expense breakdown, giving many young professionals a relatable glimpse into life in one of India’s costliest cities.
Where the money goes each month
According to her post, rent forms the biggest share of expenses at ₹17,000 per month. She also spends ₹2,000 on household help, around ₹5,000 on groceries, and between ₹3,000 and ₹6,000 on dining out.
Shopping costs reportedly range between ₹3,000 and ₹7,000, while miscellaneous expenses such as medicines and gifts total ₹2,000 to ₹6,000. Travel adds another ₹1,000 to ₹2,000.
In total, she estimated her monthly expenses at ₹30,000 to ₹35,000.
Her caption, “Am I cooked?”, quickly resonated online, especially among younger workers balancing salaries and city expenses.
Social media reacts strongly
The post drew mixed reactions, with many users saying the budget reflected the reality of metro life. Some commented that high expenses are common in cities like Bengaluru, Mumbai and Delhi.
Others felt the spending pattern reflected lifestyle choices rather than unavoidable costs. The debate soon widened into a broader conversation on urban financial pressure.
Income vs wealth creation
Separately, Meenal Goel recently highlighted that higher salaries do not always lead to wealth creation. She said many people earning over ₹1 lakh a month still struggle to save due to rising expenses.
Experts often describe this trend as lifestyle inflation, where spending grows along with income, leaving little room for savings.
Bengaluru cost concerns continue
With rising rents, transport costs and lifestyle spending, Bengaluru continues to be seen as one of India’s most expensive cities for young professionals starting their careers.