The Struggle is Real: How Metro India’s High Earners are Feeling the Pinch
Image Source: eSamskriti
A recent post by Sarthak Ahuja has sparked a conversation about the financial struggles faced by urban professionals in India. According to Ahuja, even high earners are feeling financially stretched due to rising living costs, lifestyle aspirations, and expensive real estate.
Ahuja breaks down the math, revealing that a person earning ₹70 lakh a year is left with just ₹1 lakh per month after deducting taxes and fixed expenses, including:
- ₹1.7 lakh for a home loan EMI (for a ₹3 crore flat)
- ₹65,000 for a car loan EMI
- ₹50,000 for international school fees
- ₹15,000 for domestic help
This leaves little room for other expenses, including groceries, fuel, electricity, medical expenses, eating out, shopping and savings.
Ahuja identifies three key reasons for this financial strain:
- Rising inflation in cities like Mumbai, Gurugram, and Bengaluru
- Disproportionate cost of housing and vehicles relative to income
- Aspirational lifestyles driven by social media exposure
Many professionals have echoed similar frustrations in the comments, resonating with Ahuja’s post. His practical advice? Reconsider taking a housing loan unless absolutely necessary.
The New “Sub-Middle Class”?
Ahuja’s post highlights how high earners are being squeezed into a new “sub-middle class,” with little disposable income left by the end of the month. As one commenter noted, “By the end of the month, there’s nothing left.”
This thought-provoking post has sparked a conversation about the realities of living in metro India and the need for more viable financial planning strategies.
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- Aryan Gulati is a dedicated media student based in Meerut with a wealth of experience in various newspapers and media houses. He has numerous published articles and specializes in political and crime news writing, demonstrating a strong commitment to impactful journalism.
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