Rs 80 LPA in Bengaluru vs 100,000 euros in Germany: Mumbai woman explains why salary alone doesn't define a better life

For many professionals, landing a high-paying job abroad is often seen as the ultimate milestone. The assumption is simple: a bigger salary in a foreign country automatically translates into a better lifestyle, greater financial freedom and overall happiness. But is a higher paycheque really enough to determine the quality of life? As conversations around global careers and migration continue to grow, a fresh perspective is challenging this widely held belief. In a recent post on X, Mumbai-based professional Sakshi compared life on an Rs 80 LPA salary in Bengaluru with earning 100,000 euros in Germany, sparking a debate on what truly defines a better life.

Woman compares Bengaluru vs Germany income

According to Sakshi, an engineer earning around Rs 80 lakh per annum in Bengaluru may enjoy several everyday conveniences that make life more comfortable. These can include hiring household help, ordering food regularly, relying on ride-hailing services instead of driving and living in a spacious home without stretching the budget.


She pointed out that the experience is often different for someone earning 100,000 euros a year in Germany. While such professionals may not enjoy the same level of daily conveniences, they typically benefit from advantages that are less visible but equally valuable, such as dependable public infrastructure, strong social security, generous paid leave and a healthier work-life balance.

Internet reacts to woman’s post

Sakshi also highlighted that many people instinctively assume the individual earning in euros is financially better off. However, she argued that income alone does not paint the complete picture. In her view, the true measure of financial well-being lies in what that salary can realistically provide in the place where a person lives.


Instead of comparing one salary with another, Sakshi suggested looking at the overall lifestyle each income supports. Her post received multiple reactions from users. One individual commented that there might be 2 types of wealth - ‘The wealth you build yourself. And the wealth your society builds around you.’ As per the user, ‘quality of life usually comes from some combination of both.’ ‘Most of the social protections aren't relevant for expats, though’, wrote another. ‘What we call home cannot be defined by lifestyle or security alone,’ noted one person.