€70k salary, €1.5k rent, 40% tax: Bengaluru techie who lived in Germany for 6 years gives reality check on moving abroad. ‘Think twice’.

For many ambitious professionals, relocating abroad represents the ultimate path toward a higher standard of living, accelerated career advancement, rich cultural exposure, and lucrative salaries. However, the shiny allure of working overseas often masks complex financial and societal realities that lie beneath the surface. Unpacking this contrast, Bengaluru-based software engineer Tanuj recently shared a candid perspective on X after spending 6 years in Germany. His sobering breakdown reveals how steep taxation, high living costs, and unexpected expenses can significantly dilute those seemingly attractive foreign paychecks—offering a crucial reality check for anyone contemplating a similar leap to European shores.

Bengaluru techie reveals real cost of Germany’s €70k salary

In the post, the Bengaluru techie explained how an annual salary of €70k appears extraordinarily lucrative when directly converted into Indian rupees, often giving an illusion of wealth. However, the actual purchasing power paints a drastically different picture once local expenses take effect.

Nearly 40 per cent of that compensation goes directly toward taxes and mandatory contributions, leaving a substantially smaller take-home income. Furthermore, securing basic housing in major urban centers routinely demands upwards of €1.5k monthly, which quickly consumes a massive portion of earnings.

Why moving abroad needs careful thought

The remaining income faces further erosion from elevated everyday overheads, including costly utility bills, high internet fees, compulsory insurance plans, and expensive dining options, revealed the techie. Unlike environments where basic services remain affordable, nearly every operational convenience carries a heavy premium.

When accounting for purchasing power parity, this seemingly high compensation package feels remarkably similar to a modest domestic salary of Rs 32–35 LPA in India. Consequently, Tanuj highlighted that professionals ought to carefully analyze real economic metrics and exercise thorough caution before relinquishing stable, well-compensated roles back home. ‘So, before leaving your well-paid job in India. Think twice. Make a decision wisely instead of regretting later,’ he said.

Why Bengaluru techie left Germany after 6 years

Previously, Tanuj dropped another post on X sharing the real reason why he left Germany. The Bengaluru techie explained that while his time in the European nation was smooth, comfortable, and stress-free, featuring clean roads, strong work-life balance, and peaceful surroundings, he returned to India for something that was less measurable.

The Bengaluru techie pointed out that while India has its own set of challenges including traffic, pollution, and overcrowding, the country carries a different kind of emotional intensity, found in everyday energy, spontaneous interactions, close family bonds, vibrant festivals that spill into the streets, and a sense that life is constantly moving around you rather than quietly passing by.