Bengaluru like Spain, Portugal, and Greece? Russian woman says Rs 2.5 lakh bare minimum to live in India's Silicon Valley

Is it really possible to live in Bengaluru with just Rs 30,000 a month?

That’s the question one Reddit user recently posed — and it quickly went viral.

“I’m not talking about luxury or fancy stuff — just a decent, manageable life. Basically, a room for myself, food included in that 30K, maybe a gym or energy membership, travel, and other small day-to-day expenses. No partying or over-the-top lifestyle — just a simple, stable routine without struggling every week. Is that doable in Bengaluru right now, or is 30K just too tight these days?” the Redditor wrote.


Many users weighed in with their own calculations. One commenter broke it down like this: “Rent: ₹7,000 (1BHK), Gym: ₹1,000 (assuming ₹12K annual membership), Entertainment: ₹5,000 (3 movies and 2 dinners a month), Utilities and transport: ₹6,000 (electricity, water, phone, internet, metro/bike/bus), Groceries: ₹4,000 (if you cook at home), Miscellaneous: ₹2,000 (gas cylinders, bike servicing, etc). You’re still left with ₹5,000 for savings. If you cut back on entertainment, you could save more.”

Another user noted how inflation has changed things: “Between 2012 and 2016, ₹30K was big money. Adjusted for inflation, ₹30K back then is around ₹50K today. Living on ₹20K in 2012 is equivalent to living on ₹36K in 2025.”

'Bengaluru like European cities'

Meanwhile, a Russian expat’s recent Instagram post added another layer to the discussion.

According to Yulia, who has lived in Bengaluru for over a decade, the city’s cost of living now feels comparable to several European destinations such as Spain, Portugal, Greece, or Cyprus.

“When I came to Bangalore for work 11 years ago, everything was very affordable — maybe because my country’s currency was stronger. I remember renting a lovely semi-furnished 2BHK in HSR Layout for ₹25K, and Meeru cabs to the airport cost just ₹700. Now, the cost of living here is similar to many European cities — and even my hometown, Saint Petersburg,” she shared.

Yulia added that while her personal monthly expenses range between ₹25,000 and ₹35,000, living with a family is an entirely different story.

“The bare minimum for a family of three to live decently in Bengaluru is nothing less than ₹2.5 lakh. Schooling, tutoring, house help — it all adds up. I’ve also heard that living costs in Gurgaon and Mumbai are even higher,” she said.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Iuliia Aslamova (@yulia_bangalore)

Despite the rising expenses, Yulia maintains a positive outlook.

“I don’t complain — I believe in working hard and enjoying life. I love making money, spending it, and experiencing more of life. I’m super thankful to be living in India in 2025 — a country full of opportunities,” she added.