Bengaluru millennial couple reveals ₹1.66 lakh monthly expenses, sparks cost-of-living debate

A Bengaluru couple's detailed account of their monthly household expenses has gone viral on social media, reigniting discussions about the cost of living in the city. In an Instagram video that has attracted more than 1.5 million views, Megha and her husband, Shubham, revealed that their family of three spent approximately ₹1.66 lakh in May, excluding investments and vacation-related expenses.

In the caption accompanying the video, the couple said the spending reflected their regular monthly costs and did not include contributions to separate investment or travel funds.

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A post shared by Megha & Shubham | Couple | Fitness journey (@the12absproject)

Rent and utilities account for largest share

According to the couple, housing-related costs formed the biggest component of their monthly budget.

Shubham said rent and utilities together amounted to ₹68,000, making it the family's largest expense category.

The couple explained that the breakdown reflected the costs associated with maintaining their lifestyle in Bengaluru while managing childcare and household responsibilities.

Health and fitness spending crosses ₹31,000

The family also allocated a significant portion of its budget to health and fitness-related activities.

Gym memberships, personal training sessions, sports activities, supplements and fitness equipment together accounted for ₹31,000 during the month.

The couple said maintaining an active lifestyle remained one of their priorities.

Household help and groceries add to monthly costs

The video further revealed that the family spent ₹29,000 on domestic support services, including a nanny, cook and house-cleaning assistance.

Grocery expenses totalled ₹18,000, while toddler and pet-related costs came to nearly ₹8,000. These expenses included diapers, toys, clothing and food for the family's dog.

Entertainment and transport expenses included

Megha said miscellaneous expenses such as dining out, entertainment, shopping, OTT subscriptions and transportation amounted to ₹12,000.

Adding together all spending categories, she stated that the family's total expenditure for May stood at around ₹1.66 lakh.

Social media users weigh in on spending

The video generated extensive discussion online, with users offering differing views on whether the expenditure was high, average or relatively modest by Bengaluru standards.

One user described the expense breakdown as transparent and praised the couple for making time for fitness despite the city's commuting challenges.

Another commenter said the spending appeared average and typical for a Bengaluru family.

Some users viewed the amount as relatively restrained. One commenter wrote that they believed it was difficult to manage a household in the city on less than ₹2 lakh a month and described the couple as frugal.

Others shared their own experiences. One user claimed their monthly expenses, including rent, groceries, toddler-related costs, health expenses, subscriptions and dining out, remained below ₹50,000.

Another commenter pointed to rising housing costs in certain areas of the city, stating that rents for a three-bedroom apartment could start at ₹85,000 and that a nanny alone could cost ₹25,000 per month.

The varied reactions highlighted ongoing conversations around Bengaluru's living expenses and how household budgets can differ significantly depending on lifestyle choices and location.