NRI shocked by 3x price hike in small-town India, blames 'neglect' in viral post. But internet responds with hard truths

A Reddit post by a non-resident Indian (NRI) has sparked a lively discussion online after the user expressed shock over the rising cost of living and growing public negligence in India. Titled “Never expected India to become this expensive and negligent,” the post quickly gained traction, with many users, both in India and abroad, jumping in to share their views.

The NRI, who had returned to India for a vacation, said he was excited to spend time with his parents in a small town. But the reality, he said, was far from what he had hoped.

“I came to India for vacation. I was excited about my visit. However, the reality is hitting hard,” he wrote. “My parents are living in a small municipality town… Even my small town became 3x expensive compared to my last year visit.”


He also shared frustration about what he called the country’s increasing negligence. “Too much negligence. No common sense,” he wrote, wondering how India had become so expensive in such a short time.

The Internet Reacts

The post quickly attracted comments from fellow Reddit users, with many offering their own explanations.

One user explained, “The reality of being an NRI is that time freezes in your memory. You expect the place you left to stay the same. But India is changing fast. It’s in its peak growth phase.”

Another added, “There’s a ‘wanna-be’ culture in India right now. Everyone’s trying to imitate the West, and that’s pushing prices up in some sectors, often without reason.”

Many users pointed out that India’s rapid urban development, inflation, and rising global influence have led to a sharp increase in prices, not just in cities, but in smaller towns as well.

Some even said that while things may appear more modern on the surface, issues like poor civic sense and weak public infrastructure remain major concerns.

Disclaimer: This article is based on a user-generated post on Reddit. ET.com has not independently verified the claims made in the post and does not vouch for their accuracy. The views expressed are those of the individual and do not necessarily reflect the views of ET.com. Reader discretion is advised.