'Struggled in India, now own villas': Indian man's comparison of life abroad and homeownership sparks debate

An Indian man's comparison of homeownership and living standards in India and North America has triggered a debate on social media, with users discussing whether relocating abroad makes it easier to build wealth and enjoy a comfortable lifestyle. The discussion began after Pranava Bhardwaj questioned how people who struggled financially in India appeared to afford spacious homes, cars and other comforts within a few years of moving to countries such as the US and Canada.

In a post on X, Bhardwaj said he was surprised by the apparent ease with which some Indians could purchase countryside properties in North America. He contrasted their experiences with the financial pressures faced by middle-class households in India, where home loan repayments can consume a substantial share of monthly earnings.

Indian man compares homeownership in India and North America

Bhardwaj observed that several people he knew who had difficulty maintaining a comfortable lifestyle in India seemed to have improved their financial circumstances after moving abroad. He pointed to their ownership of newer smartphones, Toyota Camry cars and large villas in green neighbourhoods as examples of the lifestyle changes he had noticed.

He contrasted these purchases with the experience of Indian homebuyers who, in his view, spend years paying EMIs that account for nearly half their salaries to purchase apartments of around 1,100 square feet in crowded urban areas.

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He also criticised the infrastructure and living conditions in Indian cities, referring to pollution and inadequate civic facilities. The comparison led him to question whether the financial sacrifices associated with pursuing a conventional middle-class lifestyle in India were worthwhile.

Indians share experiences of moving abroad and building wealth

Bhardwaj's post prompted several users to share their own observations about friends and relatives who had relocated overseas. Some agreed that moving abroad had given people greater financial flexibility and opportunities to pursue interests outside work.

One user said friends and family members who had settled abroad appeared to enjoy more leisure time, travel frequently, pursue hobbies and purchase homes. The commenter also argued that financial struggle was often treated as something to be celebrated in India.

Another user shared the experience of a cousin who had worked as a mid-level medical sales manager in India and lived in rented accommodation. After moving to Australia, the cousin initially worked as a pizza delivery person before securing another job and eventually purchasing a house with a swimming pool in Melbourne within five years.

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Social media users question whether buying homes abroad is easy

Not everyone agreed with Bhardwaj's assessment. Some users pointed out that homebuyers in Western countries also rely on mortgages and face financial commitments, challenging the suggestion that purchasing property abroad was straightforward.

One commenter argued that people in the US also pay home loan EMIs and questioned whether owning a spacious villa was as easy as the post suggested. The user added that while smartphones and cars might be relatively cheaper in some countries, that alone did not establish that residents could easily afford expensive properties.

Another user questioned why every American did not own a latest-model Camry or a large villa if the opportunities were as accessible as Bhardwaj's observations suggested.

The discussion has brought differing experiences of migration, housing affordability and financial security into focus, with users debating whether better living standards abroad reflect greater earning opportunities, different costs of living or individual circumstances.

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