The rising cost of living in India’s major cities continues to be a topic of discussion, and a recent viral social media post has added fresh perspective to the conversation.
A 22-year-old corporate professional, Sanika Kulkarni, has gained attention online after sharing a detailed breakdown of her monthly expenses while living in Bengaluru. Her post, titled “What I Pay to Live in Bengaluru,” offers a glimpse into the financial realities faced by many young professionals in India’s technology hub.
Rent Accounts for the Biggest Expense
According to Sanika, she lives in a shared 2BHK apartment in a well-connected area of Bengaluru.
Housing Costs:
- Rent Share: ₹19,000 per month
- Total Flat Rent: Approximately ₹38,000
Housing remains one of the largest expenses for working professionals in Bengaluru, particularly in areas close to major business districts and technology parks.
Zero Electricity Bill
One detail that caught viewers’ attention was her claim of paying no electricity bill.
According to her post, a government-supported electricity scheme helped eliminate this monthly expense.
“Electricity: ₹0. Government scheme is doing its job. Not complaining,” she noted.
This became one of the most discussed aspects of her budget online.
Grocery and Household Expenses
Sanika shares household responsibilities with her sister, allowing them to split certain living costs.
Monthly Household Spending:
- Groceries
- Maid services
Combined Cost: Approximately ₹7,000 per month
She also mentioned that cooking at home on days when the maid is unavailable helps reduce additional expenses.
Transportation Costs Continue to Rise
Transportation forms a significant part of her monthly spending.
Travel Expenses:
- Daily commute: ₹7,000 per month
Sanika explained that she relies heavily on auto-rickshaws for daily travel and has noticed rising transportation costs due to increased fuel prices.
For many Bengaluru residents, traffic congestion and limited last-mile connectivity often make auto-rickshaws a preferred but costly commuting option.
Dining Out and Lifestyle Spending
Despite maintaining a relatively structured budget, Sanika admits she enjoys exploring Bengaluru’s popular food scene.
Dining Out:
- Approximately ₹5,000 per month
She said she doesn’t regret spending on restaurants and cafés, noting that Bengaluru offers a wide variety of dining experiences.
Shopping and Travel Home
Sanika also allocates part of her budget to personal shopping and occasional trips home.
Additional Expenses:
- Shopping and travel allowance: ₹5,000 per month
She noted that expenses can increase during visits to her hometown or during special occasions.
Estimated Monthly Expense Breakdown
| Category | Monthly Cost |
|---|---|
| Rent | ₹19,000 |
| Electricity | ₹0 |
| Groceries & Maid | ₹7,000 |
| Transportation | ₹7,000 |
| Dining Out | ₹5,000 |
| Shopping & Travel | ₹5,000 |
Total Monthly Spending:
Approximately ₹43,000
Social Media Reacts
The post quickly attracted thousands of views and comments from users comparing their own Bengaluru budgets.
Many questioned how she managed to keep certain expenses relatively low compared to their experiences.
Some users were particularly surprised by:
- The rent amount for a shared 2BHK
- The absence of electricity costs
- Grocery and household expenses
- Dining out costs
Others joked that she had discovered a “cheat code” for living affordably in Bengaluru.
Bengaluru’s Cost of Living Remains a Hot Topic
As one of India’s leading technology and startup destinations, Bengaluru continues to attract professionals from across the country.
However, rising rents, transportation expenses, and lifestyle costs have become major concerns for young workers moving to the city.
Budget breakdowns like Sanika’s resonate with audiences because they offer practical insights into real-world living expenses rather than theoretical cost estimates.
Key Takeaways From the Budget
Her spending habits highlight several strategies commonly used by young professionals:
- Sharing accommodation to reduce rent
- Splitting household expenses
- Cooking at home when possible
- Maintaining a fixed discretionary spending budget
- Carefully balancing lifestyle choices with essential expenses
Hunterfly Take
Sanika Kulkarni’s viral budget breakdown reflects the evolving financial realities of urban India. While Bengaluru remains a city of opportunity, rising living costs make budgeting increasingly important. Her experience demonstrates how shared living arrangements, controlled spending, and practical financial planning can help young professionals manage life in one of India’s most expensive metropolitan cities.
