When it comes to comparing Indian and US salaries, numbers can be deceiving. At first glance, earning ₹25 LPA in India might seem modest compared to a six-figure salary in the US. However, fintech professional Shivani Gera challenges this assumption, pointing out a critical factor often overlooked—Purchasing Power Parity (PPP). According to her, ₹25 LPA in India can equate to a ₹70–75 LPA lifestyle in the United States when you account for actual living expenses.
It’s not just about your salary figure—it’s about what that salary allows you to do. Everyday necessities in India come at a fraction of the cost when compared to the US. Take rent, for example. A one-bedroom apartment in an Indian metro might cost between ₹45,000 and ₹55,000 per month, whereas in the US, a similar space can easily set you back ₹1.5 to ₹2 lakh monthly.
The differences don’t stop at housing. In India, hiring full-time domestic help may cost around ₹12,000 a month—a common convenience. In contrast, such help in the US can cost upwards of ₹2.2 lakh per month. Dining out in India might only cost ₹500 for two people, while a similar outing in the US could cost ₹2,000 or more. Internet bills hover around ₹700 in India but shoot up to ₹6,000 in the US. Even healthcare is starkly different—a doctor’s visit costing ₹1,200 in India might demand nearly ₹10,000 in the US.
These examples highlight a deeper truth: the cost of living in the US is estimated to be around 263% higher than in India. From rent and groceries to services and healthcare, the gap ranges from 3 to 20 times more expensive in the US.
So while a dollar salary may appear attractive on the surface, the lifestyle it affords often comes with tighter financial constraints and fewer comforts. In contrast, many Indian professionals earning ₹25 LPA enjoy better work-life balance, access to affordable services, and a higher standard of living relative to their expenses.
Next time someone drops their impressive US salary into a conversation, it’s worth asking—how much of that income translates into real lifestyle value after expenses?
