Dreaming of making it big in a metro city? That dream may come with a hefty price tag—just existing in India’s top cities like Mumbai, Delhi or Bangalore could burn through at least Rs 1 crore over time, according to CA Nitin Kaushik and he is not even talking luxury. Rs 1 crore is just for survival. No exotic vacations, no splurging, no designer brands—just rent, groceries, school fees and getting around.
In a recent viral post, Chartered Accountant Nitin Kaushik broke down the numbers—and they’re an eye-opener for anyone living in or planning to move to a Tier-1 city in India.
He started with the most basic need—shelter. The CA pointed out that renting a modest 1BHK in a decent locality costs about Rs 25,000 per month. If one rents it for 8 years before buying a home, that adds up to Rs 24 lakh. Add maintenance, parking fees, and society charges, and the total will be Rs 30 lakh. All this just for a roof you don’t own.
Next, food and groceries. Monthly grocery and basic meal expenses average around Rs 12,000 to Rs 15,000. That’s nearly Rs 1.5 lakh to Rs1.8 lakh per year. Over 20 years, the bill climbs to Rs 30 lakh—and this is for cooking at home, not ordering food on Zomato.
Then comes education—a non-negotiable for most families. For just one child, schooling from pre-primary to Class 12 can cost Rs 12 lakh– Rs 15 lakh, including tuition, books, coaching, and other academic expenses. College is extra.
And finally, transport. Whether it’s metro rides, cabs, or fuel and maintenance for a two-wheeler, basic transport expenses hover around Rs 6,000–Rs 10,000 per month—adding up to Rs 10 lakh over a decade.
If its all added up-
Rent 30 lakh
Food & groceries: Rs 30 lakh
Schooling (1 child): Rs 15 lakh
Transport: Rs 10 lakh
Total: Rs 85 lakh
Factor in inflation, occasional medical emergencies, lifestyle changes, or even minor upgrades—and one is easily crossing the Rs 1 crore mark. He added that the post was not a scare tactic—it was a wake-up call.
In a recent viral post, Chartered Accountant Nitin Kaushik broke down the numbers—and they’re an eye-opener for anyone living in or planning to move to a Tier-1 city in India.
He started with the most basic need—shelter. The CA pointed out that renting a modest 1BHK in a decent locality costs about Rs 25,000 per month. If one rents it for 8 years before buying a home, that adds up to Rs 24 lakh. Add maintenance, parking fees, and society charges, and the total will be Rs 30 lakh. All this just for a roof you don’t own.
Living in Indian Cities Now Comes With a ₹1 Crore Price Tag – Just to Survive!
— CA Nitin Kaushik (@Finance_Bareek) May 14, 2025
Yes, you read that right.
You’ll burn through at least ₹1 crore in your lifetime just to exist in a city like Mumbai, Delhi or Bangalore — without luxury, without splurging.
Just survival. Let’s… pic.twitter.com/wSf440l3zS
Next, food and groceries. Monthly grocery and basic meal expenses average around Rs 12,000 to Rs 15,000. That’s nearly Rs 1.5 lakh to Rs1.8 lakh per year. Over 20 years, the bill climbs to Rs 30 lakh—and this is for cooking at home, not ordering food on Zomato.
Then comes education—a non-negotiable for most families. For just one child, schooling from pre-primary to Class 12 can cost Rs 12 lakh– Rs 15 lakh, including tuition, books, coaching, and other academic expenses. College is extra.
And finally, transport. Whether it’s metro rides, cabs, or fuel and maintenance for a two-wheeler, basic transport expenses hover around Rs 6,000–Rs 10,000 per month—adding up to Rs 10 lakh over a decade.
If its all added up-
Rent 30 lakh
Food & groceries: Rs 30 lakh
Schooling (1 child): Rs 15 lakh
Transport: Rs 10 lakh
Total: Rs 85 lakh
Factor in inflation, occasional medical emergencies, lifestyle changes, or even minor upgrades—and one is easily crossing the Rs 1 crore mark. He added that the post was not a scare tactic—it was a wake-up call.
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