📷 Image: Wikimedia Commons / Shahe Ali
Lifestyle
US-Based Indian Woman Earning Rs 1 Crore Calls Herself 'Middle Class' After Expense Breakdown
✍️ News18
🗓 13 Nov 2026, 08:47 AM
👁 12
An Indian professional working in the United States, earning an annual income of approximately Rs 1 Crore, has shared a detailed breakdown of her expenses, stating that she still identifies as 'middle class' due to high living costs.
A recent social media post by an Indian professional residing in the United States has sparked discussion regarding the definition of 'middle class' in the context of global living standards. The woman, who earns an annual income equivalent to Rs 1 Crore, shared a transparent breakdown of her monthly expenditures to explain why she does not consider herself wealthy despite her high salary.
In her detailed account, she highlighted significant recurring costs such as rent, utilities, healthcare, and daily necessities, which are substantially higher in the US compared to India. She noted that after covering these essential expenses, her disposable income is limited, leaving little room for savings or luxury spending.
The post has resonated with many working Indians, both in India and the diaspora, who are grappling with the rising cost of living. Many commented that while Rs 1 Crore is a substantial income in India, it often translates to a modest lifestyle in Western countries due to the disparity in purchasing power and structural costs.
This incident underscores the complex reality of income perception, where nominal earnings do not always correlate with perceived wealth or financial comfort, particularly for professionals working in high-cost economies.
In her detailed account, she highlighted significant recurring costs such as rent, utilities, healthcare, and daily necessities, which are substantially higher in the US compared to India. She noted that after covering these essential expenses, her disposable income is limited, leaving little room for savings or luxury spending.
The post has resonated with many working Indians, both in India and the diaspora, who are grappling with the rising cost of living. Many commented that while Rs 1 Crore is a substantial income in India, it often translates to a modest lifestyle in Western countries due to the disparity in purchasing power and structural costs.
This incident underscores the complex reality of income perception, where nominal earnings do not always correlate with perceived wealth or financial comfort, particularly for professionals working in high-cost economies.