An American woman living in India has sparked a discussion online after comparing the cost of living in India versus the U.S. Kristen Fischer, who has been documenting her life in India on Instagram, explained why she prefers it over the U.S. She noted that while incomes might be higher in America, so are the expenses, making daily life in India significantly more affordable and comfortable, despite a lower income.
Fischer detailed several everyday expenses, revealing stark differences in costs. For instance, a haircut in the U.S. can cost between $15-$50, while in India, it’s only $1.20-$2.50, making it 10 to 20 times cheaper. Similarly, Wi-Fi, which costs around $80 a month in the U.S., is available for just $8 in India. Movie tickets are also considerably cheaper, averaging $12-$16 in the U.S. compared to $2.50-$5 in India. Doctor visits, which can range from $150-$600 in the U.S., cost a mere $7-$17 in India. Even utility bills are substantially lower, around $40-$50 in India versus over $200 in the U.S. A mobile phone plan, typically $50-$70 per month in the U.S., can be as low as $3-$5 in India.
Fischer concluded that even with a lower income, she and her family can live a much better life in India due to these significant cost differences.
Social Media Reactions
Fischer’s insights have resonated with many online, with commenters agreeing that India offers a better balance between cost and quality of life. Many shared their own experiences, praising India’s affordability in areas like food, groceries, home delivery services, and public transportation, further emphasizing the convenience and value for money.