BENGALURU – What does it cost for a young married couple to live, travel, and invest in India’s Silicon Valley? A Bengaluru-based couple has answered that question in detail, triggering a massive conversation on social media about the rising cost of urban living and the importance of financial transparency.
In a now-viral Instagram reel, Kritagya Nayyar and his wife Ruchi documented their total outgo for the year 2025, revealing a total expenditure of ₹38 lakh, alongside a substantial investment of ₹25 lakh.
The Breakdown: Where Did the ₹38 Lakh Go?
The couple categorized their spending into lifestyle, essentials, and major one-time gifts. Here is a summary of their 2025 financial diary:
| Expense Category | Amount (approx.) | Details |
| Housing & Maintenance | ₹5.5 Lakh | Rent and society maintenance in Bengaluru. |
| Groceries & Lifestyle | ₹6.0 Lakh | Eating out, daily groceries, and shopping. |
| Household Help | ₹1.5 Lakh | Salary for their domestic help (“Maid Didi”). |
| Insurance | ₹1.0 Lakh | Health (self & mother), term, car, and corporate top-ups. |
| Transport & Commute | ₹1.4 Lakh | Fuel, servicing, and Uber rides. |
| Travel (3 International) | ₹4.0 Lakh | Boosted by credit card points; includes a US trip. |
| The “Big Gift” | ₹11.2 Lakh | A new car gifted to Kritagya’s father. |
| Tax Dues | ₹3.5 Lakh | Pending taxes discovered during ITR filing. |
| Fitness & Misc | ₹1.7 Lakh | Gym membership (₹24k) and subscriptions/coffee. |
Investments: Building for 2026
Beyond the ₹38 lakh spent, the couple highlighted that they remained disciplined with their wealth creation. They jointly invested ₹25 lakh into Mutual Funds and other private financial instruments, showcasing a high savings rate despite a luxury lifestyle.
Online Reaction: “1.5 Lakh for a Maid?”
As with any viral financial post, the comments section became a battleground of opinions.
- The Critics: Several users were shocked by the ₹1.5 lakh annual salary for domestic help. “Seems extremely high for a year!” one user noted. Others pointed out that a ₹6 lakh grocery and dining bill equates to ₹50,000 a month, which many deemed “elite-tier” spending.
- The Supporters: Many praised the couple for their “refreshing transparency.” One follower commented, “Thanks for sharing this reel. It helps people understand what a comfortable life in Bangalore actually looks like.”
- The Aspirants: For many, the highlight was the gift to the parents. “Gifting a car to dad for ₹11.2L is the real flex,” wrote one user.
The Bengaluru “Lifestyle Inflation” Factor
The video highlights a growing trend among urban millennials in India who prioritize “experience over ownership” (using credit card points for travel) while simultaneously balancing traditional Indian values (gifting cars to parents and securing family health insurance).