Gurugram Startup Founder's Viral Post Reveals Rs 7.5 Lakh Monthly 'Cost of Breathing'
- Gurugram startup founder goes viral for revealing a Rs 7.5 lakh monthly urban lifestyle cost.
- Breakdown includes home EMI, car, school fees, vacations, and social obligations.
- Post highlights rising real estate prices and financial strain on urban professionals.
A viral LinkedIn post by startup Founder Vaibhav J has sparked widespread debate on the steep cost of urban living in Gurugram, one of India’s most expensive real estate markets. His blunt summary: it takes Rs 7.5 lakh per month or Rs 90 lakh a year just to maintain a middle-upper-class lifestyle in the city.
“I own a house in Gurgaon, India. Translation: I need Rs 7.5L/month just to breathe”, Vaibhav wrote, listing a no-frills breakdown of monthly expenses. This included Rs 2.08 lakh EMI for a Rs 3 crore home, Rs 60,000 for a premium car, Rs 65,000 for international school fees, Rs 30,000 for vacation expenses, and more for staff, social commitments, and appearances totaling nearly Rs 5 lakh per month, excluding savings and insurance.
Vaibhav's conclusion? It’s not a top 1% income anymore it’s a top 0.1% 'burn rate'.
His post struck a chord amid Gurugram’s ongoing real estate boom. Property prices have surged 76% in two years, with standard 3BHKs touching Rs 3.7 crore and prime areas like DLF Phase 5 and Sector 54 commanding over Rs 15,000 per sq ft. Plots over 500 sq m have seen a 24% rise in the past year alone.
Gurugram’s evolving status as a lifestyle and luxury symbol from Golf Course Road to IB schools is now under scrutiny as urban professionals silently face similar financial pressures.
