An Indian woman living in the United States has gone viral on social media after revealing the staggering monthly expenses her family of four incurs while living in California’s San Francisco Bay Area — one of the most expensive regions in the world.
Shivee, who regularly shares lifestyle content on Instagram, posted a detailed breakdown of her household budget in a video that has sparked widespread discussion online. In the clip, she offers a transparent look into the high cost of living in Fremont, California, where her family rents a two-bedroom, two-bathroom apartment.
Breaking Down the Fixed Costs
According to Shivee, the largest expense on their monthly budget is housing. Renting a modest two-bed, two-bath apartment in the East Bay area costs them $3,300 (approximately ₹2,89,008). Even without owning property, housing alone accounts for more than a third of their fixed monthly expenses.
Childcare is the next biggest cost. Full-time daycare for their toddler comes to $2,400 (₹2,10,187 approx) per month. In the United States, especially in states like California, daycare costs are notoriously high, often rivaling college tuition fees.
For groceries, Shivee estimates a monthly spend of $1,000 (₹87,578 approx). This includes bulk purchases from Costco, general shopping from Walmart, and specialty ingredients from Indian grocery stores. She notes that while the family tries to shop smartly, the cost of food in the Bay Area is significantly higher than in many other parts of the US.
Including phone, internet, and electricity bills — amount to $500 (₹43,789 approx) per month. Despite efforts to conserve energy, these costs remain relatively fixed due to high utility rates in the state.
Transportation adds another layer to their budget. While the family does not drive extensively, gas still costs them $200 (₹17,515 approx) monthly. Shivee also spends $150 (₹13,136 approx) commuting to San Francisco for work.
Health and fitness expenses are also factored in. Gym memberships and group workout classes add another $200 to the monthly tally.
In terms of insurance, their annual car insurance premium is $1,600 (₹1,40,125 approx), which works out to around $130 per month.
When these fixed expenses are added up, the total comes to $7,900 (₹6,91,867 approx) per month. However, Shivee includes an additional 10% miscellaneous buffer — accounting for small overlooked costs — which brings the total fixed monthly expenditure to $8,700 (₹7,61,930 approx).
Variable and Lifestyle Expenses (Reveals Indian woman)
Beyond the fixed essentials, the family allocates a significant portion of their budget to variable expenses. These include eating out at restaurants, occasional shopping, and other leisure activities. According to Shivee, these add another $1,000 (₹87,578 approx) to their monthly spending.
This pushes their total monthly expenditure into the range of $9,000–$10,000 (₹7,88,203 to ₹8,75,782 approx). Importantly, this figure does not include their travel budget, which is kept separate.
Cost of Living in the Bay Area
The San Francisco Bay Area is often ranked among the most expensive places to live in the United States, with housing costs far exceeding the national average. Fremont, where Shivee’s family lives, is popular among families for its good schools and relatively quieter suburban feel compared to downtown San Francisco. However, this comes with a steep price tag.
According to cost-of-living databases, the median rent for a two-bedroom apartment in the Bay Area can range between $2,800 and $3,800 per month, depending on location and amenities. Daycare costs are similarly high, with full-time care averaging between $1,500 and $2,500 per month per child.
Food costs are also inflated due to higher transportation and labor costs in California, especially for imported items like Indian spices and specialty products.
Social Media Reactions
The post has sparked mixed reactions online. Many viewers were shocked by the high figures, with some comparing them to their own expenses in other US states or back in India. A few questioned whether such a lifestyle was sustainable, while others praised Shivee for her transparency.
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On the other hand, some residents of the Bay Area commented that the numbers seemed realistic and in line with their own spending, especially for families with children.
Why Her Breakdown Matters
Budget breakdowns like Shivee’s provide valuable insight into the real costs of living abroad, beyond the glamor often portrayed on social media. They also highlight how expenses vary drastically depending on location, lifestyle choices, and family size.
For Indian families considering a move to the United States — particularly to high-cost areas like California — such transparency can help set realistic expectations. While salaries in tech hubs like the Bay Area can be high, the cost of living often offsets much of the income advantage.
Shivee’s video offers an eye-opening look at what it takes financially to maintain a comfortable lifestyle in one of the most expensive parts of the United States. With fixed expenses around ₹7.6 lakh and variable costs pushing the total closer to ₹8.7 lakh or more each month, it’s a reminder that the “American dream” often comes with a hefty price tag.
Her candid approach has resonated with many, sparking conversations not only about the cost of living in California but also about budgeting, financial planning, and the sacrifices families make to live abroad.
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