A Russian woman living in Bengaluru has gone viral after sharing a detailed breakdown of her monthly expenses in India’s tech capital, claiming that the cost of living in Bengaluru now rivals several European cities. The woman, Yulia Aslamova, who has lived in the city for over a decade, compared her current lifestyle expenses to those in countries like Spain, Portugal, Greece, and Cyprus, as well as her hometown, Saint Petersburg.
From Affordable Beginnings to Rising Costs
In her Instagram post, Yulia reflected on her 11-year journey in Bengaluru, recalling how affordable life once seemed when she first arrived for work. “Well, 11 years ago, when I came to Bengaluru for my work project, everything was very reasonable for me,” she wrote.
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Back then, India’s prices felt easy on her wallet — partly because of the strong value of the Russian ruble. She fondly remembered renting a 2BHK apartment in HSR Layout for just ₹25,000 a month, describing it as “semi-furnished but new and fresh” within a gated community with all facilities. Even cab rides to the airport, she noted, cost around ₹700.
However, fast-forward to 2025, and Yulia says the city’s affordability has changed drastically. “Today, Bengaluru’s cost of living could be easily compared to several places in Europe like Spain, Portugal, Greece or Cyprus, and my own hometown – Saint Petersburg, Russia,” she wrote.
Living Comfortably Now Costs ₹2.5 Lakh a Month
According to Yulia, the bare minimum monthly expense for a family of three to live decently in Bengaluru is now nothing less than ₹2.5 lakh. “I heard that the cost of living in Gurgaon and Mumbai is even higher,” she added.
Despite the steep rise, Yulia made it clear that she’s not complaining. “I strongly believe – work harder and party harder. I love making money, spending it, buying more life in my life, experiencing life, and growing further,” she wrote, adding, “I’m super thankful to the universe that I’m living in India in 2025, the country with endless opportunities.”
Her optimistic tone struck a chord with many, especially those who have witnessed Bengaluru’s transformation from a quiet tech hub to one of India’s most expensive metropolitan cities.
Breaking Down the Monthly Expenses
In her viral video, Yulia broke down her family’s estimated monthly expenses in Bengaluru, providing a rare glimpse into the lifestyle costs of expatriates living in the city.
Here’s what her monthly spending looks like:
- Rent: ₹1,25,000
- School Fees: ₹30,000
- Food and Household Supplies: ₹75,000
- House Help: ₹45,000
- Health and Fitness: ₹30,000
- Petrol: ₹5,000
Speaking to Hindustan Times, Yulia clarified that the ₹45,000 she spends on house help includes payment for multiple domestic workers, not just one. This includes a full-time maid, a cook, and additional help for cleaning and childcare — a setup fairly common among upper-middle-class families in Bengaluru.
Social Media Reactions: Support and Skepticism
Yulia’s post, which has garnered nearly 3 lakh views, triggered a wave of mixed reactions online. While many resonated with her observations, others questioned her spending habits.
One Instagram user commented, “House help ₹45,000? You are actually overpaying, and that will be a problem for locals.” Another added, “I’ve lived in Bengaluru for 20 years and never spent even half of what she mentions here.”
ALSO READ- Gold Prices Drop After New GST Rules 2025: Check Today’s Updated Gold and Silver RatesHowever, several users came to her defense, agreeing that Bengaluru’s cost of living has surged dramatically, especially in premium neighborhoods like Indiranagar, Koramangala, and Whitefield. One commenter wrote, “Yes, that’s true. While the cost of living in Gurgaon is comparable to or even higher than Bengaluru, one significant advantage is the superior road infrastructure.”
Another international user chimed in, “That is indeed comparable and sometimes even more expensive than what we pay here in The Netherlands.”
A Broader Reflection on Urban Inflation
Yulia’s viral breakdown comes at a time when discussions around urban affordability in Indian metros are intensifying. With rising property rents, inflation, and lifestyle costs, Bengaluru — once known for being a cost-effective destination for IT professionals — has become one of India’s most expensive cities to live in.
Recent reports have shown that the average rent for a 2BHK apartment in Bengaluru’s key areas has jumped by 40–60% in the last three years. Add to that the rising costs of private schooling, domestic help, and dining out, and the city’s once-budget-friendly charm is quickly fading.
“India Still Offers Endless Opportunities”
Despite these challenges, Yulia remains grateful for her life in India. “Even with all the expenses, I feel blessed to live in a country that constantly grows and creates opportunities,” she wrote in her post.
Her perspective highlights a growing sentiment among expatriates and Indian professionals alike — that while Bengaluru’s living costs are inching closer to Western standards, its vibrant culture, entrepreneurial spirit, and professional opportunities still make it a city worth calling home.
As the debate over affordability continues, Yulia’s viral post has become more than just an expense list — it’s a snapshot of Bengaluru’s evolving identity as a global, aspirational city where luxury and struggle coexist side by side.
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