'Someday My Rent Will Become More Than…’: Bengaluru Techie’s Post Ignites Debate On Urban Living Costs

A Bengaluru techie’s viral post, "At this rate, one day my rent might surpass my salary," sparks debates on rising urban living costs as rent hikes outpace salary growth.

'Someday My Rent Will Become More Than…’: Bengaluru Techie’s Post Ignites Debate on Urban Living Costs

Source : PTI

Bengaluru, India’s IT hub, is once again at the center of discussions over its rising cost of living, infrastructure issues, and quality of life. Several professionals have taken to social media to share their concerns, highlighting how the city’s soaring rent, traffic congestion, and urban planning challenges are affecting their financial well-being and lifestyle choices. Ray, a Bengaluru-based software engineer, recently expressed his frustration over rent hikes outpacing salary increases.

"The salary hike I received was 7.5%, while my landlord raised the rent by 10%. At this rate, one day my rent might surpass my salary," he posted on X. His concerns resonated with many, fueling debates on affordability in metro cities.  

Check Out The Viral Post 

In another viral post, a corporate professional who moved from Pune to Bengaluru for a 40% salary hike now regrets his decision. He had expected an improved financial situation but found that the city’s high expenses negated the benefits of his ₹25 LPA salary. "I shouldn't have switched cities. Pune was way better, 25 LPA feels like nothing in Bengaluru," he admitted to a friend.  

Salary hike I received was 7.5% meanwhile BLR landlord increased the rent by 10%.

If this goes on, someday my rent will become more than salary.

— Ray (@sde_ray) March 28, 2025

These discussions highlight the ongoing dilemma professionals face when choosing between career growth and quality of life. While Bengaluru remains a lucrative destination for tech professionals, the rising cost of living and urban challenges are pushing many to reconsider their choices.

Users Reactions to the Viral Post 

One of the users said, “There should be a separate full-time course on how to become a landlord.” Whereas another one favoured the rent hike and said, “Anything less than a 10% salary hike is criminal. 

Authorities suppress inflation data, and companies use it to justify minimal hikes. 

Meanwhile, rent, groceries, other basic items increase by 10% YoY are the becoming norm. 
Time to face our metro cities realities!” 

A third user wrote, “Salary hikes cause inflation because of increased disposable income. Companies are simply saving you from inflation with the only thing they can control.” 

Bengaluru’s challenges extend beyond cost, as another professional who relocated from Noida voiced his disappointment over the city’s infrastructure. "Now here in Bangalore, the city is dirty, not organised, had bad roads, worst traffic, bad water, less private space per individual and the north vs south thing can be seen," he wrote in a viral Reddit post. Initially optimistic about career opportunities, he now finds the city’s living conditions to be a stark contrast to Noida’s infrastructure.