“Rs 1–2 lakh a month sounds like a lot”: Woman explains salary trap in tier-1 cities

A monthly income of Rs 1 lakh to Rs 2 lakh may seem financially comfortable, but an influencer, Nidhi Kushwaha, argues that this income range is insufficient for people living in tier-1 cities. She highlights that despite earning enough to avoid a lower-middle-class lifestyle, individuals in this bracket struggle with financial freedom due to high living costs. Kushwaha explains that recurring expenses such as rent, taxes, healthcare, education, and transportation consume a significant portion of their monthly earnings, leaving little for discretionary spending. She emphasizes that the issue is not the salary size itself but the gap between income and expenses after deductions. In her Instagram video, Kushwaha notes that earning Rs 1–2 lakh a month feels like a lot until one attempts to build a comfortable life in a major city, where everything—from rent to healthcare—is expensive. She concludes that despite earning well, many feel financially stuck due to rising costs. The discussion sparked by her comments reflects shared experiences among people in this salary bracket, with users acknowledging the financial pressure.