Let’s face it: ₹1 crore a year sounds like a lot of money. And it is—statistically, you’re among the top 10% income earners in India. But your experience of “being rich” in India depends heavily on where you live. In cities like Mumbai, Delhi, or Bengaluru, that kind of money may barely get you by. But in Kolkata? You’re living like a maharaja.
🏙️ The Viral LinkedIn Post
A Kolkata-based business journalist Anagh Pal recently went viral for breaking down how far ₹1 crore can take you in different Indian cities. His hilarious-yet-true comparison has the internet buzzing.
“In Mumbai, ₹1 crore won’t even buy you a sea-facing flat. In Delhi, you’ll get a big car, but not freedom from traffic rage. In Bengaluru, half your income vanishes in rent and food delivery.”
— Anagh Pal, via LinkedIn
But in Kolkata?
“You can sip Darjeeling tea on your balcony by the Hooghly River while reading Tagore.”
💸 Let’s Break It Down: Life in Kolkata on ₹1 Crore
| Expense | Monthly Cost (₹) | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 4BHK Luxury Flat (Alipore/Ballygunge) | ₹50,000 | Includes chandelier, marble floors, classy neighbors |
| Driver + Ambassador Car | ₹30,000 | Classic royalty vibes |
| Fine Dining & Food | ₹25,000 | Eat like a king |
| Art, Literature, Books | ₹20,000 | Local clubs, bookstores, libraries |
| Eden Gardens Box | ₹15,000 | Watch cricket with lassi in hand |
| Weekend Culture, Events | ₹10,000 | Plays, concerts, dance |
| Misc. Luxuries (Spa, Rasgulla, Clothes, Pujari) | ₹50,000 | Because you can |
| Total Monthly Spend | ₹2,00,000 | Annual: ₹24 lakh |
Annual Savings? A cool ₹76 lakh.
In short, you're rich, comfortable, and culturally fulfilled. No EMI stress, no traffic meltdowns, no overpriced sandwiches.
🏙️ The Same ₹1 Crore in Other Cities?
- Mumbai: Barely covers rent in South Bombay and EMI on a modest flat. Forget the sea-view.
- Delhi: Fancy SUV, but you're still stuck in Gurugram traffic for 2 hours a day.
- Bengaluru: Work-from-home dreams crushed under high rents and constant food delivery.
📊 The Takeaway
In India, wealth is relative—and geography is everything. With ₹1 crore, you’re technically rich. But to truly live like royalty, you might want to rethink where you live.
Moral of the story: Kolkata might just be India’s best-kept secret for a luxurious, low-cost life.
