Delhi man says Rs 70K is enough to live in capital, rejects Gurugram’s Rs 7 LPA lifestyle

Introduction: A Lifestyle Debate that Sparked a Conversation
In an era dominated by hustle culture, soaring expenses, and a collective obsession with high-paying jobs, one man from Delhi is challenging the status quo. Taking to Reddit’s “PersonalFinanceIndia” forum, a user by the handle Paul_Semicolon1 opened up about how he and his partner live comfortably in the national capital within a monthly budget of ₹70,000 without chasing the high-pressure ₹7 lakh per annum (LPA) lifestyle often associated with Gurugram’s corporate world.
Living on ₹70,000 a Month And Thriving
“I earn less than ₹50,000 a month and breathe just fine in Delhi,” he wrote a statement that resonated with many and provoked strong reactions. Despite the occasional fluctuation in freelance income, this Delhi couple has built a sustainable life that many might find surprising.
Their lifestyle is far from barebones. They rent a 2BHK DDA flat in South Delhi for ₹24,000 a month, spend ₹5,000 on rented furniture, allocate ₹20,000 for groceries, a cook, and domestic help, and set aside ₹5,000 for utilities and subscriptions. Their total expenses land them at ₹70,000 which includes an indulgent ₹10,000 monthly spend on eating out and shopping, even while caring for three pets.
Minimalism by Choice, Not by Force
What sets this couple apart is their conscious decision to reject the pressure of "modern success" no EMIs, no credit cards, no car, no iPhone, and no luxury memberships. Importantly, they can afford these things they just choose not to.
“We don’t have any EMIs. We don’t have any outstanding loans. We don’t have any fancy club memberships. We don’t have any credit cards. We don’t have a car or an iPhone,” Paul said, asserting that breathing comfortably doesn’t require a ₹7 LPA paycheck just a well-thought-out life.
Online Reactions: Inspiration or Financial Risk?
As expected, the post went viral and sparked a lively debate. While many lauded the couple for their conscious and content lifestyle, others raised valid concerns.
Some praised the couple’s debt-free, minimalist approach. “You are an inspiration,” one user wrote, adding that the post offered a refreshing break from the constant financial anxiety surrounding urban living.
Others, however, pointed out the lack of emergency funds, investments, and contingency planning, warning that a single unforeseen event could disrupt their financial balance.
One user noted, “Life is never expensive; lifestyle is expensive. 50k a month is good enough for most people in every city except Mumbai and maybe Bangalore.” This comment reflects a growing awareness that happiness doesn’t always scale with income.
Conclusion: Breathing Fine Without Chasing More
At a time when financial aspirations are often inflated by social media and peer pressure, this couple reminds us that a peaceful, debt-free life is still achievable, even in metropolitan India. Their story is a bold statement that value lies not in earnings, but in choices.
Paul’s final words leave a lasting impact: “I hope the ones earning ₹7 lakh a month, living in Gurgaon, realise that too.”