Rs 60 lakh income but low quality life: Bengaluru Reddit user considers migrating amid 'poor infrastructure and rising costs'

As urban cities continue to grapple with poor infrastructure, rising living costs, and mounting frustrations among the middle class, many high-earning professionals are beginning to question whether staying in the country is worth it. A recent post by a Bengaluru-based man on Reddit captured this growing sentiment, sparking widespread debate about life quality, governance, and the future of India's skilled workforce.

A 30-year-old Bengaluru resident, who earns a combined household income of nearly Rs 60 lakh per year with his wife, shared his personal struggles living in the city, questioning whether the financial advantages are enough to outweigh the everyday hardships.

Frustration Over Infrastructure and Taxes

The original poster, who lives in Horemavu, Bengaluru, described his daily struggles with the city’s deteriorating infrastructure. “It takes me 40 minutes to cover 3 kms (I already feel drained by the time I reach my office). Every road has either bottlenecks, broken or dug up. Construction is never-ending. Projects start, but never finish. Where’s the accountability?” he wrote.

Adding to the frustration, he highlighted the disparity between the high road tax in Bengaluru and the poor returns. "I paid Rs 2.25L more in road tax vs that I would have paid in Delhi. And what do I get in return? Craters for roads, traffic nightmares, and constant construction. This is pure daylight robbery."

He further criticized the tax system, stating, "We pay massive taxes and get NOTHING back. 30-40% of our income goes in taxes. Add GST on every damn thing. And what do we get? No free healthcare, no decent education, not even reliable water."

Declining Quality of Life and Rising Costs

Beyond infrastructure, the man spoke about the general decline in living conditions. "Quality of life is just sad. Dust everywhere. Noise. Stress. Road rage is normal. You can’t walk peacefully, you can’t breathe clean air. I don’t feel safe sending my wife out alone after 7 PM," he said. He noted that expenses like rent, school fees, and salaries for house help were rising much faster than household income.

Corruption also remains a major concern. Sharing a personal experience, he revealed, "Needed a marriage certificate — had to pay Rs 2,000 as a 'tip' just to get it done after they rejected the application without any credible reason."

Despite his desire to stay and contribute, he admitted, "I have formed an opinion that every single rupee we pay in tax goes to fill the coffers of politicians."

Reddit Users Share Suggestions

The post quickly garnered hundreds of replies, many of which supported the idea of leaving India as a practical option. One user advised that if someone has the skills, family support, and good circumstances, they should consider leaving, noting that in India, people often feel like just a labor force subjected to high taxes, with little chance of change.

Another user, who had lived in Singapore, shared that the lifestyle there was far better, with ample opportunities for sports, stress-free weekends, and a more balanced life. They expressed a strong preference for living in a developed country if given the chance.

Many commenters pointed out that the issues in India are systemic. One person highlighted the ongoing cycle of poverty, corruption, violence, and a dysfunctional political system as deep-rooted problems that are unlikely to change anytime soon.

Others underscored the lack of understanding toward valid complaints, emphasizing that just because someone is financially successful doesn’t mean they should ignore the difficulties they face due to the country's issues.

A number of respondents viewed migration as a long-term solution for better prospects, especially for future generations. One commenter noted that while migrating may require sacrifice and initial struggles, it could lead to a better life. An Indian professional living in Germany shared a positive experience, stating that building a supportive community abroad had been key to their satisfaction.

While some were skeptical about any immediate improvements in India, with one predicting it could take decades, most agreed that moving abroad seemed like a better option if the circumstances allowed.