Bengaluru vs London: A Comparison of Salaries and Lifestyle – Which One Wins?

Many people consider a higher salary to be the ultimate measure of luxury. However, when comparing salaries between different cities, the cost of living often makes a significant difference. So, if you were offered ₹1.31 crore annually in London or ₹45 lakh in Bengaluru, which one would you choose? A comparison of salaries and living expenses by an Indian engineer is giving many professionals a fresh perspective on the real cost of living in these two cities.

Vaibhav Agarwal, a tech engineer based in Bengaluru, recently shared his analysis on LinkedIn, comparing a salary of ₹45 lakh per year in Bengaluru with £108,000 (₹1.31 crore) in London. His calculations show that just looking at salary figures doesn’t fully explain the differences in living conditions, daily expenses, and lifestyle in each city. His post sparked a global discussion, especially among engineers and Indians living abroad.

Vaibhav Agarwal’s Salary Breakdown

Agarwal explains that after tax deductions, a salary of ₹45 lakh in Bengaluru amounts to about ₹2.7 lakh per month. Renting a good 2BHK flat in the city costs around ₹50,000 per month. In addition, outsourcing daily tasks such as grocery shopping, cooking, and cleaning can add another ₹8,000 to the monthly expenses. People who live in this way are considered among the top 1% in the city, leading a comfortable and hassle-free lifestyle without having to worry about small chores.

The London Experience

On the other hand, Agarwal compares this with a salary of £108,000 (around ₹1.31 crore) in London. After tax and national insurance deductions, this would leave you with about £6,100 per month (around ₹7.41 lakh). Renting a decent 1BHK apartment in Zone 2 costs around £2,200 (approximately ₹2.67 lakh). Unlike Bengaluru, where you can outsource most household tasks, living in London means doing most of the work yourself, as domestic help is both hard to find and very expensive.

Key Differences Between the Cities

Agarwal simplifies this comparison by saying that Bengaluru offers a more luxurious and comfortable lifestyle, while London provides the experience of living in a well-developed city with clean air, good infrastructure, and a strong currency. However, in London, despite the higher salary, life can be more demanding in terms of personal time, chores, and the overall cost of living.

Public Opinion

The conversation has sparked significant debate on the internet, with people discussing the pros and cons of salary versus lifestyle. Many pointed out that although London offers a clean environment and strong infrastructure, the daily struggles such as cooking, cleaning, long commutes, and limited daylight hours can make it harder to live comfortably.

In contrast, Bengaluru offers the convenience of outsourcing tasks like food delivery, cleaning, and groceries, making life easier for residents. Social services are readily available, and this saves a lot of time for individuals to enjoy life.

Ultimately, people agree that comparing salaries alone isn’t enough. What truly matters is lifestyle, the daily compromises you’re willing to make, and your personal preferences.