Is Rs 1 crore enough to survive in tier 1 Indian city? Harsh financial reality and advice shared by Reddit

As living costs in India’s major cities continue to rise, many Indians are questioning how much savings are truly sufficient to support a family comfortably. One Reddit user recently asked whether Rs 1 crore in investments, combined with an inherited flat in a Tier 1 city, would allow them to move back to India with a spouse and child. The user, who has spent most of their life abroad, expressed uncertainty about finding a job in India and whether the investment corpus alone could generate enough monthly income.

The Redditor shared that their parents own a flat worth around Rs 1.25 crore, which they are set to inherit. They currently have Rs 1 crore in overseas investments and are planning a move back to India with their family. Their key concerns included whether the investment returns would be sufficient to support daily living and how much more they should save before relocating.

Redditors’ Advice and Perspectives
Comments from the Reddit community largely indicated that Rs 1 crore would not be enough to live comfortably in a Tier 1 city without additional income. One user recommended a corpus 30–35 times the expected annual expenses to survive without working. Another highlighted that if the individual plans to rely solely on investments, especially with a child still studying, the amount would likely fall short.

Some users noted the inherited property’s limitations. While the flat has a high market value, it cannot easily be sold if it serves as a primary residence, reducing its usefulness as a safety net. Others suggested that Rs 1 crore might cover 7–8 years of living only if the family is extremely budget-conscious. Comparisons were made to the rising cost of living, with several commenting that Rs 5–10 crore is now the equivalent of what Rs 1 crore used to cover in past decades.

A recurring theme in the discussion was the importance of working in India, or remotely for foreign companies to maintain financial stability. Users also advised keeping investments overseas in dollars to hedge against inflation and currency fluctuations. The consensus leaned toward caution: without a steady income, relying solely on Rs 1 crore is unlikely to sustain a family in a major city long-term.