Aviral Bhatnagar, an alumnus of IIT Bombay and IIM Ahmedabad, recently shared a thought-provoking post on X (formerly Twitter) that has gone viral, igniting widespread discussion about what constitutes an ideal income for a comfortable life in India. Bhatnagar’s analysis suggests that Rs 1.5 lakh per month is sufficient to live well anywhere in the country, while Rs 2 lakh per month enables additional luxuries such as foreign vacations.
Breaking Down the Numbers
In his post, Bhatnagar explains that these figures represent monthly expenses rather than income. According to him, to sustain a lifestyle with Rs 1.5–2 lakh in monthly costs, an individual would need a corpus of approximately Rs 4.8 crore. This assumes an annual withdrawal rate of 5%, allowing any excess returns to compound over time.
He wrote on X:
“1.5L/month is enough to live well anywhere in India. If you want more than being in the top 1% and add luxuries like foreign vacations, take it to 2L/month. You can cover this with 5% each year on a ~4.8Cr corpus, the remaining returns compound. More is good, not need.”
Clarifying the Debate
Bhatnagar’s tweet quickly became a topic of debate, with many sharing their opinions and interpretations. To address potential confusion, he clarified that his analysis focuses on monthly expenses, not income. He emphasized that whether the amount is pre-tax or post-tax is irrelevant when discussing financial goals and long-term planning.
In another tweet, he added:
“For those who didn’t follow, these are expenses, not income. The question of pre-tax/post-tax is irrelevant.”
A Broader Perspective on Ambition
The discussion also touched on the role of ambition and financial goals. Bhatnagar offered a reflective view, cautioning against making money the sole purpose of one’s aspirations. He wrote:
“Feel free to aspire for more, but if money is your only ambition, you’ll almost always fail to achieve it.”
This perspective resonated with many, sparking further conversations about balancing financial security and personal fulfillment.
Public Reactions
The post garnered a mix of reactions. Some users supported the figures, agreeing that Rs 1.5–2 lakh per month provides a comfortable life, especially in urban India. Others argued that lifestyle preferences, family size, and regional cost-of-living variations could significantly impact the amount needed.
Several users appreciated the focus on building a financial corpus rather than chasing higher salaries. Many saw this as a practical approach to achieving long-term economic independence.
A Thought-Provoking Discussion
Aviral Bhatnagar’s viral post on X suggests Rs 1.5 lakh/month is enough for an ideal income for a comfortable life in India, with Rs 2 lakh/month covering added luxuries. While the post may not provide a one-size-fits-all solution, it has encouraged individuals to reflect on their financial goals and spending habits. The idea of basing monthly expenses on a sustainable financial corpus has sparked interest, especially among those planning for early retirement or financial independence.
