Indian Woman In Us Shares Why Even High Earners In California S Bay Area Stick To A Budget

An Indian woman living in the United States has shared a detailed breakdown of what it takes to manage monthly expenses in California’s Bay Area, saying that the region may look beautiful but comes with a steep cost of living.

In the video, Manisha said, “Is living in America actually expensive, or do people just overreact? Well, let's talk about California's Bay Area, which looks as beautiful as a postcard. But the rent here often starts anywhere from $3,500 to $4,500. For groceries, around 800 to 1,200 is set aside every month. And if you have a baby, you absolutely have to make an extra budget for diapers, milk, snacks, and toys.”

She further added that transport related expenses also take up a major part of the monthly budget. “Then comes cars, insurance, gas, and when you combine that with installments, a pretty significant amount goes into installments every month. It depends on what kind of car you have and what your insurance is. This is the reason why even the highest earners here stick to a budget. California is definitely expensive, friends, but when it comes to living, this is the place in America I find most worth it.”

The clip was shared with a caption that read, “San Jose, California is beautiful, but the cost of living can definitely surprise you.”

The video drew several reactions from users, many of whom shared their own views on the cost of living in the United States. One user wrote, “Bay Area salaries look big only until rent and childcare enter the chat.” Another said, “People in India think earning in dollars means unlimited money, but expenses are also in dollars.”

A third user commented, “This is why budgeting is so important, no matter how much you earn.” Another wrote, “San Jose is beautiful, but it is definitely not for people who do not plan their finances well.”

(Disclaimer: This report is based on user-generated content from social media. HT.com has not independently verified the claims and does not endorse them.)

Mahipal Singh Chouhan is a Senior Content Producer at Hindustan Times Digital, with nearly five years of experience in digital journalism and content production. His work primarily focuses on offbeat and trending stories that reflect everyday experiences and evolving conversations on the internet. He has consistently worked on transforming viral content and human interest stories into structured news pieces that engage readers while maintaining editorial clarity. At Hindustan Times, Mahipal contributes to identifying and developing stories emerging from social media trends, online communities, and real-world incidents that capture public attention. His approach involves adding context and journalistic perspective to fast-moving digital narratives, helping present viral moments in a clear and reader-friendly format suited for digital audiences. Before joining Hindustan Times Digital, he was associated with DNA India, where he gained experience in newsroom workflows and digital storytelling practices. Mahipal holds a degree in Journalism and Mass Communication from the Vivekananda Institute of Professional Studies, Delhi. He is particularly interested in tracking emerging trends and understanding how online conversations evolve into broader public discussions. His work reflects a focus on accuracy, readability, and relevance in the rapidly changing digital news environment. Outside of his professional responsibilities, Mahipal takes an interest in history and sports and regularly works on improving his general knowledge, which complements his curiosity as a media professional.Read More