A recent viral post by an Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) PhD scholar on X (formerly Twitter) has ignited a significant discussion regarding the soaring cost of living in the Delhi-National Capital Region (NCR). Mishra Dev, the scholar, claimed that a couple needs a staggering ₹85,000 to ₹95,000 per month just to maintain a 'bare minimum' lifestyle in the area.
Dev's post highlighted the challenge for households earning ₹50,000-₹60,000 monthly, questioning how they manage expenses in cities like Gurugram, Noida, and Delhi. He stated, "Cost of living in NCR is insane. I am not able to crunch numbers how a couple can live within 50-60k a month... I am kind of a minimalist and cost of living a bare minimum life is 85-95k each month for two."
Rising Expenses Fuel Public Debate
The scholar's assertion resonated with many netizens, drawing attention to the increasing unaffordability of basic monthly expenses, which include rent, groceries, transportation, healthcare, and utilities. Several users shared their own experiences, corroborating the high costs.
"I live in Delhi, my Monthly expenditure is around 70k. And that's because I live in a flat bought by my father, my needs are few. 70K consist of the expenditure of me, my wife and my 11-year-old kid. Its going to rise off course," one user commented.
Another user recounted visiting Noida, finding properties where a 2BHK flat cost ₹45,000-₹50,000 per month plus maintenance, and a 3BHK at ₹75,000 with an additional ₹15,000 for maintenance.
Official Reports Confirm Inflationary Pressures
Data from official sources and industry reports support the concerns raised by the viral post. According to the Delhi government’s "Price Indices 2024-25" report, inflation in the Delhi region has consistently risen across key consumer categories, with housing costs being a primary driver. The report specifically noted regular increases in rental prices and housing-related expenses in Delhi and its surrounding urban centers.
Real Estate Market Sees Steep Increases
The broader NCR region also faces significant inflationary pressures. Ghaziabad and Gautam Buddh Nagar recorded a consumer inflation rate of 3.8% in 2024, while Faridabad saw a rate of 4.8%, among the highest in the NCR. Industry reports further indicate a tightening rental market.
- A Savills India market report showed that average rental values in Delhi-NCR increased by 6% year-on-year in the first half of 2025.
- The Noida Expressway micro-market experienced an even sharper rental growth of nearly 19% during the same period.
This surge is partly attributed to continued office leasing and corporate expansion, attracting more professionals to the region. Savills India reported that Delhi-NCR absorbed 6.8 million square feet of office space in the first half of 2025, with Gurugram and Noida leading the demand. The real estate boom has also significantly pushed up residential property prices, with a NAREDCO-cited report indicating a 49% jump in property prices in Delhi-NCR in 2025, marking the steepest increase among major Indian cities.