A viral social media post by a Non-Resident Indian has triggered a fresh debate online. The post compares life in India with the United States. It highlights rapid development and lower living costs in India.
The discussion began after Alok Jain, founder of Weekend Investing, shared his friend’s recent visit to India. The friend returned from New York after eight years. He expressed surprise at India’s fast growth and changing urban landscape. Jain said people living abroad often notice progress more clearly.
Lower Living Costs Draw Attention
According to Jain, his friend felt impressed by India’s affordable healthcare and daily expenses. He also pointed to lower transport, internet, and mobile costs. In contrast, he spends nearly 600 dollars a month on mobile and data services in the US.
The NRI added that health insurance for a family of four costs him about 30,000 dollars a year. He also pays close to 2 percent as property tax. While he praised the better air quality in the US, he felt India now offers more value in many areas.
Social Media Divided Over Comparison
The post drew mixed reactions from users. Many supported the view. One user said the comparison matched his experience in New York. Another said India feels more complete due to its culture, traditions, and spirituality.
Others disagreed strongly. Some users highlighted poor air quality and weak pedestrian infrastructure in Indian cities. A few questioned the claim and suggested the NRI should return permanently if India is truly better.
The debate follows similar recent stories. Last month, an NRI couple said high medical costs forced them to return to India after 17 years in the US.
A friend visited me from New York today. He had come to India after 8 yrs.
He was all praise for the amazing energy in the country and how rapidly he felt India is growing.
An outsiders perspective can be so different from our own.
He was shocked to see our cost of medical…
— Alok Jain ⚡ (@WeekendInvestng) December 23, 2025
