Financial Express: J&K: Friday, 11 July 2025.
“Cost of living was another major pain point, something many assume would be lower in India. Decent gyms cost at least 4 to 5K per month. I used to get swimming and other activities included for that price in NA," wrote the user
A recent social media post
by a returnee to India has gone viral for its brutally honest take on moving
back after over a decade in North America. The post, written by someone who
moved to Chennai after 15 years abroad, captures the culture shock, frustrations,
and mixed emotions many repats experience, but rarely articulate. The post
read, “Moved back to Chennai after 15 years in NA. I wanted to provide a quick
update on how things are going so far.”
The post begins with cautious optimism, but quickly dives into the daily realities of adjusting to life in India, with kids, career, and expectations in tow. “Kids have barely adjusted. Schools are terribly expensive and the competition is off the roof. Even after paying exorbitant fees (3 to 4 lakhs+), we still have to put them in extra classes like robotics etc., which cost an arm and leg,” wrote the NRI.
While the writer acknowledges the small wins, like their kids reconnecting with cousins, the larger picture feels overwhelming. He added, “They keep asking to go to playgrounds and things. The outdoor playgrounds, even paid ones, are abysmal. The indoor ones are too expensive.” Cost of living was another major pain point, something many assume would be lower in India. Decent gyms cost at least 4 to 5K per month. I used to get swimming and other activities included for that price in NA. Rents are off the roof, honestly, not sure why people complain about rents in Toronto. Food quality is abysmal. WLB is non-existent,” noted the user.
Even as an entrepreneur, the struggle to find balance is real. He stated, “Fortunately, I run my startup so I don’t have to deal with politics, but managing my team is like shepherding flocks of sheep. I tried to implement the western style of work but only been taken advantage of. Seems like the work culture here is there for a reason. Finding house help or even handymen is a struggle. Traffic is insane, end up spending 4–5 hours per day on commutes. This makes me feel like my time (and life) is going by quickly.” Yet, amid the chaos, there are things to be grateful for. “There are obviously positives, like being with my parents is a huge benefit, and working on my startup is a benefit. The quality of life is what is lacking.”
“There is no return on quality of life”
The internet swiftly reacted to this post. A user stated, ” Costs in T1 cities in India are high and there is no return on quality of life. Check the real estate prices to buy and you’ll find most cities in US are actually cheaper.” ” it took me about year and a half to adjust. I would stop comparing both places. At first I was frustrated about every damn thing. One day my dad gave me a lecture that if you want to be happy here just adapt the ways. Look at each item and see how to fix it. There are good gyms in 2.5k range as well especially if you take 3/4 months subscription at once. The travel – see how to fix it. Since you run your own start up try to wfh or fix the office location of move towards the office,” noted another.
“You still seem to be wearing Toronto lenses after moving to Chennai. Give it sometime and you will start embracing your home country more even with its limitations. Calibrate your expectations,” claimed a netizen. “I can see from your approach that this is going to be a tough transition,” added another. “I mean, anyone who said India is cheap and life will be easy is simply deluded at this point. It’s not. Silicon valley is cheaper in many ways compared to Bangalore,” explained a netizen.
“4-5 hrs commute per day means you haven’t selected appropriate areas for living/work. It would take 3-4 hrs in US if I live in one end of city and work in other end. Traffic in India is definitely bad but never heard 4-5 hrs from anyone,” detailed a user.
“You can’t compare a first world country like Canada to India. Surely you knew that? I dont live in India but nothing you have said has surprised me. You had to know that QoL is shit in India through your visits before the move? Question is – do you accept it and make adjustments where possible, or you move back (if that’s an option)? Agree with others – complaining about it is like banging your head against a brick wall. It’s an exercise in futility,” added another user.
“Cost of living was another major pain point, something many assume would be lower in India. Decent gyms cost at least 4 to 5K per month. I used to get swimming and other activities included for that price in NA," wrote the user
The post begins with cautious optimism, but quickly dives into the daily realities of adjusting to life in India, with kids, career, and expectations in tow. “Kids have barely adjusted. Schools are terribly expensive and the competition is off the roof. Even after paying exorbitant fees (3 to 4 lakhs+), we still have to put them in extra classes like robotics etc., which cost an arm and leg,” wrote the NRI.
While the writer acknowledges the small wins, like their kids reconnecting with cousins, the larger picture feels overwhelming. He added, “They keep asking to go to playgrounds and things. The outdoor playgrounds, even paid ones, are abysmal. The indoor ones are too expensive.” Cost of living was another major pain point, something many assume would be lower in India. Decent gyms cost at least 4 to 5K per month. I used to get swimming and other activities included for that price in NA. Rents are off the roof, honestly, not sure why people complain about rents in Toronto. Food quality is abysmal. WLB is non-existent,” noted the user.
Even as an entrepreneur, the struggle to find balance is real. He stated, “Fortunately, I run my startup so I don’t have to deal with politics, but managing my team is like shepherding flocks of sheep. I tried to implement the western style of work but only been taken advantage of. Seems like the work culture here is there for a reason. Finding house help or even handymen is a struggle. Traffic is insane, end up spending 4–5 hours per day on commutes. This makes me feel like my time (and life) is going by quickly.” Yet, amid the chaos, there are things to be grateful for. “There are obviously positives, like being with my parents is a huge benefit, and working on my startup is a benefit. The quality of life is what is lacking.”
“There is no return on quality of life”
The internet swiftly reacted to this post. A user stated, ” Costs in T1 cities in India are high and there is no return on quality of life. Check the real estate prices to buy and you’ll find most cities in US are actually cheaper.” ” it took me about year and a half to adjust. I would stop comparing both places. At first I was frustrated about every damn thing. One day my dad gave me a lecture that if you want to be happy here just adapt the ways. Look at each item and see how to fix it. There are good gyms in 2.5k range as well especially if you take 3/4 months subscription at once. The travel – see how to fix it. Since you run your own start up try to wfh or fix the office location of move towards the office,” noted another.
“You still seem to be wearing Toronto lenses after moving to Chennai. Give it sometime and you will start embracing your home country more even with its limitations. Calibrate your expectations,” claimed a netizen. “I can see from your approach that this is going to be a tough transition,” added another. “I mean, anyone who said India is cheap and life will be easy is simply deluded at this point. It’s not. Silicon valley is cheaper in many ways compared to Bangalore,” explained a netizen.
“4-5 hrs commute per day means you haven’t selected appropriate areas for living/work. It would take 3-4 hrs in US if I live in one end of city and work in other end. Traffic in India is definitely bad but never heard 4-5 hrs from anyone,” detailed a user.
“You can’t compare a first world country like Canada to India. Surely you knew that? I dont live in India but nothing you have said has surprised me. You had to know that QoL is shit in India through your visits before the move? Question is – do you accept it and make adjustments where possible, or you move back (if that’s an option)? Agree with others – complaining about it is like banging your head against a brick wall. It’s an exercise in futility,” added another user.
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