Bengaluru’s ‘Metro Trap’: Why an IIM investment advisor suggests leaving for a simpler life

A Bengaluru tech professional recently took to social media, sharing his frustration about earning ₹1.5 lakh a month yet feeling financially stuck. His confession struck a chord with many, prompting a larger discussion on the high cost of metro living.

Also Read: Samsung Electronics to lay off 200 executives in India amid slowing growth

Abhishek Kumar, a SEBI-registered investment advisor and IIM Bangalore alumnus, responded to the viral post, calling metro life a “financial trap.” He recounted the case of a tech couple earning ₹2.4 lakh monthly in Bengaluru yet struggling to save, managing just ₹15,000 with no investments. “I’ve watched this same story unfold hundreds of times. The metro dream quickly becomes a financial nightmare,” Kumar remarked.

He broke down the financial burdens that keep metro professionals feeling stretched:

• The 40-30-30 Rule: In metros, 40% of income goes to housing, 30% to necessities, and only 30% remains for discretionary spending and savings. In smaller cities, these proportions can be reversed, allowing better financial security.
• Property Delusion: A ₹2 crore apartment in Bengaluru appreciates just 3-5% annually but can consume nearly half of one’s income in EMIs.
• Family Responsibilities: Around 70% of young professionals send money home, as many parents exhaust their savings on their children's education.
• Emergency Fund Realities: A three-month safety net is no longer enough—metro living demands 8-12 months of savings.
• Lifestyle Inflation: Every ₹10,000 salary increase typically leads to ₹7,000 in higher expenses due to lifestyle creep.

His most “painful” advice? “Sometimes the bravest financial decision is leaving the metro instead of losing mental peace.” He shared that several clients took a 30% pay cut, moved to their hometowns, and now live a more content life.

The discussion has ignited debate among professionals questioning whether metro life is worth the financial stress or if a simpler, more secure life outside the big cities is the smarter choice.