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Indian employee earning $150k in US asks if ₹32 LPA offer in Bengaluru is worth returning home

An Indian employee sought advice on Reddit after receiving a 32 LPA offer in Bengaluru while earning $150,000 in the US.

Published on: Dec 15, 2025, 20:33:18 IST
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An Indian professional working in the United States has sparked a wide ranging discussion online after seeking advice on whether returning to India would make financial sense.

An Indian employee asked Reddit users if returning to Bengaluru for  ₹32 lakh made sense over a $150,000 US salary. (Representational image/Gemini AI generated)
An Indian employee asked Reddit users if returning to Bengaluru for ₹32 lakh made sense over a $150,000 US salary. (Representational image/Gemini AI generated)

Taking to Reddit, the user explained their situation, writing, “Hello all. I am currently getting about $150k in the US and have an offer of 32 LPA in Bengaluru. Single earner with a family of three. Is 32 LPA a good salary in Bengaluru?”

The post was shared under the title “32 LPA vs $150k for 15 years of experience” and quickly drew attention from users, prompting a flood of opinions.

Take a look here at the post:

Comparing numbers and lifestyles

Many users responded by looking at the figures in isolation, arguing that the Indian offer did not adequately reflect the individual’s experience. One commenter wrote, “ 32 lakh is not a good salary for Bengaluru with 15 years of work experience.”

Another took a more direct view, stating, “It’s the US. USD 150,000 is better than anything in India.”

Several responses focused on location specific expenses in the United States. One user explained, “It depends on the work location in the US. If it is the Bay Area, living on USD 150,000 for a family of three can be quite challenging. In comparison, a salary of 32 lakh in India would offer greater purchasing power. To live comfortably in the Bay Area with three family members, an income of at least USD 220,000 would likely be required.”

Others shared personal experiences to highlight that money alone does not define comfort or satisfaction. A Redditor commented, “I moved from earning over 1 crore in India to $150,000 in the US, in a tier two city, and I am very happy. Money is meaningless if you cannot exchange it for good services and meaningful experiences.”

Some users urged the professional to negotiate harder if considering a return to India. One response read, “Take an 80 lakh package in India. That’s your actual market salary. Stay in India.”

Another highlighted quality of life differences within the United States itself, writing, “You will not find the same quality of life and peace in Bengaluru that you have in Texas. It only makes sense to consider a move if the offer is above 60 lakh.”

(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
    ABOUT THE AUTHOR
    Mahipal Singh Chouhan

    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