How Much Money Do You Actually Need to Feel Rich in India?
How much do you need to feel rich in India? It’s less about crores, and more about control. Here’s how to find your number and plan smartly.
Everyone wants to feel “rich.”
But what does that really mean?
Is it about owning an iPhone, driving a luxury car, or dining out every weekend?
Or is it about freedom, peace of mind, and not checking your account before ordering food?
Let’s break down what it actually takes to feel rich in India — not in movie-style crores, but in real, relatable numbers.
💡 Step 1: What Does “Rich” Even Mean to You?
There’s no fixed amount.
For some, it’s:
- Paying bills without stress
- Going on 2 vacations a year
- Being debt-free
- Retiring parents early
- Buying a home or starting a business
Feeling rich isn’t about crores.
It’s about feeling secure, comfortable, and in control of your money.
📊 Step 2: Let’s Talk Numbers (The Honest Way)
We did the math. Here's a rough guide to monthly income benchmarks (post-tax):
| Lifestyle Type | Metro Cities (₹) | Tier 2/3 Cities (₹) |
|---|---|---|
| Just Getting By | 30,000–45,000 | 20,000–30,000 |
| Comfortable Living | 70,000–1,00,000 | 40,000–60,000 |
| Financial Freedom (Solo) | 1,50,000+ | 80,000+ |
| Financial Freedom (Family of 3–4) | 2,50,000+ | 1,20,000–1,80,000 |
🟢 These numbers assume:
- No major debt
- Rent or EMI + groceries + utilities + saving/investment
- Some lifestyle spending (dining, OTT, shopping)
Bitveen Admin
💰 What Feeling Rich Actually Looks Like
✅ You don’t fear the 1st of the month (bills, EMI, rent)
✅ You can take a trip without credit card stress
✅ You save at least 20–30% of your income
✅ Your money works for you (via investments)
✅ You can help someone without harming your budget
✅ You sleep well — even if your phone isn’t buzzing with UPI alerts
🧠 Why “Rich” Is a Feeling, Not a Figure
Someone earning ₹1 lakh/month in Delhi may feel broke…
While someone earning ₹40,000 in Bhopal may feel wealthy — no debt, family support, and ₹5K SIPs running.
Don’t let Instagram define your rich.
Define it based on your values, your city, and your goals.
📈 How to Get Closer to “Rich” — No Matter Your Income
- Track your spending
- Avoid “lifestyle creep” (new phone every 12 months?)
- Build an emergency fund
- Automate savings and SIPs
- Learn — even if it’s just 10 mins/week
- Invest in skills, not just stocks
🧾 Case Study: 3 Incomes, 3 Lifestyles
🧑 Rahul (23, Bangalore, ₹30K/month)
- Lives with flatmates
- Spends ₹20K, saves ₹5K, sends ₹5K home
- Feels “broke” near month-end
🛠️ Solution: ₹166/day savings challenge, ₹2K SIP, weekly budget review
👩 Neha (30, Pune, ₹85K/month)
- Married, no kids yet
- ₹20K rent, ₹25K household, ₹20K savings/investments
- Feels secure, planning to buy house
🛠️ Solution: Automate SIPs, avoid big impulsive spends, start health cover
🧔 Ajay (40, Jaipur, ₹1.6L/month)
- Family of 4
- ₹30K EMI, ₹35K household, ₹30K investments, ₹15K insurance
- Feels stretched sometimes due to school fees & travel
🛠️ Solution: Prioritize term cover, use cashback wisely, plan yearly in advance
💬 Final Thoughts
You don’t need ₹1 crore to feel rich.
You need clarity, a working plan, and consistent habits.
Rich is the freedom to live on your terms — not someone else’s salary slip.
Ask yourself today:
- What’s my number to feel “comfortable”?
- What’s making me feel broke — income or spending patterns?
- What 1 thing can I improve this month?
📢 Bonus Download:
📝 “How Much Is Enough?” Worksheet — Calculate your comfort number
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Bitveen Admin
⚠️ Disclaimer:
This article is for educational purposes only. I am not a SEBI-registered advisor. Income needs and expenses vary by person, location, and lifestyle. Please plan accordingly.