Is This Salary Enough to Live Comfortably in India?

A lifestyle and cost-of-living reality check for India.

What Does an “Enough” Salary Really Mean?

An “enough” salary isn’t just about headline income. It depends on your take-home pay, the city you live in, your lifestyle choices, and whether you can continue investing for the future.

This calculator estimates whether your salary supports your real lifestyle in Indian cities — not just survival on paper.

Your Details
Enter your salary and lifestyle to get a reality check.
Balanced spending with occasional eating out, limited impulse purchases, and focus on saving.

Enter your details for a practical reality check on your salary.

How "Enough" Salary is Determined

An "enough" salary isn’t just about covering bills. It’s about whether your income can support your desired lifestyle in a specific city while still allowing you to save and invest for the future. This calculator determines this by looking at four key factors:

  • Your estimated monthly take-home pay.
  • The typical rent for your chosen city and lifestyle.
  • The assumed cost of daily living (food, transport, etc.).
  • Your commitment to ongoing investments.
How This Calculator Works

This calculator provides a verdict by estimating your financial surplus or deficit:

  • It estimates your monthly in-hand salary based on your CTC.
  • It subtracts estimated rent and lifestyle costs based on your selected city and lifestyle level.
  • It also subtracts your planned monthly investments.
  • The final remaining amount is your "Living Cushion," which determines if the salary is comfortable, tight, or a mismatch for your expectations.
Why Lifestyle & City Matter

A ₹1 lakh monthly salary can feel very different depending on your context:

  • In a Tier-2 City: This could afford a comfortable lifestyle with high savings.
  • In Mumbai with a 'Premium' Lifestyle: This same salary might feel stretched due to high rent and living expenses.

This tool helps you see that financial reality, which is why a higher salary doesn't always mean a better life.

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