India vs. USA: Cost & Lifestyle Differences

India has one of the world’s economies that is expanding the fastest. Also, it is planned to become the third-largest global economy by 2030. This means if you are thinking about expanding your business to this country, your efforts are likely to be beneficial.
But if you are thinking about relocating to India from the USA, you should be aware of the stark differences in lifestyle, customs, and business practices. It is critical to understand it before you travel. So here are five differences between life in India vs the USA.

Cost of living in the USA vs.India

Renting a furnished one-room apartment in Mumbai and Bangalore, India, costs about $400, while in New York and Chicago, USA, it’s $1,000-$1,500. Also, this is a huge difference and applies across borders, whether you are purchasing groceries, utilities, or entertainment .
The same goes for salary. If someone in India can earn the same amount of money as someone in the US, they will be able to live comfortably. Skilled professionals can earn $4,000 – $5,000 monthly, a substantial sum given potential savings on living expenses.
In the USA, skilled professionals earn $6,000 – $7,000 monthly. But great pleasure,
costs mean savings might not be huge.

Electricity Use in the USA Vs. India

It may seem like a weird topic, but electricity has long been a must-have in the USA as opposed to the product it is in India. Moreover, the average Indian utilizes around 96% less electricity than the average American and this isn’t voluntary by choice.
Power cuts are usual occurrences, even in some of the larger Indian cities
when energy conservation is the goal of the government. For many Americans, It can be a big surprise to get used to not having electricity for a few hours every day.
The possibility of power shortages in India is something you should be mindful, of as you prepare to move abroad.

Returning to school in India versus the United States

Let’s say you move to India, and decide it might be useful to pursue an MBA or some other
Advanced degree. There are quite a few things to look at when doing this.
No doubt, higher education is much more low-cost in India. You can get a better education at a good private university for around $15,000 per year. In the USA, you would be lucky if you paid $15,000 per semester at a state school.
Commonly, you will end up investing around $50,000 per year in your education.
On the other hand, earning a degree from an American university will benefit you more over time.
This is because degrees from the USA carry a higher value than those from India.
You have to decide: pay more for a degree seen as more valuable, or pay less for the same education but with a less valuable degree.

Managing a home in India versus the United States

The cost of living in the USA vs. India has a huge difference. We have already covered the cost of living, so let’s take this step ahead and look at hiring domestic workers.
Labor is very cheap in India. This means that most middle-class families can afford to hire a housekeeper and a driver.
This is quite a foreign concept in the USA. In the USA, with high labor costs, many people can’t afford to hire cleaners or cooks. But in India, you can hire both for $200 a month.
In the USA, you might pay this much every week just for a maid to clean your place a few times.
Having this advantage in India could surely make life easier for you. It will allow you to focus on growing your business, instead of spending time on household upkeep.

Languages in India and the USA

India has two official languages: Hindi and English. Yet it’s impossible to consider moving to this country if you plan on depending only on your English skills. While English can be useful in business, outside the office is a completely different story.
80% of people in India speak or understand Hindi, making it the most commonly used language in the nation. Conversely, fewer people understand and speak English. You can study in the USA by just learning English but in India, that is simply not the case
Conclusion
We all know that life in India vs. the USA surely has its differences. Exploring what those are essential for the well-being of your strong move. Additionally, if you are serious about bridging the gap between the USA and India, consider taking Hindi classes. If you are unsure about your language level, you can take a placement exam. Knowing Hindi will help you in various aspects of life, from university enrollment to everyday interactions.

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