How much do H1B visa holders need to live in US? Indian startup founder reveals cost of living, ‘Nobody tells you…’
Entrepreneur Aniruddha Anjana notes that high American salaries, when converted to Indian rupees, can be misleading because of family expenses. Using the 50/30/20 budgeting rule, he compares living costs across various US cities.
An Indian entrepreneur, Aniruddha Anjana, has revealed the true cost of living in the United States for families holding H1B visas. In an Instagram post, he detailed the expenses for two adults and two children across ten major American cities. Using the 50/30/20 budgeting rule, Anjana calculated the necessary annual income for comfortable living.
San Francisco emerged as the most expensive city at $407,597 (₹3.91 crore), followed by San Jose at $402,771 (₹3.86 crore). Boston required $368,742 (₹3.53 crore), while New York demanded $337,875 (₹3.24 crore). Seattle, Washington DC, Chicago, Austin, Dallas, and Houston rounded out the top ten, with annual costs ranging from $334,131 (₹3.20 crore) to $204,672 (₹1.96 crore).
Anjana emphasized that many H1B visa holders underestimate the true financial burden of living in the US. He explained that the salaries they see in Indian rupees often fall short of covering expenses once they have a family in the American system. This revelation comes as a stark reality check for those chasing the American dream, highlighting the stark difference between perceived wealth and actual financial stability.
Anjana also shared why he altered his working arrangement, stating he felt underpaid for the sacrifices required in his new life. He subsequently founded a US-based company, allowing him to earn dollars while paying his everyday expenses in rupees. This strategic move grants him the freedom to travel to the US on his terms, live the American dream, and maintain financial flexibility.
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