A 25-year-old woman from Gurgaon has sparked widespread conversations online after openly sharing her monthly budget and the financial challenges of living alone in a metropolitan city. Kangana Rai, in an Instagram video, detailed her expenses, including rent, food, commuting, and coffee, while admitting that her income does not comfortably cover both savings and EMIs.
Where Most of the Money Goes
For Kangana, housing remains the biggest monthly commitment. She lives in a 1RK apartment, which costs her ₹13,000 per month. Electricity bills vary with the weather, ranging from ₹1,000 to ₹1,300, especially during the hot months in Gurgaon. Together, these costs account for a significant portion of her monthly spending.
Daily Travel Comes with Its Own Cost
Like many residents of Gurgaon, commuting is a regular part of Kangana's routine. She spends around ₹3,500 per month on travel to coaching classes and work, primarily using ride-hailing bike services. Additionally, she pays for an Uber One membership, which costs about ₹150 per month.
Internet and Subscriptions Stay in the Budget
Beyond essentials, Kangana allocates funds for connectivity and entertainment. Her internet bill is roughly ₹700 per month. She also subscribes to Spotify, YouTube, and Netflix, which together add another ₹700 to her monthly expenses.
A Fixed Meal Plan Keeps Things Simple
Food spending follows a structured pattern. Kangana pays ₹3,300 for a tiffin service that covers her lunch and dinner. Additionally, she spends around ₹700 on muesli and milk. Coffee is a daily necessity, costing her about ₹1,500 per month. She explains, “I need at least one cup of coffee every day. It gets me going.”
The Smaller Expenses That Add Up
While rent and food dominate the budget, Kangana also highlighted overlooked everyday costs. Being lactose intolerant, she spends ₹25 to ₹26 per day on milk. Grocery expenses are limited since most meals are covered by the tiffin service. She spends around ₹2,000 on occasional outings, street food, and small shopping needs. Personal care products and hygiene essentials add another ₹1,000 to her monthly spending.
Savings Depend on What Is Left
After accounting for all regular expenses, any remaining amount goes towards savings or EMIs. Kangana admits, “I do not earn enough to manage both comfortably every month.” This candid admission has resonated with many viewers, sparking discussions about financial realities for young professionals.
Comment Section Turns Curious
While many viewers appreciated the transparency of the video, others sought more details about her setup. One user commented, “I am genuinely interested to know about the location you are living in because a 1RK at this price is very good. Let me know if you can.” Another wrote, “This is really well managed. I like how clearly you have broken it down.”
Disclaimer: This article is based on claims made by the content creator in a social media post. The Times of India has not independently verified the details shared in the video.
