Google Engineer Earns ₹1.6 Crore—But Reveals Why Living in New York Still Feels Tight
Google Engineer Earns ₹1.6 Crore—But Reveals Why Living in New York Still Feels Tight
For many, a seven-figure salary abroad is the definition of success. But Maitri Mangal, an Indian software engineer working at Google in New York City, has offered a reality check that’s resonated widely online. Despite earning around ₹1.6 crore per year (approximately $190,000), Maitri admits that life in one of the world’s most expensive cities can feel financially strained.
In a candid chat with podcaster Kushal Lodha, Maitri explained that her monthly income of about ₹13 lakh barely stretches to cover the basics. “Even a seven-figure salary doesn’t go far in New York if you want to live comfortably,” she shared.
Where the Money Goes
Maitri’s monthly expenses average around $5,000 (₹4.2 lakh). A significant part of this is rent, which alone costs her about $3,000 (₹2.5 lakh) for a standard apartment—not a luxury condo as many might assume. Other essentials, including groceries, dining out, entertainment, and personal care, add another $1,000–$2,000 (₹86,000–₹1.7 lakh). Commuting costs roughly $100–$200 (₹8,500–₹17,000) per month. At the end of the month, there’s barely anything left for savings or splurges.
Her honest breakdown has gone viral, sparking conversations on Instagram, where Maitri shares content about tech, coding, and life in the U.S. with over 1.7 million followers. Commenters have pointed out that taxes, health insurance, and other hidden costs in the U.S. further eat into take-home pay. As one user put it: “Earning in dollars doesn’t mean spending in rupees.”
Beyond the Salary Figure
What makes Maitri’s story even more interesting is her background. Unlike many who land similar roles after studying at IIT or IIM, she completed her Bachelor’s in Computer Science at Binghamton University, New York. Before Google, she worked at Bloomberg and joined Google in late 2022.
Maitri also highlighted that her pay—between $150,000 and $200,000 (₹1.2–₹1.6 crore)—matches what many software engineers earn in New York. Yet, as she points out, a big paycheck doesn’t guarantee financial freedom or a lavish lifestyle.
A Broader Lesson
Her story underlines a truth that often gets overlooked: a high income doesn’t always translate to an extravagant life, especially in expensive cities. Lifestyle choices, financial goals, and local costs all play a major role.
These insights are drawn from Maitri’s personal experience. Individual circumstances, spending habits, and family needs mean every story is unique—but hers offers a glimpse of the financial realities that come with living the so-called “dream life” abroad.
