Why This Pune Man Regrets Moving to Bengaluru Despite a 40% Salary Hike
A corporate professional left Pune for Bengaluru in pursuit of a 40% salary hike, only to realize that the move was not worth it. His experience, now viral on LinkedIn, highlights a growing sentiment among professionals who have traded Pune’s comfort for Bengaluru’s chaos – only to regret it later.
A 40% Salary Hike That Didn’t Feel Like an Upgrade
The man, who was earning ₹18 LPA in Pune, accepted an offer of ₹25 LPA in Bengaluru, expecting a better financial position. However, within a year, he admitted to his friend that he wished he had never moved.
“Pune was way better; ₹25 LPA feels like nothing in Bengaluru,” he confessed.
His friend was shocked, arguing that such a salary hike should have made saving easier. But the reality was different.
“It’s peanuts for Bengaluru,” he explained. “Rents are sky-high, landlords demand three to four months of deposit, traffic is unbearable, and daily expenses are way higher than in Pune.”
Pune vs. Bengaluru: A Costly Trade-Off
Beyond finances, the man missed Pune’s affordable lifestyle, especially its simple joys like a ₹15 vada pav. Compared to Bengaluru, Pune offers a better balance—reasonable rent, shorter commutes, and a laid-back atmosphere that many professionals cherish.
The viral post sparked debate, with several users agreeing that Bengaluru’s cost of living eats into salary hikes. One user shared,
“I spent eight years in Pune, and I absolutely loved the balance—great weather, affordable living, and a chill vibe. Moving to Bangalore made me realize how expensive and stressful things are. Pune still feels like home, and more money doesn’t always mean a better life.”
Another user, however, defended Bengaluru, saying,
“I earn peanuts but love it here. It’s all about money management, brother. Don’t blame the city for it.”
But for those used to Pune’s ease of living, the transition isn’t easy. Another commenter, who moved from Mumbai to Bengaluru, said,
“Mumbai is expensive, but apart from rent, everything is still cheaper than Bengaluru. The cost of living here is absurd!”
Read the viral LinkedIn post here:
The Growing Realization: Pune is a Better Bet
This isn’t the first time someone has regretted relocating to Bengaluru. Another professional who moved from Noida for a better salary called Bengaluru “dirty, unorganized, and impossible to navigate due to bad roads and the worst traffic.”
Pune, on the other hand, continues to maintain its charm as a city that offers the right mix of job opportunities, affordability, and livability. For many professionals, the choice is becoming clearer—sometimes, staying in a well-balanced city is better than chasing a bigger paycheck in a chaotic metro.
