A €70,000 salary may sound like a substantial amount when converted into Indian currency. However, the actual cost of living can significantly affect how much of that income remains. Taxes, rent, insurance and daily expenses can quickly add up, particularly in major European cities.
X user Tanuj, who says he lived in Germany for six years, shared his perspective on the expenses involved. “Reality check for Indians dreaming of Germany or Europe. I lived in Germany for 6 years,” he wrote.
“A €70k salary sounds massive in INR. (~65–70 LPA after conversion),” he added.
The user went on to highlight several expenses that can impact a person’s finances in Germany. According to his post, about 40% of the salary can go towards taxes, while rent in major cities may cost €1,500 or more.
He also pointed to electricity and internet bills, insurance costs, eating out and other everyday expenses as factors that can add to the overall cost of living.
The user then used purchasing power parity (PPP) to compare the salary with Indian earnings, writing, “After PPP adjustment, €70k in Germany feels closer to ~32–35 LPA in India.”
Reality check for Indians dreaming of Germany or Europe.
I lived in Germany for 6 years.
A €70k salary sounds massive in INR.
(~65–70 LPA after conversion)
But reality looks more like this:
– ~40% gone in taxes
– €1.5k+ rent in major cities
– expensive electricity & internet
– high insurance costs
– eating out is costly
– every service costs money
After PPP adjustment,
€70k in Germany feels closer to
~32–35 LPA in India.
So before leaving your well-paid job in India. Think twice.
Make decision wisely instead of regretting later.
— Tanuj (@tanujDE3180) September 17, 2026
The post concluded with a word of caution for Indians considering leaving well-paying jobs in India.
“So before leaving your well-paid job in India, think twice. Make your decision wisely instead of regretting later,” the user wrote.
The figures and comparison shared in the post represent the user’s personal assessment and experience. Actual expenses can vary based on factors such as the city, lifestyle, tax situation and individual circumstances.
Internet reacts
The post sparked a discussion on whether salary alone is enough to compare the financial realities of living in India and Germany.
One user wrote, “It isn’t always about the money. Sometimes having the name of a good company is worth much more. Compromises and adjustments are a part of life and career.”
Another person said, “finding an apartment there is harder than getting the visa itself.”
A third user reacted, “Salary conversion really does not tell the whole story. Taxes, rent, insurance and everyday expenses change the equation completely.”