A Russian influencer living in Gurugram, Haryana, has drawn wide attention after claiming that her “basic” monthly expenses include ₹1.2 lakh rent for a 1BHK apartment. The statement, shared in a viral video, has sparked debate on cost of living and lifestyle choices in India.
Expense Breakdown Shared Online
In a video posted on Instagram, Viktoriia Kovan, a content creator from Russia, detailed her monthly budget. She said she spends ₹1.2 lakh on rent, alongside other expenses such as ₹40,000 on groceries, ₹30,000 on shopping, and ₹15,000 on electricity.
Kovan also cited ₹20,000 on medicines, attributing this cost partly to air pollution in the city, and an additional ₹15,000 on beauty treatments. She added that each ride with Uber Black cost her around ₹1,000. Together, these figures place her monthly expenditure above ₹2 lakh, according to multiple reports including India Today and Hindustan Times.
Internet Reactions and Criticism
The video triggered an outpouring of reactions online. Many users expressed disbelief at the rent figure, which is far higher than the typical Gurugram average of ₹8,000–₹23,000 per month, according to NDTV.
Some commenters argued that her spending did not represent “basic” expenses. One user wrote: “None of these are basic—this is luxury living.” Another added: “You could rent a three-bedroom apartment in Gurugram for half this amount.”
Others defended her, suggesting that costs can rise steeply for expatriates seeking premium housing and services.
Kovan’s Response
Amid the backlash, Kovan responded that her intent was not to complain but to provide clarity about expenses. “I’m not complaining—just giving facts. To maintain a good lifestyle, you need to prepare your pockets,” she said, as quoted by Moneycontrol.
Her statement emphasised that she considers these costs necessary for a comfortable lifestyle, particularly given concerns about air quality and safety in Gurugram.
Cost of Living in Gurugram
Gurugram, part of the National Capital Region, is home to multinational corporations and expatriate communities. While it is known for upscale housing and premium services, average rental rates for 1BHK apartments generally fall between ₹8,000 and ₹23,000, according to India Today.
Analysts note that higher rents are common in gated societies with modern amenities, but ₹1.2 lakh remains well above the standard market rate. Experts also highlight that personal lifestyle choices—such as use of luxury services like Uber Black or premium beauty treatments—can substantially increase costs.
Broader Implications
The viral video highlights the gap between perceived affordability in India and the lived experiences of some expatriates. While many locals consider Gurugram relatively affordable compared to global cities, expatriates often face different cost structures due to housing preferences, health concerns, and reliance on imported goods.
Economists caution against generalising such cases. “Expatriate spending patterns may not reflect average living costs, but they illustrate how lifestyle choices shape affordability,” said Dr. Ritu Malhotra, an urban studies researcher at Jawaharlal Nehru University.
Conclusion
The debate sparked by Kovan’s disclosure underscores the subjective nature of living costs in India’s urban centres. While her expenses reflect a premium lifestyle, they have also drawn attention to issues such as rising rents, urban air pollution, and the challenges of expatriate life in rapidly growing cities like Gurugram.
