Podcast
9 Years in India Taught This American the Biggest Advantages of Living Here
Elliot from LA has lived in India for 9 years. Now in Goa with his Indian wife, he shares real numbers: ₹55,000 rent for 2BHK with pool, ₹25,000 groceries, ₹7,500 for help. Plus why UPI is 'best-in-class' and India is beating the West in certain ways.
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Expat Perspective • Last Updated: November 30, 2025
9 Years in India Taught This American the Biggest Advantages of Living Here
Elliot from LA shares real cost of living numbers from Goa, why UPI amazed him, and what NRIs should know about India's advantages over the West.
Elliot's Background
- From: Los Angeles, USA
- Education: College in Virginia, interested in social entrepreneurship
- First exposure to India: Heard about India growth story 15 years ago as student
- Journey: Started social enterprise in Brazil → traveled 17 countries in Asia → landed in India
- Current: 9 years in India, married to Indian, living in Goa
"India is not for beginners. I didn't speak any Indian languages, didn't understand the culture, didn't have a network here."
Real Cost of Living in Goa
Monthly Expenses (Two People)
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Rent (2BHK furnished, pool, gym, river view) | ₹55,000 |
| Groceries (including exotic items) | ₹25,000 |
| Domestic help (6 days/week) | ₹7,500 |
| Utilities (electricity, internet) | ₹5,000 |
| Petrol | ₹4,000 |
"Same space and amenities in Mumbai (Bandra/Khar) would be at least double the price."
Biggest Advantages of India
Family & Culture
- Close family ties: "In US, we have far less close, more fractured families"
- Vibrant culture: Festivals, food, traditions
- Connection to history: Feel connected to lineage of many generations
Practical Conveniences
- No cooking/cleaning stress: Affordable domestic help
- Quick commerce: Blinkit, Zepto, Instamart—even in tier 2/3 cities
- Lower burn rate: Great for entrepreneurs
✅ UPI: The Masterpiece
"UPI is best-in-class. It beats anything we have in the US—universal, instant, no intermediary wallet like Venmo. If you come expecting India is behind the West, you'll be surprised. India has leapfrogged on certain technologies."
Challenges
- Infrastructure: Power cuts, internet cuts, poor roads
- Pollution: Trash everywhere, AQI issues in metros
- Work culture: Hierarchical, orders passed down, less critical thinking
"If you come with your US working style or professional expectations, it's going to be quite difficult."
Advice for NRIs
- Trial it first—low-risk way before cutting all ties
- Earn in dollars—ideal scenario for India living
- Expect bureaucracy—PAN card, Aadhaar, bank account took 7 months
- Favorite place to visit: Rajasthan—"nothing beats the history and romance"
