Moving out of Gurgaon in search of a better quality of life, Saurabh Arora relocated to Australia in 2022 with his wife Shubhangi Datta. Over two years later, the couple is already planning their return to India. In interaction with LiveMint, the NRI couple maintained that they did find a better quality of life in Australia-but at the cost of their savings and lifestyle
Having to battle loneliness, a high cost of living, and expensive healthcare in Melbourne, Saurabh Arora and his wife Shubhangi Datta are considering Indian cities to which they can return and have marked Bengaluru on the shortlist.
“We miss family and, in general, the lack of community the most. Australia is a lonely country. That’s the primary reason we want to move back,” Saurabh told LiveMint.
According to this tech professional, their cost of living also went up after their relocation to Melbourne.
“Also, the cost of living as a share of net income is higher compared to India’s. We do end up spending about 80% of our household income here. Back in India, expenses were less than 30%, including rent,” he added.
Holidays, eating out, and entertainment in general are among the things this couple has had to cut back on since their relocation to Australia. According to Saurabh, even essentials like vegetables and cooking oil etc. cost 100-300% more in Melbourne.
The increase, Saurabh said, was partly because his wife Shubhangi, an HR professional, had to settle for a lower-paying job.
Shubhangi had to settle for a low-paid job here because the options were not enough. Only the technology jobs have abundant opportunities and in most other sectors, the employers prefer people who are locally educated and experienced,” he said. “We have downgraded our lifestyles and our savings have been hit, only to lead an unfulfilling life.”
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