Life After IIT: Techie’s ₹73,000 Monthly Living Expenses in Pune
An IIT alumnus and software engineer recently took to social media to break down his monthly living expenses in Pune. Living alone in a 1BHK, the 26-year-old revealed that his largest financial commitment is rent, which costs him ₹24,000 per month. His detailed breakdown covers everything from groceries and petrol to gym memberships and software subscriptions. Beyond just spending, he also highlighted his disciplined approach to wealth-building, disclosing that he sets aside ₹20,000 per month for SIP investments.
In a video shared on Instagram, Akash Varude, the techie in question, opens with a text insert that reads, “Life after passing out from IIT.” He then poses the question, “How much do I spend in a month as a 26-year-old software engineer living alone in Pune?” Varude provides a comprehensive tour of his flat and breaks down each of his monthly expenses in detail.
His largest expense is undoubtedly the rent, which is ₹24,000 for a 1BHK apartment. He explains that he spends ₹2,500 on the gym, ₹900 on electricity and gas, and ₹4,000 on software subscriptions and phone bills combined. He notes that his Wi-Fi bill is reimbursed by his company, which is a nice perk.
On weekends, Varude enjoys going out and visiting places, which costs him around ₹5,000. He also spends ₹3,000 on ordering food or eating out. Since he cooks his own meals, his grocery expenses are around ₹2,000. For travel, he uses his bike and spends about ₹1,500 on petrol each month. He keeps his shopping expenses, including necessary items for the home and clothes, around ₹10,000.
In addition to his expenses, Varude has a savings plan and invests ₹20,000 each month in SIPs (Systematic Investment Plans). “Whatever is left after all of these, I don’t usually spend. Either it goes into saving or I reinvest it,” he explains.
According to his LinkedIn profile, Varude completed his B.Tech from MIT Academy of Engineering, Alandi, Pune. He then pursued M.Tech at the Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur. After completing his studies, he worked for 6 months as a software engineer and then as a research assistant at the Indian Institute of Technology, Hyderabad. He also served as a teaching assistant at his alma mater for two years. Currently, he is employed with a software development company.
Varude’s detailed breakdown of his expenses provides valuable insights into the financial life of a young professional in Pune. His disciplined approach to savings and investments is particularly noteworthy and can serve as a model for others looking to manage their finances effectively.
