As the global cost-of-living crisis deepens, an Indian techie living in Canada has sparked a viral debate by claiming that a $100,000 annual salary (approximately ₹60 lakhs) isn’t sufficient to survive in Toronto. The video, shared on Instagram by Piyush Monga from the page “SalaryScale,” has ignited widespread reactions, with people questioning whether such a salary can truly be considered inadequate.
The Viral Interview: “Not Enough to Live in Toronto”
In the video, Monga interviews a woman, a tech professional in Canada, asking her how much she makes per year and whether she plans to stay in the country. Her response was telling: “I don’t think anyone answers yes to that question anymore. Maybe I will stay for a couple of years and then move somewhere closer to home.”
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The woman, who works as a test lead at a bank with over 10 years of experience, revealed that she earns approximately $100,000 annually. Despite this, she was visibly frustrated when asked if she was content with her salary. “Not at all,” she replied, adding, “It’s not easy to live in Toronto with that sort of money. It’s really bad.”
Rising Costs and Inflation in Canada
The techie emphasized how much prices have risen since she moved to Canada three years ago. “A stick of butter was $4, now it’s $8. So inflation is very real,” she remarked, highlighting how daily expenses have become overwhelming. She further noted that inflation in India doesn’t hit as hard as it does in Canada, making it even more challenging to adjust to the high cost of living in cities like Toronto.
She also shared that renting a single room costs her $1,600 (₹99,000) a month, a significant portion of her income.
The Public’s Reaction: Divided Opinions
The video sparked diverse opinions among Instagram users. Some felt that a $100,000 salary should be more than sufficient for a single person in Toronto. One user commented, “95k should be enough for one person! A lot of people are earning less than that in Toronto.” Another added, “People are earning a lot less, and they’re still managing.”
However, others defended the techie’s point of view, suggesting she might have additional financial responsibilities, such as loans or dependents. “FYI, some people might have a lot of responsibilities. Maybe she has loans to repay. Stop judging based on half stories,” one commenter responded.
Is $100,000 Enough? A Personal Take
In the caption accompanying the video, Monga acknowledged that while he initially thought $95,000 should be enough for one person, the techie had a “different take” on the matter. He suggested that while the salary may seem sufficient to some, it’s a highly personal matter, dependent on individual circumstances and financial obligations.
A Broader Conversation on the Cost of Living
This viral video has sparked a broader conversation about the cost of living in major cities like Toronto and how inflation is impacting daily life. With rising housing costs and skyrocketing prices for basic necessities, even salaries that might seem substantial are being stretched thin.
While many people dream of living and working abroad for higher wages, this video serves as a reminder that the cost of living in those destinations can significantly affect one’s financial comfort. For many, it’s no longer just about how much you earn but how far that money goes in an increasingly expensive world.