'India Is Messy, But Real': Netizens On Why They Choose Life In India Over US Comforts

A 37-year-old Indian Redditor’s heartfelt post comparing life in India and the United States has struck a chord with thousands online, reopening the long-standing conversation about what truly defines a better life. Writing on Reddit, the user reflected on years of living abroad, ultimately admitting that despite America’s conveniences, it is India that feels “real, connected, and full of life.”

The Redditor began by acknowledging the opportunities and experiences the US offered, from professional growth to global friendships. “The US has given me a lot. I’ve met and worked with incredibly smart people, experienced skiing, eaten at great restaurants, and attended countless concerts. I’ll always be thankful for that,” they wrote.

But the turning point in the post came with a simple observation, “In India, you just step outside and something’s happening. You talk to people, bump into friends, and feel like you’re part of something bigger. Even buying vegetables feels social.” The Redditor described India as “messy but real,” contrasting it with the often isolated and consumer-driven life in the US.

Adding that family ties play a huge role in the desire to return, the user noted, “My parents are open-minded, supportive, and I’d actually love to live with them again. A lot of my friends in the US seem happy because of the lifestyle — new cars, lake houses, upgrades — but that doesn’t appeal to me.”

The post has drawn widespread attention, especially among NRIs (Non-Resident Indians), many of whom admitted feeling the same pull toward India despite its flaws. Others, however, cautioned that “vacation India” feels different from “living-in-India reality.”

American In India Says ‘Life Feels Easier Here’

Interestingly, on another platform, an American woman living in India echoed a similar sentiment, though from a financial standpoint. Kristen Fischer, who frequently shares her life experiences in India on Instagram, went viral after explaining how daily expenses in India are dramatically lower than in the US.

“Why would I want to live in India and not the USA? Because life is simpler and more affordable here,” she said, breaking down basic costs. A haircut, she pointed out, costs between USD 1.20–USD 2.50 in India, compared to USD 15– USD 50 in the US. Monthly Wi-Fi charges average around USD 8 in India but hover near USD 80 in the States. Fischer added that medical visits, utilities, entertainment, and even childcare are far cheaper in India. “Even though we make less money here, we live far better on what we earn,” she said.

 

 

 

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A post shared by Kristen Fischer (@kristenfischer3)

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Her post sparked a flood of supportive comments, with one user writing, “Public transport, food, and domestic help, everything is cheaper and easier in India.” Another noted, “Earn in the US, spend in India, that’s the best formula for life balance.”

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Both posts, one by an Indian rediscovering his homeland and another by an American embracing it highlight a shared realization that comfort is not always about income, but about connection, simplicity, and affordability. As social media users continue to debate the “India vs America” question, one takeaway seems clear for many, the warmth of community and the rhythm of everyday Indian life outweigh the structured comfort of the West.