Is Gurgaon Really That Pricey? A Fun Peek at a Viral Reel's Take on Living Costs

Hey there, fellow wanderers and budget-watchers! Ever scrolled through Instagram and stumbled upon a reel that makes you go, "Wait, what?!" That's exactly what happened with Russian content creator Viktoriia Kovan's recent video, where she spills the beans on her monthly "basic" expenses in Gurgaon (aka Gurugram), India. Posted just a few days ago, it's sparked a ton of chatter with some folks are nodding in agreement, others are scratching their heads, and a bunch are sharing their own stories in the comments. Viktoriia, who's all about that "good lifestyle" vibe, isn't out here complaining; she's just dropping "real facts" to help prep your wallet if you're eyeing a move to this buzzing city. And hey, who doesn't love a good reality check with a side of surprise?

But is her spendy setup the norm, or more of a splurge? We've crunched the numbers from trusty spots like Numbeo and Expatistan (fresh as of September 2025) to compare her picks with everyday averages.

From the reel that's got everyone talking, here's the scoop on her expenses (adding up to around ₹2,26,000 total—yowza!):

• Rent for a 1BHK Apartment: ₹1,20,000 (That's one cozy but fancy pad.)

• Groceries: ₹40,000 (Stocking up on all the goodies.)

• Shopping (Clothes & Stuff): ₹30,000 (Fashion forward, we see!)

• Medicine (Thanks to Air Pollution): ₹20,000 (Oof, that Delhi-NCR air can be sneaky.)

• Electricity: ₹15,000 (Keeping things cool in the heat?)

• Uber Black Rides: ₹1,000 per trip (Luxury wheels for zipping around.)

She frames it as essentials for comfort in a city that's not as "soooo cheap" as folks might think. Fair enough everyone's "basic" looks different, right? Now, let's see how this stacks up against the average Joe's (or Jane's) budget in Gurgaon.

Gurgaon's a hotspot for techies, expats, and dream-chasers, so costs can swing wildly depending on your neighborhood and style. Think posh high-rises vs. chill suburbs. We've pulled data from real-deal sources to keep it fair and fresh. Ready for the showdown?

Rent (That Roof Over Your Head)

• Viktoriia's Pick: ₹1,20,000 for a 1BHK, prime location perks, perhaps?

• Average Scoop: Around ₹25,696 in the city center or ₹15,841 outside, per Numbeo. Expatistan says ₹40,361 for a furnished 85m² spot in a normal area, up to ₹60,084 in swanky zones. Blogs chime in with ₹15,000-₹22,000 for basics.

• Quirky Take: If you're channeling your inner VIP, her number fits fancy serviced apartments. But for most, it's like paying for a palace when a comfy castle does the trick for 3-4x less price.

Groceries (Fuel for the Fun)

• Viktoriia's Pick: ₹40,000 (maybe lots of imported treats?)

• Average Scoop: For a solo adventurer, think ₹10,000-₹20,000 monthly, covering staples like milk (₹68/liter), rice (₹95/kg), and chicken (₹327/kg). Bachelors might squeak by on ₹5,000-₹8,000 if mixing home cooking and eats out.

• Quirky Take: Her haul could include gourmet vibes or organic hauls totally valid if that's your jam! But locals often keep it real (and wallet-happy).

Shopping (Wardrobe Wins)

• Viktoriia's Pick: ₹30,000 (retail therapy alert)

• Average Scoop: Jeans at ₹2,700, dresses at ₹2,502, sneakers at ₹4,881 monthly? More like ₹5,000-₹10,000 tops for occasional splurges.

• Quirky Take: If shopping's your superpower, go for it! But for everyday folks, it's not a "must" but more of a treat-yourself territory.

Medicine (Health Hacks)

• Viktoriia's Pick: ₹20,000, pinned on pollution (fair point, Gurgaon's AQI can be iffy).

• Average Scoop: Cold meds at ₹146 for a week, doctor visits at ₹1,114. Pollution extras like masks or purifiers? ₹1,000-₹5,000 monthly, max.

• Quirky Take: Air quality's no joke, so props for prioritizing health! But averages suggest most manage with less, unless you're stocking up on fancy supplements.

Electricity (Power Plays)

• Viktoriia's Pick: ₹15,000 (might be for an AC on blast)

• Average Scoop: ₹4,472 for a standard apartment, or ₹5,558-₹12,982 as per Expatistan.

• Quirky Take: Summers here are steamy, so higher bills make sense for comfort queens. But clever tricks like energy-saving bulbs keep it chill for others.

Transportation (Zoom Zoom)

• Viktoriia's Pick: ₹1,000 per Uber Black ride (premium cruising)

• Average Scoop: Regular taxis start at ₹100, with ₹40/km; monthly passes ₹1,633. Total monthly? ₹2,000-₹5,000 for most.

• Quirky Take: Uber Black's like riding in style with fun, but Ola or Metro can save you a bundle without the fuss.

References:

1. Numbeo, Cost of Living in Gurgaon, September 2025. https://www.numbeo.com/cost-of-living/city-result.jsp?country=India&city=Gurgaon ↩

2. Expatistan, Cost of Living in Gurgaon, September 2025. https://www.expatistan.com/cost-of-living/city/gurgaon

3. Sobha. “Cost of Living in Gurgaon.” Sobha Blog, June 2025. https://www.sobha.com/blog/cost-of-living-in-gurgaon

(Rh/Eth/VK/MSM)