The reported monthly expenses of a Bengaluru couple, focusing on costs associated with raising a young child, have sparked widespread discussion. A breakdown of their spending, shared online, highlights significant expenditures on housing, daily necessities, and childcare.

The sum of ₹2 lakh has been cited as a monthly expense for a baby, a figure that has drawn considerable attention. This amount appears to encompass a wide range of costs, from accommodation and food to specialized services for the child. The details shared offer a glimpse into the financial realities faced by some families in a major Indian city.

Detailed Expense Breakdown
Information from various sources provides a more granular view of the reported expenditures:

Housing: A significant portion of the monthly budget is allocated to rent and associated maintenance fees.
One report details rent for a 3BHK (three-bedroom hall kitchen) in a gated community at ₹54,000, with an additional ₹9,000 for maintenance, totaling ₹63,000 per month.
Another source mentions rent for a 2BHK (two-bedroom hall kitchen) in a mid-tier Bengaluru area costing between ₹20,000 and ₹45,000, while premium areas could demand ₹30,000 to ₹60,000 or more for a 2 or 3BHK.
One couple reported a rent of ₹42,000.
Notably, one account suggests the couple might be paying rent for two properties simultaneously.
Daily Necessities & Lifestyle:
Groceries are a notable expense, with figures ranging from ₹10,000 to ₹21,000 per month.
A premium milk subscription for the baby is listed at ₹6,000.
Utilities such as electricity and Wi-Fi add to the monthly outgoings, with electricity estimated around ₹3,000 and Wi-Fi at ₹1,000.
Travel and leisure, including staycations, dining out, and averaged flight costs, are budgeted at approximately ₹17,000. One couple's travel expenses alone were reported at ₹3,50,000 for a month, a figure that deviates significantly from the reported baby-centric costs.
Childcare Expenses:
Nanny services represent a substantial outlay for some families. One mother reported paying ₹46,000 for two nannies to care for her two young sons. She explained that these caregivers provide a sense of safety, security, and love for her children, enabling her to work and manage other responsibilities.
Another report mentions ₹20,000 for a nanny.
Medical care for the baby, including vaccinations and check-ups, is estimated at ₹3,000 per month.
Other Significant Outlays:
One report indicates a home loan EMI of ₹1 lakh per month, in addition to rent.
Fitness expenses were reported at ₹40,000 by one couple.
Investments were noted at ₹1,00,000 by the same couple.
Differing Perspectives on Expenses
The sharing of these detailed expenses has led to varied reactions and interpretations.

Perception of Affluence vs. Necessity: Some observers have viewed the reported spending as indicative of a high disposable income and a luxurious lifestyle. This perspective questions the necessity of such high expenditures, particularly for a baby.
Advocacy for Professional Childcare: Conversely, some individuals have defended the spending on nannies, framing it as a practical solution for working parents. The argument is that reliable childcare allows parents to maintain their careers and contribute financially, while ensuring children receive attentive care. One parent stated that the nannies " have enabled me to work, travel, and care for my kids even when I myself may fall short."
Context of Urban Living: Other comments suggest that the figures, while high, reflect the realities of the cost of living in major metropolitan areas like Bengaluru, where housing, education, and specialized services can be expensive.
Expert and Public Commentary
The viral nature of these expense breakdowns has prompted numerous public reactions and some expert commentary on urban living costs.
Read More: Free Kitchen Tools Offered to Pensioners to Save Energy
"Is ₹2 Lakhs per Month Enough to Raise a Family Comfortably in Bengaluru in 2025?"— Tradebrains.in
This question, posed by Tradebrains.in, encapsulates the debate. The article itself offers a projected budget where monthly expenses for a family could range from ₹70,000 to ₹1,20,000, leaving a significant portion for savings and investments. This contrasts with the higher figures reported by specific individuals.
Online discussions reveal a mix of astonishment, judgment, and support. Some users have expressed disbelief, while others have commended the transparency, recognizing the challenges and choices involved in modern parenting. The debate touches upon themes of privilege, financial priorities, and the evolving definition of "essential" expenses in urban India.
Conclusion and Implications
The detailed financial disclosures from Bengaluru residents underscore the considerable expenses associated with raising a family in a major urban center. While the exact total of ₹2 lakh for a baby's monthly expenses may not be universally applicable, the individual components – high rents, premium goods, and professional childcare – are recognized costs for a segment of the population.
Read More: New lessons teach boys about power and responsibility not just strength
The data highlights the disparity in living costs and lifestyle choices among urban dwellers.
It brings to the forefront the value placed on professional childcare by working parents, who may see it as a necessary investment to maintain their careers and overall family well-being.
The viral nature of these revelations suggests a broad public interest in understanding the financial demands of contemporary family life.
Further investigation into the broader economic context and income levels associated with these spending patterns would be necessary for a comprehensive analysis.
Sources
Zeenews.india.com: "Rs 2 lakh a month for a baby? Bengaluru couple's eye-watering expense breakdown goes viral | Watch video" - https://zeenews.india.com/india/bengaluru-monthly-expenses-parenting-baby-viral-reel-3018780.html
Livemint.com: "Bengaluru parent shares monthly expenses while raising 10-month-old baby: ₹20,000 for nanny, ₹1 lakh for…" - https://www.livemint.com/news/trends/bengaluru-parent-shares-monthly-expenses-of-raising-10-month-old-baby-11771335165849.html
Indianexpress.com: "A Bengaluru mom revealed she pays Rs 46,000 to nannies; her reason for the ‘expense’ is sparking a debate" - https://www.indianexpress.com/article/trending/trending-in-india/bengaluru-mom-viral-video-nanny-salary-rs-46000-childcare-cost-10533481/
Parentune.com: "₹46,000 on Nannies? Bengaluru Mom Explains Her Real Parenting Expenses" - https://www.parentune.com/parent-blog/rs-46000-on-nannies-bengaluru-mom-explains-her-real-parenting-expenses/10851
Hindustantimes.com: "‘We pay ₹46,000’: Bengaluru woman shares how much she spends on nannies to raise two young children" - https://www.hindustantimes.com/trending/we-pay-46-000-bengaluru-woman-shares-how-much-she-spends-on-nannies-to-raise-two-young-children-101771050203299.html
Tradebrains.in: "Is ₹2 Lakhs per Month Enough to Raise a Family Comfortably in Bengaluru in 2025?" - https://tradebrains.in/is-2-lakhs-per-month-enough-to-raise-a-family-comfortably-in-bengaluru-in-2025/
TheDailyJagran.com: "Bengaluru Couple Reveals Rs 5.9 Lakh Monthly Spending, Viral Video Leaves Internet Flooded With Reactions" - https://www.thedailyjagran.com/viral/bengaluru-couple-reveals-rs-59-lakh-monthly-spending-viral-video-leaves-internet-flooded-with-reactions-10264776
Moneycontrol.com: "Bengaluru mum pays Rs 46,000 for two nannies, sparks online debate over privilege and parenting" - https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/trends/bengaluru-mum-pays-rs-46-000-for-two-nannies-sparks-online-debate-over-privilege-and-parenting-13828463.html