An Indian software engineer working at tech giant Google in New York City has taken the internet by storm after she shared a detailed breakdown of her salary and monthly expenses in one of the world’s most expensive cities. Her honest revelations offer a rare glimpse into the real cost of living abroad—even on a hefty paycheck of over ₹1.6 crore annually.
Who Is She?
The engineer, Maitri Mangal, originally from India, currently works as a software developer at Google’s New York office. In her now-viral video, she offers a transparent insight into her income and how it gets spent month after month, leaving many surprised at how quickly a high salary can be consumed in an expensive city like NYC.
💸 Google Engineer’s NYC Salary
Maitri explains that her total compensation ranges between $150,000 and $200,000 per year, which converts to approximately ₹1.25–₹1.6 crore annually. This includes:
- Base salary
- Stock options
- Annual bonuses
After federal and state taxes, health insurance, and retirement contributions, the take-home income shrinks significantly—something many viewers found eye-opening.
🏙️ Monthly Expenses in NYC: A Reality Check
Despite the six-figure salary, Maitri’s monthly spending shows that living comfortably in New York City demands a big portion of that income. Category Monthly Cost (USD) Approx. INR (₹) Rent (1 BHK in Manhattan) $3,000 ₹2.5 lakh Groceries & Dining $1,200 ₹1 lakh Transport (Subway + Uber) $150 ₹12,500 Utilities & Subscriptions $200 ₹16,000 Entertainment & Misc. $450 ₹37,500 Total ~$5,000 ~₹4.28 lakh
🧠 Key Takeaways for Aspiring Techies
- High Income ≠ High Savings: Big salaries in global tech hubs come with high costs.
- Rent Is a Major Expense: Over 50% of income can go toward rent alone.
- Post-Tax Reality: Net salary is far lower than gross salary due to deductions.
- Lifestyle Choices Matter: Smart budgeting is essential—even at Google.
📢 Why Is This Going Viral?
Maitri’s candid video is going viral because it breaks the myth that a foreign tech job equals an ultra-luxurious lifestyle. It has sparked widespread discussion on:
- India vs. US cost of living
- Work-life balance in the tech world
- The hidden cost of living in cities like NYC
🌍 India’s Tech Talent Abroad
This case also highlights a broader trend: India continues to be a major source of tech talent for global firms. But Maitri’s story proves that financial success isn’t just about earning big—it’s about spending smart.
✅ Conclusion
Living in New York City with a ₹1.6 crore salary may sound glamorous on paper, but Maitri Mangal’s story reminds us that much of it goes toward daily expenses. Her story is an important wake-up call for aspiring professionals: financial planning matters more than flashy numbers.