9 Years in India Taught This American the Biggest Advantages of Living Here
Elliot from LA has lived in India for 9 years. Now in Goa with his Indian wife, he shares real numbers: ₹55,000 rent for 2BHK with pool, ₹25,000 groceries, ₹7,500 for help. Plus why UPI is 'best-in-class' and India is beating the West in certain ways.
AAvinash Peddi
May 1, 2025May 1, 202510 minShare:
Expat Perspective • Last Updated: November 30, 2025
9 Years in India Taught This American the Biggest Advantages of Living Here
Elliot from LA shares real cost of living numbers from Goa, why UPI amazed him, and what NRIs should know about India's advantages over the West.
Elliot's Background
- From: Los Angeles, USA
- Education: College in Virginia, interested in social entrepreneurship
- First exposure to India: Heard about India growth story 15 years ago as student
- Journey: Started social enterprise in Brazil → traveled 17 countries in Asia → landed in India
- Current: 9 years in India, married to Indian, living in Goa
"India is not for beginners. I didn't speak any Indian languages, didn't understand the culture, didn't have a network here."
Real Cost of Living in Goa
Monthly Expenses (Two People)
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Rent (2BHK furnished, pool, gym, river view) | ₹55,000 |
| Groceries (including exotic items) | ₹25,000 |
| Domestic help (6 days/week) | ₹7,500 |
| Utilities (electricity, internet) | ₹5,000 |
| Petrol | ₹4,000 |
"Same space and amenities in Mumbai (Bandra/Khar) would be at least double the price."
Biggest Advantages of India
Family & Culture
- Close family ties: "In US, we have far less close, more fractured families"
- Vibrant culture: Festivals, food, traditions
- Connection to history: Feel connected to lineage of many generations
Practical Conveniences
- No cooking/cleaning stress: Affordable domestic help
- Quick commerce: Blinkit, Zepto, Instamart—even in tier 2/3 cities
- Lower burn rate: Great for entrepreneurs
✅ UPI: The Masterpiece
"UPI is best-in-class. It beats anything we have in the US—universal, instant, no intermediary wallet like Venmo. If you come expecting India is behind the West, you'll be surprised. India has leapfrogged on certain technologies."
Challenges
- Infrastructure: Power cuts, internet cuts, poor roads
- Pollution: Trash everywhere, AQI issues in metros
- Work culture: Hierarchical, orders passed down, less critical thinking
"If you come with your US working style or professional expectations, it's going to be quite difficult."
Advice for NRIs
- Trial it first—low-risk way before cutting all ties
- Earn in dollars—ideal scenario for India living
- Expect bureaucracy—PAN card, Aadhaar, bank account took 7 months
- Favorite place to visit: Rajasthan—"nothing beats the history and romance"
Planning Your Move to India?
Frequently Asked Questions
A:
Based on Elliot's real expenses: 'Rent: ₹55,000 (2BHK furnished flat with pool, gym, river view). Groceries: ₹25,000 for two people. Domestic help: ₹7,500 (6 days/week). Utilities: ₹5,000. Petrol: ₹4,000. Total around ₹1 lakh for comfortable lifestyle.' This is for a quality lifestyle in a good area of Goa.
A:
Elliot's perspective after 9 years: 'If you come expecting India is behind the West, you'll be surprised—India is beating the West in certain ways. It's leapfrogged on certain technologies.' He specifically mentions UPI: 'It's a masterpiece. Best-in-class. Beats anything in the US. Universal, instant, no intermediary wallet like Venmo.' However, challenges include power cuts, roads, pollution, and hierarchical work culture.
A:
Elliot shares: 'Power cuts, internet cuts, roads in poor condition, trash and pollution, AQI issues in metros.' On work culture: 'It's hierarchical—orders passed down chain of command, people blindly executing. If you come with US professional expectations, it will be difficult.' He advises: 'Come with open mind, don't compare everything to the West.'
A:
Elliot has lived in India for 9 years, married to an Indian. He started with social entrepreneurship, traveled 17 countries in Asia, and settled in Goa. For long-term stay, options include: business visa, employment visa, OCI card (if married to Indian), or student visa. Remote workers often use tourist visa with exits every 6 months, though this is technically not permitted for work.
A:
Elliot explains: 'UPI is a masterpiece. Best-in-class. Beats anything in the US. Universal, instant, no intermediary wallet like Venmo. You can pay anyone, anywhere, instantly.' He notes this is an example of India 'leapfrogging' Western technology—going directly to advanced solutions without legacy systems holding them back.
A:
Elliot chose Goa after living in multiple Indian cities: 'Good weather most of the year, beach lifestyle, international community, good restaurants and cafes, relatively less pollution than metros.' His costs: ₹55K rent for 2BHK with pool/gym/river view, ₹25K groceries, ₹7.5K domestic help. Total around ₹1 lakh/month for comfortable lifestyle.
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