The Scoring System
Each category is scored out of 6 points total (split between India and Abroad based on advantage). Higher score = better option for that category.
Final Scores Summary
| Category | India | Abroad |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of Living | 4 | 2 |
| Healthcare Access & Cost | 4 | 2 |
| Healthcare Quality | 2 | 4 |
| Weather | 3 | 3 |
| Luxury of Life | 4 | 2 |
| Traffic/Pollution/Infrastructure | 1 | 4 |
| Spirituality & Hobbies | 4 | 3 |
| Emotional Connect | 4 | 2 |
| Family Connections | 4 | 3 |
| Streamlined Processes | 2 | 4 |
| TOTAL | 32 | 29 |
The scores are close! The right choice depends on YOUR priorities.
Category 1: Cost of Living
India: 4 | Abroad: 2
"Someone who wants to retire with kids grown up in India, it might be around ₹50,000 to ₹1 lakh per month - which is much more affordable compared to what you need to spend abroad, at least one-fourth compared to abroad."
🇮🇳 India
- ₹50,000 - ₹1 lakh/month comfortable
- Lower rent and groceries
- Affordable domestic help
- Lower healthcare costs
🌍 Abroad
- 4x higher living costs
- Expensive housing
- No affordable help
- Higher everyday expenses
Category 2: Healthcare - Access & Cost
India: 4 | Abroad: 2
"How easy is it to get an appointment with a doctor, availability to get a second opinion, third opinion, and also cost of getting treatment done? For me it's much easier to get an appointment, get different opinions in India compared to Western World."
- ✓ Easier doctor appointments in India
- ✓ Multiple opinions readily available
- ✓ Much lower treatment costs
- ✓ Doctors can visit your home
Category 3: Healthcare - Quality
India: 2 | Abroad: 4
"You might have several hospitals in India but there is no standard procedure. There is a difference in terms of quality you get from hospital one to hospital two - which isn't the case when you are looking at hospitals abroad."
Why Abroad Scores Higher
- Standardized procedures across hospitals
- Consistent quality expectations
- Better advanced treatment options
- Defined processes and protocols
Category 4: Weather
India: 3 | Abroad: 3
"In India you have several options - mountains, beaches, cities. It is standard weather pretty much throughout the year. But abroad you can experience four seasons. Depending on your preference - whether you like the cold, there are options for warm weather even abroad."
This is neutral - depends entirely on personal preference:
- India: Consistent weather, multiple climate zones
- Abroad: Four seasons experience
- Both have warm and cold options
Category 5: Luxury of Life
India: 4 | Abroad: 2
"India offers luxury at affordable price. If you're looking for domestic help or have someone cook for you or someone to take you around - it's much more affordable compared to doing lots of things on your own."
Luxury Advantages in India
- ✓ Affordable domestic help
- ✓ Cooks and drivers accessible
- ✓ Doctors visit your home
- ✓ More flexibility and options
- ✓ Quality of life at lower cost
Category 6: Traffic, Pollution, Infrastructure
India: 1 | Abroad: 4
"Yes, India is very crowded, lots of traffic, and you hear the news all about air quality index, pollution - which is definitely outside your control. There are ways to mitigate it but it is not great compared to what you have as an available option abroad."
India's Challenges
- Crowded cities
- Traffic congestion
- Air quality concerns
- Infrastructure gaps
Mitigation: Move to suburb or tier 2/3 city (but may give up some facilities)
Category 7: Spirituality & Hobbies
India: 4 | Abroad: 3
"India is heavily rooted to spirituality, meditation and so on. If someone is more leaning towards spirituality or meditation, India offers a lot compared to abroad. Also if you're looking for hobbies - travel, golf, trekking - there are options which are much more affordable in India."
- ✓ Deep spiritual traditions
- ✓ Meditation and yoga centers
- ✓ Affordable hobby pursuits
- ✓ Travel within India is diverse
Category 8: Emotional Connect
India: 4 | Abroad: 2
"Lot of Indian diaspora who after spending a lot of time abroad are emotionally connected to India. They want to have the final stage of their life spent in India, recollecting their childhood memories. There is an emotional connect that people have and there is no price to put for that."
The emotional connection to homeland is invaluable and deeply personal.
Category 9: Family Connections
India: 4 | Abroad: 3
"It depends on your own personal situation - where the kids are, if your extended family is still in India or not. India offers a lot from an extended family, social fabric, people to meet often compared to what you have in West."
Consider Your Situation
- Where are your children located?
- Is extended family in India?
- Social fabric and community
- Frequency of family gatherings
Adjust this score based on your specific family situation.
Category 10: Streamlined Processes
India: 2 | Abroad: 4
"How efficient is the customer service? How efficient is the process? When someone says this will be completed, it gets done and there is no need to follow up. It's pretty much defined, there aren't lot of unknowns. Ease of getting things done - I feel it is much easier to get things done abroad than in India."
🌍 Abroad Advantages
- Predictable processes
- Efficient customer service
- Fewer surprises
- Things get done as promised
🇮🇳 India Challenges
- Follow-ups often needed
- Unpredictable timelines
- Bureaucratic hurdles
- Requires patience
The Verdict: It Depends on YOU
"When you look at it, the total - there isn't much difference between India and abroad. At the end it depends on what lifestyle that you want to choose."
Choose India If...
- Luxury lifestyle at affordable price
- Emotional connect matters
- Extended family is in India
- Spirituality is important
- Cost efficiency is priority
Choose Abroad If...
- Structured, streamlined life
- Less pollution concerns
- Advanced healthcare needs
- Children are abroad
- Predictability is priority
The Third Option: Best of Both Worlds
"It doesn't have to be India versus abroad. A lot of people spend time between both countries - they spend their winters in India and summers abroad, 6 months in India and 6 months abroad. That is also another option where they get a chance to spend time with their kids and family but also have an opportunity to spend the winters in a better place."
Split Retirement Model
- ✓ Winters in India (pleasant weather)
- ✓ Summers abroad (with kids/family)
- ✓ Best of both worlds
- ✓ Works as long as health permits
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is India really cheaper for retirement?
A: Yes, significantly. A comfortable retirement in India costs ₹50,000-₹1 lakh per month, which is roughly one-fourth of what you'd spend abroad. This includes domestic help, healthcare, and lifestyle expenses that would be much more expensive in Western countries.
Q: What about healthcare quality in India?
A: Healthcare access and cost favor India (easier appointments, multiple opinions, lower costs). However, healthcare quality and standardization favor abroad. For advanced treatments, Western healthcare may be better. For routine care, India is excellent and affordable.
Q: Can I split my retirement between India and abroad?
A: Yes, many NRIs do this successfully - spending winters in India (October-March) and summers abroad with family. This works well as long as health permits travel. It offers the best of both worlds.
Q: How do I handle pollution concerns in India?
A: Consider tier 2/3 cities or suburbs with better air quality. Cities like Coimbatore, Mysore, or hill stations offer cleaner environments. You may trade some facilities for better air quality.
Q: What if my children are abroad?
A: This is a personal decision. Some choose to be near children abroad, others prefer India with regular visits. The split retirement model (6 months each) can work well for maintaining both connections.