Why Life Abroad Wasn’t What Indians Expected - Money Isn’t Everything

For years, leaving India for the West or the Gulf was seen as the ultimate life plan — a ticket to higher salaries, better standards of living, safe cities, global education for children, and a more comfortable future. But increasingly, Indians abroad are discovering that a bigger paycheck doesn’t automatically translate into a better life. Beyond currency conversions, banking slips, and job titles, there are real-life everyday trade-offs that no one fully prepares you for.

In fact, even wealthy Indians who can afford to move abroad are choosing migration as much for quality of life factors as financial ones and some are now quietly reassessing that decision. A growing number of migrants and survey data suggest that aspirations meet reality in unexpected ways. Money remains important, but once the bills are paid and taxes deducted, the personal and emotional cost of life overseas begins to emerge as a central theme for many.



A recent survey by Kotak Mahindra Bank’s private banking division, conducted with consultancy EY, reveals that migration is not just for students and workers — even the super-rich are planning to move abroad. According to the report, about one in five ultra high net worth Indians (UHNI) — those with a net worth above ₹25 crore are considering settling overseas.

These wealthy Indians cite reasons beyond money:

• Better living conditions and lifestyle abroad
• Superior healthcare systems
• Better educational opportunities for children
• Easier business environments in host countries

Two-thirds of the wealthy respondents said smoother business conditions were a key factor, and many intend to make their host country their long-term or permanent base.

This phenomenon shows that migration motivations have broadened. For the affluent too, quality of life is a major decision driver - not just salary.

One of the key drivers for Indians moving abroad has always been money. Salaries in the US, UK, Canada, and Europe often look astronomically larger than equivalent jobs in India when quoted in rupees. But day-to-day reality tells a different story.

Cost of living in many host countries is very high: rent, transportation, food, insurance, healthcare premiums, and taxes take a big bite out of gross income — often more than migrants anticipate. Online discussions among Indians living abroad highlight this exact point: higher salaries do not always equal better savings or financial comfort because living costs can erode much of that advantage.

Even things like groceries and daily bills which may feel affordable in India can seem shockingly expensive in places like the US or UK. This is a frequent theme in discussions where Indians abroad contrast expectations before migrating with realities after.



Many Indians move abroad hopeful that international experience will mean rapid career growth — global recognition, quicker promotions, and bigger roles.

While this is true for some, especially in tech hubs and specific sectors, it’s not universal. In some cases, migrants find that job progression is slower than expected, visa restrictions limit opportunities, or the job market is far more competitive than imagined. This sometimes leads to feelings of stagnation despite working hard and earning well.

This slowdown in career momentum — contrasted with fast-rising opportunities back home, particularly in India’s booming start-up ecosystem — occasionally makes migrants question whether the move abroad was the right strategic call.

Life abroad offers real benefits:

• Cleaner public infrastructure
• Better regulated civic systems
• Public safety and rule of law
• World-class education

But quality of life is a multi-dimensional concept. Many Indians abroad express that they miss family gatherings, festivals, and familiar social structures that were part of daily Indian life. A Reddit discussion among Indians living overseas reveals that beyond the initial thrill, many people find themselves reflecting on:

• High living costs
• Limited leave time
• Loneliness and cultural distance
• Expensive travel back home
• Difficulty maintaining close family ties

All these add a social cost to migration decisions that no paycheck captures.



Beyond economics, there is a deeper psychological aspect to migration — identity and belonging. Some Indians abroad feel fulfilled, while others struggle with cultural integration, feelings of isolation, or a longing for home comforts. These emotional experiences don’t always correlate with income level.

For some, the distance from extended family and community is a welcome break from social pressures. For others, it can feel like a loss of identity. Moments such as festivals or family milestones become reminders of what they left behind.

This human dimension money can’t buy social belonging or deep emotional comfort is often only realized years after migrating.

Migration does not just affect individuals - it shapes economies. India’s large diaspora population is among the world’s biggest, and Indian migrants contribute significantly through remittances and global networks.

Yet perceptions about economic pressures at home from infrastructure challenges to public services - do play into individual decisions to move. For some Indians, leaving is seen as securing a better future for their children, rather than simply chasing higher pay.

The Kotak survey underscores this complex motive: education, lifestyle, and business environment rank just as highly as financial reasons for those thinking of migration.

Not everyone abroad regrets their decision. Many migrants cherish the personal freedom, civic safety, quality public services, and lifestyle benefits they enjoy. Some share that the move brought them growth, independence, and opportunities they never would have had in India.

But for a growing cohort, especially those who moved with expectations shaped primarily by income numbers, the lived reality highlights a broader truth: money is only one part of life satisfaction. Understanding cultural context, emotional roots, social comfort, and long-term personal goals often proves more important than gross salary or foreign currency income.