‘I struggle a lot’: Mumbai woman pays Rs 1.2 lakh rent for 3BHK, sparks debate

Mumbai woman paying Rs 1.2 lakh rent sparks social media debate. (Image: arya_kothari/ Instagram)

Mumbai rent is often as high as a full-time salary, leaving many residents juggling costs and lifestyle choices. But how far can it really stretch, and what does ‘struggle’ mean in a city where living expenses can reach lakhs every month?

A short street interview captured by vlogger Arya Kothari for his Instagram series “Rent in Mumbai – EP 4” has sparked online discussion after a young woman revealed she pays Rs 1.2 lakh per month for a three-bedroom flat in Andheri West area.

In the video, Kothari asks the woman how much she pays for rent. She answered, “Rs 1.2 lakh per month.” She then gives him a brief tour of her flat, which is neat and well- organised, with a spacious living room and a kitchen.

When questioned about her work, she explained that she does not have a formal job and has sought help from her family to manage her living situation. She explains, “I’m a stay at home daughter. I don’t do any work. I struggle a lot. I begged my uncle a lot (for this apartment).” She added that a monthly income of around Rs 2.5 lakh would be needed to live comfortably in such a space.

She went on to describe the responsibilities she carries within her household and the role she plays for her family, “I do a lot of things for my family, and that’s how I’m getting paid. I think throughout my childhood, I’ve been a mother to my own mother.” She also noted that her mother has schizophrenia, which requires the family to move to Mumbai in winter to manage her care.

The clip quickly drew reactions online. Many viewers were surprised by the amount she pays despite not holding a conventional job. One wrote, “Jobless but still paying 1.2L rent..... Very struggle.”

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Another highlighted the challenge of managing high living costs in Mumbai, “Mumbai rent is basically a full-time job.” A third commenter reflected on how comfort and struggle are relative for different people, “Comfort is relative. For some people, comfort means a Rs 1.2 lakh monthly rent. For others, their whole Rs 80k salary is busy fighting just to keep them comfortable.”

Others sympathised with her personal situation, particularly the care she provides for her mother. One social media user wrote, “Her mother has schizophrenia and that's the saddest part and this girl takes care of her mother! Good girl lucky parents to have her as daughter.”

Disclaimer: This report is based on user-generated content shared on social media. Moneycontrol has not independently verified the claims and does not endorse them.