Why Do Indians Prefer A Mediocre Life In Usa Vs A Lavish Life In India

gamma50g · Oct 20, 2025

Food for thought this weekend

This week I met three people from three different walks of life. All the three of them are leading a very mediocre life in the USA. Infact, one of them is searching for a job, the other one lives in the outskirts of the metropolitan area we live in because of unaffordable cost of owning a home. The third one is like most families - both parents working with one kid living a very mediocre life.

Whats the common factor among all the 3?

They all hail from very rich families in India. All 3 have enough generational wealth so that they can afford to even sit at home and eat for the next 7 generations. Countless properties, stocks etc. You get the gist...

The question then is - why do they sit here in the US living such a mediocre life and not live life to the fullest in India. They get along well with their extended families, one family that has one kid doesnt do anything extraordinary for that kid that cannot be done in India. Then why stay in US and suffer instead of living life king size in India.

Edit: I cant edit the title but it should read "some" Indians

Thyagarajan · Oct 20, 2025

Dear @gamma50g
Happy Deepavali to all your family members and you.

U hv desired reasons why the craze from indians to flock to greener pastures like USA leading average life and struggle with a single kid?

In the past, about 5 decades ago situation in India was different. Rich or poor in India was undergoing recession in all industries and vast lacking in infrastructure with bleak chances of development.

Few of my class mates passed out engg below my rank joined with Ford Detroit made it big there and lead kingsize life all these five decades, while I remaining faithful to the salt of Bharathmatha's merit cum means scholarship, leading mediocre peaceful contended life in India with happy family and settled children.
Broadly speaking the answer for your question is this:
You seem to be puzzled by the fact that wealthy Indians (read Gujarathis) who could live comfortably in India choose to live in the US, despite experiencing a more modest lifestyle there. Here are some possible reasons:
Lifestyle and Opportunities:
Global exposure: The US offers a diverse and global environment, exposing them to new cultures, ideas, and opportunities.
Career prospects: The US provides access to high-paying jobs, advanced education, and career growth opportunities that might not be available in India.
Quality of life: The US offers a relatively stable and secure environment, with access to quality healthcare, education, and infrastructure.
Personal Preferences:
Independence: Some individuals might value the independence and autonomy that comes with living abroad, away from family and societal expectations.
Personal growth: Living in a new country can be a transformative experience, allowing individuals to develop new skills, perspectives, and self-reliance.
Future prospects: Parents might want to provide their children with international education, exposure, and opportunities that can benefit their future.
Of course there could be few misconceptions:
"Mediocre life" perception: What might seem mediocre to you might be a comfortable and fulfilling life for these individuals.
Wealth and status: Wealth and status can be perceived differently in different cultures and environments.
Saving potentials.

Ultimately, people have different priorities, values, and goals. While some might choose to live "king size" in India, others might prefer the opportunities, lifestyle, and experiences that the US offers.

With Visa H1-B costing $10000, US companies hiring foreign skilled specialists are dragging trump to court, the situation could change depending upon the verdict.

Rihana · Oct 21, 2025

For the women - peace of mind, control over one's time, simpler life, no daily noise.
For the men - building their own identity, making it on their own, prestige of living abroad.

For both - ease of life and less societal expectations. Wealth that is enough to feed the next seven generations comes with constant maintenance and gives material comforts but takes away mental peace and simplicity.

Perhaps, rather than speculating on the reasons of these three families, we can flip the pondering around to Indians living in the U.S.: If you and your family manage to make enough money to feed the next seven generations, will you move back to India or continue to live in the U.S.

To answer the flipped question - I know three or four families, who have reached somewhat this level of affluence, and each has chosen to continue to live in the same area, just moved to bigger acreage lot and built a fancy house from scratch. Fancy as is even putting Hindi movie houses to shame. They continue to live in the U.S. not to be near their adult children, but because they do not want to live in India. They make 5-7 trips a year to visit very old parents, but maintain the U.S. as primary residence.

BTW, describing their lives as "mediocre" overlooks that they may actually value a different kind of life.

indubalram · Oct 25, 2025

It’s an interesting observation, and I think it highlights how life choices are rarely just about money. Wealth can provide comfort and security, but it doesn’t automatically guarantee fulfillment, purpose, or the life someone wants to live. Growing up in a wealthy family can come with expectations or constraints. Moving abroad can provide a sense of freedom to define life on their own terms. They may want experiences, challenges, or independence that staying in India might not provide, even if financially they don’t need to work. some people prefer the lifestyle, education, social environment in the US for themselves or their children. What looks mediocre to an outsider might actually be exactly the life they want.

Thyagarajan · Oct 25, 2025

indubalram said: ↑

at looks mediocre to an outsider might actually be exactly the life they want.
Click to expand...

It reminds me of advise from late Sr C Rajagopalachari that he believes in simple living and high thinking.
This statement he made when he found the urban life imitating others including the nouveau rich lead to thinking simple and high living.
I also find many very rich & affluents lead a very simple life Without any signs of they belong to billionaires. The zoho founder is an example of living and establishing a company in a rural set up.