High Living Cost, Loneliness, Indian Couple In Australia Wants To Return (Facebook image @Shubhangi Datta)

It appears are that people like Saurabh Arora and his wife Shubhangi Datta, who left India seeking better quality of life, are returning. Arora and Datta left India in 2022 to never return, but are already planning to return.

Speaking to LiveMint, the couple said while they found better life in Australia, it was at the cost of their savings and lifestyle. Loneliness, high cost of living, and extortionate healthcare, forced the NRI couple to move back. The couple are exploring the Indian cities where they can return to. Bengaluru is also among the shortlisted cities.

“We miss family and general lack of community the most. Australia is a lonely country. That is the primary reason we want to move back”, Saurabh told LiveMint.

Arora, who is also a tech professional, explained that their cost of living has also gone up ever since they moved to Melbourne. “The cost of living as a percentage of net income is higher compared to India’s. We end up spending about 80% of our household income here. Back in India, expenses were less than 30%, including rent”, he said.

Ever since shifting to Australia, the couple had to cut down on their holidays, eating out, and entertainment in general. Even essentials like vegetables, cooking oil etc cost 100-300% more in Melbourne, said the couple.

According to Arora, the increase is in part due to the fact that his wife, who is an HR professional, had to settle for a lower-paying job. “Shubhangi settled for a lower-paying job here as there weren’t many options for her. There are plenty of opportunities only in tech jobs, while in most other industries, employers give preference to those with local education and experience. We have downgraded our lifestyles and our savings have been hit, only to lead an unfulfilling life”, said Arora, as quoted by LiveMint.