For many aspiring engineers, landing a job at Google is the pinnacle of success. But what does life really look like once you’re there—especially in one of the most expensive cities in the world? Maitri Mangal, an Indian software engineer based in New York City, recently peeled back the curtain in a now-viral Instagram reel that’s sparking both awe and introspection across social media.
In the short clip, shared by podcaster and career content creator Kushal Lodha, Maitri candidly details her monthly expenses in NYC, painting a vivid picture of what it truly costs to live in the Big Apple—even with a prestigious job title and an enviable paycheck.
The Cost of the Dream
When asked where she lives, Maitri simply states, “New York City.” And what does she do there? “I’m a software engineer at Google.” Straightforward enough—until the financial reality begins to unfold.
Maitri breaks down her monthly expenditure: $3,000 on rent, another $100–$200 on commuting, and an additional $1,000–$2,000 for outings and day-to-day expenses. All in, that comes close to $5,000 a month—roughly ₹4.28 lakh by current rates.
In India, this amount could cover several months of comfortable living. In New York? It’s just another month of survival in a city that never sleeps.
A High Salary, But a High Price Tag Too
When Kushal asks about the average salary of a software engineer at Google in New York, Maitri responds that it's typically between $150,000 and $200,000 per year. That’s about ₹1.6 crore annually—a figure that certainly turns heads.
The reel, captioned with curiosity and shock—"What’s the average package at Google?"—highlights the jarring contrast between income and expense. While ₹1.6 crore may sound like a dream come true in India, the cost of living in New York quickly balances the scales. For Maitri and many others, financial abundance and high expenses walk hand in hand.
As of now, the video has resonated with thousands, offering a sobering yet inspiring glance at the reality of global tech careers. It reinforces the idea that while big names and big paychecks attract attention, the cost of living—especially in cities like New York—can level the playing field in unexpected ways.
In the short clip, shared by podcaster and career content creator Kushal Lodha, Maitri candidly details her monthly expenses in NYC, painting a vivid picture of what it truly costs to live in the Big Apple—even with a prestigious job title and an enviable paycheck.
The Cost of the Dream
When asked where she lives, Maitri simply states, “New York City.” And what does she do there? “I’m a software engineer at Google.” Straightforward enough—until the financial reality begins to unfold.
Maitri breaks down her monthly expenditure: $3,000 on rent, another $100–$200 on commuting, and an additional $1,000–$2,000 for outings and day-to-day expenses. All in, that comes close to $5,000 a month—roughly ₹4.28 lakh by current rates.
In India, this amount could cover several months of comfortable living. In New York? It’s just another month of survival in a city that never sleeps.
A High Salary, But a High Price Tag Too
When Kushal asks about the average salary of a software engineer at Google in New York, Maitri responds that it's typically between $150,000 and $200,000 per year. That’s about ₹1.6 crore annually—a figure that certainly turns heads.
The reel, captioned with curiosity and shock—"What’s the average package at Google?"—highlights the jarring contrast between income and expense. While ₹1.6 crore may sound like a dream come true in India, the cost of living in New York quickly balances the scales. For Maitri and many others, financial abundance and high expenses walk hand in hand.
As of now, the video has resonated with thousands, offering a sobering yet inspiring glance at the reality of global tech careers. It reinforces the idea that while big names and big paychecks attract attention, the cost of living—especially in cities like New York—can level the playing field in unexpected ways.
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