New Delhi: A recent social media post by investor Alok Jain recounting a conversation with a friend visiting from New York has gone viral, sparking discussions about India's economic growth and affordability compared to the United States. The post highlights the friend's surprise at the stark differences in the cost of living, particularly concerning mobile services, healthcare, and property taxes.
Jain shared on X (formerly Twitter) that his friend, after an eight-year absence, was impressed by the palpable energy and rapid development across India. The visitor's observations provided a fresh perspective, contrasting with the often-critical views of those residing within the country. This sentiment echoes the idea that "an outsider's perspective can be so different from our own," as Jain noted, prompting introspection among Indian social media users.
The core of the viral post centered on the affordability of various services in India. Jain's friend was taken aback by the contrast, stating he "pays $600 for mobile and data at his house [in New York], pays $30k for health insurance for 4 per annum, [and] pays 2 percent as property taxes per year". This comparison ignited a flurry of responses, with many users sharing their own experiences and perspectives on the matter.
One user pointed out that many professionals in Bengaluru prefer the city to New York City. Another user commented that from an outsider's point of view, India's main problems came down to a lack of civic sense. However, some users cautioned against direct comparisons, noting that salaries in the US are generally higher, and property taxes often fund essential public services like schools and infrastructure.
The discussion around mobile costs is particularly relevant in the context of India's rapidly growing digital economy. The country boasts the second-largest online population globally, with approximately 700-750 million mobile users. Affordable data plans, offering 20-30 GB per month for roughly $2, have fueled widespread internet usage. This accessibility has empowered citizens, particularly in rural areas, with access to digital banking and transaction capabilities. The United Nations General Assembly President, Dennis Francis, lauded India's digitalization efforts for lifting 800 million people out of poverty through the use of smartphones.
While acknowledging the better air quality in the US, Jain emphasized the positive changes occurring in India. The viral post serves as a reminder of India's progress and affordability in specific sectors, even as challenges remain. It also highlights the importance of considering different perspectives when evaluating a country's overall development and quality of life.
The affordability of mobile services in India has been a key factor in driving the adoption of AI technologies. Telecom companies like Jio and Bharti have further incentivized usage by offering free access to paid AI plans. As a result, India has witnessed a surge in AI adoption, with ChatGPT reporting a massive 607% year-on-year increase in active users between 2024 and 2025.
