Bengaluru techie compares salary vs career vs life in Dubai, USA, and India. His final verdict will surprise you

Recently, a growing chorus on social media has been echoing the concerns of India’s middle class—rising taxes, shrinking disposable incomes, and a mounting desire to seek greener pastures. As both direct and indirect taxes continue to climb, many professionals are beginning to question whether staying in India is financially sustainable in the long run. This sparked the curiosity of techie based in Bengaluru who wondered if India is truly becoming too expensive for its own talent and are countries like Dubai and the USA better bets for wealth creation and happiness. He did some digging and compared what it really means to live and earn in India, Dubai, and the US—beyond just salary numbers.

In a world where high salaries often come with equally high costs, Anish Sengupta, sparked a lively conversation on LinkedIn by comparing what life actually looks like in the USA, India, and Dubai for professionals earning decent incomes in each region. His post, paired with a cheeky yet insightful “Happiness vs Wealth” chart, dived deep into the financial and emotional ROI of working in these three hotspots. And it’s safe to say—it struck a chord.

Here’s a breakdown of what Anish shared, along with key insights from the image that’s now gaining traction.

Job Security and Career Growth
The USA boasts high-paying roles in tech and finance sectors. However, it comes with challenges like intense competition, potential layoffs, and visa-related uncertainties, especially for H1B holders. India presents a booming job market in IT, fintech, and startups, offering more job security and stronger labor laws. Dubai, with its tax-free economy, offers growing opportunities in finance, tech, and real estate, though most jobs are contract-based, leading to less security.

Taxation and Benefits
In the USA, professionals face a 25-35% tax rate, with additional expenses like healthcare. India's tax rate ranges from 20-30%, but benefits like EPF, gratuity, and affordable healthcare provide some relief. Dubai stands out with a 0% income tax, though it lacks pension schemes and relies on private healthcare.

Cost of Living and Savings Potential
The USA, particularly cities like NYC and San Francisco, has high living costs, with rent averaging $2,500/month. India offers a more affordable lifestyle, with luxury 1BHK rents around ₹50K/month. Dubai's living costs are moderate, with city 1BHK rents at 8,000 AED/month. In terms of savings potential, Dubai leads, followed by India, with the USA trailing.



Cultural and Lifestyle Considerations
The USA provides global exposure and a balanced work-life culture but can be challenging due to expensive healthcare and visa stress. India offers strong family ties, festivals, and an affordable lifestyle, though it comes with a hustle culture and long work hours. Dubai promises a high-end lifestyle and wealth accumulation, but lacks citizenship options for expats and can feel temporary.


Final Thoughts
Sengupta concludes that the ideal work location depends on individual priorities:
For tax-free income and luxury: Dubai
For family life and job stability: India
For global career growth: USA

Anish ends his post with a simple but powerful question: “Where would YOU choose to work?”