Just Rs 21,000 A Month? Delhi Man Breaks Down His Expenses Of Working Remotely From Manali

How many times have you dreamed of quitting your stressful corporate job and escaping to the mountains to leave behind high living costs, endless traffic, and long commutes? Recently, a Delhi-based man turned that dream into reality. The only difference is that he didn't quit his job; he took it with him and began working remotely from the picturesque hill town of Manali.

Instagram user Ajay Sharma recently shared his experience of moving from the hustle and bustle of Delhi to the peaceful mountains of Manali. In a video posted on the social media platform, he posed a question many remote workers are curious about: "How much does it cost to live alone in the mountains as a corporate remote employee?"

To highlight the difference between city and mountain living, Ajay broke down his monthly expenses. His highest cost is the rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Manali, which comes to Rs 14,000 per month. The amount includes Wi-Fi and electricity, eliminating the need for separate utility payments.

Ajay spends around Rs 3,500 a month on groceries, preferring home-cooked meals that fit his gym-focused lifestyle. On days when he doesn't feel like cooking, he orders food from outside, spending roughly Rs 500 per week, or about Rs 2,000 a month, on deliveries. Fitness is also a priority for him. Ajay regularly visits a local gym, paying a monthly membership fee of Rs 1,500. He managed to negotiate the price down from the standard Rs 1,800 fee.

Transportation costs are minimal. Since he works remotely, he rarely needs to travel. Whenever he heads out, he prefers walking, which also helps him meet his daily fitness goals. According to Ajay, his total monthly cost of living in Manali is approximately Rs 21,000.

The video quickly caught the internet's attention, sparking discussions about the cost of living and quality of life. Many users compared Ajay's expenses to those in major cities. "Cheaper than Gurgaon life," one user commented. Many users admired Ajay's lifestyle, with one commenting, "You are living my dream." Others questioned whether Rs 14,000 a month for a one-bedroom apartment in Manali was actually affordable, noting that similar rents can be found in some city neighborhoods.

The discussion also encouraged others to share their own experiences of mountain living. One user claimed to pay just Rs 4,000 per month in rent in Dharamshala, including Wi-Fi, while enjoying peaceful surroundings and a slower pace of life. As the debate grew, it shifted beyond costs to quality of life, with many arguing that cleaner air, scenic views, and a calmer lifestyle are the real benefits of living in the mountains.