Gurgaon Woman Spends More Than 50 Per Cent Salary On Rent, Says She Is ‘Investing In Herself'

Rent is one of the biggest monthly expenses for people living in cities, such as Gurgaon where staying close to work can come at a premium. While choosing a home farther from the workplace can lower rent, it can also mean longer commutes, additional travel costs, and less time outside work.

This trade-off was highlighted by Shakti Dharni, who works at a school in Gurgaon and spends more than 50 per cent of her salary on rent. In a reel posted on social media platform, Instagram, Dharni said she lives in a spacious one-room-kitchen (1RK) home just a four-minute walk from her school.

Why She Chooses Higher Rent

Dharni said she had the option of renting a cheaper home farther from the school or moving to a cheaper locality that was still slightly farther away. However, she chose to stay close to work despite the higher rent.

Living nearby allows her to return home during class breaks, have a hot lunch and complete pending work. She also does not have to spend long hours travelling by auto or metro.

“I choose this instead of saving money because from here I am saving my peace, my energy, and my time,” Dharni said in the Instagram reel. She said she also saves money on commuting, although that does not compensate for the higher rent. For her, the arrangement means less rushing in the morning and more time and energy outside work.

Dharni said she uses the time saved from commuting to learn new skills and the energy saved to make videos. She also said living close to work helps her take care of her mental peace and makes adulting easier.

Spending On Time And Personal Goals

Dharni also compared the higher rent with the option of saving or investing the money. She said that instead of putting the money into a systematic investment plan (SIP), she has chosen to spend it on herself during her 20s. “I am putting my 20s money on myself,” she said.

She said the decision helps her save time, preserve energy and feel safe and calm while allowing her to work on things she wants to pursue.

Dharni also said her side income has helped compensate for the high rental cost. According to her, while she has been paying a large share of her salary as rent in Gurgaon, her side income has compensated for the expense and has even exceeded it. “And I think I am investing in the right place,” she said.

Dharni’s experience reflects one approach to managing housing and commuting costs. The financial impact of choosing a higher rent depends on factors such as income, other expenses, commute costs and savings priorities.