Indian mum in USA shares jaw-dropping cost of raising family in San Francisco Bay Area. Here's the breakdown

Life in California’s San Francisco Bay Area is often described as exciting yet eye-wateringly expensive — and one Indian woman living there has now given the internet a detailed look at just how high the costs can run. Shivee, who lives in Fremont with her husband and two children, recently shared a breakdown of her family’s monthly budget on Instagram. Her candid video has struck a chord online, sparking conversations about the realities of raising a family in one of America’s priciest regions.

In the clip, titled “Expenses for a family of 4 in Fremont, California,” Shivee walks viewers through her household’s spending. The biggest chunk is rent — $3,300 (Rs 2.9 lakh approx) for a two-bedroom, two-bath apartment in the East Bay. Full-time daycare for their toddler adds another $2,400 (Rs 2.1 lakh approx). Groceries, including Indian store visits, total about $1,000 (Rs 87k approx), while utilities like internet, electricity, and phone bills come to $500 (Rs 43K)


Transportation costs are no small matter either. Even though they don’t drive much, gas costs $200 (Rs 17k) a month, and Shivee spends $150 (RS 13k) on commuting to San Francisco for work. Gym memberships and workout classes cost $200, while car insurance works out to $130 (Rs 11k) per month. Adding these fixed expenses brings the total to about $8,700 (Rs 7.6 lakh) once she factors in a 10 per cent miscellaneous buffer for overlooked costs.

Variable spending — such as eating out and shopping — adds roughly $1,000, pushing their monthly outlay to between $9,000 (Rs 7.8 lakh) and $10,000 (Rs 8 lakh). Shivee clarifies that travel expenses aren’t included in this figure, making it purely a snapshot of their regular living costs. Her detailed breakdown has left many viewers stunned, especially those comparing it to expenses in other parts of the US or back home in India.