Ajay Sharma, a remote professional who lives alone in Manali, recently shared a video detailing his monthly expenses. His aim was to answer a question that many aspiring remote workers frequently ask: How expensive is it to live and work from a mountain town?
According to Sharma, the reality is far more affordable than many might expect. His total monthly expenses come to approximately ₹21,000—an amount that many urban residents spend on rent alone in cities such as Gurugram, Bengaluru, and Mumbai.
The largest portion of Sharma's budget goes toward housing. He pays ₹14,000 per month for a one-bedroom apartment in Manali. The rent also includes Wi-Fi and electricity, eliminating the need for separate utility payments.
When it comes to food, Sharma maintains a simple and health-conscious lifestyle. Since he prefers cooking his meals at home and follows a fitness-focused routine, he spends around ₹3,500 per month on groceries. Home cooking not only supports his health goals but also helps keep expenses under control.
Like most people, however, he occasionally takes a break from cooking. On those days, he orders food from outside, estimating an additional expense of roughly ₹500 per week.
Fitness remains a priority in his daily routine. Sharma holds a discounted gym membership that costs him ₹1,500 per month.
One area where he saves significantly is transportation. Unlike urban professionals who often spend heavily on fuel, ride-hailing services, or public transit, Sharma mostly walks to nearby destinations. This not only reduces his expenses but also contributes to a more active lifestyle.
After calculating rent, food, fitness, and other routine costs, Sharma estimated his monthly expenditure at around ₹21,000.
The video quickly gained traction on social media, with many viewers comparing his expenses to the much higher costs associated with metropolitan living.
"Cheaper than Gurgaon life," one user commented.
Another remarked that true luxury is not measured by expensive possessions but by a better quality of life, describing Sharma's lifestyle as "wholesome."
Many users expressed admiration for the idea of working remotely while surrounded by mountain views. "You are living my dream," one commenter wrote, echoing a sentiment shared by many.
However, not everyone agreed with the numbers. Some viewers felt that ₹14,000 per month for a one-bedroom apartment in Manali was relatively expensive for a hill station. Others argued that similar rental rates could be found in certain neighborhoods of larger cities.
The discussion also encouraged others to share their own mountain-living experiences. One user claimed to pay just ₹4,000 per month in rent in Dharamshala, including Wi-Fi, while enjoying scenic surroundings, abundant sunlight, and what they described as "roohani khamoshi"—a peaceful silence that is increasingly rare in crowded urban environments.
As the conversation grew, it evolved into a broader debate about lifestyle priorities. For some, the appeal lies in lower living costs. For others, it is the opportunity to wake up to mountain landscapes instead of traffic, breathe cleaner air, and enjoy a slower pace of life.
The rise of remote work has fundamentally changed how many professionals think about where they live. A few years ago, residing in a mountain town while working a corporate job would have seemed impractical. Today, advances in technology and flexible work arrangements have made it a viable option for a growing number of people.
That said, mountain life comes with its own challenges. Reliable internet connectivity, access to healthcare, harsh winter conditions, and limited entertainment options can all affect the experience depending on the location.
Nevertheless, Sharma's story has once again highlighted why many young professionals are reconsidering traditional city living. For them, the dream may not be about earning more money—it may be about spending less, reducing stress, and replacing city chaos with the sight of mountains outside their window.
The question remains: Would you trade the convenience and opportunities of city life for the peace and simplicity of living in the mountains?
