In a world where high rent and the endless rush of city life often feel like a daily struggle, one engineer has done something that’s caught everyone's attention. He made the bold decision to leave the concrete jungles of Noida behind and trade them for the laid-back vibe of Goa. Not only did he escape the noise and pollution, but he also found himself saving a significant amount on rent. Sounds like a dream, right?
Let’s dive into how Raj, an engineer working in the web3 space, swapped ₹64,000/month rent in Noida for ₹19,000/month in Goa, and what his move has taught us about finding balance and happiness in life.
The struggles of high rent in NoidaRaj’s life in Noida was a lot like what many of us experience in urban cities– living in an apartment that’s way too expensive for what it offers. His 3BHK flat, which he shared with a few flatmates, cost him ₹64,000 every month. And that wasn’t even the full picture, as maintenance charges were extra. But the real twist was the view– or actually, the lack of one. His apartment faced another building, so the “dreamy view” he had jokingly posted about on social media was far from dreamy.
As Raj shared with HT(dot)com, “A move out of Delhi NCR was long time coming since I grew up and pretty much spent my entire life there– and I was done with air pollution.”
Why Goa? A new start in a smaller townRaj had thought about other cities like Bengaluru, but ultimately decided that Goa would be a better fit. He craved the slower pace of life and the charm of a small-town vibe. “I had thought of Bengaluru and Goa - chose Goa a couple of months back since I wanted to try out a smaller town vibe,” Raj explained to HT(dot)com. For him, it wasn’t just about finding a cheaper place to live– it was about embracing a new way of life.
A huge drop in rent: From ₹64,000 to ₹19,000The change in Raj’s living expenses was dramatic. In Goa, he now pays only ₹19,000 a month for a flat, a massive drop from his ₹64,000 Noida rent. Not only is he saving a lot of money, but his new place also offers a much better view. “Update: moved to Goa. 19k/month rent is so worth it,” Raj shared in an update, emphasizing just how happy he was with the new arrangement.
Raj’s new apartment is located in a quieter part of Goa, offering views of greenery rather than the urban sprawl of Noida. This change in scenery has been a welcome shift for someone used to the pollution and noise of a big city.
A warm welcome and a comfortable homeWhile Raj is still getting settled in Goa, he’s already feeling at home. He hasn’t faced any issues with locals and feels like he’s made the right choice. “I just came here 2 weeks back and got an apartment last week - so can’t comment on healthcare. But haven’t faced any hostility from anyone so far,” he said.
His new apartment also comes with modern conveniences like an inverter for power backup and decent Wi-Fi, making it a smooth transition into his new lifestyle. “My flat also has an inverter and ‘decent Wi-Fi’ installed by the owner,” Raj added.
A change in perspectiveFor Raj, moving to Goa isn’t just about financial savings– it’s about creating a lifestyle that aligns with his personal values and priorities. The lower rent means more disposable income, but it’s the overall quality of life that matters most. The peace and quiet of Goa have provided Raj with a sense of calm that he couldn’t find in the hustle and bustle of Noida.
His story serves as a reminder that sometimes a simpler, more affordable lifestyle can offer the kind of happiness and fulfillment that money can’t buy. Sometimes, the best decision isn’t about earning more but about living more mindfully and with a greater sense of balance.