IITian Couple Returns to India After US Stay, Reveals 10 Key Differences Between Life in India and the US

As they completed a year back in India, the couple shared their observations on the contrasts between life in the two countries. In a recent X thread, Nayrhit outlined 10 key differences they noticed:

1. Domestic Help
   The couple highlighted the convenience and affordability of domestic help in India, which they found to be a luxury compared to the US. “The extra 15-20 hours each week as a working couple is a luxury hard to imagine back in the US,” Nayrhit noted.
2. Traffic
   Traffic in India, while not necessarily worse than in cities like New York or San Francisco, is more unpredictable and frustrating. They expressed skepticism about finding a solution to this issue anytime soon.
3. Digital Convenience
   India excels in digital convenience, with rapid delivery platforms offering everything from groceries to makeup in just minutes. Nayrhit pointed out that while the US has services like Instacart and DoorDash, India’s intra-city logistics are far more efficient.
4. Personal Connections
   Culturally, the couple found it challenging to form deep connections in the US, beyond superficial interactions. They noted that in India, personal connections are more meaningful.
5. Digital Payments
   India’s digital payments infrastructure outshines that of the US. Nayrhit compared Apple Pay and UPI, highlighting that while both offer similar user experiences, UPI is free and government-backed, unlike Apple Pay, which involves fees.
6. Orderly Queues
   The couple misses the orderly queues in the US. In India, they observed that lines at counters, coffee shops, and security checks can be chaotic and frustrating.
7. Food
   Both countries have their culinary strengths. The couple enjoys being back to Indian dishes like Dosas and Biryanis but occasionally misses the variety of cheese, bread, and desserts available in the US.
8. Outdoor Activities
   For outdoor enthusiasts, the US has a clear advantage. The couple noted that if you love hiking, biking, or frequenting beaches, India may not be as fulfilling.
9. LGBTQ-Friendliness
   India still has a long way to go in terms of LGBTQ acceptance. While there are progressive urban areas, widespread acceptance remains limited, though Nayrhit expressed hope for change in the coming years.
10. Job Market
    The job market is challenging in both countries, but for different reasons. In India, securing a high-paying job that allows for a comparable lifestyle to the US is difficult.

This candid comparison provides valuable insights for those contemplating a move back to India, offering a balanced perspective on the pros and cons of living in both countries.