- Sunday, March 23, 2025
By: Vibhuti Pathak
Tired of skyrocketing expenses in the U.S., Elliot Rosenberg made a bold decision—he packed his bags and moved to India. Now, he enjoys a luxurious yet affordable lifestyle in Goa for less than ₹1 lakh ($1,200) per month, proving that a change in geography can transform financial well-being.
Rosenberg’s journey started with a realization that despite financial planning, most people in the U.S. struggle to escape high costs. Inflation played a role, but more than that, “lifestyle creep”—the pressure to spend on upscale dining, socializing, and entertainment—kept people in a cycle of spending beyond their means.
“As I neared college graduation, I saw how easy it was to get caught in an endless cycle of earning and spending. I wanted something different,” he shares.
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Instead of settling in expensive cities like New York or San Francisco, he took a one-way ticket to Brazil to pursue entrepreneurship. His savings of $5,000 stretched far, allowing him to explore business opportunities without financial strain.
After spending years in South America and Southeast Asia, traveling across 17 countries in 15 months, Rosenberg found that living abroad offered more than just affordability—it gave him freedom. His travels, partially funded by credit card reward points, allowed him to experience different cultures and make meaningful connections.
India eventually became his home. Over the last nine years, he has built a life here—learning Hindi, starting two businesses, and embracing the local culture. Recently, he and his wife moved to a serene coastal town in Goa, where their lifestyle is comfortable, fulfilling, and financially stress-free.
Living in India has given Rosenberg and his wife a quality of life that would be unaffordable in the U.S. Their current expenses include:
With earnings in U.S. dollars and expenses in Indian rupees, Rosenberg enjoys financial security while taking risks and growing his businesses.
While Rosenberg visits the U.S. once a year, each trip reinforces his belief that many Americans are stuck in a high-cost, high-stress lifestyle. He questions whether others could benefit—financially and personally—by exploring opportunities outside the U.S.
“I see so many of my friends caught in a cycle of working just to keep up with expenses. It makes me wonder—why not consider an alternative?”
For Rosenberg, India isn’t just a place to live—it’s a place to thrive.
