Archive · 19 Jun 2025
Global Middle Class Debt Crisis: India, Hong Kong, and Beyond
The middle class in places like India and Hong Kong are struggling with debt because they have to borrow money more often to pay for things like homes, cars, and other things people think are important.
Even though salaries may have increased, the cost of living has gone up even faster.
Many families are using credit cards, loans, and other ways to borrow money, which is putting them in more debt.
This is happening in other countries, too, like the US and Turkey.
People are getting stressed out and worried about it, showing this is a growing problem around the world.
Middle classes in India and Hong Kong face rising debt due to stagnant incomes and increased consumerism.
Unsecured loans and buy-now-pay-later schemes contribute significantly to the debt burden.
Debt collectors use harassment and intimidation tactics, causing psychological distress and social isolation.
The US and Turkey also grapple with rising household debt, mirroring a global trend.
Economic policies and cultural shifts contribute to the debt crisis, threatening societal stability.
- Who
- Middle-class individuals and families.
- What
- Rising middle-class debt and its impact on individuals and society.
- When
- Data spans from 2020 to 2025
- Where
- India, Hong Kong, US, and Turkey.
- Why
- Stagnant incomes, rising cost of living, consumerism, and easy access to credit.
Causes of Debt
Impacts of Debt
Causes of Debt
Causes of Debt
Stagnant income and inflation is a driver.
Impacts of Debt
Consumerism fuels debt.
- India Household Debt (2023)
- 43% of GDP
- Credit Card NPAs (India, 2024)
- ₹6,742 crore
- Hong Kong Homeowners in Negative Equity
- 40,741
- Turkey Credit Card Debt (2023)
- $34.7 billion
- US Delinquency Rate (Credit Cards)
- 8.9%
Sources
'Rs 70 lakh per annum is the new middle class': Banker exposes brutal truth of urban living
‘Rs 70 LPA Is New Middle Class’: Gurugram Man Breaks Down Cost Of Living In Cities Like Mumbai, Bengaluru
70 LPA not enough to live in metro city: LinkedIn post says, ‘Think twice before taking a housing loan’
Investment Banker Claims Rs 70 Lakh CTC Is ‘New Middle Class’, Internet Has Doubts