Archive · 23 Sep 2026
H1B Families Face High US Living Costs, Founder Says
Aniruddha Anjana explained that raising a family in the United States can cost much more than people expect.
He looked at two adults and two children in 10 major cities.
San Francisco had the highest estimated yearly cost.
Houston had the lowest estimate, but it still exceeded $200,000.
His calculation included regular bills, fun activities and investments.
He said some H1B visa workers earn less than people might imagine from salaries converted into Indian rupees.
Anjana later started a US company and moved back to India.
He said this lets him earn dollars while paying many everyday costs in rupees.
Aniruddha Anjana estimated annual costs for two adults and two children in 10 US cities.
San Francisco had the highest estimate at $407,597, followed by San Jose at $402,771.
Houston was the least expensive city in the comparison, but still exceeded $200,000 annually.
Anjana used the 50/30/20 budgeting rule, including necessities, discretionary spending and investments.
He said he moved to India after starting a US company to earn dollars while spending in rupees.
- Who
- Entrepreneur Aniruddha Anjana discussed costs for H1B visa holders and their families.
- What
- He estimated the annual income needed for a comfortable family life in 10 major US cities.
- When
- The estimates were shared in an Instagram post; the article does not specify the posting date.
- Where
- The comparison covered San Francisco, San Jose, Boston, New York, Seattle, Washington DC, Chicago, Austin, Dallas and Houston.
- Why
- Anjana said American salaries can look large in Indian rupees but may cover a stressed budget once family expenses are included.
Anjana’s View
Verification Caution
Meaning of US salaries
Anjana’s View
Anjana argued that a salary appearing large after conversion into Indian rupees may barely cover a family’s expenses in the United States.
Verification Caution
The figures were Anjana’s estimates, and LiveMint said it could not independently verify their authenticity.
Responding to high costs
Anjana’s View
Anjana said people can build dollar-linked income while living in a lower-cost country, describing his move back to India after starting a US company.
Verification Caution
The article provides no independent assessment of whether this approach is practical or suitable for other H1B visa holders.
- Family considered
- Two adults and two children
- Highest estimate
- San Francisco: $407,597 annually (₹3.91 crore)
- Lowest estimate
- Houston: $204,672 annually (₹1.96 crore)
- Other high-cost cities
- San Jose: $402,771; Boston: $368,742 annually
- Budget framework
- 50% fixed expenses, 30% wants and 20% investments
- Anjana’s later strategy
- He started a US company, returned to India and said he earns dollars while spending in rupees
- Verification status
- LiveMint said it could not independently verify the shared living-cost figures