“You need ₹6.75 crore to raise a child”: Finance expert explains the reason behind this staggering expense

May 12, 2026 - 14:30

A finance content creator has sparked intense discussion online after calculating that raising a single child in a major Indian metro city could cost parents nearly ₹6.75 crore over a lifetime. Udayan Adhye, who shares personal finance insights on Instagram, broke down the eye-watering figure to explain why modern parenting has become an expensive financial commitment.

In his analysis, Adhye accounted for costs that go far beyond basic necessities like food and clothing. He included expenses such as private school tuition from nursery through higher education, coaching classes, extracurricular activities, and international college fees. He also factored in lifestyle inflation, health insurance, and the rising cost of housing in cities like Mumbai, Delhi, and Bengaluru.

The biggest chunk of the ₹6.75 crore figure, according to Adhye, comes from education and housing. He argued that parents often underestimate how much they will spend on a child's upbringing because they focus only on immediate monthly expenses. The calculation assumes a 10% annual inflation rate on education costs, which have been rising faster than general inflation in India.

Many social media users reacted with shock, with some calling the number unrealistic for the average middle-class family. Others agreed that the estimate was conservative, especially for those who plan to send their children abroad for studies. Adhye clarified that the figure is not meant to scare parents but to encourage early and disciplined financial planning, including starting a dedicated investment portfolio for a child's future goals.