The tax bill is only one part of the cost of living. What comes after it can matter just as much. That is the point behind a social media post by Jyoti, a business owner who spends time in both India and Sweden.Her experience has made her compare not just tax rates but also the everyday services people pay for. She says Sweden collects more in taxes but uses that money to support several public services, while people in India may have to spend separately on many essentials.The comparison has sparked interest because it looks at affordability from a different angle: not simply how much money goes towards taxes, but how much people still need to spend afterwards.
Her experience of living in India and Sweden
“Living between India and Sweden has completely changed how I think about taxes, spending, and quality of life,” founder and influencer Jyoti wrote on Instagram.She questioned why India can feel increasingly expensive despite having a lower overall tax burden.“Sweden taxes more, but how much do we actually get back in public services? And in India, why does life still feel increasingly expensive despite lower overall taxation?”She added:“Maybe the real question isn’t how much we pay, but what we get in return.”
Why she says Sweden feels different
In a video, Jyoti spoke about her own tax experience in Sweden and her regular visits to India.“I pay higher taxes in Sweden than I ever did in India. Yet, every time I return to India, I leave with one question. Why does life feel so much more expensive and exhausting? Every year, I spend around two months in India with my family.”She then compared the tax revenue figures she referred to for the two countries.“Sweden has one of the highest tax burdens in the world. Tax revenue is roughly 41% of the country’s GDP. India is much lower, around 18 to 20% of GDP.”ID@undefined Caption not available.ID@undefined Caption not available.ID@undefined Caption not available.
What she says taxes cover in Sweden
Jyoti said the higher taxes in Sweden are linked to a range of publicly funded services.“But here’s what surprised me. In Sweden, those taxes help fund healthcare, schools, public transport, clean public spaces, parks, libraries, and many social services.”Her comparison focuses on the difference between paying through taxation and paying directly for services.
The private costs she notices in India
She said Indian households can face several additional expenses alongside taxes and other charges.“In India, even after paying GST on almost everything you buy, fuel taxes, tolls, property taxes, and for many people, income tax, millions of families still pay separately for private healthcare, private education, security, transport, and even basic utilities like water purification or power backup.”For Jyoti, these expenses are an important part of understanding why the overall cost of life can feel high even when the tax burden is lower.
Her observation about spending
Jyoti also pointed to the spending patterns she sees during her time in India.“Then, I look around. It’s a Tuesday afternoon. The malls are packed. Restaurants have waiting lists. People are easily spending 1,000 to 3,000 on average on a single outing. Luxury cars are everywhere. Yet, the same people tell me that the cost of living has become overwhelming. That contrast fascinates me.”She said this contrast between visible spending and concerns about affordability is another part of what made her think about the issue.
‘The real comparison’ is about value
Jyoti said her time in both countries has changed the way she looks at taxation.“But living in both countries has taught me one thing. The amount of tax you pay matters less than the value you feel you receive in return. That’s the real comparison,” she concluded.Disclaimer: The views and observations expressed in this article are based on Jyoti’s social media post and reflect her personal experience and perspective. The comparisons mentioned have not been independently verified by The Times of India.Thumb image: Instagram
