Living in India vs America: The Perspective of an American in India
When choosing between life in India and America, it’s tough. It really is. As an American in India, I’ve seen plenty of the good and the bad. Indians want to hear how much I love India, and Americans want to hear how much I miss home. The question is always, which do I love more?
And to be completely real, I don’t love either more. And neither of them should really even be compared. Both are almost complete opposites of each other.
But here I will provide a comparison of the negatives and positives of living in India vs America, for anyone thinking about living in either country, all coming from the perspective of someone who has lived in both.
The biggest similarity between America and India
One thing both India and America have in common though, is the twisted perspective of hating one’s country. Americans complain about their lives on social media so much so that the internet now sees America as a complete joke. The same goes for India. There are so many Indians on social media who openly admit that their country is messed up without trying to show the world how beautiful it actually is, creating a very negative perspective of India from the rest of the world.
The world views Americans as ignorant and uneducated and Indians as smelly and unhygienic. Social media has made these perspectives go through the roof, and neither Americans or Indians can defend themselves from the internet any longer. It all starts with the negativity one has with their own country. I think the world sees Americans and Indians as the biggest joke on the internet. If Americans and Indians could start appreciating the beauty of their own countries, the world would be able to see it clearly too.
I see it clearly. And that’s why I want to share it all with you.
Funny I say that, cause I’m going to start with the negatives.
The Negatives of Living as an American in India
The power outages
If there’s one thing you can count on in India, it’s the unpredictability of power. During the hot summer or monsoon season, power outages are just part of life. Imagine settling in to watch your favorite show, and boom—the lights go out! On a typical day, I might experience 3-5 mini-blackouts, but they usually last just a few minutes. It’s a small hiccup compared to America, where the power almost never goes out. But I guess it keeps life interesting, right?
Limited global food options
India is a foodie’s paradise, but finding international ingredients can be a bit of a scavenger hunt. Things that I thought were kitchen staples—like tomato sauce or vegetable broth—are surprisingly elusive here. In America, you can find an array of global cuisines at the nearest grocery store, but in India, if you’re craving something like authentic Chinese takeout, you might have to settle for Maggi noodles.
Nature Walks: A Bit of a Challenge
Living in an Indian city means you might have to hunt a little for green spaces. While there are small parks here and there, they don’t quite compare to the sprawling parks and hiking trails in America. It’s not that India doesn’t have stunning natural beauty—it absolutely does! But getting to it can be a bit of an adventure, especially if you’re based in the city. As an American in India, I feel a tiny piece of me is missing without having access to the natural parks that I used to hike back at home.
A ton of mosquitos and other bugs
India’s warm climate brings with it a variety of critters, including mosquitoes that could practically carry you away during monsoon season. I’ve had more mosquito bites in a single season here than in my entire life in America! And then there are the ants—so many ants. In India, they’re just part of the household, and I’ve learned to coexist with them. But as an American in India, my brain sometimes struggles with the “let them live” approach. I’m getting there, though!
Huge gender divide
The gender divide in India is complicated. On one hand, women hold significant power and respect in many areas, often having their voices heard in legal matters. On the other hand, the divide can also feel like a huge gap, especially if you’re used to more gender equality. As an American in India, it feels very strange to me to see such a split in society when it comes to gender roles here. It’s a tough topic to unpack, and it’s one of those things you really need to experience to fully understand.
Lack of global diversity and awareness
While India is incredibly diverse, global awareness can sometimes feel a bit limited. People often make assumptions about American culture based on stereotypes—like the idea that everyone in the U.S. is divorced. It’s not uncommon for folks to say, “In America you do this, but here we do that,” even if they’ve never left India. It’s a reminder that we all have a bit more to learn about each other’s cultures.
The Negatives of Living in America
Work life culture
The work life culture in America is a big problem. At one point in time, a family could live in America on one salary. Nowadays, nothing is good enough. Americans work their lives away because they can’t live otherwise. In India there is more of a work life balance which allows for families to spend more time together and celebrate important holidays without having to worry about work. It is a very different environment which I greatly appreciate and admire.
Processed foods
American grocery stores are packed with processed foods, and finding fresh, organic produce can be both a challenge and a hit to your wallet. In India, the fresh food is abundant and affordable—think locally grown fruits, veggies, and dairy that’s as fresh as it gets. India has the most natural food in the world as they really value fresh food and society lives on this diet. I just wish it were the same for America.
Traffic
American traffic, especially during rush hour, is no joke. Commuting can easily add hours to your day, leaving little time for anything else. India has its fair share of traffic too, but somehow it feels less stressful and not as much as an inevitability. In America, it is impossible to avoid.
Not walkable
The walkability of the streets in America is a running joke on social media, and it is a big problem. Walking in America, especially in the suburbs, can be a challenge. Everything’s so spread out that you practically need a car to get anywhere. In India, this isn’t very necessary. I wouldn’t say India is walkable either, as there are no sidewalks or easy walking paths but you can generally walk or find cheap transportation to get where you need to go. Plus, drivers here are surprisingly aware of pedestrians—most of the time!
Lack of freedom to build your own life
In America, there’s a lot of pressure to work and earn, and being unemployed can feel like a personal failure. India’s joint family system offers a bit more security; everyone contributes to the household, so there’s less stress about individual earnings. It’s a different kind of pressure—more about showing off your wealth than proving your independence.
The positives of living as an American in India
Abundance of small corner shops
One of my favorite things about India is the abundance of small shops and dhabas (roadside eateries) on every corner. You never need to go far to get the essentials, whether you’re in the city or a village. It’s super convenient and adds to the charm of everyday life in India.
Easy and cheap transportation
Getting around in India is easy and affordable. Whether you’re hopping on a metro, grabbing an auto-rickshaw, or taking a long-distance train, there’s always a cheap option available. In America, transportation can be pricey, so this is a big plus for India.
Fresh foods and produce
As I said before, India’s markets are bursting with fresh produce, often locally grown and always delicious. Whether it’s fruits, veggies, or dairy, you’re getting some of the freshest ingredients in the world. It’s a foodie’s dream, and a stark contrast to the often expensive organic options in the U.S.
In America prices for organic foods are always higher, and to find real fresh produce you have to go to a farmers market. It is not easy to find completely fresh and healthy food in most of America.
Spontaneous and laid back lifestyle
India’s lifestyle is refreshingly spontaneous and relaxed. There’s a strong focus on family and socializing, and the many holidays throughout the year give plenty of excuses to take a break and enjoy life. Things happen at their own pace here, and that go-with-the-flow mentality is something I’ve come to love.
If something comes up, don’t let it surprise you, just go along with it. A cow stopped you in the middle of the road? Just get around it, no biggie. Your train arrives 3 hours late? Don’t stress, just let it go and know you’ll get to where you need to be eventually. For your own sanity, this kind of mindset is necessary to avoid any kind of negative feelings or feeling too uptight while living in India.
Celebrating a ton of holidays every year
As I mentioned earlier, India is a land of countless festivals and celebrations. Most Hindu holidays follow the lunar calendar, so the dates shift slightly each year. This cultural and religious diversity means that in India, you can choose to celebrate any holiday and fully immerse yourself in it, as most Indian festivals are celebrated with great enthusiasm.
Take Holi, for instance—a festival traditionally celebrated among families. But because it’s the festival of colors, where people throw colored powders and splash water like it’s a massive paintball fight, some prefer to take the celebration into the streets or join in with the wider community, even with strangers. Though it can get a bit chaotic, it’s a perfect example of how holidays in India are an all-inclusive affair, with everyone participating.
The freedom to be able to do anything
India offers a unique kind of freedom, where traditional and modern lifestyles coexist. Whether it’s starting a business, wishing to go off to college, or literally anything, opportunities are limitless.
What I mean is that education is accessible to everyone. Schools and colleges can be very affordable (or as expensive as you want them to be), allowing anyone the chance to earn a degree if they wish. While there are, of course, some who may struggle with the costs, education in India is generally much more affordable compared to the United States.
Furthermore, starting a business in India is often less burdensome in terms of expenses. With cheaper rent and lower operational costs, it’s easier to set up and maintain a business, making entrepreneurship more accessible. This freedom to seize opportunities is something that can be harder to come by and far more unrealistic in the U.S.
Strong family bonds
Family is essential in India, and strong family ties provide support, connection, and a sense of belonging. Living in India often means being part of a close-knit community if you have a big family and strong family bonds. Indians have closer relationships with family members which overall is something a lot of Americans lack due to the working culture.
Indians don’t quite understand why Americans are so distant with their families, but I do, and I wish somehow America could be better in that sense. In India, families stick together for life, which is something I deeply admire. In contrast, Americans are often forced to prioritize work over family due to the necessity of earning a living, which inevitably cuts into precious bonding time. While there are certainly families in America with close relationships—my own included—it’s undeniable that the American way of life can make it challenging to carve out enough time for family.
I wish that somehow, America could find a way to strengthen family bonds and relationships. After all, what’s the point of life if you can’t spend enough time with the people you love?
The positives of living in America
More diversity
The United States is known for its cultural diversity, offering exposure to people and traditions from all over the world. This rich mix of cultures provides Americans with a broader global and cultural awareness, something that is often overlooked in comparisons with other countries.
On the internet, Americans are sometimes unfairly stereotyped as being geographically ignorant or monolingual (forgetting that America isn’t Europe), but this overlooks the deep cultural awareness that comes from living in such a diverse country.
In contrast, most Indians focus primarily on what happens within India, as the country is overwhelmingly homogenous. Just to put this into perspective, as a foreigner, I haven’t seen another foreigner that wasn’t of Indian ethnicity in months. That sounds weird to say but it just shows the lack of diversity in India. I still find it hard to deal with people looking at me on a regular basis within my own neighborhood because I don’t look like them.
If an Indian went to America, they wouldn’t be so isolated. Noone would look at them weird as it’s totally normal, and they wouldn’t be the only Indian out there. This contrast has made me appreciate the inclusive and welcoming nature of American society, where diversity is celebrated.
Of course, I’m aware that racism exists in America, and there are certainly areas that aren’t as globally aware. But compared to India, the level of acceptance and ethnic diversity in the U.S. is strikingly different.
Friendly people and neighborhoods
Americans are known for their friendliness and community spirit. Neighborhoods are often welcoming, with a strong sense of togetherness and support. While in India, people are only really close within families, Americans extend this warmth to everyone they encounter. Whether it’s a casual chat with the grocery cashier or a friendly wave to the mailman, Americans often seek to make connections with those around them. Americans have a lot more trust and faith in people for this very reason.
In India, small talk with strangers isn’t common, and there’s generally little trust outside of one’s immediate family. It’s not unusual to see big, intimidating dogs used as a deterrent to unwanted visitors, or even guns owned to assert one’s dominance in the neighborhood.
This is vastly different from what I’m used to in America, where dogs are more likely to be friendly pets, and strangers are safe to engage with. This aspect of American culture is something I truly love and miss. Personally, I feel an immense sense of relief whenever I meet the first American after a long time traveling abroad, all because of their genuine kindness and warm smiles.
Stability and structure
America’s well-established infrastructure and systems provide stability and predictability in daily life. There are no cows to block the roads or worry about being ripped off by my own doctor (though we all know the healthcare system has its own flaws). This structure can be reassuring, especially in comparison to India where the country doesn’t provide much support to fall back on when you need it.
In America there are rules to abide to, which for me as a strict rule follower, I find comfort in such a system. In India, people break the rules left and right. You want to drive through a red light? Sure! Why not? Everyone else is doing it. You want to scam a rich man with something that hardly costs more than a penny? That’s business. You want to ride this bus that’s already stuffed with so many people that you might die of crowd crush and suffocation? By all means you are welcome to, as long as you pay me. India is full of loopholes and jugaads. As an American in India, the lack of a strict rule system and structure is hard for me to comprehend sometimes.
Access to every product out there
America’s consumer market is vast, offering access to a wide range of products that are not at all available in India. Whether it’s food, technology, or entertainment, you can find almost anything in the U.S.
Indians traveling to America might complain about the lack of fresh spices and foods, but still there are plenty of Indian grocery stores to be found stocked with everything you could possibly need for meals.The sheer variety of products available in the U.S. can be overwhelming—it’s capitalism at its finest, but sometimes, you just really need that adorable spoon shaped like the Loch Ness Monster.
In India, on the other hand, I often find myself longing for something unique from Etsy, only to be thwarted by large shipping costs. Instead, I’m left to choose from Amazon’s less-than-exciting options, which lack the personality and uniqueness I crave.
An abundance of nature and national parks
America is home to stunning natural landscapes and well-preserved national parks. There are always endless opportunities for hiking and camping. I grew up in an area where there were several natural reserves and parks only minutes from my own home. All with huge forests and creeks and large hills to overlook the whole area.
In India, the closest thing to nature in urban areas are small parks, which often contain just a few trees and maybe a swing set. While you can venture outside the cities to find more open spaces, like farms and quiet roads lined with trees, it’s not quite the same. As an American in India, I’ve come to realize that the expansive, well-maintained parks of America have spoiled me.
Better infrastructure and housing
The U.S. generally has better infrastructure and housing compared to India, including cleaner roads, more organized towns, and sturdier homes. Of course, the quality of housing can vary—some American homes are built quickly with less attention to detail—but overall, the diversity and durability of construction in the U.S. surpasses that of India.
Environmental factors play a significant role in infrastructure challenges. While I’m no expert in construction, I’ve seen firsthand how the monsoon season can wreak havoc due to poor drainage systems, leading to severe flooding in cities and homes. Our own home has been flooded numerous times in a single month, with thick mud and debris covering the floors due to inadequate drainage. Most houses in India, though relatively new, are built quickly and cheaply, and they weather so badly that they look much older within just a few years. This makes me appreciate my century-old home in the U.S., which requires little maintenance despite its age.
The baked goods!
One of the small but significant joys of living in America is the abundance of bakeries where they offer a delicious array of pastries, bread, and desserts like cookies and cakes.
While there are ‘bakeries’ in India, they usually don’t offer the same range of products. You’ll find some Indian sweets (which are still delicious!) and a few cakes that were likely shipped from elsewhere. This is because ovens, even industrial ones, are expensive and not commonly used in India, where baked goods are less of a staple.
But I live for a freshly made chocolate chip cookie or a toasted bagel—treats I can only find in the U.S.
Conclusion
It’s not about determining whether India or America is better; both countries offer unique advantages and face their own set of challenges. While I’ve highlighted many positives, there is an equally important list of negatives that shouldn’t be overlooked. I recognize that while India provides more opportunities in certain aspects, it still grapples with issues surrounding basic freedoms and fairness that are more readily available in America. Conversely, I understand that America, despite its strengths, might not have as many freedoms as India might have.
As an American in India, I have had the habit of comparing the two on almost every occasion. “Why doesn’t India have washers for clothes?” “How is the food over here so good?”, “In America, we do things like this instead.” But I know it’s not right to draw every difference like one is better than the other.
My comparisons are drawn from personal experience, focusing primarily on life in North India and the Northeastern United States. These are the regions where I’ve lived, and they shape my perspective. I’m curious to hear if anyone else can relate to the observations I’ve shared—feel free to share your thoughts in the comments!
– Maeve
Maeve
Welcome to our little corner of the internet!
Just an American girl living in India and exploring the rest of the world on the side. Most of my joys come from traveling beautiful places, good old fashioned handwritten letters, fresh flowers, and a warm cup of chai.
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About Us
We're Maeve and Kart – an introvert with a love for letters, flowers, and chai on one side, and an introverted extrovert nature enthusiast with a sweet tooth on the other. Get yourself a cup of tea and a spoonful of chini and settle in. To all aspiring travelers, folks in long distance and multicultural relationships, and those kindred spirits out there looking for advice on life in India as a foreigner - consider this place your sanctuary. As an American/Indian couple, we are currently living together in India in a cross cultural relationship as a result of one of few successful long distance love stories. Our journey is unique, and we're here to share insights and advice for anyone in similar circumstances. Come along with us as we share stories and advice on multicultural discussions, long distance relationships, and the beauty of travel.
