Long commutes, rising living costs, packed schedules and the constant pressure to stay connected have made urban work life increasingly exhausting for many professionals. The fast-paced nature of city living often leaves little room for relaxation, leading to stress, burnout and a poor work-life balance. As remote work becomes more common, an increasing number of employees are choosing to move to mountain towns and quieter destinations in search of cleaner air, lower expenses, scenic surroundings and a healthier lifestyle. Metro city to mountain life New Delhi-based employee Ajay Sharma made a similar choice, relocating to Manali, where he now works remotely while enjoying stunning hill views, lower monthly expenses and a slower pace of life. In his latest Instagram post, Ajay has revealed his monthly expenses of living in the hill station. In the video, Ajay shared that he rents a one-bedroom apartment in Manali for Rs 14,000 per month, with the rent covering both Wi-Fi and electricity expenses. According to Ajay , the arrangement allows him to keep his housing costs predictable while enjoying the scenic surroundings that drew him to the mountains in the first place.Manali lifestyle breakdownTo manage his expenses further, Ajay prepares most of his meals at home. As someone who follows a gym-focused diet, he spends around Rs 3,500 a month on groceries. He shared that cooking for himself not only helps him stay on track with his fitness goals but also significantly reduces his overall food expenditure. On occasions when he does not feel like cooking, he orders food from outside, which adds roughly Rs 500 per week to his budget.Fitness is also an important part of Ajay’s routine. He said that his gym membership costs Rs 1,500 per month after a discount, making it another fixed expense in his monthly budget. When it comes to transportation, however, he spends very little. Ajay explained that he prefers walking whenever possible, which helps him achieve his daily step goals while keeping commuting costs almost negligible.Internet reacts After calculating his rent, groceries, food deliveries and gym membership, Ajay estimated that his total monthly cost of living in Manali comes to approximately Rs 21,000. The video quickly gained traction on social media, prompting users to compare Ajay’s expenses with the significantly higher cost of living in major metropolitan cities. Several viewers were particularly struck by the fact that his monthly budget appeared lower than what many professionals spend while living in cities such as Gurgaon.Not everyone, however, was convinced that the costs were exceptionally low. Some users felt that Rs 14,000 per month was relatively expensive for a mountain town and pointed out that accommodation could be found at lower rates in other Himalayan destinations. One commenter even shared their personal experience of renting a property in Dharamshala for Rs 4,000 a month, claiming it included Wi-Fi, scenic views, abundant natural light and a peaceful environment.