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The thought of retirement often brings a sense of anxiety for many Indians. Between hectic work schedules and endless responsibilities, one lingering question remains: how much money will be enough to live stress-free after retirement?

A recent HSBC global wealth report has shed light on this concern, revealing the minimum amount required to enjoy a comfortable post-retirement life in India. According to the study, an Indian would need at least ₹3.5 crore to retire comfortably and maintain a secure lifestyle.

Retirement in India is Cheaper Compared to the World

While ₹3.5 crore may sound like a massive figure at first glance, the report emphasizes that India remains one of the most affordable countries for retirement. Globally, the average requirement to retire comfortably stands at around ₹8.75 crore, significantly higher than India’s estimates.

Interestingly, this global average was about ₹6.5 crore in 2024, meaning retirement costs worldwide surged by nearly 34% in just one year.

Which Countries Are Most Expensive for Retirement?

The HSBC study covered 12 countries and highlighted a wide disparity in retirement costs.

• United States: Most expensive, requiring nearly ₹13 crore.

• Singapore: Around USD 1.39 million.

• Hong Kong: Approximately USD 1.1 million.

• China: About USD 1.09 million.

In comparison, India emerged as the most cost-effective country for retirement, despite rising inflation and living costs.

What Indian Investors Are Thinking

The report surveyed over 10,000 affluent investors worldwide, including Indians with assets ranging between ₹83 lakh and ₹16.6 crore. Findings revealed interesting investment trends:

• Indian investors have reduced cash holdings by nearly 15%.

• There is growing interest in equity markets, hedge funds, private credit, and gold.

• Around 62% of Indian investors plan to invest in mutual funds, unit trusts, and ETFs in the coming year.

This shift shows that Indians are increasingly diversifying their portfolios beyond traditional savings.

Property, Lifestyle, and Leisure Also in Focus

Property continues to remain the most trusted investment option for Indians. However, the study also highlighted a surprising trend—nearly 40% of investors across all age groups, from Gen Z to Baby Boomers, are actively saving for holidays and entertainment.

This shows that retirement planning is no longer just about covering medical or daily expenses, but also about maintaining a quality lifestyle. Indians want their retirement years to be stress-free, enjoyable, and filled with experiences.

Why Planning Early is Crucial

Although India is comparatively cheaper for retirement, the cost of living is steadily rising due to inflation. Essentials such as healthcare, property, and lifestyle expenses are expected to increase significantly in the coming decades.

Experts suggest that to secure a worry-free retirement, Indians must focus on early investments in diverse assets such as:

• Gold: A traditional hedge against inflation.

• Mutual Funds & ETFs: For long-term wealth creation.

• Real Estate: Still seen as a safe and appreciating asset.

The key lies in starting early and investing consistently to build a large enough retirement corpus.

Final Word

If you are aiming for a retirement filled with comfort, financial security, and leisure, planning ahead is non-negotiable. With at least ₹3.5 crore needed for a comfortable life post-retirement in India, building a smart investment portfolio now is the only way to ensure peace of mind later.

While the figure may seem daunting, disciplined savings and strategic investments can make it achievable. After all, retirement should be about enjoying life—not worrying about money.

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