India may be less expensive for some parts of a household budget and costly for others. In a Hindustan Times report published or updated on October 1, 2026, entrepreneur Gaurav Dutta—who moved back in December 2024 while continuing to manage US rental properties—describes that and other assumptions he believes returning NRIs should question. His observations are personal commentary, not a survey or legal, tax or financial advice.
Why “India is cheaper” is too broad to guide a move
Dutta’s examples are rent and domestic help on one side, and international schooling, a car and a three-bedroom home in Gurgaon on the other. His point is not that one country is always cheaper, but that a single label conceals major differences in what a particular family buys, where it lives and how it earns and spends.
The report does not provide a like-for-like budget for households in India and the US, or a nationally comparable cost figure. Nor does it establish that all NRIs hold the assumptions Dutta describes. A price index would not settle the question by itself: India’s Labour Bureau explains that the Consumer Price Index tracks price changes for a fixed basket and is not a comprehensive cost-of-living measure covering matters such as housing, health, education and savings.
For a useful comparison, model your own expected after-tax income and savings, housing and location, school fees, transport, healthcare and insurance, relocation costs, continuing US asset and filing obligations, and family-support expectations. The outcome will vary by household; the examples in the report are not a measured India-versus-US comparison.
#1 Best Overall
- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
- Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
- Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
What Dutta says returnees should not assume
The Hindustan Times account presents overlapping themes rather than a numbered, independently verified checklist. The points below group its reported claims by the decisions a returning household may face. Treat the US-related legal and tax points as Dutta’s warnings, not as a complete statement of current rules.
Tax residence and income across borders
- “I can work out taxes after landing.” Dutta says the date of arrival can affect tax residence for the financial year. Indian residence is determined under statutory tests, so time spent in the country and the person’s circumstances matter.
- “India taxes all my US income as soon as I return.” Dutta points to possible Resident but Not Ordinarily Resident (RNOR) status for two or, in some cases, three years, depending on circumstances. That is not an automatic grace period or a conclusion about an individual’s tax bill.
- “I can ignore US tax filings once I live in India.” In discussing his own US rental properties, Dutta says he can continue owning and managing them from India, while noting that the IRS still expects a return. The report does not set out the filing rules for every type of US income or taxpayer.
- “I can ignore US nonresident-seller or estate-tax exposure.” The report says Dutta raised these issues but does not establish the applicable rules. Anyone with US property or other assets should obtain current, individual US-India tax advice rather than rely on a general social-media summary.
For context, the Government of India Income Tax Department’s guidance for assessment year 2026–27 describes general individual residence tests of 182 days or more in India during the relevant year, or 60 days or more in that year plus 365 days or more during the preceding four years, subject to exceptions. It also describes special rules for some Indian citizens and persons of Indian origin visiting India: a 120-day threshold in specified cases where relevant Indian income exceeds ₹15 lakh. A separate deemed-resident rule is described for a citizen with relevant income above ₹15 lakh who meets a specified no-tax-liability condition. These are detailed, year-sensitive provisions, not a substitute for checking how the law applies to a particular person.
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
The department’s overview says residential status matters to the taxability of income and distinguishes the treatment of nonresidents’ income from foreign income generally outside that nonresident tax incidence, subject to applicable categories and rules. It also says a resident who pays tax abroad on income may be able to claim foreign tax credit under applicable provisions and procedures. A returnee with income in both countries should have a qualified professional assess residence, reporting and relief together.
US home, retirement account and immigration status
- “I have to sell US rental property before returning.” Dutta says a person can own and manage rental property from India; the report does not say that doing so removes US filing duties.
- “I can always sell my US home tax-free.” The report describes a general primary-residence exclusion rule and a two-of-five-year condition, subject to rules and exceptions. That summary is not enough to determine whether an individual sale qualifies; verify current IRS rules with a tax professional.
- “I must cash out my 401(k) when I move.” Dutta says not to assume that. The report notes possible tax and an additional penalty on early withdrawals, subject to exceptions, but does not give individualized withdrawal advice. Check current US rules before taking action.
- “I can leave the US for long periods without consequences if I hold a green card.” Dutta warns that extended absence can raise questions about status. The report does not establish the outcome for any person; seek immigration advice before making plans around prolonged travel or relocation.
Accounts, citizenship and credit
- “My NRE account can stay unchanged after I become resident.” Dutta warns that the account needs redesignation and raises FEMA-related concerns. Confirm the steps and timing with the bank and a qualified adviser; the report is not a complete account-compliance guide.
- “A US passport holder can simply resume Indian citizenship.” The report points to India’s restrictions on dual citizenship. It does not resolve an individual’s citizenship or status; check current official guidance before making plans.
- “My US credit history will automatically transfer to India.” Dutta says not to expect that and recommends keeping a US card active. This is his advice, not independent credit-bureau guidance; ask the relevant banks and credit providers what records and products will remain available to you.
Health cover, retirement and expectations at home
- “I can wait to arrange health coverage until I need care.” Dutta warns that Indian policies can have waiting periods, including for pre-existing conditions. Waiting periods, exclusions and eligibility vary by policy, so read current insurer documents before choosing or relying on cover.
- “₹5 crore automatically guarantees a comfortable retirement.” Dutta challenges a savings-target slogan, saying, “5 Cr is enough. I think enough is not a savings number. It’s what comes in monthly without you working.” This is a personal framing, not a retirement calculation; sustainable income depends on expenses, assets, health, inflation and other household circumstances.
- “Life and family expectations will feel just as they did before I left.” Dutta describes changed cities and relatives’ expectations as part of his own adjustment. That is a personal observation, but it points to practical conversations worth having about location, caregiving, privacy and financial support.
How to prepare without treating the list as a rulebook
- Build a household budget, not a country stereotype. Compare likely expenses for the actual city and housing arrangement, schooling, transport, healthcare, insurance and family commitments. Compare expected after-tax income and savings, not isolated prices.
- Map dates and income before you move. Record travel days for the relevant Indian financial year and list Indian and foreign income, assets and accounts. Ask a qualified US-India tax professional to assess residence, reporting and any potential relief under current rules.
- Inventory US accounts, assets and status. List property, retirement accounts, bank and credit accounts, tax filings and any immigration or citizenship questions. Confirm each item with the institution or qualified adviser responsible for it rather than assuming it closes, transfers or remains unchanged.
- Read insurance terms before you need care. Compare current policy wording, including waiting periods and exclusions, and confirm eligibility with the insurer.
- Plan the move of belongings separately from tax and account decisions. India’s Department of Revenue sets out provisions for bona fide baggage and separately addresses transfer of residence, subject to listed conditions; it also addresses eligible unaccompanied baggage. Do not assume every shipment is duty-free. Check the current conditions for the goods and move you actually have.
- Discuss the non-financial return. Agree on where to live and what support family members expect, and allow for the fact that a city, household or relationship may have changed while you were away.
Dutta’s report is a prompt to replace broad assumptions with decisions tied to a specific household. Its cost examples do not prove that India is cheaper or more expensive overall, and its legal and financial warnings should not be treated as individualized guidance.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
Rank #4
- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
Rank #3
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
