Travel Influencer Faces Backlash After Comparing Mumbai Rent To Bali Villa; Check Here

Actress and travel vlogger Shenaz Treasury has stirred controversy online after posting a video in which she compared the cost of renting her one-bedroom apartment in Mumbai to that of a luxurious villa in Bali. Treasury claimed that her compact flat in India’s financial hub is more expensive than her friend’s sprawling villa in Indonesia.

In the video shared across her social media channels, Treasury is seen touring her friend’s picturesque Balinese home, showcasing its private pool, lush garden, and peaceful forest backdrop. “I pay more rent for my 1 BHK apartment in Mumbai than my friend pays for her villa in Bali,” she says in the clip, contrasting the villa’s serene setting with Mumbai’s chaotic city life.

As she walked viewers through the tranquil property, she remarked, “Imagine living here is much cheaper than living in Mumbai in a 1-bedroom matchbox apartment 10 minutes away from a beach like mine with the traffic and the pollution and the dug-up roads.”

Her comments quickly drew criticism from some social media users, who accused her of consistently portraying India in a negative light. While Treasury’s video was intended to highlight the contrast in lifestyle costs between the two locations, it has reignited ongoing debates around housing affordability in Indian cities and the sensitivity surrounding public figures criticising domestic issues on global platforms.

Treasury shared her perspective on why an increasing number of Indians are considering a move to Bali, citing the island’s affordability and quality of life as major draws. In a video posted to social media, the travel vlogger stressed that everyday expenses such as transportation, meals, and wellness services are significantly cheaper in Bali compared to Indian metros. 

Also read: India's Economy Set To Manage The Impact Of US Tariff Disruptions: Moody's

Internet Reacts

“Bali is beautiful for holidays but to stay there forever, definitely not! Instead of thinking of moving away from Mumbai because of pollution, we should be thinking of ways to combat the menace. I know a few who are really working hard to make things better staying back,” wrote one of the instagram users.

A second user added, "We have a such a huge coastline... Why not also showcase some of the tier 2/3 cities where you can still afford much more."

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