New Delhi, Oct. 15 -- A good salary does not always translate into a comfortable lifestyle. For young professionals, the real test is whether their income can cover rent, everyday expenses and personal interests while leaving enough money to save and invest for the future.

For a 25-year-old living independently, the monthly take-home salary needed to maintain this balance could range from Rs.70,000 in Pune to Rs.1.4 lakh in Mumbai, according to Uttam Agarwal, chief business officer at BajajCapital - La Premier. These estimates assume the individual wants to save 20-30% of their income.

There is no single salary that guarantees financial comfort, Agarwal said. The amount required depends on the city, neighbourhood, housing arrangements, ...