Rs 45,000 monthly salary for maid: Bengaluru expat woman claims the pay is worth it and sparks debate

In a country where most people still haggle with their house help over a few hundred rupees, a Russian woman in Bengaluru has gone viral for doing the exact opposite. Iuliia Aslamova, who lives in the city with her family, revealed that she pays her maid Rs 45,000 a month — complete with performance KPIs, yearly hikes, and even driving lessons. Her Instagram post about it has the internet talking about respect, professionalism, and how Indians treat domestic workers.

Aslamova shared that she’s proud of one thing above all — no employee has ever quit on her. She believes in pushing people for growth and building long-term relationships, whether it’s in business or at home. When she hired a nanny for her daughter, Elina, she took the process seriously: 20 interviews, a detailed checklist, and a clear understanding of the kind of person she wanted to trust her child with.

Although the position was part-time at first, she decided to pay generously, prioritising the nanny’s mindset, happiness, and safety over saving money. “Let’s pay well — it’s not that significant compared to our daughter’s well-being,” she explained.

The arrangement soon evolved into a long-term partnership. After the first year, the nanny received a 10% raise. The following year, Aslamova introduced a KPI system so she could earn more based on performance. By the third year, the role turned full-time, came with a 1.7x pay hike, professional training, and even driving lessons so she could take Elina to her classes.

Aslamova’s philosophy is simple — treat every job and person with the same level of professionalism and respect you expect in your own career. She says many people complain that “maids just run away,” but the real problem is how they’re treated. “If you treat people badly, karma will reach you,” she wrote, reminding her followers that dignity and fairness go a long way.

She also urged people to rethink how they spend their time, saying that those who devote several hours a day to housework instead of personal or professional growth are missing valuable opportunities. Her message, at its core, was about embracing growth, seeking opportunities, and maintaining mutual respect — whether you’re the one hiring or the one working. And judging by the reactions online, her post has hit a nerve.


Internet reacts
One user argued that paying high wages could inflate the market, making domestic help less affordable for others, especially if foreign income makes it easier for some to pay more. Another highlighted that domestic workers in India are often underpaid and exploited, and if someone can’t afford fair wages, they can do the work themselves. A third pointed out the irony of middle-class critics dictating pay, stressing that all work deserves dignity and fair compensation. They shared that treating staff well creates a happy, supportive environment for everyone.


Russian woman's cost of living in Bengaluru
Previously, Iuliia Aslamova had shared a glimpse into her cost of living in Bengaluru, reflecting on how much has changed over the past decade. When she first arrived 11 years ago for a work project, expenses felt very reasonable—partly because the Russian ruble was strong. A fresh, semi-furnished 2 BHK in HSR could be rented for around Rs 25k, and cab rides to the airport were just Rs 700.


Fast forward to 2025, and Bengaluru’s cost of living now rivals several European cities and her hometown, Saint Petersburg. While she can manage personal expenses on Rs 25–35k a month—covering fitness, nutrition, and a psychologist—family expenses are a whole other ballgame. Schooling, tutoring, and household help push the bare minimum for a family of three to around Rs 2.5 lakh monthly.