How do urban Indians really feel financially in 2026?Download the full report

While some urban Indians are doing well financially, a majority say they are either "just about keeping up" (34%) or "falling behind" (19%).

With financial pressure widespread across urban India, consumers are cutting back on non-essential spending, dipping into savings, and adjusting how they manage money month to month. The pressure is not always severe, but it is persistent.

In YouGov's Debt, savings and investment report 2026, we explore how urban Indians are navigating this pressure, and what it means for financial behaviour today.

Based on fresh survey data, the report also highlights a striking contrast — despite the squeeze, 71% of urban Indians think that some combination of saving, money management and investment will be enough to get ahead, and among those who act on that belief, 87% hold some form of investment.

From cautious savers to first-time investors and everyday reliance on debt, the findings show where behaviour is shifting and where it is not.

Download the full report to learn:

  • How many urban Indians feel they are getting ahead, just about keeping up, or falling behind?
  • What types of debt are most common and how does it differ across financial situations?
  • How do aspiring homeowners feel about their chances of buying a home?
  • What stops consumers from putting money into investments?
  • How do beliefs about getting ahead financially shape investment behaviour?
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