Spending Smartly in NYC: Aabir Vyas’ $20 Challenge

New York City is often called one of the priciest places in the world, but one influencer recently demonstrated that it’s possible to make it work on a budget. Aabir Vyas, known for his Indian cuisine content, has shown how he navigated the city for an entire day with just $20.

His Instagram videos detailing this budget challenge have caught fire on social media, garnering both admiration and skepticism from viewers.

“Welcome to my budget challenge,” Vyas narrated in his opening video, aiming to get breakfast, lunch, and dinner while spending no more than $20. His goal was more than just saving money; he wanted to make informed choices about his meals while maintaining energy throughout the day.

He kicked off his morning with a modest but filling breakfast that included a bagel, five bananas, and eggs, all for just $3. “That was my first meal. It might not be high in protein, but carbs give you enough energy,” he explained, indicating a deliberate choice to prioritize volume and energy over more expensive options.

By lunchtime, he invested $2.29 for a protein bar and splurged a bit with a $6.17 coffee. While that might raise eyebrows on a tight budget, he rationalized that he needed a comfortable spot to work. The protein bar provided him with a good 20 grams of protein, and he threw in a $0.48 sparkling water to stay hydrated.

Dinner came from a classic NYC food cart, where he spent just under $7 for chicken and rice. Skipping extra sauces helped him stay within his budget while enjoying a hearty, protein-rich meal.

In total, Vyas spent $19.94 for the day, just a hair under his $20 target. He even saved on transit by using prepaid metro cards, which weren’t calculated in that day’s budget.

This video quickly went viral, with viewers praising his creativity and resourcefulness. However, some criticized his choice to spend a significant portion of his budget on coffee. “Did you really spend a third of your budget on coffee?” one observer asked, suggesting a less expensive option might’ve been a better choice.

Yet, many appreciated his candid approach toward budgeting. It wasn’t about going hungry; rather, it was a lesson in how far $20 can stretch with careful planning.

Vyas effectively proved that living affordably in a notoriously expensive city is indeed achievable, all while maintaining a sense of comfort.