Croissant prices spark debate: Hyderabad vs Zurich.

Viral airport food comparison raises questions on affordability and rising costs in India.

A traveller’s social media post comparing the prices of croissants at Hyderabad and Zurich Airports has ignited a lively online discussion, touching on broader concerns about rising living costs in India.

The post, shared by Pooja Sanwal on X, revealed that she paid ₹184 for a croissant in Hyderabad, while a similar pastry at Zurich Airport earlier this year cost her 1.2 Swiss Francs (around ₹142). Her reaction-  “How is India getting so expensive so fast?”- resonated with many, sparking a debate that quickly moved beyond pastries.

Croissants as a cultural staple

Several users pointed out that croissants are an everyday item in Europe, often priced between ₹90 and ₹120 at local bakeries. With widespread availability and mass production, they are as common as “dal chawal” in India. In contrast, croissants remain a premium snack in India, often sold at upscale cafés or airport outlets with significant markups.

One user noted that in Mumbai’s Bandra, a croissant can cost upwards of ₹380 plus taxes, highlighting how baked goods are positioned as luxury items in urban India.

Rising costs beyond food

The conversation quickly expanded to housing and lifestyle expenses. Many expressed concern that property prices have surged disproportionately compared to incomes, with homebuyers routinely taking loans of ₹2 crore or more. This sentiment echoed the frustration that everyday costs from food to housing are climbing faster than wages.

Is the comparison fair?

Not everyone agreed with the outrage. Some argued that comparing croissant prices across countries is misleading. A commenter suggested that buying a croissant in Switzerland is equivalent to buying idli or samosa in India, a local staple priced affordably at home. Others pointed out that supply and demand dictate pricing, noting that traditional Indian foods abroad are often sold at a premium.

Another perspective emphasized context: airport food is notoriously expensive worldwide, and comparing a single item alone ignores other costs, such as cab fares or local meals.

A reflection of global consumption

Ultimately, the debate highlights how globalization shapes perceptions of affordability. Foods native to one region are inexpensive there but become aspirational luxuries elsewhere. For many Indians, the croissant comparison symbolized a deeper unease about the rising cost of living, in which even small indulgences feel increasingly out of reach.