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When you think of Mumbai, what is the first thing that comes to your mind? Bollywood? Cricket? Vada Pav? Well, Mumbai is much more than this. Mumbai is the city of dreams. A city that never sleeps. A city whose charm is so tempting, that thousands of people come here every year with dreams of making it big in this vibrant city!
Mumbai is the financial capital of India and a major hub for business, commerce, and trade. With such a mixture of opportunities that Mumbai presents to its residents, there is no surprise that Mumbai is ranked as the most populous city in India! This population not only includes the local Mumbaikars but it also largely consists of migrants from other states too who come to fulfill their dreams in this city.
The average cost of living in Mumbai, as per Numbeo, is approximately ₹113,940.5 for a family of four, excluding rent. For a single person, it amounts to ₹33,116.5. ZoloStays provides a variety of budget-friendly PG options designed for students, professionals, and families, accommodating diverse lifestyles.
Compared to other big cities, Yes Mumbai is considerably expensive! The cost of living in Mumbai depends on various parameters like Accommodation, Food, Transport, etc. Let’s go ahead and discuss the actual numbers in detail!
Average Cost of Living in Mumbai
1. Accommodations in Mumbai
Rental Accommodation will burn the biggest hole in your pockets. The maximum chunk of your budget goes into paying rent. The land prices are high and so are the rental prices. The rents vary according to the area of your choice. Mumbai provides you with various options ranging from as low as Rs. 5000-12000 per month in areas like Navi Mumbai, Thane, etc. to as high as Rs. 30000-50000 in areas like South Mumbai, Juhu, etc.
The cost of a PG in Mumbai typically ranges from INR 9,000 to INR 40,000 per month, influenced by various factors such as the locality, amenities offered, and the option to share expenses with a roommate.
Affordable Places to Live in Mumbai (Rent Rates)
| Area | 1RK Rental Range | 1 BHK Rental Range |
|---|---|---|
| Borivali | Rs. 11,000 | Rs. 15,000 – Rs. 20,000 |
| Kandivali | Rs. 10,000 – Rs. 15,000 | Rs. 20,000 – Rs. 25,000 |
| Malad | Rs. 10,000 – Rs. 15,000 | Rs. 15,000 – Rs. 20,000 |
| Ghatkopar | Rs. 15,000 – Rs. 20,000 | Rs. 20,000 – Rs. 25,000 |
| Kurla | Rs. 10,000 – Rs. 15,000 | Rs. 20,000 – Rs. 25,000 |
| Vikhroli | Rs. 10,000 – Rs. 15,000 | Rs. 15,000 – Rs. 20,000 |
| Chembur | Rs. 10,000 – Rs. 15,000 | Rs. 25,000 – Rs. 30,000 |
Affordable Paying Guest (PG) in Mumbai for Bachelors & Students
| Localities | Rent | Paying Guest |
| Ghatkopar | 12,000 | Zolo Address |
| Chembur | 15,000 | Zolo Central |
| Kurla | 12,000 | Zolo Exotica |
| Sion | 11,000 | Zolo Heritage |
| Jogeshwari (E) | 12,000 | Zolo Saffron |
Check out: Best Areas To Live In Mumbai Based On Lifestyle Quotient
Posh Areas to Live in Mumbai for Family & Jobseekers
| Posh Area | Average Property Rates (per square foot) |
|---|---|
| South Mumbai | Rs. 50,000 – Rs. 1,50,000 |
| Bandra | Rs. 40,000 – Rs. 1,20,000 |
| Juhu | Rs. 45,000 – Rs. 1,30,000 |
| Breach Candy | Rs. 60,000 – Rs. 2,00,000 |
| Worli Sea Face | Rs. 50,000 – Rs. 1,80,000 |
2. Transport cost in Mumbai
Mumbai offers you a vast range of public transport facilities. Mumbai has the best local train network which saves you from the traffic and also is easy on the pockets. Mumbai also has the largest organized bus network among major Indian cities. You also have autos, cab services, and bike rentals. 88% of commuters in Mumbai use public transport. Mumbai also is developing an expansive metro train service.
| Transportation | Average Cost (INR) |
|---|---|
| One-way Ticket (Local Transport) | 10.00 – 50.00 |
| Monthly Pass (Regular Price) | 250.00 – 755.00 |
| Taxi Start (Normal Tariff) | 25.00 – 35.00 |
| Taxi 1km (Normal Tariff) | 25.00 – 40.00 |
| Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff) | 70.00 – 200.00 |
| Petrol (1 liter) | 100.00 – 120.00 |
Normal fares for BEST non-a/c buses are a minimum of Rs.8 for 2 Kms. Similarly, Autos will charge you around Rs. 18 for a distance of 1.6Kms. Local train fares depend on the number of stations and will be Rs. 10 to Rs. 45 depending on the Second or First class.
| Budget living | Luxury Living |
| BEST Buses | Uber |
| Local Trains | Ola |
| Metro Trains | Taxis |
| Shared Taxi | Self Drive |
| Shared Auto | Monthly Car Rental Car/Bikes |
3. Food cost
The next important thing after your accommodation is Food. The most economical way to save on food expenses is to cook for yourself or hire a cook. Hiring a cook/maid in Mumbai can cost you from Rs. 1000 for part-time, to Rs.15000 for full day work. If you’re too lazy to set up a kitchen, Mumbai has many options for Dabba’s or Tiffins. The average prices for Tiffin services for a month are around Rs. 2000 and above.
This also turns out to be an economical option. For the more experimental types, Mumbai also has a vast range of Restaurants and Hotels in all localities which deliver food at your doorstep through food delivering apps like Zomato, Swiggy, etc. Depending on your budget you can choose your food habits.
| Restaurant Item | Average Cost (INR) |
|---|---|
| Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant | 200 – 750 |
| Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant | 1,000 – 4,000 |
| McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal) | 300 – 500 |
| Cappuccino (regular) | 100 – 400 |
| Coke/Pepsi (0.33 liter bottle) | 30. – 80. |
| Water (0.33 liter bottle) | 10 – 20 |
4. Groceries cost
All your daily need things like milk, Bread, Rice, Poultry items, Fruits, etc, are readily available at MRP prices in nearby Kirana stores, Supermarkets which are present in abundance. A lot of online grocery delivery apps like Grofers, Big Basket, etc. also provide these things at your doorstep. The average monthly expenditure on groceries comes to about Rs. 6000 per month.
| Item | Average Cost (INR) |
|---|---|
| Milk (regular, 1 liter) | 50.00 – 85.00 |
| Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g) | 30.00 – 60.00 |
| Rice (white, 1kg) | 50.00 – 100.00 |
| Eggs (regular, 12) | 60.00 – 120.00 |
| Local Cheese (1kg) | 300.00 – 1,200.00 |
| Chicken Fillets (1kg) | 120.00 – 600.00 |
| Buffalo Round (1kg) | 250.00 – 740.00 |
| Apples (1kg) | 90.00 – 300.00 |
| Banana (1kg) | 40.00 – 120.00 |
| Oranges (1kg) | 50.00 – 250.00 |
| Tomato (1kg) | 20.00 – 100.00 |
| Potato (1kg) | 20.00 – 50.00 |
| Onion (1kg) | 25.00 – 70.00 |
| Lettuce (1 head) | 20.00 – 85.00 |
| Water (1.5 liter bottle) | 22.00 – 40.00 |
| Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range) | 400.00 – 1,800.00 |
| Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle) | 100.00 – 300.00 |
| Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle) | 150.00 – 500.00 |
| Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro) | 300.00 – 400.00 |
5. Utility cost
Expenses like Electricity, Gas, Internet, Phone, TV, Cable, DTH, etc. would take up a considerable amount from your budget. Depending on the location you live and also the type of accommodation, the utility prices will vary. Usually, it’ll range from somewhere around Rs. 3200 to Rs. 6500.
| Utility | Average Monthly Cost (INR) |
|---|---|
| Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage for 85m2 Apartment | 2,500 – 5,000 |
| Mobile Phone Monthly Plan with Calls and 10GB+ Data | 200 – 500 |
| Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL) | 500 – 1,000 |
Related Blog – Cost of Living in Bangalore
6. Shopping cost
If you’re a shopaholic, you’re lucky to be in Mumbai then. Mumbai offers you the latest trends and fashion. Being the home for Bollywood, Mumbaikers take their fashion sense very seriously. You can find trendy clothes, shoes, etc. at street-side shops and you can also find all the big brands and showrooms all over Mumbai. Places like Linking Road, Colaba, Lokhandwala market, Hill Road offer you with all the latest trends in fashion at very decent prices. You’ll find Shoes, Clothes, Accessories, electronics, bags, etc. at all these places. If you’re looking for high-end shopping malls and branded showrooms, Mumbai has plenty of that too. The range for a Tshirt can be from Rs. 200 at Linking Road to Rs. 2500-3000 at branded showrooms.
| Item | Average Cost (INR) | Range |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Pair of Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar) | 2,311.40 | 1,000.00-4,000.00 |
| 1 Summer Dress in a Chain Store | 2,341.15 | 1,000.00-4,500.00 |
| 1 Pair of Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range) | 5,057.87 | 2,500.00-10,000.00 |
| 1 Pair of Men Leather Business Shoes | 3,464.86 | 1,500.00-6,000.00 |
7. Entertainment cost
“All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy”. After a hard day of work or studies, everyone needs time to unwind and relax. Mumbai offers you various options for the same. From strolling on Marine drive with a hot Bhutta or dancing your way through the night at one of the many hip pubs and discs in the town, Mumbai has it all. A normal evening spent walking and eating around Marine drive or Chowpatty can cost you around Rs. 500 per person. On the other hand, a night spent at one of the posh clubs can put you back by Rs. 5000-10000. Mumbai has a lot of options for entertainment like movies, malls, restaurants, clubs, theaters, live bands, etc. As they say, Mumbai is a city that never sleeps and the fun never stops!
| Activity | Average Cost (INR) | Range (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult | 2,052.33 | 700.00 – 5,000.00 |
| Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour on Weekend) | 1,000.00 | 500.00 – 1,600.00 |
| Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat | 400.00 | 300.00 – 650.00 |
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Cost of Living in Mumbai for Couples
The average monthly cost of living for couples in Mumbai ranges from INR 30,000 to INR 60,000. This includes rent, utilities, groceries, transportation, and entertainment expenses tailored for two individuals.
| Expense | Average Monthly Cost (INR) |
|---|---|
| Rent (1 BHK) | 40,000 – 80,000 |
| Groceries | 5,000 – 10,000 |
| Transportation | 5,000 – 10,000 |
| Utilities | 3,000 – 6,000 |
| Entertainment | 5,000 – 10,000 |
Cost of Living in Mumbai for Family
Families in Mumbai incur an average monthly expenditure of around INR 40,000 to INR 50,000. This covers rent, groceries, utilities, transportation, educational expenses, and other familial needs.
| Expense | Average Monthly Cost (INR) |
|---|---|
| Rent (2 BHK) | 50,000 – 1,00,000 |
| Groceries | 8,000 – 15,000 |
| Transportation | 7,000 – 12,000 |
| Utilities | 4,000 – 8,000 |
| Entertainment | 8,000 – 15,000 |
Cost of Living in Mumbai for Students
Students living in Mumbai typically spend between INR 20,000 to INR 25,000 per month. This covers rent, utilities, groceries, transportation, and occasional entertainment expenses, tailored to a student’s lifestyle and needs.
| Expense | Average Monthly Cost (INR) |
|---|---|
| Rent (Shared) | 10,000 – 20,000 |
| Groceries | 3,000 – 5,000 |
| Transportation | 1,000 – 3,000 |
| Utilities | 1,000 – 2,000 |
| Entertainment | 3,000 – 5,000 |
Cost of Living in Mumbai for Bachelor
Bachelors residing in Mumbai generally spend around INR 15,000 to INR 25,000 per month. This includes rent, utilities, groceries, transportation, and occasional leisure activities, catering to the lifestyle of a single individual.
| Expense | Average Monthly Cost (INR) |
|---|---|
| Rent (Shared) | 10,000 – 20,000 |
| Groceries | 3,000 – 6,000 |
| Transportation | 2,000 – 4,000 |
| Utilities | 1,500 – 3,000 |
| Entertainment | 3,000 – 7,000 |
What are the Average Monthly Salaries in Mumbai
The average annual salary for professionals in Mumbai is ₹10,12,500. Additionally, the average extra cash compensation for professionals in Mumbai is ₹1,87,500, ranging from ₹75,000 to ₹3,00,000.
| Profession | Average Indian Salary (per month) |
|---|---|
| Program Manager | 150,000 INR |
| Healthcare Consultant | 133,333 INR |
| Project Manager | 125,000 INR |
| Life Sciences Consultant | 116,666 INR |
| Data Scientist | 91,666 INR |
| Human Resources Manager (HR Manager) | 66,666 INR |
| Chartered Accountant | 66,500 INR |
| Software Developer/ Software Engineer | 50,000 INR |
| Data Analyst | 50,000 INR |
| Java Developer | 41,666 INR |
| Restaurant Manager | 37,281 INR |
| Legal Advisor | 35,532 INR |
| Journalist | 31,442 INR |
| Interior Designer | 25,000 INR |
| Mechanical Engineer | 20,850 INR |
| Accountant | 20,000 INR |
| Content Writer | 20,000 INR |
| Teacher | 20,000 INR |
| Graphic Designer | 20,000 INR |
| Data Entry Operator | 15,228 INR |
FAQs
Mumbai is expensive due to its high demand for housing and commercial spaces, driven by its dense population and limited availability of land.
Mumbai is known for its high cost of living, particularly in central areas. Many residents choose the suburbs for more affordable accommodation. If you’re new to the city, consider sharing rental homes or exploring co-living options for cost-effective living solutions.
A monthly salary ranging from Rs. 50,000 to Rs. 60,000 net income per month is considered decent for living in Mumbai with a family of four while also being able to save money.
Accommodation expenses are significant in Navi Mumbai. In a good area, a single bedroom apartment typically costs between ₹25,000 and ₹45,000 per month, while a two-bedroom apartment could range from ₹45,000 to ₹60,000 per month. To reduce costs, one can consider shared apartments or PG accommodations.
Mumbai is generally more costly than Bangalore across various aspects, including housing, food, and transportation. Bangalore, on the other hand, is relatively more affordable, offering lower prices for housing, food, and entertainment. Therefore, if you’re on a tight budget, Bangalore might be the better choice.
Malad is considered one of the most affordable residential areas in Mumbai, particularly appealing to the working-class segment due to its concentration of multinational corporations (MNCs).
Living alone in Mumbai can be challenging, especially considering the high cost of renting apartments in the city. For first-time students or professionals, shared accommodation with friends can be a more affordable option. It’s advisable to choose accommodation close to your educational institution or workplace for convenience. Additionally, utilizing local trains can offer a cost-effective means of transportation within the city.
