Explore the Cost of Living in Mumbai 2025!

Mumbai is India’s business hub and one of the most celebrated metropolises in the world. The financial capital of India attracts millions of residents with its boundless career opportunities and high-energy city lifestyle, set against a backdrop of iconic landmarks like the Gateway of India and Marine Drive.

While Mumbai offers unparalleled job prospects, it is also known for its steep living expenses. In 2025, with rising inflation and the ever-increasing cost of real estate, anyone planning to move or settle here should have a clear understanding of the cost of living in Mumbai, especially in the face of growing challenges like skyrocketing rent and daily expenses.

Mumbai’s living expenses vary significantly depending on a person’s lifestyle and specific needs. This blog delves into the typical cost of living in Mumbai, examining the factors that influence it and offering insights on how to find budget-friendly residential areas across the city.

living in mumbai

Average Cost of Living in Mumbai

Mumbai’s living expenses show significant variation across different areas, including housing accommodations, transport systems, food sources, educational services, and daily lifestyle practices. Let’s break it down:

Living Cost in Mumbai for a Family

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The cost of living in Mumbai for a family includes expenditure between INR 30,000 and INR 60,000 per month on rental fees for their 2 or 3 BHK apartments in areas such as Kandivali, Borivali and Mulund. Living close to the city centre in popular locations such as Bandra or Powai can drive monthly rental prices up to INR 80,000.

Utilities such as electricity, water, and internet cost around INR 5,000 to INR 7,000 monthly. If you have children, educational fees can range from INR 1.5 lakh to INR 5 lakh annually, depending on the school’s reputation. A family of 4 needs to allocate between INR 8,000 to INR 12,000 every month for their grocery expenses. These costs can be significantly higher in premium localities where imported goods are more prevalent.

Transportation expenses, including EMIs, fuel expenses and maintenance costs, amount to between INR 10,000 and INR 15,000 monthly. Public transport users who board trains or buses can expect to spend between INR 2,000 and INR 4,000 per month. Given the rise in fuel prices, many families are shifting to more cost-effective public transportation options like the metro.

Overall, the total living cost per month for a family in Mumbai can range from INR 1,97,000 to INR 5,98,000. This range is mostly applicable to upper-middle-class and high-income families. You can even manage your monthly expenses on a lower side if you can manage cost-cutting on unnecessary deeds.

Expenses Average Cost
Rent 57,000
Utility 6,000
Education 3,00,000
Grocery 10,000
Transport 12,500

 

Living Cost for Couples

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Couples in Mumbai typically look for minimalistic accommodation situated in well-reachable areas. A 1 BHK apartment rental in Andheri, Ghatkopar or Thane costs around INR 20,000 to INR 40,000 per month. On Mira Road, a couple can find 1 BHK rental flat in the range of INR 14,000 to INR 26,000 depending on furnishing, proximity to the market, etc.

Homeownership in high-end residential areas such as Lower Parel and Juhu may face rental costs ranging from INR 50,000 to a whopping INR 1 lakh. For those working remotely, renting smaller apartments on the outskirts of Mumbai can help reduce costs.

Two-person household grocery bills typically fall within INR 5,000 to INR 7,000 each month. Couples who eat out regularly with adventurous weekend activities can further add up to anywhere between INR 5,000 to INR 10,000 per month.

Couples using public transport should budget between INR 3,000 and INR 5,000 for transport costs. Owning a car brings similar expenses as those for families, including fuel and parking. Utility payments, including electricity and internet costs, fall between INR 3,000 and INR 5,000 each month.

A comfortable monthly budget for couples living in Mumbai typically falls between INR 50,000 and INR 1.2 lakh.

Expenses Average Cost
Rent 30,000
Utility 4,000
Weekend Activities 7,500
Grocery 6,000
Transport 4,000

Cost of Living for Bachelors and Students

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Bachelors and students can afford the cost of living in Mumbai, India when they choose to live in shared accommodations such as hostels.

The average rent in Mumbai for shared 1 BHK apartments and PG rooms in Vile Parle, Chembur and Navi Mumbai ranges from INR 10,000 to INR 20,000 per month. Rooms in certain PG facilities will provide you with access to prepared meals which helps reduce your food expenses, a common challenge for those on a tight budget. If you are a student living in Mira Road, then you can manage your PG expense within the range of INR 12,500 to INR 22,000, depending on the type of room you choose.

Students and bachelors who rely on local public train transportation pay INR 600 to INR 1,000 per month for a local train pass, while those using buses or metro services can expect to pay around INR 1,500 per month. Utility costs are shared among roommates and usually range from INR 1,000 to INR 2,000 per person.

Living costs in Mumbai for bachelors who frequently spend money on food from inexpensive restaurant meals range between INR 3,000 and INR 5,000 each month. Entertainment costs, including movies and outings, may range between INR 2,000 and INR 5,000 per month, depending on personal preferences. While Mumbai offers plenty of budget-friendly options for socialising, it’s easy to overspend on entertainment, so it’s advisable to plan ahead.

With these expenses in mind, a bachelor or student can live comfortably on a monthly budget of INR 25,000 to INR 40,000.

Expenses Average Cost
Rent 16,000
Utility 1,500
Entertainment 3,000
Grocery 4,000
Transport 1,050

Factors Influencing the Cost of Living in Mumbai

living expenses in mumbai

Mumbai’s cost of living index depends on three main components: residential choices, standard of living and housing selections. Here are the key factors:

Accommodation Costs

Among all Indian cities, Mumbai holds the honour of having the most costly real estate market. Prices in South Mumbai and Bandra exceed those in Mira Road, Thane and Navi Mumbai. Your accommodation choice—whether renting or buying a 1 BHK or 2 BHK—will have a significant impact on your expenses.

Transportation

Mumbai operates a comprehensive public transport system with connected networks of trains, buses and auto-rickshaws. Local train rides and bus transport services lower monthly spending, while the metro network is expanding, offering cheaper, quicker alternatives.

The expenses needed to drive a personal vehicle include buying fuel and carrying out car maintenance tasks, as well as spending money on parking spaces. So, those running on a budget must consider affordable public transport options. 

Lifestyle Choices

Dining out, attending movies, and enjoying cultural activities such as gym memberships or clubbing can substantially increase your cost of living in Mumbai. Shopping habits and preferences for luxury goods versus local products also drive up total living expenses in Mumbai.  On the flip side, embracing Mumbai’s street food culture and utilising local markets can help save considerably.

Education

Education costs can vary widely, with government schools charging nominal fees, while private and international schools cost substantially more per month. The decision to reside near the education institute you choose can further help you save your transportation costs, but you need to be cautious that the accommodation prices, in this case, do not rise too much.

Groceries and Daily Essentials

Your grocery costs will rise or fall according to your dietary choices and your preference for buying local versus imported produce. It also depends on whether you choose to shop at local markets or supermarkets and the availability of essential items. Eating local produce typically reduces grocery costs. Decisions about your grocery and daily essentials can significantly affect your living costs per month.

Utilities and Services

You pay more for electricity when you use air conditioning along with other appliances in your home. Additionally, the cost of living in Mumbai includes internet access, mobile phone services, household help services and the payment of maintenance fees.

Proximity to Work

People who live near their workplaces minimise transportation expenditures, but they have to pay elevated housing costs. Yearly housing expenditures in suburban areas tend to be cheaper than in metro districts but in that case, transport expenses get added up.

Miscellaneous Factors

Inflation in prices of goods coupled with increased service costs increase costs of living. Socialising and leisure activities such as outings or vacations are another set of living expenses in Mumbai.

By evaluating these factors, you can create a more accurate budget that aligns with your needs and average salary in Mumbai.

Best Affordable Areas to Live in Mumbai

Mira Road, AsmitA Grand Maison

Mumbai presents a variety of reasonably priced neighbourhoods to people seeking locations which deliver both financial advantages and ease of access. Here are some of the best affordable places to live in Mumbai:

Navi Mumbai

One of the best places to live in Mumbai, Navi Mumbai connects to Mumbai’s suburban railway system together with upcoming metro lines. The area distinguishes itself through its carefully structured infrastructure in addition to reasonably priced properties and its reduced pricing compared to central Mumbai districts.

Living here provides residents with green open areas, clean surroundings and excellent educational institutions. Vashi, Nerul, Kharghar, and Airoli are a few popular areas in Navi Mumbai.

Rent Range: INR 5,000 – INR 25,000 for 1 BHK and 2 BHK apartments.

Thane

Despite the growing demand for homes in Thane, rent levels are still low in comparison to South and Western Mumbai rates. It has good connectivity to Mumbai via Central and Trans-Harbour Railways. 

Residents can easily access shopping malls, parks, schools and healthcare facilities. Popular areas are Majiwada, Ghodbunder Road, and Kolshet.

Rent Range: INR 10,000 – INR 30,000 for 1 BHK and 2 BHK apartments.

Mira Road

Mira Road is near Mumbai’s boundaries where residents access large homes at budget-friendly costs. You can find attractive yet affordable properties such as AsmitA Grand Maison from AsmitA India Realty on Mira Road.

The infrastructure on Mira Road is under rapid development and is well-connected to other parts of Mumbai via Western Railway and roadways. Popular areas are Shanti Nagar and Beverly Park.

Rent Range: INR 10,000 – INR 25,000 for 1 BHK and 2 BHK apartments.

Borivali

Homebuyers choose this location because it costs less than Bandra and Andheri yet remains suburban. It has proximity to Sanjay Gandhi National Park for green spaces and has good connectivity via Western Railway and highways. Popular areas are Borivali East and Borivali West.

Rent Range: INR 25,000 – INR 55,000 for 1 BHK and 2 BHK apartments.

Mulund

A combination of residential and commercial spaces exists in this eastern suburb, thus making housing costs affordable. Accessible via Central Railway and Eastern Express Highway, the area features excellent educational institutions, medical facilities and adequate shopping options. Popular areas are Mulund East and Mulund West.

Rent Range: INR 15,000 – INR 35,000 for 1 BHK and 2 BHK apartments.

Goregaon East (Affordable Pockets)

Goregaon features costly residential areas yet provides low-priced housing near Aarey Colony along with options located beyond the prime town parts. Inhabitants of these areas have easy access to parks and recreational sites and are proximal to the Western Express Highway.

Rent Range: INR 8,000 – INR 35,000 for 1BHK to 2BHK apartments.

Dombivli and Kalyan

Life in these chosen neighbourhoods allows people to have both affordable housing payments and excellent transportation links together with fundamental utilities that benefit families and working adults. These locations sit beyond central Mumbai, distances making them more affordable for renters and families. Popular areas are Dombivli East and Kalyan West.

Rent Range: INR 7,000 – INR 22,000 for 1 BHK and 2 BHK apartments.

Bottom Line

Living in Mumbai in 2025 presents both challenges and opportunities. The high cost of living in Mumbai becomes manageable through both strategic planning and choosing the right neighbourhood. By embracing budget-friendly areas and smart living strategies, you can enjoy a fulfilling lifestyle in this dynamic city.

life in mumbai india

For those looking to own a home in Mumbai, AsmitA Grand Maison offers an affordable and well-connected living option on Mira Road. With a blend of modern amenities and nature-inspired surroundings, AsmitA India Realty makes it possible to experience the best of Mumbai without breaking the bank.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Mumbai cost more to live in than the rest of India?

Mumbai stands among the costliest cities in India because its real estate prices meet high lifestyle expenditures. Being the financial hub, everything is quite costlier as compared to other metro cities. Further, the cost of living in Mumbai depends on your lifestyle preferences and how you manage your expenses. 

What are the budgeting necessities to live in Mumbai?

To sustain a budget-friendly lifestyle in Mumbai, the primary budgeting necessity is allocating a home allowance followed by expenses on food, transport, utility and others. You can make it more efficient by utilising public transport and reducing delux purchases.

Where can families find optimum living options in Mumbai?

Thane, Kandivali, Mira Road and Borivali are suburban areas for families because they offer inexpensive properties and satisfactory community facilities. These are the perfect options for those looking for optimum cost of living in Mumbai.

Is public transport in Mumbai affordable?

Yes, people can access transportation services at reasonable prices. Mumbai’s public transport system, such as trains, buses and metro lines remain cheap and conveniently run services.

What is the range of dining expenses in Mumbai?

Dining expenses for families range from INR 3,000 to INR 12,000 per month while dining out costs depend on the restaurants and frequency of dining.