Cost of Living in Mumbai, India
India · Asia
$900
Monthly Cost
avg/person
32
Cost Index
NYC=100
30
Rent Index
NYC=100
58
Quality of Life
Moderate
50
Safety Index
Moderate
20.7M
Population
INR
Quality Indices
Currency
Data collected from contributors and public sources.
Updated Monthly
Prices are indicative.
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Meal (inexpensive) | $3 |
| Meal for 2 (mid-range) | $14 |
| McMeal at McDonald's | $4 |
| Domestic Beer (0.5L) | $2.5 |
| Imported Beer (0.33L) | $4 |
| Cappuccino | $2 |
| Coke/Pepsi (0.33L) | $0.6 |
| Water (0.33L) | $0.3 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Milk (1L) | $0.7 |
| Bread (500g) | $0.6 |
| Rice (1kg) | $0.6 |
| Eggs (12) | $1.2 |
| Chicken (1kg) | $3 |
| Beef (1kg) | $4 |
| Apples (1kg) | $1.5 |
| Banana (1kg) | $0.4 |
| Tomato (1kg) | $0.5 |
| Potato (1kg) | $0.4 |
| Onion (1kg) | $0.4 |
| Water (1.5L) | $0.3 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| 1-way Ticket (local) | $0.3 |
| Monthly Pass | $12 |
| Taxi 1km | $0.4 |
| Gasoline (1L) | $1.3 |
| Volkswagen Golf | $32000 |
| Toyota Corolla | $18000 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Basic (85m² apt) | $55 |
| Mobile Plan | $5 |
| Internet (60 Mbps) | $12 |
| Fitness Club/month | $30 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| 1BR Center | $700/mo |
| 1BR Outside | $400/mo |
| 3BR Center | $1,800/mo |
| 3BR Outside | $900/mo |
| Price/m² Center | $4,500/m² |
| Price/m² Outside | $2,200/m² |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Average Net Salary | $700 |
| Mortgage Interest Rate | 9% |
Cost of Living in Mumbai — Complete Guide (2026)
Monthly Budget Overview
The average cost of living in Mumbai, India is approximately $900 per month for a single person. This includes rent, groceries, local transport, and utilities. Compared to New York City (index 100), Mumbai has a cost index of 32, making it around 68% more affordable.
Rent and Housing
Renting a one-bedroom apartment outside the city center in Mumbai costs around $400/month, while a one-bedroom in the center is approximately $700/month. A three-bedroom apartment in the center averages $1,800/month. The rent index is 30 compared to New York City.
Quality of Life and Safety
Mumbai scores 58/100 on the quality of life index and 50/100 on safety. Healthcare is rated 62/100. The climate index is 55/100. These scores are based on factors including infrastructure, pollution levels, healthcare access, and crime rates reported by residents and contributors.
Salaries and Purchasing Power
The average net salary in Mumbai is approximately $700/month. With a purchasing power index of 45/100, residents can cover basic expenses and save modestly. The local currency is INR, though all prices on this page are displayed in USD for easy international comparison.
Cost of Living vs Salary in Mumbai
The average monthly salary in Mumbai is approximately $700. Compared with the average monthly living cost of $900, residents generally enjoy a purchasing power score of 45/100.
Healthcare Costs in Mumbai
Healthcare quality in Mumbai is rated 62/100. Medical expenses vary depending on insurance coverage and healthcare providers, but overall healthcare access remains an important factor when evaluating the total cost of living.
Quality of Life in Mumbai
Mumbai has a quality of life score of 58/100, supported by factors such as healthcare, safety, climate, purchasing power, infrastructure, and public services.
Cost of Living for Students in Mumbai
Students living in Mumbai should budget for accommodation, food, transportation, internet, and study-related expenses. Shared housing and student discounts can significantly reduce monthly costs.
Cost of Living for Expats in Mumbai
Expats moving to Mumbai often consider rent, healthcare, transportation, taxation, and lifestyle costs. Worldlivingcost data helps compare living expenses with other cities worldwide before relocation.
Quick Answer
The average cost of living in Mumbai, India is approximately $900 per month for a single person including rent, groceries, transportation, utilities and healthcare. The city's cost index is 32 compared with New York City (100).
Living in Mumbai
Living in Mumbai offers a balance between housing costs, transportation expenses, healthcare access and overall quality of life. The city has a cost of living index of 32 and a quality of life score of 58/100. Residents spend most of their monthly budget on housing, groceries and transportation, while local salaries average $700 per month. For expats, students, remote workers and families, Mumbai provides a useful benchmark when comparing living costs with other cities in India and around the world.
Key Facts About Mumbai
- Average Monthly Cost: $900
- Cost Index: 32
- Rent Index: 30
- Average Salary: $700
- Quality of Life: 58/100
- Safety Score: 50/100
- Country: India
- Currency: INR
Is Mumbai Expensive?
Mumbai has a cost index of 32 compared with New York City's benchmark score of 100. This means it is more affordable than many major international cities.
How does Mumbai compare to other cities?
Mumbai is located in Asia with a population of approximately 20.7M. At a cost index of 32 (NYC = 100), it is one of the most affordable cities in the world, ideal for budget-conscious expats, remote workers, and retirees. Use the free comparison tool to see how Mumbai stacks up against any other city worldwide across rent, groceries, transport, and salaries.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Mumbai?
The average cost of living in Mumbai, India is approximately $900 per month for a single person, including rent, food, transportation, and utilities. The cost index is 32 relative to New York City (NYC = 100).
How much does rent cost in Mumbai?
Rent in Mumbai varies by neighborhood and apartment size. The rent index is 30 (NYC=100). Use Worldlivingcost's city comparison tool to see detailed rent prices for Mumbai alongside other cities worldwide.
Is Mumbai expensive to live in?
Mumbai has a cost index of 32 compared to New York City (100). At 32, Mumbai is considered very affordable and one of the cheaper cities globally. The average monthly budget for a single person is around $900.
What is the quality of life in Mumbai?
Mumbai has a quality of life index of 58/100 and a safety index of 50/100. The city is located in Asia and offers a moderate quality of life rating based on factors including safety, healthcare, climate, and infrastructure.
How does the cost of living in Mumbai compare to other cities?
Use Worldlivingcost's free comparison tool to compare Mumbai with any city worldwide. Mumbai's cost index is 32 (NYC=100), making it cheaper than New York. Compare rent, groceries, transport, healthcare, and salaries side by side.
Can you live comfortably in Mumbai?
Many residents live comfortably in Mumbai with a monthly budget of around $900 depending on lifestyle and housing choices.
Is Mumbai good for expats?
Mumbai is popular among expats due to its job opportunities, quality of life, and infrastructure.
What salary is needed in Mumbai?
A salary above the average monthly living cost of $900 is generally sufficient for a comfortable lifestyle in Mumbai.
Is Mumbai cheaper than New York?
Yes, Mumbai has a cost index of 32 compared with New York City's benchmark index of 100.
What are the biggest expenses in Mumbai?
Housing, rent, groceries, transportation, and healthcare are typically the largest monthly expenses in Mumbai.
Best Time & Tips to Save Money in Mumbai
Cheapest Ways to Live in Mumbai
Newcomers looking to reduce their monthly budget in Mumbai typically save the most on housing by choosing accommodation outside the city center, where rent runs close to $400/month compared to $700/month in the center. Cooking at home instead of dining out, using public transport instead of taxis, and sharing an apartment with roommates are the most effective ways to cut living expenses in Mumbai, India.
Is Mumbai Worth Moving To?
With a purchasing power index of 45/100 and a quality of life score of 58/100, Mumbai is a reasonable option for relocation, balancing affordability with adequate quality of life. Combined with a cost index of 32 relative to New York City, Mumbai remains a popular search term among people comparing the cost of living India has to offer against other destinations in Asia.
Mumbai Cost of Living FAQ Summary
People searching for "cost of living in Mumbai", "Mumbai monthly expenses 2026", and "is Mumbai affordable" can use this page as a complete reference. With an average monthly cost of $900, a safety score of 50/100, and healthcare rated 62/100, Mumbai offers a data-backed answer for expats, digital nomads, students, and families planning a move to India.
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Last reviewed: 7/15/2026
