Imagine: It is 8:45 AM and you are managing to stand inside a crowded Mumbai local train, holding fast onto a pole, balancing your laptop bag, and dreaming about the vada pav that you would grab near your office station. Armed with hope and ambition, you have just moved to the city. But somewhere between rent, commute, and ordering food, you begin wondering, “How much does living here really cost?”
If this question comes to your mind, you're not alone. Every single day, thousands of people move to the city of dreams - Mumbai, to seek a career, pursue education, or start afresh. But once the initial excitement settles down, the reality sinks in: living in Mumbai isn’t that easy. So, if you are one of those who're planning to move to the city of dreams and wondering about the cost of living in Mumbai, you're in the right place—let's dive in and explore.
Living in Mumbai: Expectation vs Reality
Most newcomers land in Mumbai with a backpack, a friend’s number, and a vague budget in mind. Do you think ₹30,000 a month will do? But then rent takes half. Travel eats into more. And before you know it, you’re skipping weekend plans just to keep your UPI in the green.
The truth is, the cost of living in Mumbai can vary depending on your lifestyle, location, and one of the main things - food.
But how does Mumbai compare to other cities like Bangalore? And is it possible to live here without burning through your savings?
Let’s break it down.
Cost of Living: Mumbai vs Bangalore (Monthly Average)
| Expense Category | Mumbai (₹) | Bangalore (₹) |
| Rent (1 BHK) | 20,000 – 35,000 | 15,000 – 25,000 |
| Food & Groceries | 5,000 – 8,000 | 4,000 – 6,500 |
| Travel (Local/Metro) | 1,500 – 2,500 | 1,000 – 1,800 |
| Utilities (Wi-Fi, etc.) | 1,000 – 2,000 | 800 – 1,500 |
| Weekend Outings | 2,500 – 4,000 | 2,000 – 3,000 |
| Total (Est. Monthly) | 30,000 – 50,000 | 23,000 – 38,000 |
Clearly, the cost of living in Mumbai is higher, especially when it comes to rent and travel. Areas like Andheri, Bandra, or Powai are buzzing with opportunities, but also come with steeper housing costs. Even a modest shared flat in these zones can cost more than an entire 1 BHK in many parts of Bangalore.
The Hidden Costs That Add Up
Beyond the obvious expenses, Mumbai has a few “hidden” lifestyle costs that newcomers often underestimate:
- Daily commute fatigue: Even if local trains and metros are affordable, the mental and physical toll is real. Many end up taking cabs or autos just to save time, especially during monsoons.
- Food delivery dependency: Long working hours and tiny kitchens mean most people order meals multiple times a week.
- Weekend escapes: Mumbai’s chaos makes you crave escapes—Lonavala trips, beach stays, or just shopping in Colaba. These things add up quickly.
So, while the official numbers may show a manageable budget, real life might often cost more.
How Do People Manage?
Most Mumbaikars become masters at stretching a rupee. From using season passes for locals to hunting for PGs in less popular suburbs, everyone develops tricks to cut down expenses.
But sometimes, no matter how smart you are with money, life throws a curveball. Maybe your flat deposit was higher than expected. Maybe your first salary is delayed. Or maybe you just had too many social dinners in Bandra. That’s when even a small financial buffer can make a world of difference.
Giving Yourself Breathing Room with Smart Credit
When you’re in a new city, building financial stability takes time. And sometimes, you just need a little breathing space, without getting trapped in rigid EMIs or paperwork-heavy loans.
That’s where platforms like Viva Money come in. With just your Aadhaar, PAN, and basic income proof, Viva gives you access to a flexible credit line that works like your financial backup plan.
Once approved, you can withdraw what you need from your approved credit limit of up to ₹2,00,000. You can withdraw from ₹2,000 for groceries to ₹20,000 for that advance rent, and the best part pay interest only on what you use. You also get a grace period of up to 51 days at 0% interest, so you don’t feel the burden immediately.
Whether you’re managing the high cost of living in Mumbai or waiting for your first full-time paycheck, this kind of smart credit can help you settle in smoothly, with less stress and more confidence.
Final Thoughts,
Moving to Mumbai is exciting, but it’s also financially demanding. Rent, food, transport, and spontaneous vada pav cravings all add up. And while dreams fuel the city, it’s your money habits that help you stay.
Understanding the real cost of living in Mumbai and comparing it with other cities can help you plan better. But what helps even more is having the right support when things feel tight.
So go ahead, chase those dreams. And know that when you need a little help, solutions like Viva’s credit line are here to make your Mumbai journey smoother and smarter.
Mumbai’s cost of living might surprise you—but your finances shouldn’t. Download our loan app and unlock a flexible credit line up to ₹2,00,000 with zero paperwork, instant approval, and a 51-day 0% interest grace period. Start smart and stress-free.
FAQs
What is the average cost of living in Mumbai?
The monthly cost of living in Mumbai usually ranges from ₹30,000 to ₹50,000 depending on where you stay and your lifestyle.
Why is living in Mumbai expensive?
Mumbai is a big city with high demand for housing, transport, and food, which makes everyday expenses higher compared to other cities.
How can I manage my expenses when moving to Mumbai?
Planning a budget, finding affordable accommodation, and using financial help like loan apps can make managing expenses easier.
Who can apply for a loan or credit line on these apps?
Usually, salaried people or business owners with basic documents like ID and income proof can apply for a loan or credit line.
