Cost Of Living In Bangalore Vs Mumbai

Mumbai and Bangalore both are metropolitan cities. Economy-wise, these two are one of the most productive cities in India. In this article, I will discuss the cost of living in Bangalore vs Mumbai.

The cost of living in any city depends entirely on the prices of real estate in that particular city. The cost of homes in Mumbai is considerably higher than in Bangalore. One has to pay big bucks even to rent an apartment in the suburbs of Mumbai. However, Mumbai has a cheaper and superior public transport system. 

Cost of living in Bangalore, India 

According to the estimates of Numbeo, the monthly cost for a family of four in Bangalore is 103,389.63₹ without rent. The expenses can be too much for a family with a single breadwinner, especially if they are staying in a rented home or have to pay home loan premiums. 

Likewise, the estimated monthly cost for a single person (adult man or a woman) is around 28,595.28₹ without rent. This is if you eat out in fancy restaurants regularly. Those happy with home-cooked meals can save a few thousand bucks per month as grocery items are inexpensive.

The estimation by Numbeo also leads to a conclusion that, overall, Bangalore is 1.17% less expensive than Mumbai.

Here’s another good news for people planning to move to Bangalore: rent in Bangalore is, on average, 53.15% lower than in Mumbai. Bangalore has fewer skyscrapers or apartment buildings. You will most probably rent a 1 or 2-BHK home in a bungalow-style house. 

Cost of living in Mumbai, India 

It’s no secret that Mumbai is one of the most expensive places to live in India. Real estate prices in both urban and suburban regions are high (way higher than in other cities in the country).

According to Numbeo, a family of four estimated monthly cost is 104,787.47₹ without rent— slightly higher compared to Bangalore. 

Furthermore, a single person’s estimated monthly costs are 29,717.30₹ without rent. A single person can live a happy life by spending less than 10,000₹. But they will have to pick a place away from the city center. The cost of living in outlying suburbs such as Ambernath, Kalyan, Panvel, or Uran is considerably low.  

Without rent, Mumbai is 1.19% more expensive than Bangalore. 

Here’s the biggest issue people face while renting a home in Mumbai. Rent in Mumbai is, on average, 113.45% higher than in Bangalore. Moreover, the quality of the house does not equate to the money you pay. 

For instance, you can rent a comfortable, clean, and roomy house for 19,144.94 ₹ in the heart of Bangalore (1BHK). Consequently, a 1BHK home in the center of Mumbai will cost you 40,725.49 ₹.   

Is eating out in Bangalore cheap? Will a person with a basic salary be able to afford it?

Food in Bangalore is not that cheap. A meal in a regular restaurant will cost you 250.00 ₹. The food expenses for one person can go up to 700.00 ₹ if you choose to eat a three-course meal in a nicer restaurant. 

Apart from that, there are American food outlets and restaurants such as Mcdonald’s and Burger King. A combo meal at Mcdonald’s will cost you around 350.00 ₹ (standard price in India). 

Is eating out in Mumbai expensive?

The food expenses in restaurants are slightly higher in Mumbai compared to Bangalore. But the good thing is, you have more options when it comes to price. You can find both cheaper and more expensive restaurants in Mumbai. 

One can also opt for street food, which can cost as low as 50.00 ₹ per person.

Most people in Mumbai prefer to eat home-cooked meals as the city is not popular for food. There’s lots of variety but the quality is questionable sometimes. I suggest you try a few nearby restaurants and stick to the ones that maintain proper hygiene.

Which city pays well? Bangalore or Mumbai?

Bangalore is an IT hub. Top companies such as Infosys, Google, Amazon, SAP Labs, and many more have their offices here. 

People working in MNCs are generally better paid than those working in small-scale or startups. According to data by Numbeo, the average monthly net salary in Bangalore (after tax) is 143,357.14 ₹. 

Likewise, the average monthly net salary in Mumbai is 69,272.62 ₹. Most people in Mumbai work for small-scale local companies. A huge chunk of the population here runs traditional small businesses, hence they make less than MNC employees in Bangalore. 

Summary 

The cost of living in Bangalore vs Mumbai is nearly the same— that is if you already own a home. Mumbai is more suited for people who already have a home, whereas people planning to rent find Bangalore more fitting.