🇮🇳 Delhi vs 🇮🇳 Mumbai
Cost of living comparison · 2026
🇮🇳
Delhi
India
$1,292–$2,046/mo
₹107,667 – ₹170,500 / month (local)
🇮🇳
Mumbai
India
$1,477–$2,338/mo
₹123,083 – ₹194,833 / month (local)
Mumbai is 14% more expensive
Delhi wins on affordability
Cost breakdown
| Category | Delhi (USD) | Mumbai (USD) | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1-bed, city center) | $969–$1,508 | $1,108–$1,723 | 🟢 Delhi |
| Rent (1-bed, outside center) | $512–$808 | $585–$923 | 🟢 Delhi |
| Utilities | $40–$78 | $46–$89 | 🟢 Delhi |
| Groceries | $205–$307 | $234–$351 | 🟢 Delhi |
| Eating out (mid-range meal) | $27–$48 | $31–$55 | 🟢 Delhi |
| Public transport (monthly) | $51–$62 | $58–$71 | 🟢 Delhi |
| Internet & Mobile | $16–$27 | $18–$31 | 🟢 Delhi |
| Gym membership | $19–$35 | $22–$40 | 🟢 Delhi |
| Cinema ticket | $8–$10 | $9–$11 | 🟢 Delhi |
| Monthly total (single) | $1,292–$2,046 | $1,477–$2,338 | 🟢 Delhi |
See how your salary compares in both cities
Enter monthly take-home in USD. We compare to our estimated budget range for your household (not financial advice).
Quality of life comparison
Housing7.8 / 10 · 7.1 / 10
Delhi▲ better
Mumbai
Safety9.4 / 10 · 9.1 / 10
Delhi▲ better
Mumbai
Healthcare7.7 / 10 · 9.1 / 10
Delhi
Mumbai▲ better
Education9.0 / 10 · 8.7 / 10
Delhi▲ better
Mumbai
Environment8.1 / 10 · 9.5 / 10
Delhi
Mumbai▲ better
Economy8.1 / 10 · 7.8 / 10
Delhi▲ better
Mumbai
Culture8.7 / 10 · 8.4 / 10
Delhi▲ better
Mumbai
Internet9.1 / 10 · 8.8 / 10
Delhi▲ better
Mumbai
Who should choose which city?
Choose Delhi if…
- ✓You want lower typical monthly costs than Mumbai
- ✓Government
- ✓History
- ✓Food
- ✓Policy
Choose Mumbai if…
- ✓You're happy to pay more for what Mumbai offers vs Delhi
- ✓Bollywood
- ✓Finance
- ✓Energy
- ✓Entertainment
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Full Delhi guide
See all costs, neighborhoods and quality of life scores
Explore Delhi →📊
Full Mumbai guide
See all costs, neighborhoods and quality of life scores
Explore Mumbai →