Cost of living comparison: Mumbai vs NYC

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Here are some rough cost of living numbers comparing Mumbai and NYC -  some research was done but this is mostly anecdotal based on my experiences.  The below monthly expenses assume you are living very well.  I am erring on the high side.

Item INR/USD Cost in India

INR/USD Cost of Item in NYC
Apartment Rent (Assuming a nice 2 bedroom, 2 bathrooms, fulltime watchman, balcony) 45000/900 per month (in Andheri) 150000/3000 per month (in Midtown)
Domestic Help (Cook & Maid) 6000/60 per month (7 days a week) 1500/25 per hour
Driver 8000/120 per month (6 days a week/12 hours a day) 1250/25 per hour
Dinner + few drinks in Top restaurants (5-stars) 2000/40 per person 5000/100 per person
Weekend trip (travel + accommodations) To Goa: 7500/150 per person (offseason) To Miami: 30000/600 per person
Cell Phone (expensive data plan + plus a few hours of talktime to US/Europe) 2500/50 per month 3500/70 per month
Cable TV (200 channels) 400/8 per month 2000/40 per month


Item INR/USD Cost in India INR/USD Cost of Item in NYC
330ml can of Coke 20/.40 62.5/1.25
A meal at a decent Restaurant 200/4 600/12
Movie Ticket 180/3.60 512.5/10.25
Big Mac at McDonalds 65/1.30 125/2.50
Levis Jeans 1800/36 2000/50
Levis T-shirt 600/12 1000/20
Visit to a specialist in a great hospital 600/12 10000/200


Estimated Monthly Expenses INR/USD Cost in India INR/USD Cost of Item in NYC
Apartment 45000/900  (in Andheri) 150000/3000 (in Midtown)
Driver, Maid, Cook 6000/60 Yeah right
Cell Phone 2500/50 3500/70
Internet/ TV 750/15 3000/60
Eating out and drinking 3 nights a week 12000/240 30000/600
Movies once a week 720/14.40 2050/41
Groceries (monthly) 7500/150 15000/300
Clothing & Shopping (Assuming a few new pants and shirts a month) 10000/200 15000/300
One long weekend trip (including Flight accommodations) 10000/150 30000/600
TOTAL 88970/1779.4 248550/4971



If anyone disagrees with me here, feel free to comment and let me know how this can be improved.

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  • http://blog.tazz.in Gaurav Chaturvedi

    “Dinner + few drinks in Top restaurants (5-stars) 2000/40 per person 50000/100 per person”

    on an average dinner + drinks, for me comes out to be 3000 bucks… But then i think that varies person to person.

    Also 50000/100 per person, seems to be a typo 50,000 INR != 100 USD ;)

  • http://essentiallysingular.blogspot.com Aniruddha

    A visit to a specialist would certainly cost more. But then, that again would depend on the ailment you visit him for.

  • http://piecesofrakesh.blogspot.com/ Rakesh Pai

    Though INR prices for Levis t-shirts are the same in India and the US, USD prices are almost double in NYC. Something wrong in the excel sheet equation?

  • amit

    @guarav – yeah this isn’t an exact science, thanks for pointing out the error, fixed
    @aniruddha – i went to the new hospital in four bungalows kokilaben ambani and thats what it cost (ill leave out the gory details), im sure it differs though in other places and depending on ailment…
    @rakesh – i’ve actually found the price differed I compared the price in InOrbit vs. macys in NYC, though again I’m sure you can find it cheaper, these are broad strokes…

  • http://cbas.pandion.be/ cbas

    Rakesh was referring to the calculation, not arguing over the costs.
    600/12 and 600/20
    Does not compute ;)

  • http://cbas.pandion.be/ cbas

    The Internet connection cost isn’t an apples-to-apples comparison. To get the same speed as a $60 connection in EU/US you’d have to pay 20-100x more in India.

  • http://www.rexrozario.com Ryan

    Nice Info ;)

  • amit

    @seabass thanks buddy, fixed (not fast internet connections, but the does not compute)

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  • http://priyan.com/travel/ Final_Transit

    Hi Amit!
    Having lived in both cities I find some numbers compared from a different basis although I understand your perspective. For example, a meal at $12 in NYC is pretty normal for lunch (with tipping reaching 20% these days….pfffft..). However, an equivalent ‘decent restaurant’ in Mumbai – in my opinion – would be be a Rs 80 ish lunch. At Rs. 200 thats among the nice places. I know its relative, but if one considers the percentage of New Yorkers having a $12 lunch, for Mumbaikars it would be Rs 50 or so!
    I think this complexity arises due to the exchange rate used. If one uses PPP basis, things might compare better. But the list is quite useful for sure! Thanks. :)
    Priyank

  • http://blog.enygmatic.com Elroy Serrao

    @Final_Transit, Yeah PPP brings down things quite a bit. Did a back of the envelope re-calculation here : http://blog.enygmatic.com/?p=359
    As far as ‘decent restaurant’ goes, I’d agree with Amit’s assessment of Rs.200 on an average…though like you said its relative, depends a lot on what you eat and what sort of cuisine suits you.

  • http://www.briancasel.com Cas

    Dude, you have a cook?

    Fuck Brooklyn. I’m moving to Mumbai.

  • http://allaboutmumbaifood.blogspot.com Vishwajeet

    Hi Amit

    Nice comparision. What would have been good if you could have also mentioned how much would someone be saving, coz after all an Indian success is measured by their Bank Balance :)
    For an normal (read: Single) Indian INR 90,000 worth of expense is on a higher side. Anyways I wont argue much, since that again is relative.
    Anyways if you wish to enjoy good Mumbai food, then visit my blog http://allaboutmumbaifood.blogspot.com

    Regards
    Vishy

  • sandhya2

    Great comparison.

  • Anonymous

    Great comparison.

  • desi

    4971 USD/ month. Dude, are you concluding that around 5k is what an average lifestyle (only expenses) would cost you in NYC? that is completely overblown!

  • desi

    4971 USD/ month. Dude, are you concluding that around 5k is what an average lifestyle (only expenses) would cost you in NYC? that is completely overblown!

    • http://www.facebook.com/amit.klein Amit Klein

      I’m not saying this is an average lifestyle, I wouldn’t take a $600 vacation once a month. If you take that out and split the 3k 2 bedroom apartment, you are down to $2900. For me and my friends that’s a realistic monthly spend. If you could be more specific on where you disagree, please let me know.

  • http://www.facebook.com/amit.klein Amit Klein

    I'm not saying this is an average lifestyle, I wouldn't take a $600 vacation once a month. If you take that out and split the 3k 2 bedroom apartment, you are down to $2900. For me and my friends that's a realistic monthly spend. If you could be more specific on where you disagree, please let me know.

  • sagar

    dude…1st of all it is possible to make that kind of money is usa….if u make 5000 USD in nyc…u wont be able to make dat kind of momey in india…and us is not dat expensive…i have been 2 nyc…it should not be more than 3000 USD for a lavish lifestyle

  • http://amitklein.com amitklein

    hey im not suggesting you do each of these things, for instance i dont take a $600 vacation each month. this was a rough guideline, please take it with a grain of salt. also it would be very difficult to live in manhattan on $36k (after taxes) a year.

  • sagar

    dude…1st of all it is possible to make that kind of money is usa….if u make 5000 USD in nyc…u wont be able to make dat kind of momey in india…and us is not dat expensive…i have been 2 nyc…it should not be more than 3000 USD for a lavish lifestyle

    • http://amitklein.com amitklein

      hey im not suggesting you do each of these things, for instance i dont take a $600 vacation each month. this was a rough guideline, please take it with a grain of salt. also it would be very difficult to live in manhattan on $36k (after taxes) a year.

  • cj

    Hi Amit,
    I am an Indian, married to an American. I’ve lived in US for more than 10 years. We are planning to live in Mumbai. I am curious if the apartments in Andheri are suitable and comfortable for Americans to live in. Do you have any information if one wants to buy a house / apartment?

    • http://amitklein.com amitklein

      Hi CJ,
      It really depends on your tastes. On average I’d say the quality of construction and amenities are lower then you would find in parts of the US, though you can certainly find nice places. Generally the “expats” live in Bandra, Powaii or South Mumbai. I think your decision should be based on proximity to work as these places are all really far apart.
      Cheers,
      ak

      • cj

        Hi Amit,
        Do you know how much is rent for apartments in Bandra, Powai, or South Mumbai, comparable to what you have in Andheri. If you have any link to site for rental or home sale site in these area, that will be greatly helpful.

  • cj

    Hi Amit,
    I am an Indian, married to an American. I've lived in US for more than 10 years. We are planning to live in Mumbai. I am curious if the apartments in Andheri are suitable and comfortable for Americans to live in. Do you have any information if one wants to buy a house / apartment?

  • http://amitklein.com amitklein

    Hi CJ,
    It really depends on your tastes. On average I'd say the quality of construction and amenities are lower then you would find in parts of the US, though you can certainly find nice places. Generally the “expats” live in Bandra, Powaii or South Mumbai. I think your decision should be based on proximity to work as these places are all really far apart.
    Cheers,
    ak

  • cj

    Hi Amit,
    Do you know how much is rent for apartments in Bandra, Powai, or South Mumbai, comparable to what you have in Andheri. If you have any link to site for rental or home sale site in these area, that will be greatly helpful.

    • amit

      Hi CJ,
      The prices vary tremendously, from $200 for a very basic 1 BR, up to thousands of dollars for ultra luxurious. I would recommend contacting a broker or searching on IndiaMike.com, Yahoo Bombay Expats or Facebook Bombay Expats Group.
      Cheers

  • cj

    Hi Amit,
    Do you know how much is rent for apartments in Bandra, Powai, or South Mumbai, comparable to what you have in Andheri. If you have any link to site for rental or home sale site in these area, that will be greatly helpful.

  • Nina

    Thanks so much for putting this together–but the NYC numbers are a bit off. I live in Midtown/Columbus Circle and pay $3200 for a one-bedroom apartment, and this is after the economy has softened. I think a bunch of the other costs are a bit on the lower side, too. So, if your point is that living in Mumbai is cheaper, I hope this helps your case.

  • Nina

    Thanks so much for putting this together–but the NYC numbers are a bit off. I live in Midtown/Columbus Circle and pay $3200 for a one-bedroom apartment, and this is after the economy has softened. I think a bunch of the other costs are a bit on the lower side, too. So, if your point is that living in Mumbai is cheaper, I hope this helps your case.

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  • SteelGuts

    Yo! Comaprison between Mumbai and Manhattan seems to be on a loose base. Since, you are comparing Midtown (includes 5th Ave, Park Ave with zip 10021), it should be compared to Malabar Hills/Cuffe Parade Area…and you bet!!!! the whole scenario will change….Dude, Mumbai is aggravating in expenses and with this increase in inflation we might be much closer to the Gotham city…

  • SteelGuts

    Yo! Comaprison between Mumbai and Manhattan seems to be on a loose base. Since, you are comparing Midtown (includes 5th Ave, Park Ave with zip 10021), it should be compared to Malabar Hills/Cuffe Parade Area…and you bet!!!! the whole scenario will change….Dude, Mumbai is aggravating in expenses and with this increase in inflation we might be much closer to the Gotham city…

  • Priya

    I live in London (comparable to living costs in NYC I’d say) and found this comparison extremely useful because I’m planning to move to Mumbai for a year or two. Thanks very much for doing the hard work for me!

  • Priya

    I live in London (comparable to living costs in NYC I’d say) and found this comparison extremely useful because I’m planning to move to Mumbai for a year or two. Thanks very much for doing the hard work for me!

  • Ahmedsorathia

    I would like to settle down in Mumbai with 2 kids of 0f 11 and 18 years with wife in mumbai i have my own apartment in the housing society

  • SPandan

    i would prefer comparing it to long island istead of maimi cause goa is relatively neARER TO mumbai as compared to maiami ti NYC

  • Nitin_nicku

    What are we Fighting on , I have no Doubts that mumbai is a fantastic place, however comparison between 2 places is quite Stupid , NYC should be compared with London and MumbaI should be compared with Shanghai.  you cannot make that kind of money in Mumbai what could u make in NYC. So if u want to compare something compare these 2 cities then u would know what the real difference if

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    Cost of living must match our income. It is a must for us to be financially stable. expenses must be balance and be on the plan. Like searching an apartment we must consider our capacity and income

  • Ahmedsorathia

    What about income camparison in mumbai and new york city

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  • Adndjjasjn

    cell phone tariffs r much higher in us

  • Pankajnalavde

    can someone provide a comparison of salaries made in india vs NYC,  ( you will laugh) people are making 1/4 the salaries, plus compare cost of medication (the doctors here take up medicine to make money not to provide a health service), and compare the cost of education (all the blck money asked for donation) in india and the quality of education provided which is mostly shit.

    Sad to say, having returned to india after so long, this country is a shit show, corrupt, dirty and lacks quality of life.

  • Jashnil Bodele

    what is the current(2011) PPP  USD to INR 
    jashnil.bodele@gmail.com

  • Sashpar

    Great stuff! What is the best place to live in mumbai for aspiring actors? Andheri, Juhu or Bandra? 

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    to the people who have a low salary will find difficult to cope up this expenses its not easy to maintain this kind of expenses

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  • Abc

    100 usd = 5000 inr