Cost Comparison 2025

MumbaivsBuenos Aires

India
Argentina

Overall

💰

+14.3%

Mumbai is 14.3%more expensive

Rent

🏠

0.0%

Housing is 0.0% same

Dining

🍽️

+16.7%

Restaurants 16.7% pricier

Groceries

🛒

+8.6%

Food shopping 8.6% more

Comparing the cost of living between Mumbai, India and Buenos Aires, Argentina reveals significant insights for anyone considering relocation or travel in 2025. Our comprehensive analysis shows that Mumbai is more expensive than Buenos Aires by approximately 14.3%. This comparison covers essential living expenses including housing, food, transportation, and utilities, providing you with a complete picture of what to expect financially in each city.

Key Cost Differences

Housing costs in Mumbai are similar than in Buenos Aires. A one-bedroom apartment in Mumbai's city center costs around ₹35,000, while the same in Buenos Aires is approximately ARS 400,000.

Dining out in Mumbai offers significant savings compared to Buenos Aires. An inexpensive restaurant meal costs ₹200 in Mumbai versus ARS 4,000 in Buenos Aires.

Public transportation in Mumbai is more affordable, with monthly passes at ₹1,500 compared to ARS 2,500 in Buenos Aires.

Monthly Budget Breakdown

When breaking down monthly expenses, a single person in Mumbai can expect to spend approximately ₹12,260 per month (excluding rent), while in Buenos Aires, the same lifestyle would cost around ARS 101,900. For families, these figures increase significantly, with a family of four requiring about ₹42,910 monthly in Mumbai versus ARS 356,650 in Buenos Aires. These estimates include groceries, dining out, transportation, utilities, and entertainment, providing a realistic picture of day-to-day living costs in each city.

Detailed Cost Comparison

Item
Mumbai, India
Buenos Aires, Argentina

🏠 Housing Costs (Monthly Rent)

1BR City Center
₹35,000
ARS 400,000
1BR Outside Center
₹20,000
ARS 300,000
3BR City Center
₹100,000
ARS 800,000

🍽️ Food & Dining

Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant
₹200
ARS 4,000
Meal for 2, Mid-range Restaurant
₹1,500
ARS 20,000
Cappuccino
₹150
ARS 1,200
Domestic Beer (0.5L)
₹200
ARS 1,500

🛒 Groceries

Milk (1L)
₹55
ARS 500
Bread (500g)
₹35
ARS 600
Eggs (12)
₹80
ARS 1,000
Cheese (1kg)
₹400
ARS 5,000

🚌 Transportation

One-way Ticket
₹10
ARS 50
Monthly Pass
₹1,500
ARS 2,500
Taxi Start
₹25
ARS 600
Gasoline (1L)
₹105
ARS 400

💡 Utilities & Internet

Basic Utilities (85m²)
₹3,000
ARS 15,000
Internet (60 Mbps)
₹1,000
ARS 6,000
Mobile Minute
₹1
ARS 10

Tips for Moving Between Cities

For those considering a move from Mumbai to Buenos Aires, the cost savings can be substantial, particularly in housing and daily expenses. However, it's important to factor in salary differences and job opportunities. Conversely, moving from Buenos Aires to Mumbai requires careful financial planning. Consider negotiating salary adjustments that reflect the higher cost of living, and research neighborhoods outside the city center for more affordable housing options while maintaining reasonable commute times.

Quality of Life Indices

Mumbai

Cost of Living Index35
Rent Index25
Purchasing Power Index40

Buenos Aires

Cost of Living Index40
Rent Index25
Purchasing Power Index30

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Mumbai more expensive than Buenos Aires?

Yes, Mumbai is approximately 14.3% more expensive than Buenos Aires overall. The biggest differences are in housing and restaurant prices.

How much salary do I need in Mumbai compared to Buenos Aires?

To maintain the same standard of living, you would need approximately 1.1x of your Buenos Aires salary when living in Mumbai. For example, if you earn $50,000 in Buenos Aires, you'd need about $57,143 in Mumbai for a comparable lifestyle.

What are the biggest cost differences between Mumbai and Buenos Aires?

The most significant cost difference is in dining out. Restaurant prices vary by about 14%, which can significantly impact your entertainment budget. Transportation and utilities show notable variations between the two cities.

Which city is better for expats and digital nomads?

Mumbai offers better purchasing power, making it more attractive for those earning in strong currencies. However, Buenos Aires provides lower living costs, which benefits budget-conscious travelers. Consider Mumbai if you prioritize earning potential, or Buenos Aires for affordability.

What's a reasonable monthly budget for Mumbai vs Buenos Aires?

In Mumbai, a single person needs approximately ₹32,260 per month (including rent), while a family of four requires about ₹92,910. In Buenos Aires, these figures are ARS 401,900 for singles and ARS 956,650 for families. These estimates include housing, food, transportation, and basic entertainment.

The cost of living comparison between Mumbai and Buenos Aires in 2025 shows notable differences across various expense categories. Whether you're planning a relocation for work, considering retirement options, or simply curious about living costs, understanding these differences is crucial for making informed financial decisions.

Need to calculate salary equivalence?

Find out how much you need to earn in Buenos Aires to maintain your lifestyle from Mumbai

Calculate Salary Equivalence

Last updated: 2025-01-15 • Data sourced from multiple providers