Cost Comparison 2025

MumbaivsMontreal

India
Canada

Overall

💰

+85.7%

Mumbai is 85.7%more expensive

Rent

🏠

+60.0%

Housing is 60.0% higher

Dining

🍽️

+126.7%

Restaurants 126.7% pricier

Groceries

🛒

+114.3%

Food shopping 114.3% more

Comparing the cost of living between Mumbai, India and Montreal, Canada reveals significant insights for anyone considering relocation or travel in 2025. Our comprehensive analysis shows that Mumbai is more expensive than Montreal by approximately 85.7%. 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 lower than in Montreal by 38%. A one-bedroom apartment in Mumbai's city center costs around ₹35,000, while the same in Montreal is approximately CA$1,500.

Dining out in Mumbai offers significant savings compared to Montreal. An inexpensive restaurant meal costs ₹200 in Mumbai versus CA$18 in Montreal.

Public transportation in Mumbai is more expensive, with monthly passes at ₹1,500 compared to CA$94 in Montreal.

Purchasing power in Montreal is notably stronger, meaning residents can afford more goods and services with their local salaries compared to Mumbai.

Grocery shopping in Mumbai is more affordable by approximately 53%. Basic items like milk, bread, and eggs show lower prices across the board.

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 Montreal, the same lifestyle would cost around CA$570. For families, these figures increase significantly, with a family of four requiring about ₹42,910 monthly in Mumbai versus CA$1,994 in Montreal. 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
Montreal, Canada

🏠 Housing Costs (Monthly Rent)

1BR City Center
₹35,000
CA$1,500
1BR Outside Center
₹20,000
CA$1,100
3BR City Center
₹100,000
CA$2,600

🍽️ Food & Dining

Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant
₹200
CA$18
Meal for 2, Mid-range Restaurant
₹1,500
CA$80
Cappuccino
₹150
CA$5
Domestic Beer (0.5L)
₹200
CA$6

🛒 Groceries

Milk (1L)
₹55
CA$2
Bread (500g)
₹35
CA$3
Eggs (12)
₹80
CA$4
Cheese (1kg)
₹400
CA$16

🚌 Transportation

One-way Ticket
₹10
CA$4
Monthly Pass
₹1,500
CA$94
Taxi Start
₹25
CA$4
Gasoline (1L)
₹105
CA$2

💡 Utilities & Internet

Basic Utilities (85m²)
₹3,000
CA$90
Internet (60 Mbps)
₹1,000
CA$65
Mobile Minute
₹1
CA$0

Tips for Moving Between Cities

For those considering a move from Mumbai to Montreal, 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 Montreal 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

Montreal

Cost of Living Index65
Rent Index40
Purchasing Power Index85

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Mumbai more expensive than Montreal?

Yes, Mumbai is approximately 85.7% more expensive than Montreal overall. The biggest differences are in housing and restaurant prices.

How much salary do I need in Mumbai compared to Montreal?

To maintain the same standard of living, you would need approximately 1.9x of your Montreal salary when living in Mumbai. For example, if you earn $50,000 in Montreal, you'd need about $92,857 in Mumbai for a comparable lifestyle.

What are the biggest cost differences between Mumbai and Montreal?

The most significant cost difference is in dining out. Restaurant prices vary by about 56%, 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?

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

What's a reasonable monthly budget for Mumbai vs Montreal?

In Mumbai, a single person needs approximately ₹32,260 per month (including rent), while a family of four requires about ₹92,910. In Montreal, these figures are CA$1,670 for singles and CA$3,894 for families. These estimates include housing, food, transportation, and basic entertainment.

The cost of living comparison between Mumbai and Montreal in 2025 shows significant 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 Montreal to maintain your lifestyle from Mumbai

Calculate Salary Equivalence

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