Cost Comparison 2025

MumbaivsSantiago

India
Chile

Overall

💰

+57.1%

Mumbai is 57.1%more expensive

Rent

🏠

+40.0%

Housing is 40.0% higher

Dining

🍽️

+66.7%

Restaurants 66.7% pricier

Groceries

🛒

+57.1%

Food shopping 57.1% more

Comparing the cost of living between Mumbai, India and Santiago, Chile reveals significant insights for anyone considering relocation or travel in 2025. Our comprehensive analysis shows that Mumbai is more expensive than Santiago by approximately 57.1%. 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 Santiago by 29%. A one-bedroom apartment in Mumbai's city center costs around ₹35,000, while the same in Santiago is approximately CLP 500,000.

Dining out in Mumbai offers significant savings compared to Santiago. An inexpensive restaurant meal costs ₹200 in Mumbai versus CLP 7,000 in Santiago.

Public transportation in Mumbai is more affordable, with monthly passes at ₹1,500 compared to CLP 33,000 in Santiago.

Grocery shopping in Mumbai is more affordable by approximately 36%. 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 Santiago, the same lifestyle would cost around CLP 286,600. For families, these figures increase significantly, with a family of four requiring about ₹42,910 monthly in Mumbai versus CLP 1,003,100 in Santiago. 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
Santiago, Chile

🏠 Housing Costs (Monthly Rent)

1BR City Center
₹35,000
CLP 500,000
1BR Outside Center
₹20,000
CLP 350,000
3BR City Center
₹100,000
CLP 900,000

🍽️ Food & Dining

Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant
₹200
CLP 7,000
Meal for 2, Mid-range Restaurant
₹1,500
CLP 40,000
Cappuccino
₹150
CLP 3,000
Domestic Beer (0.5L)
₹200
CLP 3,000

🛒 Groceries

Milk (1L)
₹55
CLP 900
Bread (500g)
₹35
CLP 1,000
Eggs (12)
₹80
CLP 2,500
Cheese (1kg)
₹400
CLP 8,000

🚌 Transportation

One-way Ticket
₹10
CLP 800
Monthly Pass
₹1,500
CLP 33,000
Taxi Start
₹25
CLP 700
Gasoline (1L)
₹105
CLP 1,200

💡 Utilities & Internet

Basic Utilities (85m²)
₹3,000
CLP 80,000
Internet (60 Mbps)
₹1,000
CLP 20,000
Mobile Minute
₹1
CLP 100

Tips for Moving Between Cities

For those considering a move from Mumbai to Santiago, 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 Santiago 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

Santiago

Cost of Living Index55
Rent Index35
Purchasing Power Index50

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Mumbai more expensive than Santiago?

Yes, Mumbai is approximately 57.1% more expensive than Santiago overall. The biggest differences are in housing and restaurant prices.

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

To maintain the same standard of living, you would need approximately 1.6x of your Santiago salary when living in Mumbai. For example, if you earn $50,000 in Santiago, you'd need about $78,571 in Mumbai for a comparable lifestyle.

What are the biggest cost differences between Mumbai and Santiago?

The most significant cost difference is in dining out. Restaurant prices vary by about 40%, 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?

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

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

In Mumbai, a single person needs approximately ₹32,260 per month (including rent), while a family of four requires about ₹92,910. In Santiago, these figures are CLP 636,600 for singles and CLP 1,653,100 for families. These estimates include housing, food, transportation, and basic entertainment.

The cost of living comparison between Mumbai and Santiago 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 Santiago to maintain your lifestyle from Mumbai

Calculate Salary Equivalence

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