Cost Comparison 2025

MumbaivsSingapore

India
Singapore

Overall

💰

+171.4%

Mumbai is 171.4%more expensive

Rent

🏠

+260.0%

Housing is 260.0% higher

Dining

🍽️

+166.7%

Restaurants 166.7% pricier

Groceries

🛒

+142.9%

Food shopping 142.9% more

Comparing the cost of living between Mumbai, India and Singapore, Singapore reveals significant insights for anyone considering relocation or travel in 2025. Our comprehensive analysis shows that Mumbai is more expensive than Singapore by approximately 171.4%. 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 Singapore by 72%. A one-bedroom apartment in Mumbai's city center costs around ₹35,000, while the same in Singapore is approximately SGD 3,500.

Dining out in Mumbai offers significant savings compared to Singapore. An inexpensive restaurant meal costs ₹200 in Mumbai versus SGD 15 in Singapore.

Public transportation in Mumbai is more expensive, with monthly passes at ₹1,500 compared to SGD 120 in Singapore.

Purchasing power in Singapore 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 59%. 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 Singapore, the same lifestyle would cost around SGD 777. For families, these figures increase significantly, with a family of four requiring about ₹42,910 monthly in Mumbai versus SGD 2,720 in Singapore. 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
Singapore, Singapore

🏠 Housing Costs (Monthly Rent)

1BR City Center
₹35,000
SGD 3,500
1BR Outside Center
₹20,000
SGD 2,500
3BR City Center
₹100,000
SGD 7,000

🍽️ Food & Dining

Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant
₹200
SGD 15
Meal for 2, Mid-range Restaurant
₹1,500
SGD 100
Cappuccino
₹150
SGD 6
Domestic Beer (0.5L)
₹200
SGD 10

🛒 Groceries

Milk (1L)
₹55
SGD 3
Bread (500g)
₹35
SGD 3
Eggs (12)
₹80
SGD 4
Cheese (1kg)
₹400
SGD 20

🚌 Transportation

One-way Ticket
₹10
SGD 2
Monthly Pass
₹1,500
SGD 120
Taxi Start
₹25
SGD 4
Gasoline (1L)
₹105
SGD 3

💡 Utilities & Internet

Basic Utilities (85m²)
₹3,000
SGD 200
Internet (60 Mbps)
₹1,000
SGD 50
Mobile Minute
₹1
SGD 0

Tips for Moving Between Cities

For those considering a move from Mumbai to Singapore, 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 Singapore 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

Singapore

Cost of Living Index95
Rent Index90
Purchasing Power Index100

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Mumbai more expensive than Singapore?

Yes, Mumbai is approximately 171.4% more expensive than Singapore overall. The biggest differences are in housing and restaurant prices.

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

To maintain the same standard of living, you would need approximately 2.7x of your Singapore salary when living in Mumbai. For example, if you earn $50,000 in Singapore, you'd need about $135,714 in Mumbai for a comparable lifestyle.

What are the biggest cost differences between Mumbai and Singapore?

The most significant cost difference is in housing. Rent prices differ by approximately 72%, making it a major factor in your budget planning. Transportation and utilities show notable variations between the two cities.

Which city is better for expats and digital nomads?

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

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

In Mumbai, a single person needs approximately ₹32,260 per month (including rent), while a family of four requires about ₹92,910. In Singapore, these figures are SGD 3,277 for singles and SGD 7,220 for families. These estimates include housing, food, transportation, and basic entertainment.

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

Calculate Salary Equivalence

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