Cost Comparison 2025

New YorkvsMumbai

United States
India

Overall

💰

-65.0%

New York is 65.0%cheaper

Rent

🏠

-75.0%

Housing is 75.0% lower

Dining

🍽️

-70.0%

Restaurants 70.0% cheaper

Groceries

🛒

-65.0%

Food shopping 65.0% less

Comparing the cost of living between New York, United States and Mumbai, India reveals significant insights for anyone considering relocation or travel in 2025. Our comprehensive analysis shows that New York is more affordable than Mumbai by approximately 65.0%. 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 New York are higher than in Mumbai by 300%. A one-bedroom apartment in New York's city center costs around $3,500, while the same in Mumbai is approximately ₹35,000.

Dining out in New York is notably more expensive compared to Mumbai. An inexpensive restaurant meal costs $20 in New York versus ₹200 in Mumbai.

Public transportation in New York is more affordable, with monthly passes at $127 compared to ₹1,500 in Mumbai.

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

Grocery shopping in New York is more expensive by approximately 186%. Basic items like milk, bread, and eggs show higher prices across the board.

Monthly Budget Breakdown

When breaking down monthly expenses, a single person in New York can expect to spend approximately $779 per month (excluding rent), while in Mumbai, the same lifestyle would cost around ₹12,260. For families, these figures increase significantly, with a family of four requiring about $2,727 monthly in New York versus ₹42,910 in Mumbai. 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
New York, United States
Mumbai, India

🏠 Housing Costs (Monthly Rent)

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

🍽️ Food & Dining

Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant
$20
₹200
Meal for 2, Mid-range Restaurant
$120
₹1,500
Cappuccino
$6
₹150
Domestic Beer (0.5L)
$8
₹200

🛒 Groceries

Milk (1L)
$2
₹55
Bread (500g)
$4
₹35
Eggs (12)
$5
₹80
Cheese (1kg)
$15
₹400

🚌 Transportation

One-way Ticket
$3
₹10
Monthly Pass
$127
₹1,500
Taxi Start
$5
₹25
Gasoline (1L)
$1
₹105

💡 Utilities & Internet

Basic Utilities (85m²)
$180
₹3,000
Internet (60 Mbps)
$70
₹1,000
Mobile Minute
$0
₹1

Tips for Moving Between Cities

For those considering a move from Mumbai to New York, 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 New York 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

New York

Cost of Living Index100
Rent Index100
Purchasing Power Index100

Mumbai

Cost of Living Index35
Rent Index25
Purchasing Power Index40

Frequently Asked Questions

Is New York more expensive than Mumbai?

No, New York is approximately 65.0% cheaper than Mumbai. You'll find significant savings in housing, food, and transportation costs.

How much salary do I need in New York compared to Mumbai?

To maintain the same standard of living, you would need approximately 61% of your Mumbai salary when living in New York. For example, if you earn $50,000 in Mumbai, you'd need about $30,303 in New York for a comparable lifestyle.

What are the biggest cost differences between New York and Mumbai?

The most significant cost difference is in housing. Rent prices differ by approximately 300%, 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?

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

What's a reasonable monthly budget for New York vs Mumbai?

In New York, a single person needs approximately $3,279 per month (including rent), while a family of four requires about $7,227. In Mumbai, these figures are ₹32,260 for singles and ₹92,910 for families. These estimates include housing, food, transportation, and basic entertainment.

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

Calculate Salary Equivalence

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