What To Expect From Living in Mumbai, India
Why would anyone want to live in Mumbai? To be honest, living in Mumbai is both a curse and a blessing.
On the one hand you have to deal with the hordes of people on the streets, but on the other, you also have friendly and helpful locals and people who smile at you on the street for no reason.
A home to Indians from all walks of life, the city has an amazing multi-cultural vibe, a thriving nightlife scene, budget-friendly stores, and access to food from a range of cultures.
Here’s more about life in Mumbai and what it’s like from a local’s eyes.
Weather in Mumbai
The Indian Meteorological Department has classified four main seasons in India – Winter, Summer or Pre-monsoon, Monsoon, Autumn or Post-monsoon, – but it sometimes feels like just three with a bit of variation.
Winter lasts from December through February with end-December to mid-Jan being the coldest, but it rarely dips below 50 °F (10 °C). For real winter weather, head to the Northern States of India, where you’ll find snowy mountains and sometimes even get to stay in igloos.
Summer is really hot with temperatures in May averaging around 86 to 95 °F (30 to 35 °C) and the maximum ever recorded being 105 °F (40.6 °C) in 1955. Be sure to carry water around with you from March through May so you don’t suffer from a heat stroke.
Of course, if you’re traveling around by car or taxi cab instead of local transport you have the benefits of air conditioning.
You might want to stock up on your Climacool tops because with the humidity ranging from 60% to 89%, it’s sweaty throughout the year.
The rainy season or monsoon comes in June and lasts till September. Some days you’ll enjoy the light drizzle on your umbrella, and on others, you’ll be wading through water in some parts of the city.
Try to find a place to stay in the high lying areas, because if you’re in the low lying areas, you might suffer from waterlogging like the of the neighborhood. The average annual rainfall is 212 cm so it gets pretty wet, but it’s also the perfect reason to enjoy some hot chai and warm pakodas!
The post-monsoon seasons of October and November are almost like autumn. You’ll see leaves turn yellow and fall from trees, but then again from only some of the trees. So the weather feels really mixed up, but it’s fun!
Cost Of Living In Mumbai, India
Rental Cost
The cost of living in the financial capital of India varies widely. For example, let’s take the rental cost of an average 1-bedroom apartment.
In the Western suburbs where we middle classes live, you can easily get a 1-bedroom on rent from INR 10,000 ($140) to INR 40,000 ($540).
The prime areas of South Bombay, or SoBo as it’s called, is where the elite live, or many of the MNCs are based, and rent can really shoot up. Prices range anywhere from INR 50,000 ($650) to 5 times that or more.
In the hip Bandra area where all the happening crowd lives, the prices for the same 1-bedroom can range from INR 30,000 ($400) to INR 1,00,000 ($1400). When we Mumbaiites refer to the happening crowd, we’re talking about the actors, singers, and other rich and famous citizens of India.
There are a number of popular sites that cater to home rentals in India – Magicbricks, Nobroker, 99Acres, Housing, and more. They also have some smaller sections for paying guests. Just make sure to physically verify the properties before signing or paying for anything. You know, corruption and all! You can send money to India using a secure service. Don’t get caught out with any scams!
Where to Stay in Mumbai While You Look For Accommodation
Since you’re not going straight to your rental apartment from the airport, you’ll need to find a place to stay for the first few days or weeks.
Apart from Airbnb and popular plus safe hostels such as YMCA and YWCA, you always have the choice to stay in local hotels that can range from budget-friendly to luxurious.
Budget-friendly Hotels & Hostels in Mumbai
There was a unique pod hotel in Andheri but it’s been closed during the pandemic. We’ll link back to it once it’s open again. Till then, these are a few budget-friendly hostels and hotels to stay at.
Hotel Suba Palace
This affordable hotel in Colaba is close to the Gateway of India, Jehangir Art Gallery, Prince of Wales Museum, Regal Cinema, Leopold’s Cafe, and other icons of Mumbai.
Treebo Trend Bandra Apartments
Within 1 km walk from the shopping and eating destinations of Hill Road and Linking Road. Pocket-friendly if you’re on a budget.
Rodas Eco Hotel
If you’re visiting for work, this eco-hotel may be close to your place of business. It’s also close to the Powai Lake that supplies water to Mumbai. (You’re not allowed to swim in it, though because of the crocodiles protecting the drinking water.)
Mid-range Hotels in Mumbai
Lemon Tree Premier, Mumbai Airport
This 4-star airport hotel is the perfect base to start your stay in Mumbai, especially if you get in on a red-eye flight. Awesome rooms and pool!
Residency Sarovar Portico
A contemporary hotel within driving distance of the popular shopping malls – Inorbit, Oberoi Mall, and Infinity. Also less than 20 km from Andheri and Bandra.
Fariyas Hotel Mumbai, Colaba
This Parsi Hotel with attentive and polite staff is within walking distance of the Gateway of India, Regal Cinema, and the famous Leopold’s Cafe travel book fame