Mumbai is fast, cosmopolitan and safe by big-city standards, with a long seafront, world-class restaurants and India’s finance, media and film industries. Space is the big trade-off: homes are small and expensive.
Neighbourhoods to know
- Bandra & Khar: Lively, sea-facing, popular with expats and creatives.
- Lower Parel & Worli: Corporate towers and high-rise living.
- Powai: Lakeside, planned township, near tech offices.
- Colaba & South Mumbai: Heritage, upscale, close to the old business district.
- Andheri & Juhu: Near the airport, Bollywood, beach.
- Navi Mumbai: Planned city across the harbour; more space for the money.
Pros
- Biggest job market for finance and media
- Safe and open city culture
- Excellent food and nightlife
Cons
- Very high housing costs
- Monsoon flooding and humidity
- Long commutes
Tips for newcomers
- Choose your area by your commute line (Western, Central or Harbour).
- Ask whether a building floods in the monsoon.
Before you move
Read our guides to moving to India, renting, FRRO registration and, for NRIs, returning to India.
We compare costs relatively rather than quoting rents, which change quickly and vary street by street. Check current listings on property portals before you budget.
Tips from travellers
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Questions from readers
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