by Mercer’s 2024 Cost of Living Survey ranked Mumbai as the most expensive city to live in India and 136th on the global scale. Mumbai is followed by cities like Delhi, Chennai, Bengaluru and Pune. Hong Kong, on the other hand, has retained its position as the most expensive city in the world. Mumbai, considered the heart of Hindi cinema and home to many Bollywood stars, has become expensive by many levels. A similar trend was seen in Delhi as well.
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Why is Mumbai expensive?
India’s financial capital Mumbai is still the country’s most expensive city for expats, according to a survey conducted by HR consultancy Mercer. According to Mercer’s 2024 Cost of Living Survey, Mumbai is particularly expensive in terms of personal care, energy and utilities, transportation and housing rent.
Mumbai jumped 11 places, Bengaluru dropped
In the global list, Mumbai jumped 11 places to rank 136, while Delhi climbed 4 places to 164. On the other hand, Chennai is down five places to 189, Bengaluru is down six places to 195 and Hyderabad remains at 202. Pune moved up eight places to 205th and Kolkata four places to 207th.
Where what is expensive and what is cheap
Mumbai is the most expensive in terms of transport costs, including automobiles and auto parts, followed by Bengaluru. Kolkata, on the other hand, is the most affordable for milk and dairy products, bread, beverages, oil, fruits and vegetables, followed by Pune. Liquor and tobacco products are less expensive in Delhi.
Mumbai is the most expensive in terms of personal care products, followed by Chennai and Kolkata. Mumbai has high levels of personal care, energy, transportation costs and food, while Delhi has the highest housing rent. Here the rent has increased by 13 percent in one year. Two Indian cities have become cheaper in the list. Including Chennai (189) and Bengaluru (195).
There is no change in the ranking of top-5 cities of the world
Among the surveyed destinations in Asia, Mumbai is the 21st most expensive city, while Delhi ranks 30th. There is no change in the ranking of the top-5 cities in terms of global cost of living. Hong Kong remains at the top, followed by Singapore, Zurich, Geneva, Basel, Bern, New York City, London, Nassau and Los Angeles.
