Everything you need to know about relocating to Mumbai — neighborhoods, renting, living costs, and insider tips.
Mumbai is India's financial capital and a vibrant, fast-paced city that attracts professionals and families from around the world. While it can feel overwhelming at first, with the right preparation, you'll find it a rewarding place to live. This guide covers everything from choosing a neighborhood to understanding the rental process.
Mumbai is broadly divided into South Mumbai, Western Suburbs, and Central Suburbs. Here are the top areas expats prefer:
Areas: Colaba, Cuffe Parade, Malabar Hill, Napean Sea Road, Breach Candy
Best for: Senior executives, diplomats, those who want heritage charm
Rent: ₹1.5L – ₹10L+ /month
Close to the consulates, fine dining, Gateway of India. Premium pricing but unmatched character.
Browse South Mumbai →Areas: Bandra West, Khar West, Pali Hill, Carter Road
Best for: Young professionals, families, social lifestyle
Rent: ₹80K – ₹5L /month
Trendy cafés, boutiques, Bandstand promenade. The most cosmopolitan suburb with a village-like vibe.
Browse Bandra →Areas: Worli, Lower Parel, Prabhadevi, Mahalaxmi
Best for: Corporate professionals, modern high-rise living
Rent: ₹1L – ₹8L /month
Mumbai's new business district with premium towers, malls, and the Sea Link for quick connectivity.
Browse Worli →Areas: Juhu, Andheri West, Versova, Lokhandwala
Best for: Airport proximity, creative industries, families
Rent: ₹50K – ₹3L /month
Close to the airport, Juhu Beach, and the entertainment industry hub. Good gated communities for families.
Browse Juhu →Areas: Hiranandani Gardens, Chandivali, IIT Area
Best for: Tech professionals, families wanting gated townships
Rent: ₹40K – ₹2L /month
Self-contained township feel with lakeside living, international schools, and IT parks nearby.
Browse Powai →Areas: BKC, Santacruz West, Kalina
Best for: Finance professionals, corporate relocations
Rent: ₹60K – ₹4L /month
Mumbai's CBD — walk to office if you work in BKC. Close to domestic airport and growing F&B scene.
Browse BKC Area →Renting in Mumbai works differently from most Western countries. Here's what to expect:
Typically 3 to 12 months' rent as an upfront refundable security deposit. In South Mumbai and premium areas, expect 6–12 months. In the suburbs, 3–6 months is common. This is refundable when you move out.
Rental agreements in Mumbai are structured as "Leave & License" agreements and can be signed for up to 60 months (5 years). Most tenants opt for 11-month or 33-month terms, renewable upon expiry. This is the standard legal format under the Maharashtra Rent Control Act.
Standard broker fee is 1 month's rent (sometimes 15 days for shorter leases). This is a one-time fee paid when you sign the agreement. Always use a licensed, reputable broker.
Mumbai is India's most expensive city, but offers great value compared to global metros like Singapore, Hong Kong, or London.
| Category | Monthly Estimate | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Rent (3 BHK, premium area) | ₹1L – ₹5L | Furnished apartment in Bandra/Worli/Powai |
| Utilities | ₹5K – ₹15K | Electricity, gas, water, WiFi |
| Domestic Help | ₹10K – ₹30K | Cook (₹10-15K), Maid (₹8-12K), Driver (₹15-25K) |
| Groceries | ₹15K – ₹30K | Nature's Basket, Foodhall for imported items |
| International School | ₹5L – ₹20L /year | ASB, DAIS, Oberoi International |
| Dining Out | ₹3K – ₹20K | Street food to fine dining — huge range |
| Transport | ₹5K – ₹25K | Uber/Ola (₹10-15K), Driver (₹15-25K) |
Uber and Ola are widely available and affordable. Most expats rely on these daily. Average ride costs ₹200–500 within the city.
Mumbai Metro is expanding rapidly. Line 1 (Versova–Ghatkopar) and new lines are transforming commutes. Air-conditioned and reliable.
Many expats hire a full-time driver (₹15–25K/month). Parking is expensive and driving in Mumbai takes getting used to. A driver is strongly recommended.
Mumbai has several excellent international schools with IB, Cambridge, and American curricula:
Heavy rains can cause waterlogging. Choose higher floors and buildings with good drainage. Avoid ground-floor apartments. Keep rain gear and an umbrella handy!
Power cuts are rare in premium areas but ensure your building has a backup generator. Get a fiber broadband connection (Jio, Airtel) — speeds of 100–300 Mbps are common and affordable.
Mumbai has world-class hospitals: Breach Candy, Hinduja, Kokilaben, Lilavati. Most accept international insurance. Register with a hospital near your home for emergencies.
Transport: Uber, Ola
Food delivery: Zomato, Swiggy
Groceries: BigBasket, Blinkit
Payments: Google Pay, PhonePe
Every foreign national residing in India must register with the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) within 14 days of arrival. Meanwhile, landlords renting to foreigners must file Form C with the local police. Both are mandatory under the Foreigners Act, 1946 and the Registration of Foreigners Rules, 1992.
The Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) is a division under the Ministry of Home Affairs. It maintains records of all foreign nationals in India. The Mumbai FRRO is located at Annex-II, office of the Commissioner of Police, D.N. Road, near Crawford Market.
Form C is a statutory document that every hotel, guest house, or private landlord must submit to the local police station within 24 hours of accommodating a foreign national. It is mandated under the Foreigners Order, 1946.
Form C can be filed online through the FRRO/FRO portal or submitted physically at the nearest police station. Many landlords in Mumbai are unfamiliar with this requirement, which is where the Rentu team steps in.
Our team has been helping expat families relocate to Mumbai for over 30 years. We take the compliance headache off your plate:
📞 Need help? Call us on +91 98200 30685 or WhatsApp us — we'll handle the paperwork so you can focus on settling in.
Our team specializes in helping expats find the perfect apartment or office in Mumbai.
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