Mumbai
Chennai

Mumbai vs Chennai — Cost of Living Comparison

Mumbai
India
VS
Chennai
India
Estimated average living costs are ~48% lower in Chennai

Mumbai

$1,250

avg. monthly cost

Population

20,667,000

Safety

55/100

Quality

50/100

Cost
30
Safety
55
Life
50

Chennai

$650

avg. monthly cost

Population

10,900,000

Safety

56/100

Quality

48/100

Cost
26
Safety
56
Life
48

Data last updated:

Compare Two Cities

Estimated average living costs are ~48% lower in Chennai

Overall Monthly Cost Comparison

Mumbai

$1,250

estimated per month

Chennai

$650

estimated per month

Difference

-48.0%

Monthly savings

$600

Yearly savings

$7,200

Figures shown are estimated averages for general comparison purposes only and may not reflect individual spending patterns.

Cost Comparison by Category

Monthly averages side by side

Estimated Salary Equivalency (Informational)

What you'd need to earn for the same lifestyle

This calculation provides an estimated comparison based on average living costs and does not represent financial or employment advice.

$/year (USD)

$39,000

-$36,000/year (USD)

Salary equivalency figures are illustrative estimates only and should not be used for employment, negotiation, or financial planning decisions.

Detailed Category Breakdown

Item-by-item price comparison across 7 categories

ItemMumbaiChennaiDiff
1-Bedroom Apartment (City Center)(per month)
$600.00$300.00
-50.0%
1-Bedroom Apartment (Outside Center)(per month)
$300.00$170.00
-43.3%
3-Bedroom Apartment (City Center)(per month)
$1,500.00$650.00
-56.7%
3-Bedroom Apartment (Outside Center)(per month)
$650.00$370.00
-43.1%
ItemMumbaiChennaiDiff
Meal at Inexpensive Restaurant(per meal)
$2.00$2.00
0.0%
Meal for 2 at Mid-Range Restaurant(per meal)
$15.00$12.00
-20.0%
McMeal at McDonald's(per meal)
$4.00$4.00
0.0%
Milk (1 liter)(per liter)
$0.75$0.65
-13.3%
Bread (500g loaf)(per loaf)
$0.50$0.40
-20.0%
Rice (1 kg)(per kg)
$0.70$0.55
-21.4%
Eggs (12)(per dozen)
$1.20$1.10
-8.3%
Chicken Breast (1 kg)(per kg)
$3.00$2.80
-6.7%
Apples (1 kg)(per kg)
$2.00$1.70
-15.0%
Banana (1 kg)(per kg)
$0.60$0.50
-16.7%
ItemMumbaiChennaiDiff
Monthly Public Transit Pass(per month)
$15.00$18.00
+20.0%
One-Way Ticket (Local Transport)(per trip)
$0.30$0.25
-16.7%
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)(base fare)
$0.60$0.50
-16.7%
Taxi 1km (Normal Tariff)(per km)
$0.35$0.40
+14.3%
Gasoline (1 liter)(per liter)
$1.25$1.25
0.0%
ItemMumbaiChennaiDiff
Basic Utilities (85m² Apt)(per month)
$45.00$42.00
-6.7%
Mobile Phone Plan(per month)
$4.00$4.00
0.0%
Internet (60 Mbps+)(per month)
$10.00$10.00
0.0%
ItemMumbaiChennaiDiff
Doctor Visit(per visit)
$8.00$8.00
0.0%
Dentist Visit(per visit)
$12.00$10.00
-16.7%
Prescription Medicine (avg)(per prescription)
$4.00$4.00
0.0%
ItemMumbaiChennaiDiff
Fitness Club Monthly(per month)
$22.00$18.00
-18.2%
Cinema Ticket(per ticket)
$3.50$2.50
-28.6%
Cappuccino(per cup)
$2.00$1.80
-10.0%
Beer (0.5l) at Restaurant(per glass)
$3.00$3.00
0.0%
ItemMumbaiChennaiDiff
Pair of Jeans (Levi's)(per pair)
$30.00$30.00
0.0%
Summer Dress (Chain Store)(per item)
$18.00$18.00
0.0%
Running Shoes (Nike, Adidas)(per pair)
$55.00$55.00
0.0%

Category values are aggregated estimates and may vary by neighborhood, lifestyle, and market conditions.

Frequently asked questions: Mumbai vs Chennai

Is Mumbai or Chennai more expensive?
Mumbai is more expensive, with a cost of living index of 30 compared with 26 for Chennai.
How much cheaper is Chennai than Mumbai?
Living in Chennai is around 13% cheaper than Mumbai, based on their overall cost of living indices.
What is the cost of living difference between Mumbai and Chennai?
Mumbai scores 30 out of 100 on our cost of living index, while Chennai scores 26 — where New York City equals 100.