City Comparison
Mumbai vs Chennai
Cost of Living Comparison 2026
Chennai is ~28% cheaper overall
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · Reviewed April 2026
Mumbai
India
COL+Rent
25
Rent Index
16.2
Groceries
30.9
Restaurant
25
Chennai
India
COL+Rent
18.1
Rent Index
10
Groceries
23.9
Restaurant
18
Monthly Cost Comparison
| Category | Mumbai | Chennai | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1BR City) | $462 | $286 | +$176 |
| Rent (1BR Outside) | $272 | $168 | +$104 |
| Groceries | $125 | $97 | +$28 |
| Restaurant Meal | $7 | $5 | +$2 |
| Transit Pass | $14 | $11 | +$3 |
| Utilities | $39 | $30 | +$9 |
Monthly Budget Comparison
| Lifestyle | Mumbai | Chennai |
|---|---|---|
| Minimal | $441/mo | $297/mo |
| Typical | $745/mo | $499/mo |
| Comfortable | $944/mo | $636/mo |
Purchasing Power Equivalence
| Budget in Mumbai | ≈ in Chennai | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $1,500/mo | $1,086/mo | -$414 |
| $2,000/mo | $1,448/mo | -$552 |
| $3,000/mo | $2,172/mo | -$828 |
Detailed Budget Analysis
See exactly how specific monthly budgets break down in each city:
Explore More
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Mumbai or Chennai cheaper to live in?
Chennai is approximately 28% cheaper overall. Mumbai's COL+Rent Index is 25 vs Chennai's 18.1 (NYC = 100).
How much is rent in Mumbai vs Chennai?
A 1BR in Mumbai city center costs ~$462/mo vs $286/mo in Chennai. Outside the center: $272 vs $168.
What is $2,000/month in Mumbai worth in Chennai?
Using cost-of-living adjustment, $2,000/month in Mumbai has the purchasing power of approximately $1,448/month in Chennai.
Are groceries cheaper in Mumbai or Chennai?
Monthly groceries cost approximately $125 in Mumbai vs $97 in Chennai. Groceries Index: 30.9 vs 23.9 (NYC = 100).