City Comparison · Updated May 2026
India
COL index 28.8
India
COL index 32.8
Delhi vs Mumbai — Cost of Living, Salary & Tax Compared (2026)
The verdict
Living in Delhi is 12.2% cheaper than Mumbai for the same lifestyle.
Based on Q1 2026 COL index and median single-person expenditure.
Side-by-side stats
| Delhi | Metric | Mumbai | Δ |
|---|---|---|---|
| 28.8 | Cost of living index | 32.8 | +13.9% |
| €50,000 | Median gross salary | €50,000 | 0.0% |
| €44,000 | Net at €50,000 gross | €44,000 | 0.0% |
| €480 | Rent — 1BR centre | €680 | +41.7% |
| €746 | Monthly COL (single) | €995 | +33.4% |
| €152,778 | PPP — net / COL | €134,146 | -12.2% |
| 12.0% | Effective tax @ €50,000 | 12.0% | 0.0% |
Monthly expenses — paired
Salary equivalence
€50,000 gross in India = €3,667 net monthly.
To have the same purchasing power in Mumbai, you would need roughly €56,944 gross in India (≈ €4,176 net monthly, adjusted for cost-of-living index).
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Pros & cons
- +Significantly cheaper rent (€480)
- +Low overall cost of living (index 29)
- +Favourable tax rate (12.0%)
- +Low overall cost of living (index 33)
- +Favourable tax rate (12.0%)
The verdict
Across the data, Delhi carries a lower cost-of-living index; Delhi wins on purchasing power after costs are netted out. If purchasing power is your north star, Delhi edges it.
Frequently asked
Is Delhi cheaper than Mumbai?+
Delhi is cheaper. Cost-of-living index: Delhi 28.8, Mumbai 32.8 — a 12.2% difference (Q1 2026).
What is the cost of living difference between Delhi and Mumbai?+
Delhi sits at 28.8 on our COL index, Mumbai at 32.8. That works out to roughly 12.2% — Delhi being the cheaper of the two.
Is Delhi a good place to live compared to Mumbai?+
It depends on priorities. Delhi delivers €44,000 net on a €50,000 gross salary at a 12.0% effective tax rate. Mumbai delivers €44,000 at 12.0%. Centre 1-bed rent: €480 vs €680.
How do salaries compare in Delhi vs Mumbai?+
On a €50,000 gross salary, take-home is €44,000/year (€3,667/month) in Delhi and €44,000/year (€3,667/month) in Mumbai.
Which city has lower taxes, Delhi or Mumbai?+
India has the lower effective rate at €50,000: India 12.0%, India 12.0%.