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10 Best Places to Live in Mumbai in 2025

Mumbai is a dream land for the young and the not so young. The City of Dreams witnesses lakhs of students, working professionals, and families taking a plunge in the bustling city every year, but the biggest dilemma that a first timer faces is - "Where can I live in Mumbai?"

In terms of buzzing nightlife hotspots to peaceful neighbourhoods, Mumbai has a neighbourhood for every lifestyle and price point. When deciding where to settle, there are a number of factors to take into consideration including cost, transport links, safety, and lifestyle choices.

In this article, we tell you the 10 best places to live in Mumbai, if you are new in the city - covering everything from estimated rent, nearby attractions, commute convenience and the general vibe of the place.

1. Andheri East - The Corporate & Student Hub

Andheri East is one of the most popular destinations for students and professionals looking for their ideal PG flats, since it has superb connectivity with both metro and railway services as well as proximity to major corporate hubs (MIDC,SEEPZ and Andheri-Kurla Road).

  • Lifestyle: Bustling with PG accommodations, co-living space, restaurants and gyms.
  • Connectivity: Andheri Railway Station, Metro lines 1 & 7 as well as its proximity to the Mumbai airport.
  • Average Rent: ₹ 8,000-₹ 15,000 for PG/shared flat, ₹25,000+ for 1BHK.
  • Who should live here: Students, IT professionals, newcomers starting their lives/career.

If you are seeking a verified, comfortable, and affordable PG in Andheri East, check out Meridian Stays for verified alternatives.

2. Bandra - The Queen of Suburbs

Bandra mixes it glamour, nightlife, hip cafes and seaside charm. Although this is the stage home for many Bollywood celebrities, artists and entrepreneurs, it caters, particularly to the youth, as a cultural hub.

  • Lifestyle: Upscale cafes, charter venues, gyms, promenade by the sea, high-street shopping.
  • Connectivity: Western Railway, Bandra-Worli Sea Link, Metro service under development.
  • Average Rent: ₹30,000–₹50,000 (1BHK).
  • Who Would Live Here: Young professionals, young/image-conscious expats, those with an endless appetite for nightlife.

3. Powai - The New Suburb

Powai is a self-sustained suburb with tall buildings, malls, tech parks, and lakeside promenades. It is popular amongst tech start-up founders and working professionals.

  • Living Style: Gated societies with premium, cafes, Powai Lake, malls, start-up hubs.
  • Accessibility: Easy access to JVLR, Eastern & Western express highway.
  • Rent Range: ₹25,000–₹40,000 (1BHK).
  • Best PlacetoLive For: IT professionals, entrepreneurs, young couples.

4. Lower Parel - Luxury and Corporate Living

Lower Parel is where the best corporate offices and luxury residential communities are located in Mumbai. It has 'super' Malls such as High Street Phoenix and an endless number of quality fine dining, creating the perfect mix between our work and lifestyle.

  • Lifestyle - Luxury high-rise apartments, shopping malls, night-life, corporate offices.
  • Connectivity - Western and Central Railways (Elphinstone), Monorail, good road connectivity.
  • Average Rent - ₹45,000-₹80,000 (1BHK)
  • Who Should Live Here - Professionals and corporate prolongations, expats and high-income earners.

5. Chembur - Affordable Yet Well-Connected

Chembur shows a slower pace than the busy life in South Mumbai. Alongside the new metro line, and higher connectivity, it is becoming a popular residential suburb.

  • Living Quality - Family oriented neighbourhood, schools, markets, and plenty of green space.
  • Connectivity - The Harbour Line, Monorail, Eastern Freeway, and metro connectivity will get better as time goes on.
  • Average rent - ₹15,000 - ₹25,000 (1BHK).
  • Who should live here - Families, university students, young professionals on a budget.

6. Vile Parle - Student-Friendly Zone

Vile Parle has some of the top affordable education in Mumbai, which helps create a strong student community. It's also very close to the domestic airport, providing a fair mix of affordability and connectivity.

  • Lifestyle: Colleges, dining, markets, temples, cultural festivities.
  • Connectivity: Western Railway (Western Line), Metro Line 7, Airport.
  • Average Rent: ₹12,000 - ₹20,000 (PG/shared), ₹25,000+ (1BHK).
  • Ideal for: Students and airline staff, young professionals on a budget.

7. Malad - The Affordable IT Hub

Malad is now a significant IT and BPO hub with cheap residential options. Infinity IT Park and Mindspace are located here, which makes it favourable for tech employees.

  • Lifestyle: Malls (Inorbit, Infiniti), office hubs, cheap PGs and flats.
  • Connectivity: Western Railway, Link Road, quick travel to Goregaon & Andheri.
  • Average Rent: ₹15,000–₹25,000 (1BHK).
  • Best for: IT employees, families who want cheap housing.

8. Colaba - South Mumbai Charm

Colaba is the core of South Mumbai. It is recognized by the Gateway of India, Colaba Causeway, and gorgeous heritage architecture. Colaba has a distinct flavor, both of antiquity and ammenities.

  • Lifestyle: Icon cafes (Leopold, Mondegar), Shopping, Tourist destinations.
  • Connectivity: Churchgate & CST railway stations and bus commutes.
  • Average Rent: ₹40,000+ (1BHK).
  • Who should reside: Expats, Luxury, South Mumbai.

9. Goregaon - Growing Residential Hub

Goregaon is a growing residential precinct that is well-connected through the Western Express Highway as well as the metro. Goregaon strikes a balance between prices and modern infrastructure.

  • Lifestyle: Film City, shopping malls, corporate office hubs, and the number of residential towers are set to grow.
  • Connectivity: Western Railway, multiple metro lines, highways.
  • Average Rent: ₹18,000 - ₹28,000 (1BHK).
  • Who Should Live Here: Those working in the film industry, and corporate professionals living and enjoying the suburban lifestyle.

10. Sakinaka - Budget-Friendly Metro Hub

Located on the Andheri-Ghatkopar Metro Line, Sakinaka is a popular choice for people working in Andheri East, Powai, or Ghatkopar. It is cheap and very well connected.

  • Lifestyle: Cheap PGs, street food, offices nearby.
  • Connectivity: Metro Line 1, close to Airport & Western Express Highway.
  • Average Rent: ₹8,000–₹12,000 (PG/shared), ₹18,000–₹25,000 (1BHK).
  • Who Should Live Here: Students, entry-level professionals, budget travelers.

Tips for Choosing the Right Place to Stay in Mumbai

  • Be Budget Wise: Rents in Mumbai are expensive; always work out your travel time and expense to consider total rent + cost of travel.
  • Commuting is Key: Live close to work/college to avoid a long commute when possible.
  • Safety First: If you are new, always go for gated societies or areas with good light and a lot of passersby.
  • PG & Coliving: PG's are cheap, and there are ready-made communities in them as a first step!

Conclusion

Mumbai has something for everyone - from Bandra's glamor, Chembur's affordability, to Andheri East's student living vibe. Where you decide to live really depends on what you can afford, what lifestyle you want, and what we call your “daily commute” needs.

If you are new to the city and you need a dependable stay, check out Meridian Stays in Andheri, with low-cost living options that are affordable and designed for students and professionals.

Welcome to Mumbai - a city that never sleeps but always welcomes!


Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Andheri East, Vile Parle, and Sakinaka are student-friendly areas due to affordable PGs, good metro connectivity, and proximity to colleges.

Bandra, Powai, and Chembur are considered safe and well-developed, with gated societies and active communities.

On average, a single person spends ₹20,000-₹40,000 monthly in Mumbai, including rent, food, and travel. It depends on the area and lifestyle.

Andheri East, Powai, Lower Parel, and Malad are popular among professionals due to proximity to corporate hubs and IT parks.