Mumbai, India's busy financial city, is well-known for its towering skyline and vibrant culture. However, underneath the city's gleaming surface comes an ongoing and growing issue: the astronomical cost of living. The city's skyrocketing rents have become a major source of concern for both residents and newcomers. A viral social media post by a Mumbai-based lawyer recently highlighted this issue, advising young individuals to maintain good relations with their parents to avoid the financial burden of renting in Mumbai, sparking public debate and social media reactions.
The Post On Mumbai’s Housing Market
The current rental market in Mumbai is defined by outrageous prices. A lawyer based in Mumbai recently published a post on the city's astronomical real estate prices. She pointed out that a single bedroom-hall-kitchen (1 BHK) flat in India's commercial capital would cost between Rs 50,000 and Rs 70,000, and pushed the other users to stay with their families.
1 bhk 50-70 hazar ka mil raha hai mumbai mein maa baap se bana ke rakho bhai koi zarurat nahi hai independent hone ke liye ghar se bhaagne ki
— vita (@kebabandcoke) June 8, 2024
“1 Bhk 50-70 hazar ka mil raha hai Mumbai mein maa baap se bana ke rakho bhai koi zarurat nahi hai independent hone ke liye ghar se bhaagne ki (One can get 1 BHK for ₹ 50-70,00 in Mumbai. Be on good terms with your mom and dad, no need to rush out of your house to be independent),” she posted on X.
Social and Economic Implications
This post resonated with many, reflecting widespread frustration and sparking conversations about the city's housing challenges.
So real! 😭
— Dhaval Shah (@Dhavall_shah) June 9, 2024
Why are all giving advice to her? She is fairly true! The av. Rent in Mumbai is nearby 40-50k... I have just migrated here and faced the same issue..
— Amit Aryan (@Amit940) June 11, 2024
compromising myself with 1RK which also cost 25k here!
Maine isi liye mumbai chod diya
— certified yapper (@simoni2402) June 9, 2024
True, inflation is outpacing the salaries at a very fast speed.
— Vishal (@Saalabaklol) June 9, 2024
Getting a house, good healthcare & quality education without a big burden of loan seems like an impossible dream to many.
Is this 70k rent or EMI?
— No Smo King (@kartik73) June 9, 2024
Wouldn’t surprise me if it was either.
My friend is paying ₹ 1 lakh rent for a 3BHK at Andheri 😤😤😤
Very true... Rentals are too high.
— Bharat_$ (@Passion4Charts) June 9, 2024
Is that real? Damn kaise log survive kar rahe hai? Ab toh dharavi me hi rahna padega. 🌚
— Lav (@frugal_marketer) June 9, 2024
These anecdotes point to a major affordability dilemma, particularly for middle-income families and young professionals. Bounded by the Arabian Sea, the city has limited land available for development, leading to high land prices and, consequently, high rental costs. Mumbai, being a commercial and cultural hub, attracts a steady influx of people seeking better career opportunities, contributing to the high demand for housing and adding to the rental market’s tightness. While the affluent can afford luxurious apartments, a large section of the population struggles to find adequate and affordable housing.