Nisha Pandya & Sidhant Shekhar Jha
As the new academic season began, students moving to Mumbai for higher studies face an enormous challenge in the city—finding suitable, low-cost housing. Mumbai is infamous for its sky-high real estate prices, and students can find sections of the city that cater to their needs, as long as they know where to find it.
Localities such as Powai, Andheri East, Vile Parle, and Bandra West continue to be among the most sought-after areas for students due to their proximity to educational institutions and connectivity. Powai, which houses IIT Bombay, offers modern paying guest (PG) accommodations priced between Rs 10,000 and Rs 25,000 per month. For those seeking independent units, a 1 BHK flat in the area can cost between Rs 30,000 and Rs 45,000.
In Andheri East, PG rates are going to cost between Rs 7,500 and Rs 15,000 per month, and 1 BHK flats are also available in the middle of the range, like in Powai. The location also has good metro links and good access to SEEPZ, Sher-e-Punjab and MIDC areas, which is good for students on internships or part-time jobs.
Popular Student Localities in Central and Western Mumbai
| Locality | PG/Hostel Rent (Rs/month) | 1 BHK Rent (Rs/month) | Key Highlights |
| Powai | 10,000 – 25,000 | 30,000 – 45,000 | Close to IIT Bombay, modern PGs, good lifestyle |
| Andheri East | 7,500 – 15,000 | 30,000 – 45,000 | Metro access, near MIDC and SEEPZ |
| Vile Parle | 13,000 – 50,000 | 35,000 – 45,000 | Ideal for NMIMS/Mithibai students |
| Bandra West | 13,000 – 15,000 | 35,000 – 43,000 | Cultural hub, vibrant but costly |
| Parel | 13,000 – 16,000 | 40,000 – 70,000 | Central location, expensive flat options |
Vile Parle, popular among students from NMIMS and Mithibai College, offers a wide range of hostels and PGs priced from Rs 13,000 to Rs 50,000 per month. Flats here cost between Rs 35,000 and Rs 45,000. Bandra West, known for its cosmopolitan culture and student presence, offers PGs in the range of Rs 13,000 to Rs 15,000, while 1 BHK apartments may cost up to Rs 43,000.
Students searching for a more affordable option are increasingly gravitating toward areas like Chembur, Thane, Goregaon, and Kandivali West. There are costs for PG accommodation in the range of Rs 7000 to Rs 12,000 in Chembur, and for 1 BHK flats, the range is Rs 12,000 to Rs 18,000. While Thane is on the outskirts, it is gaining traction because of the lower rent, with PGs costing between Rs 7,000 and Rs 9,000 and flats ranging from Rs 10,000 to Rs 12,000.
Goregaon and Kandivali West also provide cheaper alternatives. PGs in Goregaon cost between Rs 7,000 and Rs 15,000, while 1 BHKs will be from Rs 15,000 to Rs 20,000. Kandivali West will provide one of the most affordable payments in the entire city, as the PGs here are available from Rs 4,500 per month, and 1 BHKs will be in the range of Rs 15,000 and Rs 30,000.
Budget-Friendly Student Localities in Mumbai Suburbs
| Locality | PG/Hostel Rent (Rs/month) | 1 BHK Rent (Rs/month) | Key Highlights |
| Chembur | 7,000 – 12,000 | 12,000 – 18,000 | Green, quiet, well-connected |
| Goregaon | 7,000 – 15,000 | 15,000 – 20,000 | Good for media/arts students |
| Kandivali | 4,500 – 7,500 | 15,000 – 30,000 | Peaceful and affordable |
| Thane | 7,000 – 9,000 | 10,000 – 12,000 | Budget-friendly, growing student population |
| Navi Mumbai | 7,000 – 12,000 | 5,000 – 12,000 | Economical, ideal for institutes in Navi Mumbai |
In Parel, which provides quick access to South and Central Mumbai, PGs cost Rs 13,000 to Rs 16,000, while 1 BHK flats command a steep premium, ranging from Rs 40,000 to Rs 70,000. For students enrolled in institutions located in Navi Mumbai, housing is significantly more economical. PG accommodations range between Rs 7,000 and Rs 12,000, and 1 BHK flats can be rented for as little as Rs 5,000 per month.
With a wide range of rental opportunities in several neighbourhoods, students can make informed decisions with respect to their budget, their location of study, and their lifestyle preferences. The way to secure affordable and comfortable accommodation in India’s most vibrant city is to plan ahead and ask locals & experts for guidance.
