Mumbai rent is the reason the same 8 LPA feels rich in Pune and tight in Bandra. Price the corridor — Andheri East, Goregaon, Navi Mumbai — not “Mumbai is expensive” as an excuse to skip math.
- Shared 2BHK in suburbs: often ₹10–15k per head including basics.
- Solo 1BHK near prime offices: can eat 50%+ of fresher in-hand.
- Local train commute is part of rent — a cheap flat far from work has a hidden ticket cost.
The takeaway
Cap rent near 30–35% of in-hand. If the broker pushes a deposit without a written agreement, walk — PG deposit scams are common.