Delhi vs. Mumbai: Which is the Better City?

Edited On: Jun 5, 2025

August 7, 2023

Mumbai, often called the city of dreams, pulses with ambition and endless possibilities, while Delhi, India’s capital, is rich with history and culture. Choosing between these two iconic cities is like Sophie’s choice. Each offers something unique. In this blog, we’ll break down key factors and compare Delhi and Mumbai to help you decide which city is better.

Delhi vs. Mumbai Comparison – Which city is better to live in?

1. Historical and Cultural Background

Delhi: Delhi, the vibrant capital of India, boasts a history that stretches back over millennia. Its roots can be traced to the ancient Indraprastha, a legendary city mentioned in the Indian epic, the Mahabharata. Throughout history, Delhi has been witnessing the rise and fall of several empires, including the Mauryas, Guptas, Delhi Sultanate, and Mughals.

Delhi’s Historical and Cultural Significance:

In 1911, during the Delhi Durbar, King George V declared to shift the capital from Kolkata to Delhi because of its central location and historical importance. In 1931, Delhi was officially inaugurated as the capital of India.
A melting pot of diverse cultures, languages, and traditions, reflecting its status as India’s political nerve center.
It offers the best of both worlds, with ancient ruins of Mehrauli set in the background of towering skyscrapers of Gurugram.

Mumbai: On the other hand, Mumbai, formerly known as Bombay (Bom Baim, Portuguese for Good Harbor), has a more recent history as a significant financial and commercial hub of India. Originally a cluster of islands inhabited by fishing communities, Mumbai gained prominence when the Portuguese and later the British East India Company established trading posts here in the 16th and 17th centuries.

Mumbai’s Historical and Cultural Significance:

As India’s largest port city, Mumbai played a crucial role in colonial trade, linking the subcontinent with the rest of the world.
The city’s entrepreneurial spirit and cosmopolitan nature led to rapid industrialization, making it the financial powerhouse it is today.
Now, the city is home to Bollywood and is known as the “City of Dreams,” attracting young people from across the country to chase their goals.

2. Infrastructure and Development

Delhi: The sprawling metropolis of Delhi grapples with the challenges of accommodating its burgeoning population. While the city boasts a well-established transportation system, including an extensive network of buses and a developing metro rail network, the rapid urbanization has put immense pressure on these services.

Delhi Public Infrastructure:

Transportation in Delhi comprises a mix of options, including the Delhi Metro, buses, and auto-rickshaws, making it one of the better-connected cities in India.
The city’s road network is extensive but often faces congestion and traffic jams due to the high volume of vehicles.
According to the Socio-Economic Survey report, 69.80% of Delhi’s residents use public transport services such as buses, charter buses, and the metro to commute to work, educational institutions, and other places.
Only 0.3% of the total working population is dependent on using private vehicles, while the other 11.15% of the population is mainly dependent on cabs, e-rickshaws, and taxis.
In the same report, as of 2021, 73% of the total working-class population of Delhi uses public transport for hospital-related emergencies.
Delhi has witnessed extensive urban planning over the years, but it has also struggled with issues like unauthorized colonies and slums, affecting the city’s aesthetics and infrastructure.
According to the Delhi Budget 2025, the Delhi Government has increased its overall budget by 31.5% compared to the previous year. This significant boost is aimed at modernizing the city, improving the quality of life for its residents, and fostering economic growth.
In Delhi, it takes 23 minutes 24 seconds to cover 10 km on a normal day. The city has the 10th slowest traffic in the country.
The government has undertaken initiatives to develop satellite towns and enhance connectivity with surrounding regions, aiming to decongest the city center.

Mumbai: As the financial and commercial capital of India, Mumbai stands tall with its well-established infrastructure. The city’s lifeline, the suburban railway system, caters to millions of commuters daily, earning its nickname as the “lifeline of Mumbai.”

Mumbai’s Public Infrastructure:

Although the road infrastructure is well-maintained, the city grapples with perennial traffic congestion, especially during peak hours.
Public services in Mumbai have made significant strides, with top-tier hospitals, educational institutions, and cultural centers accessible to its residents.
In 2023, Mumbai Traffic Police issued over 36 lakh challans from January to November, collecting over 205 crores in fines.
According to TomTom’s Overview report, it takes about 29 minutes and 3 seconds to drive 10km in Mumbai on a regular day.
Approximately 103 extra hours are spent by commuters driving through the congested roads of Mumbai.
Urban planning in Mumbai faces unique challenges due to space constraints and the city’s island geography. High-rise buildings dominate the skyline as a result of vertical development to accommodate the growing population.
The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs has allocated a total budget of Rs 100 billion to the Urban Challenge Fund dedicated to urban development, particularly metro projects.
The city’s development initiatives have focused on expanding business districts like Bandra-Kurla Complex and creating more green spaces for recreation and environmental conservation.

3. Economy and Job Opportunities

Delhi: Delhi has a diverse and resilient economy, with a mix of industries contributing to its growth. The city serves as a major hub for government offices, administrative functions, and diplomatic missions, thanks to its status as the national capital.

Delhi’s Economy and Job Market:

Delhi’s economy is the 2nd largest among Indian states and union territories; it contributes 4.94% to the total GDP of the country.
Booming entertainment industry, Bollywood, contributing to job prospects in media, entertainment, and related fields.
In 2023-24, the tertiary sector contributed 85% of Delhi’s GSDP, followed by the secondary and primary sectors at 12% and 3%, respectively.
The services sector recorded an annual growth rate of 7.3%.
Delhi is the largest commercial center in northern India.
As of 2023, Delhi’s nominal GSDP was estimated in the range of ₹11.07 lakh crore ($130 billion), with a 9.2% annual growth rate, and Delhi NCR’s metro GDP (PPP) was estimated at $370 billion.
The port and shipping industry plays a vital role in trade and commerce, further diversifying the city’s economic prospects.

Mumbai: Mumbai’s economic landscape is dominated by its role as India’s financial capital. It houses the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE), Reserve Bank of India (RBI), and numerous multinational corporations, making it a magnet for finance, banking, and investment sectors.

Mumbai’s Economy and Job Market:

Mumbai is the financial center of India, contributing to 6.16% of the total national GDP.
According to the recent survey, Mumbai Metro’s nominal GDP is estimated to be $277.98 billion, and its GDP (PPP) is estimated to be $400 billion.
The finance and banking sectors in Mumbai provide lucrative opportunities for finance professionals, accountants, investment bankers, and analysts.
Mumbai’s job market experienced significant growth in the first half of 2023.
The entertainment industry, centered around Bollywood, offers diverse job prospects in acting, production, direction, and various technical roles, attracting talent from all over the country.
Mumbai’s media and advertising sectors are also significant contributors to its job market, with opportunities in journalism, advertising, public relations, and content creation.
The number of employers in Mumbai increased by 30% in the first half of 2023, with around 10,000 new employers joining the platform compared to the previous year. AmbitionBox listed 75.2k companies in Mumbai in 2025.
A total of 2.5 million job applications were received, with women contributing to about 38% of the total applications, indicating a strong demand for employment opportunities and active female workforce participation in the city.

4. Cost of Living and Housing

Delhi: The cost of living in Delhi varies significantly based on the neighborhood and lifestyle preferences. As the capital city, certain areas can be quite expensive, particularly those in close proximity to government offices and commercial centers. However, Delhi also offers more affordable living options in its suburban areas and outskirts.

Delhi’s Cost of Living and Housing Options:

Delhi generally has a lower cost of living compared to Mumbai, making it an attractive option for those seeking a more affordable lifestyle.
The estimated cost of living for a family in Delhi in 2025 is estimated to be about Rs 114,112.9 without rent.
A single person is estimated to spend about Rs 33,707 to live in Delhi city.
Property cost estimates in South Delhi are around Rs 13,950/sq. ft, on average.
Daily expenses, including transportation, food, and entertainment, are relatively reasonable in Delhi, providing residents with a broader range of options within their budgets.
Delhi offers a more varied housing market with a mix of residential options, including apartments, independent houses, and gated communities. While some areas may have higher rental prices, there are also more affordable neighborhoods suitable for budget-conscious individuals and families.

Mumbai: Mumbai is notorious for its high cost of living, ranking among the most expensive cities in India. Accommodation, in particular, can be exorbitant, especially in areas like South Mumbai and central locations.

Mumbai, on the other hand, is known for its higher cost of living, especially in terms of housing and daily expenses.
The cost of dining out, entertainment, and social activities in Mumbai tends to be higher due to the city’s vibrant and fast-paced lifestyle.
The estimated cost of living for a family of four is Rs.1,23,427 without rent, but for an individual, it is believed to be approximately Rs. 35,614.
Mumbai’s housing market is notorious for its exorbitant real estate prices and limited availability of affordable housing options. The demand for space in the densely populated city often drives rental and property costs higher. Rent in Mumbai is 182.5% higher than in Hyderabad.
Due to the presence of numerous businesses and industries, Mumbai has the highest costs of living in India, especially when considering the expenses associated with rent.

5. Education and Healthcare

Delhi: Delhi’s educational infrastructure encompasses a robust network of schools, colleges, and universities, making it a thriving educational hub. The city boasts renowned educational institutions like Delhi University, Jawaharlal Nehru University, and the Indian Institute of Technology, attracting students from across the country and beyond.

Education and Healthcare Facilities in Delhi:

The current literacy rate of Delhi is 88.7%.
25% of seats in private schools are reserved for underprivileged children.
Tertiary education is managed by the Directorate of Higher Education.
Delhi NCR has approximately 500,000 university students attending over 165 universities and colleges.
In 2025-26, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has been allocated Rs 99,859 crore, representing an 11% increase over last year.
The Department of Health and Family Welfare receives Rs 86,175 crore, accounting for 96% of the ministry’s expenditure.
Initiatives like the “Happiness Curriculum” have been introduced in Delhi schools to improve the emotional and mental well-being of students.
The pupil-teacher ratio in government schools has seen a growth and become 25:1, which is an ideal number for effective learning.
According to a survey by Statista, the healthcare sector in Delhi has seen a significant improvement of 43% in the past few years, which has also enhanced medical tourism.

Mumbai: The city houses prestigious educational institutions such as the University of Mumbai, Tata Institute of Social Sciences, and the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, offering numerous academic opportunities. Mumbai’s schools encompass a mix of government, private, and international schools, ensuring accessibility to quality education for all strata of society.

Education and Healthcare Facilities in Mumbai:

The last census of Mumbai was done in 2011, so sadly the numbers are outdated.
According to that census, the total number of literates in Mumbai city is 7,575,485.
The average literacy rate in Mumbai city is 89.2%.
The male literacy rate is 91.48%, while the female literacy rate is 86.45%.
The central government has two major policies for healthcare infrastructure: Ayushman Bharat and the Pradhan Mantri Swasthya Suraksha Yojana (PMSSY).
When analyzing the number of deaths registered in Mumbai, 112,906 total deaths were registered in 2020, of which, only 10% (11,116) were COVID deaths.
Excluding COVID deaths, the total number of fatalities registered in Mumbai has increased by 12%; from 91,223 in 2019 to 1,01,790 in 2020.
Ayushman Bharat aims to create 1,50,000 Health and Wellness Centers (HWCs) to provide Comprehensive Primary Health Care (CPHC) by transforming PHCs/SCs.

The National Building Code (NBC) regulations have been incorporated in the Greater Mumbai Report on Draft Development Plan 2034, recommending 1 dispensary for every 15,000 population.
While economically the city is flourishing, most families (76%) do not even have health insurance.
The city has an average density of 41,139 people per dispensary, which shows the need for more dispensaries. However, Delhi has one dispensary for 17,591 people.

6. Safety and Security

Delhi: Delhi’s safety and security situation has been a matter of concern, with varying crime rates across different areas of the city. While Delhi offers a vibrant urban experience, it also grapples with higher crime rates compared to some other Indian cities. Crimes such as petty theft, street harassment, and cases of violence have been reported, particularly in certain localities. It has also been considered one of the most dangerous cities for women.

Crime Rates in Delhi:

According to the statistical report submitted by the National Crime Records Bureau, Crime in India, Delhi was ranked as the most unsafe city in India, with the highest crime rate.
In the first quarter of 2025, Delhi saw a significant drop in street crimes and rape cases, with robbery incidents falling 16% from 2023 and 25.7% from 2024 after a rise in 2024.
The crimes against women in Delhi reduced slightly to 2,076 from 2,141 in 2023.
In Delhi, there were 1,53,802 arrests in 2021 compared with 1,32,261 in 2020, under special laws and juveniles.

Mumbai: Mumbai is often considered one of the safer cities in India. While it is not completely free from crime, Mumbai’s overall safety situation is relatively better than Delhi’s. The city’s strong sense of community and vigilant citizens contribute to its safer environment. Law enforcement in Mumbai, led by the Mumbai Police, has been proactive in ensuring public safety and maintaining law and order.

Crime Rates in Mumbai:

Mumbai’s crime index in 2023 is at 44.21, while the safety index is slightly higher at 55.79.
Mumbai is considered a safe city to be walking alone during daylight, while the safety index of walking alone at night is 54.40, coming to a moderate level of safety.
Crime rates in Mumbai have dipped by 14% in 2022 in comparison to 2021, but the overall crime graph of the city has seen an increase of 9%.
Unfortunately for the city, theft, attacks, molestation, and robbery have seen a 100% increase in 2022.
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Wrapping it up

Both Delhi and Mumbai come with their own set of advantages and challenges, each offering a distinct vibe and lifestyle. Delhi captivates with its traditional modernity, while Mumbai attracts you with its endless possibilities. In the end, choosing between the two depends on what resonates with you personally, whether it’s the regal charm of Delhi or the indomitable spirit of Mumbai; the decision is yours to make.