Mumbai and Delhi are not only the most expensive cities in India but they have also risen in the global ranking of costly cities. Meanwhile Hong Kong remains the most expensive city, followed by Singapore and Switzerland’s Zurich, Geneva, Basel, and Bern (Switzerland). Other cities on top of Mercer’s 2024 Cost of Living survey are New York City (US), London (UK), Nassau (Bahamas), and Los Angeles (US).

According to Mercer’s survey, personal care, energy and utility, transportation costs, and housing rentals are all at high levels in Mumbai. In fact, it rose 11 rungs to be ranked 136. Delhi climbed four spots to 164. However, Chennai dropped five spots to 189 and Bengaluru dropped six spots to 195. While Hyderabad saw no change at 202, Pune jumped eight spots to 205, and Kolkata rose four spots to 207.

“In the face of global economic challenges, India has remained largely resilient in our 2024 Cost of Living Survey. Despite Mumbai’s rise in rankings, the overall affordability of Indian cities remains a key advantage for multinational organizations or Indian companies looking to attract global talent. Our thriving economy, fuelled by domestic demand and a robust services sector, offers a stable environment for global talent. As we navigate rising global housing costs and inflation, India's growth story and improving living standards position us as an attractive destination for international assignments,” Rahul Sharma, India Mobility Leader at Mercer, told the media.