Bandra West
The most popular choice for expatriate families: sea-facing promenades, cafés and a village-like character, a short drive from the business district.
To BKC: 20–30 minA guide for expatriate families and the companies that bring them here: where to live, what to expect, and how we help you settle in.
Plan your moveView indicative ratesMumbai is a long, narrow island city, and daily travel shapes family life here more than anything else. For over two decades we have followed a simple order of priorities when advising relocating families.
The school decides the neighbourhood. A short, predictable school run matters most to a family's routine.
The accompanying spouse spends most time in the neighbourhood, so we look at community, shopping, clubs and social life.
With the school and the neighbourhood settled, we find the best commute to the office.
Most relocating families choose one of a handful of neighbourhoods, depending on the school and the office. Travel times are indicative and vary with the time of day.
The most popular choice for expatriate families: sea-facing promenades, cafés and a village-like character, a short drive from the business district.
To BKC: 20–30 minContemporary high-rise living with sea views. The sea link and coastal road connect it well both north and south.
To BKC: 15–25 minQuieter, leafy streets next to Bandra, with generous apartments and good value.
To BKC: 25–35 minThe historic heart of the city: Malabar Hill, Cuffe Parade, Breach Candy and Colaba. Clubs, consulates and heritage architecture.
To BKC: 40–60 minFormer mill districts, now home to offices, hotels, malls and new residential towers.
To BKC: 20–30 minBeachside bungalows in Juhu; lakeside townships in Powai, which suits offices in the eastern suburbs.
To BKC: 35–60 minChoose your children's school and the office. We show where they are and rank the neighbourhoods by total daily travel, giving the school run twice the weight in line with our children-first approach.
Travel times are indicative estimates based on distance and typical city traffic, and vary with the time of day, the monsoon and roadworks. School locations are approximate. We are happy to arrange trial drives at school and office hours before you decide.
These are drawn from the homes listed with us over the last six months. They are indications of the market, not valuations. Individual homes vary with the building, floor, view and condition.
| Neighbourhood | 2 bed · rent / month | 3 bed · rent / month | 4 bed · rent / month | Sale · per sq ft (carpet) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| South Mumbai | ||||
| Malabar Hill – Nepean Sea Road | ₹1.8 L | ₹5 L | ₹8.75 L | ₹65k – ₹95k |
| Walkeshwar | ₹2.75 L | ₹4 L | ₹3.5 L | ₹62k – ₹100k |
| Peddar Road | ₹2.5 L | ₹6 L | ₹12 L | ₹58k – ₹72k |
| Breach Candy | ₹2.75 L | ₹4 L | ₹7.45 L | ₹59k – ₹83k |
| Cuffe Parade | ₹2.5 L | ₹3.5 L | ₹5.6 L | ₹66k – ₹98k |
| Colaba | ₹1.5 L | ₹2.75 L | ₹13.75 L | ₹41k – ₹59k |
| Tardeo | ₹1.5 L | ₹3 L | ₹4.5 L | ₹52k – ₹73k |
| Mahalaxmi | ₹2 L | ₹3.5 L | ₹4.5 L | ₹59k – ₹80k |
| Central Mumbai | ||||
| Worli | ₹2.25 L | ₹3.75 L | ₹5 L | ₹60k – ₹79k |
| Prabhadevi | ₹1.4 L | ₹3.5 L | ₹5.75 L | ₹52k – ₹79k |
| Lower Parel | ₹1.6 L | ₹5 L | ₹6.5 L | ₹52k – ₹75k |
| Parel | ₹1.35 L | ₹2.25 L | ₹4.5 L | ₹42k – ₹54k |
| Bandra & BKC | ||||
| Bandra West | ₹1.6 L | ₹3 L | ₹5.5 L | ₹55k – ₹85k |
| Khar West | ₹1.5 L | ₹2.65 L | ₹4.5 L | ₹52k – ₹70k |
| Santacruz West | ₹1.35 L | ₹2.5 L | ₹7.5 L | ₹47k – ₹67k |
| Bandra East & BKC | ₹1.5 L | ₹2.75 L | ₹4.5 L | ₹48k – ₹66k |
| Western & Eastern suburbs | ||||
| Juhu | ₹1.25 L | ₹2.6 L | ₹4 L | ₹53k – ₹70k |
| Andheri West | ₹90k | ₹1.5 L | ₹3 L | ₹35k – ₹49k |
| Powai | ₹1 L | ₹1.5 L | ₹3 L | ₹35k – ₹49k |
Rents are median asking rents. Sale rates show the typical range (middle half) of asking prices per square foot of carpet area. ₹1 L (lakh) = ₹1,00,000. Figures change regularly; please speak to us for current availability.
“Choose the school first, then the home. The rest of Mumbai falls into place.”
Mumbai offers 26 international-curriculum schools across the city, teaching the International Baccalaureate, Cambridge (IGCSE and A-Level), American and German programmes. Admissions for popular year groups can be competitive, so we recommend applying as soon as the move is confirmed.
Curricula are as published by the schools and may change. Please confirm programmes, availability and fees directly with each school.
Housing and school fees are the largest costs, and are often covered by the employer. Day-to-day living, including household staff, dining and transport, is generally more affordable than in most European and North American cities. Imported goods are the main exception.
This is a general guide only. Costs depend on lifestyle and change over time. We are happy to share a current, detailed budget on request.
Mumbai is served by two international airports and a growing network of expressways and metro lines.
Santacruz–Sahar, about 20–30 minutes from Bandra and BKC. Terminal 2 handles all international flights and most domestic ones. Terminal 1 (domestic) is being phased out for redevelopment, so please check your terminal before travelling.
Ulwe, Navi Mumbai. Domestic services began in December 2025 and the first international routes in July 2026. It is reached from South and Central Mumbai via Atal Setu, the trans-harbour sea bridge.
Foreign nationals on long-term visas (for example employment visas) must register with the Foreigners Regional Registration Office through the online e-FRRO portal (indianfrro.gov.in), within the period set by current rules. Typical documents are the passport and visa, photographs, proof of address (the lease) and a letter from the employer.
When a foreign national takes up residence, the landlord or host must report the stay online through Form C on the same portal, within 24 hours of arrival. This is the landlord's responsibility, and we coordinate it with the owner as part of every expatriate lease.
Residential leases are registered online with the state. Police verification of the tenant is also required. We manage the complete documentation, from the offer letter to handover.
Immigration and registration rules were revised under the Immigration and Foreigners Act, 2025. Requirements can change, so please confirm current requirements on the official portal or with your employer's immigration advisor.
From international luxury houses at BKC to historic bazaars in South Mumbai, and supermarkets with imported goods in every expatriate neighbourhood.
A city of heritage architecture, sea-front promenades, art and food.
Also worth a visit: Sanjay Gandhi National Park and the Kanheri Caves · the CSMVS museum · the Mahalaxmi racecourse · the Global Vipassana Pagoda · Dhobi Ghat · the Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (UNESCO) · Juhu Beach.
Travel times are approximate and depend on traffic.
The questions relocating families ask us most often.
We advise against drinking tap water. Residences in our portfolio have filtration systems (RO/UV) installed, or sealed 20-litre cans can be delivered. Filtered water is recommended for brushing teeth as well.
Mumbai is generally regarded as one of the safer large cities in Asia. Premium residential buildings have round-the-clock security, CCTV and visitor management. As in any major city, we suggest the usual care in crowded places.
The monsoon runs from about June to September, with periods of heavy rain. Some low-lying roads can flood briefly. We take drainage, building elevation and parking into account when we shortlist homes.
It is warm and humid for most of the year. The most pleasant months are December to February. Homes are air-conditioned throughout.
Residential leases in Maharashtra are 'leave and licence' agreements, typically 11 months to 5 years, registered online with the state. A security deposit (commonly several months' rent, refundable) and police verification of the tenant are standard. We manage the documentation.
Both furnished and semi-furnished homes are available. Semi-furnished usually includes wardrobes, a fitted kitchen, lights and air-conditioners. Owners are often willing to furnish to a tenant's list.
The usable area within the walls of the apartment. All rates in this guide are quoted on carpet area.
Pets are welcome in most residential buildings. Importing a pet requires vaccination records and an import permit arranged before travel.
Most expatriate families employ a full-time driver. Ride-hailing services are widely available and reliable.
Yes. Households commonly employ housekeeping staff, a cook, a driver and, where needed, a nanny. We can introduce verified agencies.
Yes, through licensed retailers, restaurants and bars. A personal permit is formally required and is easily obtained. A few 'dry days' apply on certain public holidays.
Mumbai has several internationally accredited private hospitals with English-speaking specialists and 24-hour emergency care. Most expatriates are covered by international health insurance.
Yes. English is the language of business and is widely spoken in hotels, hospitals, schools and shops across the areas where expatriates live.
Rules depend on residential status and nationality. Foreign nationals resident in India can generally acquire residential property, subject to conditions. We recommend taking specific legal advice, and we can recommend advisors.
230 V. Sockets are types C, D and M. Premium buildings provide power backup.
India Standard Time, UTC +5:30.
Share your office location, preferred school and household size. The Private Leasing Desk will prepare a considered shortlist of homes and arrange viewings at your convenience.
Contact the Private Leasing Desk