Moving to Mumbai as an expat - Working in Bandra

Hi All,

Greetings!

We are planning a move to Mumbai later this year as an expatriate. My company plans to take care of housing, education, car etc.

We would like to live near Bandra, and also near ASB BKC and a reputed hospital. We are looking for recommendations on names of buildings in this area (with price range for rent) where expatriates live and that satisfy our needs for 3BHK or 4BHK.

Additionally, I am looking for suggestions on how much in Rupees is adequate ( beyond housing, education, car, health insurance) for a comfortable lifestyle for a family with 2 kids.

Thanks for your help.

What part of New York City (or is it State ?) do you live now ?

I am in westchester county.
Do you have any insights on my questions ?

Thanks

If you're like most expats here I think your company would have a maximum housing allowance for you? Usually the company would also have certain property agents working with them, who will be taking you around the area to see different apartments according to your allowance. This would be the most effective way to look for apartments here in my opinion.

There is a lot of construction of new buildings going on in Bandra. While I don't have specific building names that I would particularly recommend, I would advise you not to be one of the first few to move in to any new building as you might end of having to endure the noise of renovation in your neighbors' places for months, or even years.

Monthly spending can be very divergent depending on the level of comfort you want, but I think it's pretty standard for expat families to have some form of hired help, for e.g. a driver (Rs. 12-18,000/mo), a maid (full-time perhaps Rs.11-15,000; part-time Rs. 6000+), a cook (Rs. 5000-12000, depending on how much you want her to cook). Utilities (electricity, gas, internet) around Rs. 5-8000 a month). Groceries cost varies a lot depending on whether you want to buy common vegetables in India or less common vegetables/imported goodies so I will not comment. Eating out per adult is about Rs. 600+ in an average but clean/expat friendly restaurant, it can of course go higher to something like Rs. 2000 in 5 star hotels. These are some figures which I think are reasonable.

nytomumbai2012

I did not see this post and saw the questions you posed to 'Renwaa' in another of your posts. I have tried to give you some input there and would refer you to that post...

Good luck

Yes

If you live in Westchester and commute to Manhattan, then you could replicate it with similar commute time and live in some the high rises off the Western Highway between Malad & Borivilli (W).

You are likely to find parks and/or semi gated complexes that will allow some breathing room. Living in Bandra (W) it is very difficult to replicate it without getting a standalone bungalow with garden. If your company will spring for basic amenities like housing, they could subsidize a car with driver too.

Just like in Westchester, so in Mumbai rentals change from street to street. Larchmont, Scarsdale Vs Rye or Mamaroneck, one stop makes a big difference. Unlike Westchester; you can send your kids across the school district boundaries as long as you are willing to pay.

PAY mucho!!! $$$ - £££ - €€€ - we take ANY moneyyyy - we take ALL your money...

ASB, Ecole, Oberoi, Ambani - none are cheap!