Mumbai vs. Siem Reap: Detailed 2026 Cost of Living & Quality Comparison

This report provides a detailed comparison of Mumbai, India, and Siem Reap, Cambodia, focusing on cost of living and quality of life metrics for the year 2026. Mumbai, with a population of approximately 12.5 million, is a major global financial hub and megacity. Siem Reap, with a population of around 500,000, is a significant tourism center in Cambodia, famous for the Angkor Wat temple complex. The comparison examines various economic and quality-of-life indicators to help understand the relative affordability and living standards in these two distinct urban environments.

The cost of living in Mumbai is significantly higher than in Siem Reap across most categories. Mumbai's overall cost of living index stands at 89.7 (where New York is 100), while Siem Reap's index is 29.9. This indicates that Mumbai is considerably more expensive. Groceries, household items, and dining out are particularly costly in Mumbai compared to Siem Reap. Transportation costs also reflect this disparity, with Mumbai's index at 88.3 versus Siem Reap's 34.3. Healthcare expenses are another major factor, with Mumbai's index at 92.3 compared to Siem Reap's 46.5.

However, salaries in Mumbai are substantially higher than in Siem Reap. The average monthly net salary in Mumbai is $4,300, while in Siem Reap it is only $220. This significant salary differential partially offsets the higher cost of living in Mumbai, making it relatively more affordable for expatriates in terms of disposable income. Despite the lower salaries in Siem Reap, the overall cost of living is so much lower that the purchasing power for locals remains substantially higher than for expatriates in either city.

The property market shows a dramatic difference between the two cities. Mumbai's property price-to-income ratio is 10.3, significantly higher than Siem Reap's ratio of 102.1. This indicates that while property prices in Mumbai are high relative to income, they are substantially lower than in Siem Reap. Mumbai's average property prices range from $4,000 to $15,000 per square meter, while Siem Reap's range from $1,000 to $3,000 per square meter for similar properties.

Rental costs also reflect this disparity. A 1-bedroom apartment in Mumbai's city center averages $3,000 per month, compared to just $350 in Siem Reap's city center. While Mumbai's rental market offers more luxurious options, the significantly higher costs make it less accessible for many residents unless supported by high incomes or employer housing.

Mumbai scores considerably higher on quality-of-life indicators than Siem Reap. The overall quality of life index is 78.9 for Mumbai versus 69.2 for Siem Reap. Healthcare is a major differentiator, with Mumbai scoring 85.9 and Siem Reap only 41.5. Mumbai's educational system is also superior, with scores around 70-75 compared to Siem Reap's scores in the 50-55 range. Safety is another area where Mumbai performs better, with a safety index of 72.3 compared to Siem Reap's 67.6.

The climate indices are relatively similar between the two cities, with Mumbai scoring 68.9 and Siem Reap 63.6. However, Mumbai faces more significant air pollution challenges, reflected in its higher pollution index of 61.2 compared to Siem Reap's 75.4. Infrastructure quality is another area where Mumbai clearly outperforms Siem Reap, with scores around 75-80 versus 60-65.

Mumbai operates within a much more developed economic environment than Siem Reap. India's GDP per capita is $2,100, significantly higher than Cambodia's $1,300. Mumbai's economic growth rate is projected at 6.8%, while Siem Reap's growth is expected at just 1.2%. Unemployment rates also tell this story, with Mumbai at 6.5% versus Siem Reap at 2.1%. These economic differences impact job opportunities, career advancement prospects, and economic stability.

Mumbai and Siem Reap represent vastly different living environments with significant implications for cost, quality of life, and economic opportunity. Mumbai offers higher salaries, better infrastructure, superior healthcare and education, and more job opportunities, but at a substantially higher cost of living. Siem Reap provides a much more affordable lifestyle with lower costs for housing, food, and transportation, but with significant limitations in healthcare, education, and economic development.

The choice between these two cities ultimately depends on individual priorities and circumstances. Those prioritizing career advancement, higher income, and better public services should consider Mumbai, despite the higher costs. Those seeking a more affordable lifestyle, cultural immersion, or tourism opportunities might find Siem Reap more suitable, though they should be aware of the limitations in healthcare, education, and economic security.