Delhi, a city with a 1000 years of history as a political power center. Or, Mumbai, a city with a 500 years of history as a financial power center. Delhi vs. Mumbai, which is a better place to live? Everyone who has lived in either of these cities must have been asked this question at least once. In fact, this is quite a common topic of discussion in both the cities. In parties, in offices, in public transports, in street corners, people just find excuses to indulge in this discourse. Though India has eight major metropolitan cities, no other two cities get compared more than Delhi and Mumbai are.
Yes, Delhi and Mumbai have a lot in common, but they are more different than similar. And thus, the comparison. It goes without saying that both Delhi and Mumbai have their pros and cons, and have quite different vibes. So, “Delhi Vs. Mumbai” is not a fair debate in absolute terms. But in relative terms, one can always reflect on the positive and negative aspects of each of the cities.
Hence, I thought of writing this article from a relative point of view, and not really to prove one is better than the other. Thus, this article is less about “Delhi Vs. Mumbai”, and more about a discussion on the various features that set them apart from each other.
However, if you are basically interested in tourism, here are your ultimate references: Mumbai (Maharashtra) ||| Delhi.
Delhi Vs. Mumbai: An overview
Before starting the Delhi Vs. Mumbai discourse, let’s have an overview of the two great cities. While Delhi is much older than Mumbai, both cities have a great heritage to boast of. While both the cities originated under local Hindu rulers, they prospered under foreign powers. With rich history comes rich cultural diversity in both the cities. However, as said earlier, Delhi and Mumbai are more different than similar.
While Delhi grows horizontally, Mumbai grows vertically. Since Delhi is situated on seismic zone-IV, its policy doesn’t allow for high rise buildings. On the other hand, owing to land scarcity, Mumbai builds sky scrappers. While Delhi flexes its political muscles, Mumbai is a commercial powerhouse. If Delhi has a changing weather all the time, Mumbai remains more or less same through the year. While Delhi has greenery everywhere, Mumbai looks like a concrete jungle. Though Delhi can scare you at times, Mumbai is mostly friendly and safe. The Delhi Vs. Mumbai debate can go on and on.
{If you like cities, do check out some other great cities: Kolkata (W.B.) ||| Paris (France) ||| Amsterdam (Netherlands)}
My experience of both the cities:
About a decade ago, I lived in Mumbai for a few months. But didn’t like it much, mainly because of the daily commuting woes. The traffic was too bad, and it took away 2-3 hours of my time everyday! Although I left Mumbai before I came to terms with the city, I have fond memories of it. Even now, I keep visiting Mumbai for work purposes, and have some very good friends there. I still hold that Mumbai is better than Delhi in many aspects of life.
Ever since I left Mumbai, I have been living in Delhi. Initially, I was skeptical of Delhi also; but slowly started liking it. I live in Hauz Khas Village, which is a great place to live in. I hardly feel like I’m living in a city! It’s green, has heritage monuments, has an old world charm, a cute market, good vibes, has a lake for evening walk, and it has my office too. So, I have all the reasons to love the place. To know more about the place, have a look: Hauz Khas Village.
Since I have lived both in Delhi and Mumbai, I’m well placed to do a good comparative analysis of the two cities from various aspects of life, livelihoods and travel.
How am I going to compare:
There can be hundreds of reasons for one to like or dislike a city. From weather to economic opportunities, from cost of living to leisure & entertainment, the list goes on. However, for this article, I have carefully chosen 14 such factors that people generally consider important for a good living. These factors, by no means are the ultimate factors, but are just my own perceptions.
For each factor, I assess Delhi Vs. Mumbai, and assign a score out of five stars in increasing order of merit. In other words, more the stars, better the city in that particular aspect.
Various aspects of Delhi Vs. Mumbai comparison
1. History and heritage: Delhi: ***** | Mumbai: ****
Delhi has a much longer history than Mumbai. Even though Indraprastha (Delhi as referred in Mahabharata) was much before history, Delhi’s historical record as a city goes back at least a thousand years. Rajput King Anangpal founded Delhi in 1052 CE. Since then, Delhi has seen many dynasties, and has been a capital city eight times. So, it’s always been a seat of power, including in the current times. With two satellite cities- Noida and Gurugram, it has become a major hub of corporates in recent times.
On the other hand, Mumbai rose to prominence much later. Before the 16th century, Mumbai consisted of seven islands of fishing villages. It remained under various Hindu and Muslim kingdoms before it fell to the Portuguese in 1534. However, Mumbai’s real growth started only when it was transferred to the British in 1661. At one point of time, it was the hub of cotton trade in the world. After independence, Mumbai grew as India’s financial capital, and the home of Bollywood, world’s largest film industry. Now, millions of Indians see it as the “city of dreams”.
Delhi wins this aspect of the “Delhi Vs. Mumbai” debate, but just marginally.
2. Culture and food: Delhi: **** | Mumbai: ****
In terms of culture and food, Delhi and Mumbai are very different. Though food is a big part of the “Delhi Vs. Mumbai” debate, I don’t think they are comparable at all. Delhi is an amalgamation of Mughal, Punjabi, and north Indian cultures. On the other hand, Mumbai boasts of Marathi, Gujarati, Muslim, and Parsi cultures. Of course, both the cities are home to people from all over the country. So, they bring their own cultures with them.
I consider food as an integral part of culture. So, food in both the cities are distinctly influenced by their major cultural components. In my view, there’s not much to choose from between Delhi and Mumbai when it comes to food. If Delhiites love their chat, momo, paratha, Mumbaikers love their vada-pav, dabeli, pav-bhaji, among other things. In any case, people love their own food more than any other’s.
{If you are a food lover, here are some interesting reads for you: Best Delhi food ||| Best Mumbai food}
Similar comparison goes for festivals. Both the cities have very vibrant cultural events through out the year. However, it’s Ganpati for Mumbai and Diwali for Delhi that are the main festivals every year. During Diwali (the festival of lights), Delhiites light up houses and streets, exchange gifts, and have fun. Mumbaikars celebrate Ganpati like a carnival with huge pandals all over the city.
So, from culture and food perspective, I would rate Delhi and Mumbai quite equally.
3. Weather & seasons: Delhi: *** | Mumbai: ***
Like the last factor (culture & food), weather is another big point for “Delhi Vs. Mumbai” debate. But neither city wins in this aspect.
Mumbai practically has only one season through the year. One can divide Mumbai weather into dry summer and wet summer. But the wet summer, i.e. the monsoon season in Mumbai is very charming and enjoyable. When it rains, the coastal areas of Mumbai become absolutely beautiful, especially the Marine Drive area.
However, it hardly rains in Delhi. Delhi rains come and go before you realize! BUT. Delhi experiences six seasons every year. When I came to live in Delhi, it was the first time I experienced six seasons in a year in my life! Before Delhi, my life in Odisha, Gujarat and Maharashtra was rather monotonous. It becomes really hot in Delhi in summers, really cold in winters with other transitions in between. Come spring season, the whole of Delhi becomes a colourful garden. This is such a beautiful part of life! Thus, seasons are one of the main reasons why I started liking Delhi.
A big advantage of Mumbai is that being a coastal city, Mumbai hardly gets too hot. Its maximum temperature remains in mid-30C through out the year, though it gets very humid during the summer. On the other hand, Delhi experiences dry summers with very high temperatures touching mid-40C.
4. Environment/ pollution levels: Delhi: * | Mumbai: **
Delhi is infamous for its poor air quality. In fact, it’s among the world’s most polluted cities with an average AQI (Air Quality Index) of ~200! Though it remains okay during Mar-Sep period, it worsens in the Oct- Feb period. However, Mumbai’s AQI is slightly better, hovering around ~180, which isn’t quite great either.
Though vehicular pollution levels are similar in both the cities, Delhi is more affected by stubble burning in neighbouring states during early winters. To add to its woes, Delhi experiences fog in the winters. This means, combined with the smoke, it makes a thick cloud of smog that remains at low levels for a longer period of time.
So, Mumbai wins the “Delhi Vs. Mumbai” debate in this aspect, but just marginally.
5. Cleanliness & hygiene: Delhi: * | Mumbai: *
This is one thing, Delhi and Mumbai both suck. I would rather dump the “Delhi Vs. Mumbai” debate in this case. Though south Delhi and south Mumbai are relatively clean, other parts of both the cities are mostly filthy. Much like other parts of India, dirty roads, unhygienic public places, and plastic pollution are typical features of streets in Delhi and Mumbai. The local authorities must put in place appropriate systems and staff to give the cities a better look.
In both the cities, it’s common to see rich, clean neighbourhoods with filthy approach roads. There’s a stark contrast between how people keep their homes clean, and how nobody cares about how it looks outside their houses! This is a common problem in India, and these mega cities are no different.
6. Greenery and open public spaces: Delhi: **** | Mumbai: **
It’s ironic that contrary to Delhi’s bad reputation as a polluted city, it’s actually quite a green city. In fact, I don’t remember any major city in India except Bengaluru to compare with Delhi in this aspect. Except for some peripheral areas, it’s completely covered with natural forests. Further, every housing society in Delhi has a small or big park. All the parks have multiple open-air gyms for working out. Irrespective of where one lives, one can go for a morning/ evening walk in a nice park. Besides, there are hundreds of big playgrounds for children also. This feature of Delhi is often overlooked, but absolutely a great value-add to one’s lifestyle.
In contrast, Mumbai has very little greenery and public spaces. Except for a few green pockets like Sanjay Gandhi N.P, Aarey Colony and Powai lake area, Mumbai is bereft of green spaces. Owing to its location (sea on all sides!), unfortunately, the city cannot find enough space for all the competing demands for space. In most parts, it’s a concrete jungle with crammed up buildings.
Thus, Delhi wins this one comfortably in the “Delhi Vs. Mumbai” debate.
7. Cost of living: Delhi: *** | Mumbai: *
When it comes to cost of living, Delhi wins hands down over Mumbai. House rent is the biggest component of a household’s monthly expenses. Finding even a modest 1BHK house in Mumbai is a hell of a task. Besides, it costs a bomb! However, in Delhi one can easily get a 2BHK in core Delhi area for a modest rent.
Similarly, with respect to conveyance, Delhi offers modern options at relatively low prices through out the city. Contrarily, in core areas of south Mumbai, even auto-rickshaws are not allowed. So, one has to take local buses, or take expensive taxis.
However, with respect to other costs like food, schools, health facilities, etc, both the cities are similar.
8. Opportunities/ livelihoods: Delhi: **** | Mumbai: *****
While talking of cost of living, one must also think of opportunities/ livelihood options also. Mumbai wins this aspect of “Delhi Vs. Mumbai” debate. Not for nothing Mumbai is called the city of dreams! Since it’s the commercial and financial capital of India, it presents plethora of work opportunities. The major industries include film industry, media, IT, communications, tourism, healthcare, etc.
Delhi being a mega city, also offers lots of job opportunities. In recent times, with the growth of Noida and Gurugram, hundreds of corporates have set up their bases here. Thus, Delhi is surging past Mumbai in sheer number of jobs. However, overall, Mumbai is still a little ahead, especially in terms of career options.
9. Safety, security and community life: Delhi: ** | Mumbai: ****
This one again goes to Mumbai quite easily. Mumbai doesn’t sleep. Any time of the night, the city feels relatively safe. In general, women, elderly and tourists feel safer in Mumbai than in Delhi. People in general, are a bit more educated and have better civic sense in Mumbai than in Delhi. Similarly, traffic sense, and abiding by traffic rules, is better in Mumbai than in Delhi.
In Delhi, people are generally a bit rude and non-polite. It’s common for taxi drivers to be aggressive and quarrel with the passengers. Cheating and scams in market places are more prevalent in Delhi than in Mumbai. For very trivial things, someone might beat you up! Though it can vary from place to place in the city, safety is a general concern in Delhi.
Further, I have noticed that community life in Mumbai is far better than Delhi. I have very fond memories of working in the slums of Mumbai. It was amazing to see people live happily in harmony with each other with such miserable conditions around them!
10. Traffic and mobility: Delhi: **** | Mumbai: **
Here comes one big positive point for Delhi in this “Delhi Vs. Mumbai” debate. In comparison to Mumbai, Delhi has far better public transport system. Yes, Mumbai has the local train system, the city’s lifeline. But it’s absolutely overcrowded and unsafe most of the times. Contrary to this, Delhi has the best metro rail system in the country, and actually one of the best in the world. It covers the city completely like a net, comfortable, convenient, runs efficiently and professionally.
Similarly, traffic is absolutely a nightmare in Mumbai. In fact, this was the number one reason why decided to leave Mumbai. During office hours, it’s common to spend 15 minutes in a taxi/ car at one traffic light! I lived only about 8 kms away from my office; yet, it would take me over an hour to reach there! In Delhi, however, the traffic keeps moving, albeit slowly during office hours, but doesn’t completely stop. Yes, there are a few points where traffic gets really bad in Delhi during office hours, like Delhi- Gurugram highway. However, these are exceptions rather than rules.
11. Water and electricity: Delhi: ** | Mumbai: ****
Mumbai is very efficient in water and electricity supplies. Hardly ever I remember having any difficulties in this aspect. Since we live in south Delhi now, we don’t have to face any major water or electricity issues. But in many pockets of Delhi, it’s a constant major issue even now. Though things have been improving, it’s nowhere near ideal. Every summer many parts of Delhi suffer from water/ electricity shortages.
So, in the “Delhi Vs. Mumbai” debate, this one goes to Mumbai big time.
12. Education and health facilities: Delhi: *** | Mumbai: ***
Both Delhi and Mumbai have world class higher education and health facilities. Delhi has JNU, DU, IIT, Jamia Milia Islamia, IIMS, AIIMS and some of the country’s top colleges. Similarly, Mumbai has IIT, Bombay University, TIFR, TISS, HBNI, etc. Yes, there are variations in terms of career options, but both cities have the best to offer in the country.
However, there is not much to choose between the two cities when it comes to public primary education and health facilities. They are equally good or bad, as you may like to say. Much like India as a whole, private facilities are better than public facilities.
13. Places of interest (tourism): Delhi: **** | Mumbai: ****
Both Delhi and Mumbai are great places to explore the new and the old world. From heritage sites to modern markets, from nature hotspots to cultural experiences, both the cities have them all. Coincidentally, both Delhi and Mumbai boast of three UNESCO World Heritage Sites each.
If Delhi has great parks, Mumbai has the Marine Drive and a few beaches. While Delhi is more diverse in terms of architecture, Mumbai offers more natural sites. Both cities offer great entertainment, sports and shopping experiences. Both the cities have a number of old places of religious importance.
14. Weekend getaways: Delhi: ***** | Mumbai: **
Delhi is an amazing place for weekend getaways. With Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh surrounding it, one has literally hundreds of destinations in the vicinity. One can take an overnight bus/ train to reach a destination to spend a weekend.
But Mumbai isn’t so lucky in this matter. It has just a few destinations within the state, or Gujarat and Goa to look up to. Mumbaikars’ favorite weekend destinations are limited to Lonavala, Mahabaleshwar, several hiking trails in the Sahyadri, and Goa.
After living some time in Delhi, I realized that if you are a traveller, it’s perhaps the best place to live in India. Because Delhi is well connected with all Indian cities, and more international flight options than any other city. In fact, this is another important reason why I started liking Delhi. So, in this aspect, Delhi clearly wins the “Delhi Vs. Mumbai” debate.
Other factors not discussed:
- Leisure and entertainment | Sports facilities | Cityscape | Neighbourhoods, and many more.
Delhi Vs. Mumbai: Which city I like more?
Obviously, the aspects discussed above are my subjective viewpoints. No matter how objective I want to be, it will always reflect my opinions and biases. However, I have tried to be as close possible to take a neutral stand. If you count the stars I have put in front of each city under all the aspects, Delhi marginally wins over Mumbai. Delhi: 48/70 to Mumbai: 42/70. Maybe, this is why I like living in Delhi, and left Mumbai after a few months.
However, the “Delhi Vs. Mumbai” assessment will vary from person to person depending on the weightage one gives to each of the aspects discussed above. For example, if safety and security is very high one one’s agenda, they will consider Mumbai a better place. On the other hand, if cost of living/ housing is high on the agenda, Delhi would win easily. Of course, there can be more considerations as well.
Besides, one big factor in liking or not liking a city would depend on which part of the city one lives. For example, if someone has to travel 30 kms everyday to their workplace, it’s a difficult proposition. Similarly, the immediate neighbourhoods also play an important role in the liking decision. Keeping everything else constant, a change in place of living can play crucial role in liking a city.
My conclusion on the Delhi Vs. Mumbai debate:
- If one compares only south Delhi with south Mumbai, south Mumbai wins hands down. It has a proper city vibe, and amazing neighbourhoods, and it’s full of energy. If you are well-off, or/ and live in south Mumbai, you will just love it.
- Given a choice, young people would love Mumbai more than Delhi. Because Mumbai has more options for fun and party, and has definitely a better nightlife than Delhi.
- However, as a whole, Delhi wins the debate. It’s a better city to live for people who don’t like concrete jungles, and like open spaces around them. Plus, it’s budget friendly as well.
- If you love exploring places, Delhi is a better place with hundreds of weekend-options all around.
How do other Indian cities stack up?
As per government of India, eight Indian cities are considered Tier-I cities. Of these eight, four are major metropolis in four different regions of India: Delhi in north, Mumbai in west, Chennai in south and Kolkata in west. In recent times, however, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, Pune, Surat, and Jaipur have grown to be the next metros. Obviously, each of these cities have their own reasons for growing fast and attracting people to call it home.
Bengaluru, owing to its nice weather and large English speaking software-educated population, has become a global IT hub. Hyderabad and Pune also are rising IT hubs. Ahmedabad and Surat owe it to their entrepreneurial population. Jaipur thrives on tourism, attracting millions of tourists for its monuments and cultural experiences. However, from a liveability viewpoint, Bengaluru, Ahmedabad, Jaipur and Pune are great cities.
Although a number of cities can stake claim to be among India’s greatest cities, Delhi, Mumbai and Kolkata still rank top three in my list. Kolkata’s cultural vibes can beat Delhi and Mumbai. Mumbai scores very high as a modern city with a great heritage. But Delhi is perhaps marginally ahead from a traveller’s perspective.
Final Thoughts
Comparing two great cities like Delhi and Mumbai is always going to be a tough job. This is why, a lot of people think of “Delhi and Mumbai”, rather than “Delhi Vs. Mumbai”. I have been to most of the tier-1 and tier-2 cities in India, and have lived in Delhi and Mumbai for long enough to make this comparison. Still, these are my personal views, and have a lot of subjectivity. Please do your own assessment, and share with us.
Though I like living in Delhi more than I liked living in Mumbai, mega cities are not where my heart lies. Once I’m done with my professional life, and done with travelling, I would like to sign off in a very small town. I love the slow paced, sleepy towns with lovely natural panoramas. However, till then, I have to deal with Delhi.
To conclude, I would say, Delhi is a more practical city, whereas Mumbai is more lovable. But the difference between the two cities is so marginal that it will vary if you change only a couple of parameters. I can only hope that I have made a reasonably good analysis of the two cities on the chosen parameters. Feel free to disagree with me, and do correct me if you want to.
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