Mumbai is the city of dreams. And for people who dream, there is always a price. While many of us earn a decent living in the city and have enough for our creature needs, this list can help you save some bucks for a rainy day or just to treat yourself at the end of the month. Take a look.
Ka-Ching: 7 Money Saving Hacks That Will Make Your Life In Mumbai Easier
What Is It?
Local Street Food, FTW
Indulge in a local feast here on a budget, instead of dining out and spending a bomb. From pav bhajis to vada pavs, missal pav, chaat, rolls and so much more are available all across the city, whenever you fancy a quick bite. Check out our guide to help you get started.
Dive Bars Are Cool & Affordable
A lot of us usually end up going to places that offer a great time but can dig a deep hole in your pockets. We’ve realised that for a great time is good company, along with good food & drinks. Dive bars in the city do just that, and are way cheaper with the same amount of fun. Check this out.
Get Big Brands At Throwaway Prices
In the city of dreams, you can be broke yet trendy. We recommend you visit local markets like Hill Road and Linking Road in Bandra, Colaba Causeway in South Mumbai and more in the city. What’s more, you can bargain and get brands such as Old Navy and H&M for under INR 500. Dharavi Market is also a great place to pick up accessories. We've got a lot to say about this, so catch it all here.
Stay Fit With These Parks In The City
Why go to a gym when there are several open gyms in the city? From Marine Drive to Worli Sea Face, and even Jogger’s Park, and the Bandra-Worli sea link, you have plenty of choice.
Added to that, you have a number of BMC-run parks across the city, not to mention SNGP in Borivali and Yeoor in Thane. Check out this list of parks that are open till late.
Wholesale Markets For Fruits & Veggies
If you want to check the best rates for fruits and vegetables, you need to visit the market outside Dadar west station. Unfortunately, you need to be an early bird for this because all the sabjiwalas are there at the crack of dawn.
Another place to visit is the APMC municipal market in Navi Mumbai that is a farmer’s market, so no middle man is involved (LBB Tip: While buying vegetables, don’t forget to explore this one roadside cart that sells freshly made yam wafers). Check out this market in the suburbs for exotic & affordable produce.
Fabric Markets That Are Gorgeous And Affordable
Stitching clothes is always the better option because it’s custom-made for your body type. So where better to go than Manish Market in Crawford Market’s premises to check out the wide array of fabrics ranging to soft cotton to denim. Choose what you like and get it stitched at your local tailor or by the garment merchant’s tailor itself. Trust us, it still works out way cheaper. Other such fabric markets in the city include the one at Agarwal Market in Vile Parle east and the ones near Dadar station. Check out our exhaustive list.
Join A Library For A Wholesome Experience
Books have become expensive, and while we do love reading, it’s sometimes a tough ask to enter a bookstore and purchase something, given all the bestsellers don’t go below INR 500. What’s more, you end up buying more than one book. Instead, register yourself at the local library (they may have monthly, quarterly, half-yearly or annual subscription models) and borrow and read as many books as you want. You can also visit second-hand book marts across the city, like Flora Fountain, which has a great collection.
#LBBTip - Avoid Paying Brokerage
Most people who come to Mumbai rent homes. To rent, they need a broker, which means paying a high brokerage amount. Given the price of rented accommodation in the city, paying a deposit, first month’s rent, and brokerage amount can be hard on the wallet. Instead, opt for Facebook groups like Flats Without Brokers or NoBroker.in that are sure to make your life easier.
