Realities of Renting in Mumbai: A Viral Interaction

A spontaneous encounter between two content creators in Mumbai has sparked a viral discussion about the challenges of renting in the city.

Influencer Arya Kothari recently approached fellow creator Muskan Ranka on a street in Mumbai, inquiring about her rental situation. This led to an invitation to explore her Bandra apartment, providing insights that have ignited conversations about urban living expenses.

When questioned about her rent on video, Ranka humorously replied that it costs “approximately as much as her two kidneys would.”

She later disclosed her monthly rent of ₹1.11 lakh, which covers maintenance, for her residence in Bandra. The apartment is around 630 sq ft and comprises a 2BHK layout, where she resides alone while pursuing her career as a full-time content creator and actor.

Watch the video here:

Income Needed for a ₹1 Lakh Per Month Apartment in Mumbai

When asked what income is necessary to support such a lifestyle in Mumbai, Ranka estimated that a person would require between ₹1.5 lakh and ₹2 lakh monthly for comfortable living.

She refrained from revealing her own earnings, mentioning that her chartered accountant advised against disclosing financial specifics, but admitted that maintaining a life in Mumbai is quite expensive.

Overview of the Bandra Apartment

The apartment tour provided a glimpse of a meticulously designed living area adorned in soft whites and beige shades. The living room is equipped with professional lighting tools and a ring light, which Ranka highlighted as essential for her work as a digital creator.

This apartment features two bedrooms, a compact yet efficient kitchen, and a small balcony, a desirable element many residents in Mumbai find rare due to the city’s space limitations.

Public Reaction to the Mumbai Rent Situation

The video garnered rapid responses online, with viewers engaging in discussions ranging from the apartment’s size to the feasibility of renting a 2BHK solo.

Some viewers challenged the stated measurements, prompting Kothari to clarify in the comments that the flat’s area is approximately 630 sq ft and that the wide-angle lens used during filming may have distorted perceptions.

Others chimed in regarding affordability, with one comment highlighting the significant cost of living in Mumbai and questioning the necessity of two bedrooms for an individual occupant. Another user pointed out the apparent gap between rental rates and income expectations, questioning how ₹2 lakh a month could be considered “comfortable” in the city.