India is home to some of the best colleges and universities in the world, and Delhi and Mumbai are two of the most popular cities in India for students.
With a plethora of colleges and universities in both cities, students have a wide range of options to choose from. However, one of the biggest factors that students consider when choosing a city to study in is affordability.
In this article, we will delve deeper into the cost of education in Delhi and Mumbai and help you determine which city is best for affordable education.
Deciding Between Delhi and Mumbai for Studies
Tuition Fees
Tuition fees are one of the biggest expenses students incur during their education. In Delhi, the tuition fees for top universities and colleges are generally lower than in Mumbai.
For example, the annual tuition fee for Delhi University ranges from Rs. 10,000 to Rs. 30,000, while Mumbai University charges an annual fee ranging from Rs. 20,000 to Rs. 40,000.
Similarly, the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) in Delhi has an annual fee of Rs. 2 lakh, while the IIT in Mumbai has an annual fee of Rs. 2.2 lakh. This means that students can save some amount of money on tuition fees if they choose to study in Delhi.
Accommodation
The cost of accommodation is another crucial factor that students consider when choosing a city to study in. In Delhi, the cost of PGs and hostels is generally lower than in Mumbai.
An average PG in Delhi costs between Rs. 8,000 to Rs. 15,000 per month, while in Mumbai, the rent for similar accommodations ranges from Rs. 10,000 to Rs. 20,000 per month.
Similarly, the cost of a one-bedroom apartment in Delhi ranges from Rs. 10,000 to Rs. 20,000, while in Mumbai, it ranges from Rs. 20,000 to Rs. 40,000.
This means that students can save a significant amount of money on accommodation if they choose to study in Delhi.
Transportation
The cost of transportation is also an important consideration for students. In Delhi, the public transportation system is more affordable, and the cost of a monthly pass for Delhi Metro ranges from Rs. 800 to Rs. 1,500.
In Mumbai, there is also a public transportation system, but the cost of Mumbai Local and taxis is generally higher than that of Delhi.
Similarly, the cost of owning a car in Mumbai is higher than in Delhi. According to a study by ICICI Lombard, the cost of owning a car in Mumbai is around 11% higher than in Delhi.
This means that students can save a significant amount of money on transportation if they choose to study in Delhi.
Cost of Living
The cost of living is another crucial factor that students consider when choosing a city to study in. In Mumbai, the cost of living is generally higher than in Delhi.
According to the Cost of Living Index released by Numbeo, the cost of living in Mumbai is 16.24% higher than in Delhi. Similarly, the cost of food and groceries is also higher in Mumbai than in Delhi.
According to the same report, the cost of groceries in Mumbai is 16.01% higher than in Delhi. This means that students can save a significant amount of money on living expenses if they choose to study in Delhi.
Scholarships and Financial Aid
Both Delhi and Mumbai universities and colleges offer scholarships and financial aid to students. Delhi University offers merit-based and need-based scholarships, while Mumbai University also offers similar options.
Similarly, IIT Delhi and IIT Mumbai also offer scholarships and financial aid to eligible students. Students can apply for scholarships and financial aid to offset their education costs.
Conclusion
As we have seen, Delhi and Mumbai are both great cities for students who are looking for an affordable education.
While Delhi is generally more affordable than Mumbai, students should consider their budget, financial situation, and the college they want to attend before making a decision.
Students can save a significant amount of money on tuition fees, accommodation, transportation, and living expenses if they choose to study in Delhi.
However, Mumbai also offers a range of excellent colleges and universities, and students can still obtain an affordable education in this city with careful planning and budgeting.
Ultimately, it is up to the individual student to decide which city is best for them based on their unique circumstances.
