Ideally, one should not spend more than 25pc of your income on rent.But this is very simplistic.

The assumption is transport cost is zero and that there are no other factors in consideration.

In reality, people will be looking at non monetary factors eg proximity to work place,security,traffic flow and the kind of society in that place

To have your dream house while earning 70k and paying 39k is impossible. Most houses there cost 12M or more. A morguage of 15years with a 10% deposit will require you to put down 1.2M (would take you saving 15k a month for at least 5 years). After that pay 150,000 per month for 15years.

For Now
Just move to South C (the Vegeterians Only apartments) pay 20k Max and save the 19k and start a business, (maybe selling electricals or get a hookup from one of your uncles). That way you could be in westlands in 5 years.

Sonu, asian people cope very well in sharing they even share with thier in-laws in one room. So get another asian friend in your situation and share the house then save for your own. Better still dont fear move to where the local mwananchi is and stay there they dont bite, i suggest Nyayo highrise embakasi, white pple and pple from china reside there, the rent there is btw 20-24 for a 3 bedroom flat security is guaranteed. you must sacrifice to meet your future requirements.

Jeez, Sonu!

Perhaps you'd settle well in Bombay?

@sonu, The main starting point is reducing your rent payment. 39k is toooooo high for rent if you are paying from your salo. get a cheaper house in another neighbourhood. the issue of being near the workplace can be dealt with by you deciding to be getting up abit early. In a few years time you will appreciate the savings you made when you moved to a cheaper house. also discuss with your wife so that she understands why you are proposing you move to a cheaper house.