Short answer — the most affordable, buyer-friendly places in and around Mumbai (as of 2025) are in the Western Suburbs, the Central Suburbs, Thane, Navi Mumbai and the outer MMR nodes (Vasai‑Virar / Mira‑Bhayandar / Panvel). Below I list the specific localities, typical price ranges and pros/cons, with sources and a short checklist of what to verify before you buy.

Where to look (neighbourhoods + what to expect)

• Western Suburbs (Goregaon, Malad, Kandivali, Borivali)

  • Why: biggest supply of new launches and redevelopment activity; many 1‑BHK/compact 2‑BHKs reachable around ₹1 crore (prices in these nodes ~₹21k–₹28k per sq ft in 2025). Good rail + metro connectivity and malls/amenities. (businesstoday.in)

• Central Suburbs (Mulund, Ghatkopar, Vikhroli, Kanjurmarg, Bhandup)

  • Why: can be cheaper than many western pockets, well‑established social infrastructure and good central connectivity — used often by first‑time buyers. (hindustantimes.com)

• Thane (Panchpakhadi, Majiwada, Kolshet, Kasarvadavali, Pokhran Road)

  • Why: often significantly cheaper than comparable Mumbai suburbs (rapid infra-led growth; many compact 1–2 BHKs under or around ₹1–1.5 crore depending on location). Note: prices have risen fast in recent years, so entry points are shifting. (businesstoday.in)

• Navi Mumbai (Panvel, Kharghar, Airoli, Ulwe, Taloja)

  • Why: one of the most affordable MMR options with planned/ongoing infra (metro nodes, airport influence). Panvel and Ulwe typically offer the lowest entry prices; Kharghar and Airoli are slightly higher but more established. Typical market ranges vary widely by node (Panvel/Ulwe often lowest). (revaahomes.com)

• Outer MMR / peripheral towns (Vasai‑Virar, Mira‑Bhayandar, Palghar, Kalyan‑Dombivli)

  • Why: lowest per‑sq‑ft entry prices (often single‑digit thousands ₹/sq ft in some pockets), good for budget buyers and rental yield seekers — but commute to central Mumbai is longer. Public affordable housing draws (MHADA) also appear frequently in these areas. (moneycontrol.com)

Hands‑on buying checklist (important checks / steps)

1. Check MahaRERA registration and project status (registered projects, sanctions, any orders/complaints). MahaRERA’s portal / helpline is the authoritative source. (timesofindia.indiatimes.com)
2. Verify title and approvals (layout sanctions, municipal NOCs, environment if applicable) and insist on original documents / lawyer review.
3. Check builder reputation, delivery record, and whether the project’s escrow/financials look solid (ask for bank/escrow details).
4. Review possession timeline and penalty clauses in the sale agreement; confirm carpet vs saleable area and parking entitlement.
5. Beware of fake/illegal listings and forged RERA certificates — recent cases (e.g., Dombivli) show fraud and illegal constructions still occur; always validate with official records. (timesofindia.indiatimes.com)
6. Consider resale vs new launch: resale can give more immediate possession and negotiation room; new launches sometimes offer payment plans.
7. Factor total cost: stamp duty, registration, GST (on under‑construction), maintenance deposit, parking, and home‑loan processing fees.
8. Check commute times at peak hours, school/medical access and planned future infra (metro lines, highways) — these change values materially. Use local travel tests.

How to prioritize areas for your needs

• If you want the cheapest entry and are okay with long commutes: Vasai‑Virar, Palghar, some Panvel/Taloja pockets. (moneycontrol.com)
• If you want balance of affordability + city access (metro / rail): Western Suburbs (Kandivali / Borivali / Malad / Goregaon) or Central Suburbs (Mulund / Ghatkopar). (businesstoday.in)
• If you want more space for the money and strong future appreciation prospects (but rising prices now): Thane and Navi Mumbai nodes (Panvel, Kharghar, Ulwe). (businesstoday.in)

Public / subsidized affordable options

• MHADA and other government lotteries periodically offer very low‑cost units in Thane, Navi Mumbai, Mira‑Bhayandar and other MMR nodes — worth checking the MHADA portal and major news updates if you’re eligible. (moneycontrol.com)

Quick next steps (if you want to proceed)

• Pick 2–3 target neighbourhoods from above based on your budget & commute tolerance.
• Pull 6–10 listings (new + resale) in those areas, check MahaRERA numbers and builder names, and shortlist 2–3 units to inspect in person (different times of day).
• Speak to a local real‑estate lawyer and get a home‑loan pre‑approval so you can negotiate confidently.

If you want, I can:

• Narrow suggestions to your exact budget, preferred commute time and must‑have amenities; or
• Pull 5–10 current listings in a single chosen locality and check their RERA/possession status (I’ll fetch live listings and registration info).

Which would you prefer?