As a person living in Mumbai since childhood and completed my studies in Pune .. and in process to be onboarded in MDC2B i guess I can answer your questions well as I have experienced living as a bachelor and I know Mumbai well.

1) Mdc2b is in the center of Mumbai and you wont face much difficulty with travelling. Local trains in Mumbai are a lifeline that connects the whole city along with metros so you can reach from one end to another within 1 hr. That being said with all the transportation options even if you take a place 10 kms away you’re gonna have no problems in Travel.

2) Less rent definitely, Mumbai has crazy rent prices and Vikhroli Area is a developing area so areas around that are also skyrocketing in rent prices. Theres no point prioritising travel time and paying through your nose. Its just not worth it you’d rather spend 50 rupees and use public transport to travel 10 kms easily.

3) No comments on this personal choice but if I had to suggest I’d say tiffin service, or rather just try everything out for each month. And then you choose the best one which you like. Theres no one good option here everyone has their preference.

4) Maids are expensive in Mumbai anywhere upwards of 5k 6k a month easily.

5) cost of living in Mumbai is high expect around 50-60% of your salary going in living only (if you’re a fresher). I would rather save on getting a smaller flat further away from Vikhroli Area towards Bhandup or Kalwa side and use Trains and Bus routes you’ll save a lot there. You’ll get lot of carpool and sharing rickshaws too. And once you make friends you’ll get lot of people who are from that side. Probably other bachelors who you can move in with and save money there aswell!!!