Which place is cheaper, Mumbai or Abu Dhabi?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Abu Dhabi or Mumbai?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Abu Dhabi and Mumbai can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Abu Dhabi or Mumbai?
Abu Dhabi
It doesn't get more "lifestyles of the rich and famous" than a vacation to Abu Dhabi. The federal capital and center of government for the United Arab Emirates is arguably the most modern city in the world.
Abu Dhabi has a population of 1.5 million and provides a home to several oil companies and embassies, but this place is definitely a playground for the world's fanciest tourists. This city has several large projects underway including Yas Island's Formula 1 track and Ferrari theme park.
Note: homosexuality is still outlawed in the UAE with harsh punishments including deportation, fines, jail time or even a death sentence.
Mumbai
Mumbai is the largest city in India and the capital of Maharashtra state. It is still occasionally referred to as Bombay, but most people know it now as Mumbai. It's the commercial capital of the country and is a major port city. It's also famous for Bollywood, which is the movie capital of the country and famous for it's music filled Bollywood flicks that have become popular around the world. Mumbai is arguably the most cosmopolitan city in India and has some of the most liberal views of an otherwise conservative country. Many immigrants and expats live in Mumbai and it's easy to see the blend of cultures.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to United Arab Emirates, The Best Tours for Seniors to United Arab Emirates, The Best 2-Week Tours from Mumbai, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to India.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayAbu Dhabi $164Mumbai $69
The average daily cost (per person) in Abu Dhabi is $164, while the average daily cost in Mumbai is $69. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Abu Dhabi and Mumbai in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personAbu Dhabi $98Mumbai $34
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomAbu Dhabi $196Mumbai $68
Compare Hotels in Abu Dhabi and Mumbai
Looking for a hotel in Abu Dhabi or Mumbai? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.
Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.
Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Abu Dhabi Hotel Prices and Mumbai Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Abu Dhabi $20Mumbai $7.77
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Abu Dhabi
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Abu Dhabi are as follows:
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Car Rental$31
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Taxi to Airport$14
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Abu Dhabi
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Abu Dhabi:
- Skydive in Abu Dhabi | Tandem Skydive with transfer: $817
- Ferrari World Abu Dhabi Tickets with Private Transfers: $289
- Private Transfer from Talal Liwa to Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH): $273
- Private Transfer from Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) to Ras Al Khiamah: $273
- Private Transfer from Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) to Qasr Al Sarab: $273
- Private Transfer from Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) to Fujairah: $273
- Private Transfer from Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) to Talal Liwa: $273
- Private Transfer from Qasr Al Sarab to Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH): $273
- Private Transfer from Jebel Dhanna Resort to Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH): $273
- Private Transfer from Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) to Jebel Dhanna Resort: $273
- Ferrari world & Warner bros. parks with transfer from Dubai: $250
- Ferrari World Theme Park and Seaworld Park Ticket with Transfer: $250
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Mumbai
Also for Mumbai, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Dharavi Slum Tour in Mumbai with Combo Packages & Transfers: $12
- Mumbai Private Car: Airport to Hotel Transfer: $18
- Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer service in Mumbai APT-HTL (BOM): $20
- Airport to Hotel or Hotel to Airport Transfers: $24
- Private Transfer to/from Mumbai Airport: $24
- Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer service in Mumbai HTL-APT (BOM): $27
- Private Transfer From/To Mumbai Chhatrapati International Airport: $27
- Private Hotel Transfers to/from Mumbai Airport: $30
- Private Hotel Transfers to/from Airport: $36
- Private Transfer from Mumbai to Chatrapati Shivaji (BOM) Airport: $39
- Private Transfer from Chatrapati Shivaji (BOM) Airport to Mumbai: $39
- Dharavi Tour Including Car Transfer: $42
Is it cheaper to fly into Abu Dhabi or Mumbai?
Prices for flights to both Mumbai and Abu Dhabi change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.
Food
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Food Meals for one dayAbu Dhabi $45Mumbai $26
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Abu Dhabi
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Abu Dhabi.
- Dubai: Dhow Cruise Marina Multi Cusine Dinner & Tanura Show: $35
- Dubai Marina luxury Dhow Cruise Dinner (catamaran): $42
- Abu Dhabi Desert Safari BBQ Dinner Live Shows Pick & Drop More: $45
- Abu Dhabi Evening Desert Safari Tour with Shows and BBQ Dinner: $48
- Abu Dhabi Desert Safari With BBQ Dinner & Live Shows: $49
- Desert Safari, Quad Bike, Camel Ride & BBQ Dinner: $50
- Desert Tour with BBQ Dinner and Hotel Transfer: $51
- Abu Dhabi Desert Safari With Live Shows And BBQ Buffet Dinner: $60
- Desert Safari Abu Dhabi w/ Sand Boarding, Camel Ride & BBQ Dinner: $75
- Abu Dhabi Evening Desert Safari & Dinner Under the Stars: $77
- Abu Dhabi Desert Safari 4x4, BBQ Dinner, Camel Ride: $81
- Evening Desert Safari Abu Dhabi with BBQ Dinner & Shows: $81
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Mumbai
For Mumbai, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Hidden Gems and Street Food Tour: $15
- Discover Mumbai's street & beach with food tour: $17
- Mumbai Food Tour: $20
- Vegetarian Indian Cuisine Virtual Cooking Class Experience from Mumbai: $20
- Old Bombay Bazaar and Food Tour with local Guide: $23
- Mumbai Food Tour: $25
- Street Food Tour - Eat like a Local with sunset view: $26
- Old Bombay Bazaar and Food Tour with local Guide: $27
- Guided Food Tour Through the Vibrant Markets of Old Bombay: $28
- Street Food Tour: $32
- Indian cusine demonstration cum hands on with Hi Tea / Dinner at a Family home: $33
- Mumbai Street Food Tour with Sun Set View: $38
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Abu Dhabi $39Mumbai $2.66
Tours and Activities in Abu Dhabi
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Abu Dhabi are as follows:
- Abu Dhabi Full Day City Tour : $100
- Abu Dhabi Louvre Museum Entrance Ticket: $41
- Abu Dhabi Tour-Sheik Zayed Mosque, Emirates Palace With Louvre Musuem: $115
- Full Day Abu Dhabi City & Louvre Museum Tour: $90
- Private Full-Day Tour in Abu Dhabi: $234
- Ticket to Louvre Museum, Abu Dhabi: $19
- 4 Hour Cultural Tour of Abu Dhabi - Private Tour: $160
- 8 Hour Ticket/Pass For Yas Water World In Dubai.: $103
- 8 hours Private Tour: Ferrari World and Louvre Museum with Pickup: $270
- Abu Dhabi 'Hidden Gems' by City Break - walking tours made fun!: $32
- Abu Dhabi 4G & 5G Data Roaming for Tourist: $11
- Abu Dhabi : Private Custom Walking Tour with A Guide: $43
Tours and Activities in Mumbai
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Mumbai.
- Audio Guided Walking Tour on HopOn India App – From Gateway to Fountain, Mumbai: $5.32
- Highlights Bus Full-Day Tour in Hindi: $5.40
- Mumbai's Historical Architecture: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.40
- Dharavi Slum Tour with Local guide: $6.00
- Audio Guided Tour of Matunga & Dadar Parsi Colony, Mumbai: $6.14
- Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $6.56
- Malabar District, Scavenger Hunt & Self-Guided Tour: $6.56
- Mumbai (Malabar District) Self-Guided Tour: $6.72
- Mumbai Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $6.72
- Dharavi Slum Tour: $8.63
- Dharavi Slum Tour: $8.99
- Inside Dharavi: Unveiling Mumbai's Slum Culture Tour: $9.11
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayAbu Dhabi $13Mumbai $3.69
Sample the Local Flavors in Mumbai
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Mumbai:
- Bombay Party (Bar Crawl): $25
- South Bombay Pub Crawl: $39
- South Bombay Pub Crawl: $39
- Mumbai Private Bar Crawl with City Night Tour: $124
- Nashik: Private Full-Day Wine Tour with Tastings From Mumbai: $128
- Full-Day Private Wine Tour at Sula Vineyards from Mumbai: $152
- Wine Tasting Tour Sula Vineyards Nashik - (Day excursion from Mumbai): $163
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Abu Dhabi and Mumbai, we can see that Abu Dhabi is more expensive. And not only is Mumbai much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Abu Dhabi is in Middle East and Mumbai is in Asia, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Mumbai would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Mumbai and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Abu Dhabi would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Abu Dhabi than you might in Mumbai.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Abu Dhabi Expensive? and Is Mumbai Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Abu Dhabi or Mumbai?
Mumbai has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Abu Dhabi. When comparing the sizes of Abu Dhabi and Mumbai, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.
When is the best time to visit Abu Dhabi or Mumbai?
Both destinations experience a warmer climate most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season. Although in the rainy season, it doesn't necessarily rain every day.
Should I visit Abu Dhabi or Mumbai in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Abu Dhabi as well as Mumbai. Abu Dhabi attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Mumbai throughout the year.
It's quite rainy in Mumbai. Abu Dhabi usually gets less rain in July than Mumbai. Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Mumbai receives 640 mm (25.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Abu Dhabi this time of the year. In the summer, Abu Dhabi often gets more sunshine than Mumbai. Abu Dhabi gets 331 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Mumbai receives 73 hours of full sun.
It's very hot in Abu Dhabi this time of the year. Abu Dhabi is a little warmer than Mumbai in the summer. The daily temperature in Abu Dhabi averages around 35°C (95°F) in July, and Mumbai fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyAbu Dhabi 35°C (95°F)Mumbai 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Abu Dhabi or Mumbai in the Autumn?
Both Mumbai and Abu Dhabi are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Abu Dhabi throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Mumbai because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In October, Abu Dhabi usually receives less rain than Mumbai. Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Mumbai receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
It's quite sunny in Mumbai. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Abu Dhabi. Abu Dhabi usually receives more sunshine than Mumbai during autumn. Abu Dhabi gets 314 hours of sunny skies, while Mumbai receives 240 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In the autumn, Abu Dhabi is around the same temperature as Mumbai. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Abu Dhabi in October average around 29°C (84°F), and Mumbai averages at about 29°C (84°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberAbu Dhabi 29°C (84°F)Mumbai 29°C (84°F)
Should I visit Abu Dhabi or Mumbai in the Winter?
Both Mumbai and Abu Dhabi during the winter are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Abu Dhabi because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Mumbai year-round.
Abu Dhabi usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Mumbai. Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Mumbai receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
In Mumbai, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Abu Dhabi. In the winter, Abu Dhabi often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Mumbai. Abu Dhabi gets 269 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Mumbai receives 270 hours of full sun.
In January, Abu Dhabi is generally cooler than Mumbai. Daily temperatures in Abu Dhabi average around 18°C (64°F), and Mumbai fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryAbu Dhabi 18°C (64°F)Mumbai 24°C (75°F)
Should I visit Abu Dhabi or Mumbai in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Abu Dhabi and Mumbai. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Abu Dhabi year-round. Mumbai attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In April, Abu Dhabi usually receives around the same amount of rain as Mumbai. Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Mumbai receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Mumbai this time of the year. In Abu Dhabi, it's very sunny this time of the year. Abu Dhabi usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Mumbai during spring. Abu Dhabi gets 297 hours of sunny skies, while Mumbai receives 284 hours of full sun in the spring.
Abu Dhabi is around the same temperature as Mumbai in the spring. The daily temperature in Abu Dhabi averages around 27°C (81°F) in April, and Mumbai fluctuates around 29°C (84°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilAbu Dhabi 27°C (81°F)Mumbai 29°C (84°F)
Typical Weather for Mumbai and Abu Dhabi
| Abu Dhabi | Mumbai | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 18°C (64°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Feb | 20°C (68°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Mar | 23°C (73°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Apr | 27°C (81°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| May | 31°C (88°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 30°C (86°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Jun | 33°C (91°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 560 mm (22 in) |
| Jul | 35°C (95°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 640 mm (25.2 in) |
| Aug | 36°C (97°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 520 mm (20.5 in) |
| Sep | 33°C (91°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 320 mm (12.6 in) |
| Oct | 29°C (84°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) |
| Nov | 25°C (77°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) |
| Dec | 21°C (70°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.