Which place is cheaper, Mumbai or Chennai?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Chennai or Mumbai?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Chennai or Mumbai? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.
Where Should I go: Chennai or Mumbai?
Chennai
Formerly known as Madras from its colonial history, Chennai today is one of India's largest cities and capital of the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. It is located on the Bay of Bengal in southeastern India with an extensive stretch of sandy beaches, plenty of dining and shopping, a number of historic temples, monuments, and churches, plus amusement parks and more.
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 Adventure Tours to India, The Best Sightseeing Tours in India, The Best Cultural Tours in India, and The Best Food and Culinary Tours in India.
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Chennai Prices
India PricesMumbai Prices
India Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayChennai $30Mumbai $76
The average daily cost (per person) in Chennai is $30, while the average daily cost in Mumbai is $76. 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 Chennai and Mumbai in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personChennai $14Mumbai $30
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomChennai $28Mumbai $60
Compare Hotels in Chennai and Mumbai
Looking for a hotel in Chennai 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: Chennai Hotel Prices and Mumbai Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Chennai $2.29Mumbai $6.46
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Chennai
Also for Chennai, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- 12-Day Guided Tour to Kochi with Transfers: $1,167
- Full Day Tour to Kanchipuram and UNESCO's Mahabalipuram with Private Transfer: $234
- Private Transfer from Chennai to Vellore: Comfortable Travel: $156
- Private Transfer from Chennai to Pondicherry: Comfortable Travel: $130
- Private Transfer from Chennai to Thiruvannamalai: Ultimate Guide: $130
- Private Arrival Transfer: Chennai Airport (MAA) to Pondicherry Hotels: $108
- Private Departure Transfer: Mahabalipuram Hotels to Chennai Airport: $50
- Departure transfer: Chennai hotels to Chennai International Airport: $45
- Private Transfer from Chennai City to Chennai (MAA) Airport: $40
- Private Departure Transfer: Chennai Hotels to Chennai Airport (MAA): $35
- Private Arrival Transfer: Chennai Airport (MAA) to Chennai Hotels: $35
- Bangalore - private departure transfer from Hotel to Airport: $35
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Mumbai
Also for Mumbai, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Arrival Transfer from Mumbai Airport to Hotel Including VIP Assistance: $214
- Private Departure Transfer from Mumbai Hotel to Airport Including VIP Assistance: $214
- Airport Transfer: Mumbai to Mumbai Airport BOM by Van: $111
- Departure Private Transfers: Mumbai City to Mumbai Airport BOM in Luxury Van: $101
- Arrival Transfer: Mumbai Airport BOM to Mumbai by Luxury Van: $101
- Mumbai Private Bollywood Studio Tour with Transfer: $94
- Mumbai Airport (BOM) to Mumbai - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $76
- Airport Transfer: Mumbai Airport BOM to Mumbai by Business Car: $65
- Departure Private Transfers: Mumbai City to Mumbai Airport BOM in Business Car: $65
- Transfer to & fro Airports,Cruise Terminal,Hotels or any whichway, one way/time: $64
- Private Transfer from Mumbai hotels to Mumbai Cruise Port: $59
- Private Transfer from Mumbai Cruise Port to Mumbai Hotels: $59
Is it cheaper to fly into Chennai or Mumbai?
Prices for flights to both Mumbai and Chennai 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 dayChennai $9.74Mumbai $38
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Chennai
For Chennai, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Ayurvedic or South Indian Cooking Class in Chennai with an Author: $40
- Vegetarian South Indian Cooking Class in Chennai with Vidhya: $48
- Chennai Market Tour & Cooking Class in a Local Home with Meena: $54
- South Indian Vegetarian Cooking Class near Chennai Airport: $62
- Private Authentic Indian Cooking Demo in Chennai in Tara's Home: $76
- Traditional Indian Art, Craft and Cooking Tour: $76
- Neighborhood Market Tour & South Indian Cooking Class in Chennai: $152
- Food Trail In Sowcarpet With Transport And Dinner - Chennai: $200
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Mumbai
For Mumbai, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Mumbai Food Tour — 178 Years of Bombay on a Plate: $14
- Mumbai Street Food Tour with Evening Market Walk: $17
- Vegetarian Indian Cuisine Virtual Cooking Class Experience from Mumbai: $20
- Mumbai Food Tour: $20
- Best Mumbai Street Food Tour with Market & Train Ride Tour: $27
- Indian cusine demonstration cum hands on with Hi Tea / Dinner at a Family home: $29
- Experience Mumbai Street Food Tour: $36
- Mumbai Street Food Tour: $39
- Mumbai Authentic Street Food Tour: $41
- Bombay Express Mumbai Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $45
- Mumbai Best Street Food Tour with Local Guide: $46
- Authentic Indian Cooking Class in Mumbai in a Local Home: $49
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Chennai $2.44Mumbai $2.34
Tours and Activities in Chennai
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Chennai.
- 2 Day Royal Enfield Motorcycle tour from Chennai to Pondicherry & Mahabalipuram: $267
- 6-Day Classical Tamil Nadu Private Tour from Chennai: $250
- 7-Day Spiritual Tamil Nadu Private Tour from Chennai: $586
- A Private Day tour from Chennai to Gingee & Thiruvannamalai: $96
- Agra Taj Tour from Chennai: $292
- Agra: Taj Mahal Skip-the-Line & Guided Private 3 Hours Tour: $4.51
- Auroville and Pondicherry Tour from Chennai: $134
- Auto Rickshaw Tour of Mahabalipuram: $82
- Best Of Chennai- Classic Tour on Royal Enfield Motorcycle: $160
- Best of Guided Half Day City Tour with a local: $43
- British Architecture Walk in Chennai by Wonder tours: $49
- British Architecture Walk, an immersive walking tour in Chennai: $55
Tours and Activities in Mumbai
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Mumbai.
- "Mumbai - Dharavi Slum Tour": $8.57
- "Mumbai City Sightseeing Tour": $43
- 2-Hour Guided Tour of Dharavi: $21
- 2025 Award Winning: Mumbai City Highlights Half Day Tour: $65
- 3 Days Complete Mumbai Tour Inclusive of Bollywood Studio Experience: $277
- 3 Hours Early Morning in South Mumbai Heritage Bicycle Tour: $34
- 3-Day Mumbai to Nashik, Ajanta and Ellora Tour with Car and Guide: $149
- All in one Combo of City ,Slum,Dhobighat & Dabbawala tour: $77
- All-Inclusive Private Full-Day Mumbai Sights & Local Experiences: $163
- Asia Largest Dharavi Slum Guided Tour: $16
- Audio Guided Tour – Mumbai Cricket Walk by HopOn India: $5.34
- Audio Guided Tour of Matunga & Dadar Parsi Colony, Mumbai: $6.14
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayChennai $2.71Mumbai $3.25
Sample the Local Flavors in Mumbai
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Mumbai:
- Bombay Party (Bar Crawl): $25
- South Bombay Pub Crawl: $34
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Chennai and Mumbai, we can see that Mumbai is more expensive. And not only is Chennai much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Chennai would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Chennai 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 Mumbai would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Mumbai than you might in Chennai.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Chennai Expensive? and Is Mumbai Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Chennai or Mumbai?
Mumbai has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Chennai. When comparing the sizes of Chennai 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.
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.