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 $75
The average daily cost (per person) in Chennai is $30, while the average daily cost in Mumbai is $75. 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 $13Mumbai $29
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomChennai $26Mumbai $58
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 $2.26Mumbai $6.37
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: $1,094
- 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 Arrival Transfer Chennai Airport MAA to Mahabalipuram: $55
- Private Transfer from Mahabalipuram Hotel to Chennai Airport(MAA): $50
- Chennai Airport: Layover City Guided Tour with Transfers: $48
- From Chennai Mylapore walking trail with Guide & Transfers: $45
- Departure transfer: Chennai hotels to Chennai International Airport: $44
- Private Transfer from Chennai City to Chennai (MAA) Airport: $39
- Private Departure Transfer: Chennai Hotels to Chennai Airport (MAA): $35
- Private Arrival Transfer: Chennai Airport (MAA) to Chennai Hotels: $35
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Mumbai
Also for Mumbai, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private 3Day City Tour with Hotel & Airport Transfer: $377
- Luxury Mumbai Package with Hotel,Private Airport Transfers and Sightseeing Tour: $270
- Private Shore Excursion with Guide & Transfers: $215
- Private Departure Transfer from Mumbai Hotel to Airport Including VIP Assistance: $214
- From Sondai Fort Guided Trek with Meals & Transfers: $179
- From Prabalgad Fort Trek with Meals and Transfers: $165
- Mumbai to Alibaug Private Speed Boat Transfer: $145
- Full-Day Private City Tour with Guide and Transfer: $120
- Private Bollywood Tour with Dance Show & Transfers: $104
- Arrival Transfer: Mumbai Airport BOM to Mumbai by Luxury Van: $97
- Transfer to & fro Airports,Cruise Terminal,Hotels or any whichway, one way/time: $65
- Departure Private Transfers: Mumbai City to Mumbai Airport BOM in Business Car: $63
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 $9.61Mumbai $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
- PRIVATE Chennai Cooking Class in a Local Home with Meena: $54
- South Indian Vegetarian Cooking Class near Chennai Airport: $62
- Traditional Indian Art, Craft and Cooking Tour: $71
- Private Authentic Indian Cooking Demo in Chennai in Tara's Home: $76
- Private tour to learn Traditional Indian Art, craft & Cooking: $80
- 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:
- Private Bollywood Studio Tour & Indian Cooking Class: $11
- Private Evening City & Street Food Tour with AC Car: $11
- Best Steet Food Tour & Marekt with Train Ride Tour: $14
- Discover Mumbai's street & beach with Vegetarian food tour: $14
- Virtual Authentic Indian Tea and Paratha Cooking Class: $14
- Mumbai Street Food Tour with Evening Bazaar Walk: $14
- Authentic Indian Cooking Class in Mumbai with a Local Family: $16
- Vegetarian Indian Cuisine Virtual Cooking Class Experience from Mumbai: $20
- Small Group Authentic Mumbai Virtual Cooking Class with Dessert: $20
- Mumbai Food Tour: $20
- Mumbai Street Food Tour: $21
- Indian Cooking Class & Cultural Delights: $23
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Chennai $2.40Mumbai $2.31
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
- 2-Day Tour to Taj Mahal and Agra from Chennai with Both Side Commercial Flights: $254
- 2-Day Tour to Taj Mahal and Agra from Chennai with Both side Commercial Flights: $276
- 2-Days Private Udaipur City Tour with Boat Ride: $116
- 6-Day Classical Tamil Nadu Private Tour from Chennai: $250
- 7-Day Spiritual Tamil Nadu Private Tour from Chennai: $526
- Agra Taj Tour from Chennai: $292
- All Inclusive Chennai Full & Half-Day Tour with Hotel Pickup: $48
- 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 Chennai and Mahabalipuram Full Day Private Guided Tour: $99
Tours and Activities in Mumbai
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Mumbai.
- "Mumbai - Dharavi Slum Tour": $8.64
- "Mumbai City Sightseeing Tour": $43
- 2 Days Delhi, Agra Tour from Mumbai by Flight: $299
- 2 Days Mumbai Tour with Car and Hotel: $285
- 2-Day Tour to Taj Mahal, Agra from Mumbai with Both side Commercial Flights: $270
- 2-Day Tour to The Taj Mahal, Agra from Mumbai with Both Side Commercial Flights: $254
- 2Days Mumbai Sightseeing Tours with Dharavi, Elephanta Caves: $62
- 3 Days Chatrapati Shambaji Nagar Tour from Mumbai in Pvt Vehicle: $290
- 3 Days Complete Mumbai Tour Inclusive of Bollywood Studio Experience: $277
- 3 Jyotirlinga Temple Tour – From Mumbai, Pune and Aurangabad: $156
- 3-Day Mumbai to Goa Road Trip: Village Stay & Sightseeing: $499
- 3-Day Mumbai to Nashik, Ajanta and Ellora Tour with Car and Guide: $150
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayChennai $2.67Mumbai $3.20
Sample the Local Flavors in Mumbai
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Mumbai:
- Sula Vineyards Wine Tasting Day Trip from Mumbai by Train or Car: $131
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.