Should you visit Chennai or Mumbai?
Should I visit Chennai or Mumbai? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the data, which all comes from actual travelers.
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.
Which city is cheaper, Mumbai or Chennai?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
The average daily cost (per person) in Chennai is $26, while the average daily cost in Mumbai is $59. 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 city. Below is a breakdown of travel costs for Chennai and Mumbai in more detail.
Accommodation
An average hotel room with basic furnishings costs about $28 in Chennai For the most convenient locations and nicer amenities you can expect to pay a bit more.
The prices for places to stay in Mumbai can vary by date, location, and type. Generally, the average cost for accommodation per person is $28, while a typical double-occupancy hotel room for two people will cost around $56.
Food
The price of a meal in Chennai can vary widely. However, the average price for food per day is $5.75 per person, and a typical meal will cost around $2.30 based on the spending of previous visitors. Less expensive dining options can be found by eating street food or at fast food restaurants.
In Mumbai travelers spend around $23 a day on food. You can save money by choosing casual restaurants or food stalls, or you can spend plenty more by dining in nicer restaurants at every meal.
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Food
Meals for one day
Chennai $5.75
Mumbai $23
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Chennai
For Chennai, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
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Private In-Home Vegetarian Cooking Class and Meal in Chennai:
$35
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Private Authentic Indian Cooking Class in Chennai with a Local:
$49
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Authentic South Indian Cooking Class and Vegetarian Meal with a Local in Chennai:
$50
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Private Market Tour and South Indian Cooking Class in Chennai with Srividya:
$53
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South Indian Vegetarian Cooking Class Near the Chennai airport:
$59
-
Private South Indian Cooking Class and Market Visit in Chennai:
$70
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Mumbai
For Mumbai, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
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Virtual Authentic Indian Tea and Paratha Cooking Class:
$14
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Lonely Planet Experience: Mumbai's Food Tour:
$20
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Vegetarian Indian Cuisine Virtual Cooking Class Experience from Mumbai:
$20
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Mumbai Food Tour:
$20
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Small Group Authentic Mumbai Virtual Cooking Class with Dessert:
$20
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Withlocals The 10 Tastings: Mumbai Private Food Tour:
$24
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Mumbai Half-Day Street Food Tour:
$25
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Mumbai Street Food Tour:
$26
-
LIVE cooking experience from India:
$28
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Indian cusine demonstration cum hands on with Hi Tea / Dinner at a Family home:
$35
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Indian cusine demonstration cum hands on with Hi Tea / Dinner at a Family home:
$35
-
Private Authentic Thali Cooking Class in Mumbai, Santacruz:
$39
Local Transportation
To get around in Chennai, the average visitor spends $2.34 per day, per person. This includes the costs of taxi rides and private drivers as well as public transportation, which tends to be much more affordable.
To get around in Mumbai, the average visitor spends $6.98 per day, per person. This includes the costs of taxi rides and private drivers as well as public transportation, which tends to be much more affordable.
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Chennai
Also for Chennai, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
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Chennai to Vellore Transfer by Private Vehicle:
$93
-
Private Transfer from Chennai (MAA) Airport to Chennai City:
$42
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Private Transfer from Chennai City to Chennai (MAA) Airport:
$42
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Departure Private Transfer Chennai City to Chennai MAA Airport by Sedan Car:
$23
-
Chennai Airport Transfers : Budget Sedan and SUV Cabs:
$15
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Mumbai
Also for Mumbai, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
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Private transfer: Mumbai to Mumbai Airport (BOM):
$622
-
Private transfer: Mumbai Airport (BOM) to Mumbai:
$622
-
Mumbai- Transfers+Hotel+Sightseeing (3 Days):
$457
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Private Arrival Transfer from Mumbai Airport to Hotel Including VIP Assistance:
$204
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Private Departure Transfer from Mumbai Hotel to Airport Including VIP Assistance:
$204
-
Mumbai Airport Transfers : Mumbai Airport BOM to Mumbai City in Luxury Car:
$124
-
Departure Private Transfer Mumbai City to Mumbai Airport BOM by Business Car:
$121
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Mumbai Airport Transfers : Mumbai City to Mumbai Airport BOM in Luxury Car:
$118
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Departure Private Transfers: Mumbai City to Mumbai Airport BOM in Luxury Van:
$106
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Mumbai Airport Transfers : Mumbai Airport BOM to Mumbai City in Luxury Van:
$106
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Mumbai Airport Transfers : Mumbai City to Mumbai Airport BOM in Luxury Van:
$100
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Arrival Private Transfers: Mumbai Airport BOM to Mumbai City in Luxury Van:
$100
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.
Entertainment
In Chennai, the costs for things to do, activities, admission tickets, and other sightseeing expenses are on average $2.49 per person, per day.
In Mumbai, the costs for things to do, activities, admission tickets, and other sightseeing expenses are on average $2.39 per person, per day.
Tours and Activities in Chennai
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Chennai.
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10 days Tamilnadu package tour:
$308
-
14-Days Classical South India trip from Chennai by Wonder tours:
$1,640
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2 Days Private Tour from Chennai to Puducherry via Kanchipuram:
$337
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2 day trip to Agra from Chennai with air tickets:
$1,028
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2-Day Tour to The Taj Mahal and Agra from Chennai with Commercial Return Flights:
$568
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3-Day Tour to Delhi, Agra, Jaipur from Chennai with one-way Commercial Flight:
$588
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Amala Tour Guide:
$69
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Bazaar Trail Walking Tour in George Town:
$25
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Bharatnatyam Classical Dance Experience in Chennai:
$355
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Chennai Street Food Walking Tour:
$19
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Chennai to Kovalam Temple & Beach Tour:
$1,608
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Chennai to Kovalam Temple & Beach Tour:
$1,608
Tours and Activities in Mumbai
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Mumbai.
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" Dash Of Mumbai " Sightseeing & Experiences-by Goi Licensed Guide Ragini Doshi:
$357
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"Cultural tour through indian villages":
$98
-
12-Day Monuments and Imperial Cities in India Tour from Mumbai:
$1,775
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13-Day Private Architectural Wonders of India Guided Tour:
$2,180
-
16 Days Private Tour of East India from Mumbai:
$3,040
-
18 Days Private Tour to Imperial Heritage of India from Mumbai:
$2,754
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2 Days Agra Mathura Vrindavan Tour from Delhi:
$115
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2 Days Mathura Vrindavan Tour from Delhi:
$122
-
2 Days Private Tour to Shirdi from Mumbai:
$155
-
2 day trip to Agra from Mumbai with air tickets:
$1,024
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2 day trip to Agra from Mumbai without air tickets:
$532
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2-Day Private Tour to Taj Mahal, Agra from Mumbai:
$410
Alcohol
Alcoholic beverages can often be a significant portion of a traveler's budget, and the costs can vary greatly from person to person. In Chennai, the average amount that a visitor spends on alcoholic beverages per day is $2.77.
Alcoholic beverages can often be a significant portion of a traveler's budget, and the costs can vary greatly from person to person. In Mumbai, the average amount that a visitor spends on alcoholic beverages per day is $3.32.
Sample the Local Flavors in Mumbai
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Mumbai:
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Bombay Party (Bar Crawl):
$24
-
South Bombay Pub Crawl:
$25
-
Pub Crawl Mumbai:
$25
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Andheri Pub Crawl:
$39
-
Bar Crawl in Colaba with Hotel Pickup:
$45
-
Half-Day Guided Pub Crawl Tour of Kamala Mills:
$48
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Mumbai Pub Crawl: History, Iconic Bars, Cocktail Workshop, Stories and Drinks:
$71
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Nashik: Private Full-Day Wine Tour with Tastings From Mumbai:
$128
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Wine Tasting Tour Sula Vineyards Nashik - (Day excursion from Mumbai):
$230
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.
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