A Travel Price Comparison for India Chennai vs. Mumbai for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

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.


Which place 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 $29, 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 Chennai and Mumbai in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Chennai $15
    Mumbai $34
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Chennai $30
    Mumbai $68
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.

Hotels in Chennai


Hotels in Mumbai


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
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Chennai $2.61
    Mumbai $7.77

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Chennai

Also for Chennai, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Private Arrival Transfer: Chennai Airport (MAA) to Pondicherry Hotels: $145
  • Private Transfer from Chennai City to Chennai (MAA) Airport: $37
  • Private Transfer from Chennai (MAA) Airport to Chennai City: $37
  • Bangalore - private departure transfer from Hotel to Airport : $35
  • Private Departure Transfer: Hotel to Chennai International Airport: $28
  • Chennai International Airport to Hotel-Private Arrival transfer: $25
  • Affordable Chennai Airport Transfer: $24
  • Chennai - Private Arrival Transfer - From Airport to Hotel: $20
  • Departure Transfer from Chennai Hotels to Chennai airport: $20
  • Departure transfer: Chennai hotels to Chennai International Airport: $19
  • Chennai - Private Departure Transfer from Hotel to Airport : $19
  • 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:

  • Premium Mumbai guided tour with transfer: $479
  • Private Arrival Transfer from Mumbai Airport to Hotel Including VIP Assistance: $204
  • Mumbai Airport(BOM)to Mumbai Downtown-Round-Trip Private Transfer: $155
  • Departure Private Transfer Mumbai City to Mumbai Airport BOM by Minibus: $135
  • Departure Private Transfer Mumbai City to Mumbai Airport BOM by Business Car: $126
  • Mumbai full day private city tour with guide and transfer: $117
  • Mumbai Airport Transfers : Mumbai City to Mumbai Airport BOM in Luxury Car: $110
  • Private Dharavi Slum Tour Including Car Transfer: $102
  • Arrival Private Transfers: Mumbai Airport BOM to Mumbai City in Luxury Van: $94
  • Mumbai Airport Transfers : Mumbai Airport BOM to Mumbai City in Luxury Van: $94
  • Local Street Food Private Walking Tour with Transfer: $90
  • Global Vipassana Pagoda : Half Day Tour with Transfer: $84

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
  • Food Meals for one day
    Chennai $6.40
    Mumbai $26

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Chennai

For Chennai, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • 2 Hour Street Food Tour in Sowcarpet Chennai : $37
  • Private In-Home Vegetarian Cooking Class and Meal in Chennai: $46
  • Private Vegetarian South Indian Cooking Class in Chennai : $48
  • South Indian Cooking Class in Chennai with a Passionate Baker: $48
  • South Indian Vegetarian Cooking Class in Chennai with Menna: $54
  • South Indian Vegetarian Cooking Class Near the Chennai airport: $62
  • Traditional Tamil Brahmin Vegetarian Cooking Lesson with a Local in Her Home: $74
  • Private 3-Hour Cooking Lesson and Meal in Chennai: $100
  • Authentic South Indian Cooking Class and Vegetarian Meal with a Local in Chennai: $122
  • Food Trail In Sowcarpet With Transport And Dinner - Chennai: $216

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Mumbai

For Mumbai, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Virtual Authentic Indian Tea and Paratha Cooking Class: $14
  • 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
  • Small Group Authentic Mumbai Virtual Cooking Class with Dessert: $20
  • Mumbai Food Tour: $25
  • Mumbai Street Food Tour- Eat like a Local with sunset view: $26
  • Street Food Tour: $32
  • Indian cusine demonstration cum hands on with Hi Tea / Dinner at a Family home: $33
  • Indian cusine demonstration cum hands on with Hi Tea / Dinner at a Family home: $33
  • Experience Mumbai Street Food Tour: $36

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Chennai $2.77
    Mumbai $2.66

Tours and Activities in Chennai

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Chennai.

  • St Thomas Mount Tour Chennai: $85
  • Agra Taj Tour from Chennai: $220
  • Auroville and Pondicherry Tour from Chennai: $44
  • Bazaar Walking tour in George Town: $35
  • Best Of Chennai- Classic Tour on Royal Enfield Motorcycle: $160
  • Bicycle tour in Mahabalipuram with transport from Chennai,lunch & guide: $99
  • Birds & Beyond: Chennai to Pulicat Bird Sanctuary Day Tour: $135
  • British Architecture Walk in Chennai by Wonder tours: $49
  • Chennai Delights: Exploring the Best of the City Tour: $198
  • Chennai Food Tasting Trails (2 Hour Guided Tour Experience): $24
  • Chennai Full Day Guided Tour in a Private Car: $110
  • Chennai Half Day Guided Tour in a Private Car: $88

Tours and Activities in Mumbai

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Mumbai.

  • Private Full-Day Mumbai Sightseeing Tour with Dharavi Slums: $82
  • "Best of Mumbai (Guided Full Day Sightseeing City Tour)": $129
  • "Highlights of Mumbai Guided Half Day Sightseeing City Tour: $75
  • "Religions of Mumbai (Guided Half Day Sightseeing City Tour): $81
  • 2-Days Private Taj Mahal Sunrise Tour from Mumbai by Round Trip Flights: $231
  • 2-Hour Guided Tour of Dharavi: $25
  • 3 Hours Early Morning in South Mumbai Heritage Bicycle Tour : $39
  • 3-Hour Private Guided Tour in Bollywood from Mumbai: $199
  • 5 Hours Private Tour in Mumbai City: $59
  • 7 Hour Mumbai City Sightseeing Tour By Navv Om Namaha Shivaya: $123
  • 7-Hour Mumbai Sightseeing + Dharavi Slum Tour + Local Train Ride: $72
  • Agra Taj Tour from Mumbai: $220

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Chennai $3.08
    Mumbai $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
  • South Bombay Pub Crawl: $40
  • Mumbai Pub Crawl: History, Iconic Bars, Cocktail Workshop, Stories and Drinks : $90
  • 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: $154


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.