Which place is cheaper, Mumbai or Chiang Mai?
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 Chiang Mai or Mumbai?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Chiang Mai and Mumbai. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.
Where Should I go: Chiang Mai or Mumbai?
Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai is both the cultural center of northern Thailand and a launching point for trips into the rural areas, small towns, and lush jungles of the country's northern regions. Known for great food, historic temples, arts and crafts, and a lively night market, Chiang Mai is a very popular destination for travelers. In some areas, tourists and ex-pats dominate, but it's quite easy to get away from the tourist scene and into the real culture of Thailand, as Chiang Mai (and the surrounding countryside) is quite large.
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 G Adventures Tours to Thailand, The Best 3-Day Tours from Phuket, The Best 2-Week Tours from Mumbai, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to India.
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Chiang Mai Prices
Thailand PricesMumbai Prices
India Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayChiang Mai $58Mumbai $75
The average daily cost (per person) in Chiang Mai is $58, 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 Chiang Mai and Mumbai in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personChiang Mai $29Mumbai $29
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomChiang Mai $58Mumbai $58
Compare Hotels in Chiang Mai and Mumbai
Looking for a hotel in Chiang Mai 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: Chiang Mai Hotel Prices and Mumbai Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Chiang Mai $3.97Mumbai $6.37
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Chiang Mai
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Chiang Mai are as follows:
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Tuk Tuk Ride$1.19
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Moped Rental$5.37
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Chiang Mai
Also for Chiang Mai, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Chiang Mai Highlights: Top 2 Tours & Airport Transfers Included: $275
- Chiang Mai Chiang Rai Temples Tour with Premium Transfer: $240
- Chiang Mai Transfer via Si Satchanalai & Lamphun: $217
- Chiang Mai Airport CNX to Pai Thermal Resorts Arrival Transfer: $183
- Private Transfer from Chiang Mai to Pai Or Pai to Chiang Mai: $175
- Private Transfer from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai (one way only): $175
- Chiang Mai Yi Peng Lantern Festival 2026 Ticket with Transfers: $116
- Chiang Mai White-Water Rafting Trips with Lunch and Transfers: $101
- Chiang Mai to Chiang Dao Cave and Hill Tribe Tour with Transfer: $98
- Chiang Mai 2026 Yi Peng Sky Lantern Festival with Transfer: $95
- Chiang Mai Zipline Packages with Lunch and Round-Trip Transfers: $93
- Chiang Mai Small-Group ATV (Quad Bike) Tour with Transfers: $76
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
- 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
- Mumbai Private Bollywood Studio Tour with Transfer: $117
- Airport Transfer: Mumbai to Mumbai Airport BOM by Van: $108
- Private Bollywood Tour with Dance Show & Transfers: $104
- Arrival Transfer: Mumbai Airport BOM to Mumbai by Luxury Van: $97
- Mumbai Airport (BOM) to Mumbai - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $73
Is it cheaper to fly into Chiang Mai or Mumbai?
Prices for flights to both Mumbai and Chiang Mai 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 dayChiang Mai $20Mumbai $38
Typical Food Prices in Chiang Mai
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Chiang Mai:
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Sit Down Dinner (for One)$5.82
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Roti Snack (Bread)$0.72
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Casual Breakfast$1.19
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Casual Lunch (for Two)$5.97
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Mangoes$0.90
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Coffee$1.49
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Chiang Mai
For Chiang Mai, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Cooking Morning Class Chiang Mai Visit Organic Garden and Market: $12
- Half-day Thai Cooking Class from scratch by an Expert Chef: $27
- Chiang Mai Cooking Class Adventure Tour: $27
- Chiang Mai Lanna Thai Cooking Class with Mae Malai Market: $27
- Half-Day Thai Cooking Class at Organic Farm in Chiang Mai: $28
- Chiang Mai Thai Cooking Class at Grand Canyon and Market Tour: $28
- Morning Thai cooking class: $28
- Evening Thai cooking class: $28
- Half-Day Cooking Class: $28
- The Rice Barn Thai Cooking Farm Chiangmai: $28
- Private Virtual Thai Cooking Class: $28
- Khantoke Dinner at Old Chiang Mai Cultural Center: $29
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
- Mumbai Food Tour — 178 Years of Bombay on a Plate: $14
- Discover Mumbai's street & beach with Vegetarian food tour: $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
- Indian Cooking Class & Cultural Delights: $23
- Private Dharavi Walking Tour & Indian Cooking Class: $25
- Safe Food Tour in Mumbai for 2 hours: $27
- Indian cusine demonstration cum hands on with Hi Tea / Dinner at a Family home: $29
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Chiang Mai $14Mumbai $2.31
Typical Entertainment Prices in Chiang Mai
For Chiang Mai, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
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Thai Cooking Class$39
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Doi Suthep Entrance Ticket$1.79
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Kratong Lessons$2.98
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Pedicure$4.48
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Chiang Mai Museum (for Two)$5.37
Tours and Activities in Chiang Mai
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Chiang Mai.
- 1 Day Private Tour Doi Inthanon And Phachor Canyon: $159
- 1 Day Private Tour Unseen in Lamphun Province: $119
- 1 Day Private Tour White Temple and Renewed Doichang Coffee: $188
- 1 Day Sukhothai Historical Park from Chiang Mai Private Tour: $198
- 1 Day Trek and Sticky Waterfall Tour in Chiang Mai: $82
- 1 Hr Chiang Mai Buggy Tour (Off-Road): $148
- 1 day Private Tour to Unseen Temple in Lampang: $144
- 10KM Inflatable Kayaking and 3HR Trekking Adventure: $107
- 2 DAYS MOTORCYCLE ADVENTURE Chiang Mai Chiang Dao Route: $232
- 2 Days Baan Pa Pong Piang and Doi Inthanon National Park Tour: $254
- 2 Days Hiking Tour in Chiang Mai: $122
- 2-Day Chiang Dao and Mae Taeng Valley active tour: $253
Tours and Activities in Mumbai
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Mumbai.
- " Dash Of Mumbai " Sightseeing & Experiences-by Goi Licensed Guide Ragini Doshi: $281
- "Mumbai - Dharavi Slum Tour": $8.47
- "Mumbai City Sightseeing Tour": $42
- 2 Days Delhi, Agra Tour from Mumbai by Flight: $299
- 2 Days Mumbai City tour with Elephanta Caves: $90
- 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
- 2-Hour Guided Tour of Dharavi: $21
- 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
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayChiang Mai $7.39Mumbai $3.20
Typical Alcohol Prices in Chiang Mai
Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Chiang Mai are as follows:
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Wine$2.98
Sample the Local Flavors in Chiang Mai
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Chiang Mai:
- Chiang Mai Pub Crawl: 4 Venues, Beer Buffet & VIP Entry: $15
Sample the Local Flavors in Mumbai
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Mumbai:
- Bombay Party (Bar Crawl): $25
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Chiang Mai and Mumbai, we can see that Mumbai is more expensive. And not only is Chiang Mai much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Chiang Mai would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Chiang Mai 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 Chiang Mai.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Chiang Mai Expensive? and Is Mumbai Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Chiang Mai or Mumbai?
Mumbai has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Chiang Mai. When comparing the sizes of Chiang Mai 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 Chiang Mai or Mumbai?
Both destinations experience a warmer climate with nice weather most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season.
Should I visit Chiang Mai or Mumbai in the Summer?
Both Mumbai and Chiang Mai are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Chiang Mai throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Mumbai because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
The rainy season in Chiang Mai is June to September. It rains a lot this time of the year in Mumbai. It's quite rainy in Chiang Mai. In July, Chiang Mai usually receives less rain than Mumbai. Chiang Mai gets 161 mm (6.3 in) of rain, while Mumbai receives 640 mm (25.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.
Chiang Mai usually receives more sunshine than Mumbai during summer. Chiang Mai gets 146 hours of sunny skies, while Mumbai receives 73 hours of full sun in the summer.
Chiang Mai is around the same temperature as Mumbai in the summer. The daily temperature in Chiang Mai averages around 30°C (86°F) in July, and Mumbai fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyChiang Mai 30°C (86°F)Mumbai 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Chiang Mai or Mumbai in the Autumn?
Both Mumbai and Chiang Mai during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Chiang Mai because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Mumbai year-round.
November to February is the dry season in Chiang Mai. It rains a lot this time of the year in Chiang Mai. Chiang Mai usually gets more rain in October than Mumbai. Chiang Mai gets 122 mm (4.8 in) of rain, while Mumbai receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
In Mumbai, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Chiang Mai. In the autumn, Chiang Mai often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Mumbai. Chiang Mai gets 226 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Mumbai receives 240 hours of full sun.
In the autumn, Chiang Mai is around the same temperature as Mumbai. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Chiang Mai in October average around 29°C (83°F), and Mumbai averages at about 29°C (84°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberChiang Mai 29°C (83°F)Mumbai 29°C (84°F)
Should I visit Chiang Mai or Mumbai in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Chiang Mai and Mumbai. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Chiang Mai year-round. Mumbai attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
November to February in Chiang Mai is the dry season. In January, Chiang Mai usually receives less rain than Mumbai. Chiang Mai gets 7 mm (0.3 in) of rain, while Mumbai receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Mumbai this time of the year. In Chiang Mai, it's very sunny this time of the year. Chiang Mai usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Mumbai during winter. Chiang Mai gets 283 hours of sunny skies, while Mumbai receives 270 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Chiang Mai is generally around the same temperature as Mumbai. Daily temperatures in Chiang Mai average around 23°C (74°F), and Mumbai fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryChiang Mai 23°C (74°F)Mumbai 24°C (75°F)
Should I visit Chiang Mai or Mumbai in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Chiang Mai as well as Mumbai. Chiang Mai attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Mumbai throughout the year.
June to September in Chiang Mai is the rainy season. Chiang Mai usually gets more rain in April than Mumbai. Chiang Mai gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Mumbai receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Mumbai. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Chiang Mai this time of the year. In the spring, Chiang Mai often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Mumbai. Chiang Mai gets 275 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Mumbai receives 284 hours of full sun.
It's very hot in Chiang Mai this time of the year. Chiang Mai is around the same temperature as Mumbai in the spring. The daily temperature in Chiang Mai averages around 31°C (88°F) in April, and Mumbai fluctuates around 29°C (84°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilChiang Mai 31°C (88°F)Mumbai 29°C (84°F)
Typical Weather for Mumbai and Chiang Mai
| Chiang Mai | Mumbai | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 23°C (74°F) | 7 mm (0.3 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Feb | 26°C (78°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Mar | 29°C (83°F) | 13 mm (0.5 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Apr | 31°C (88°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| May | 31°C (87°F) | 158 mm (6.2 in) | 30°C (86°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Jun | 30°C (86°F) | 132 mm (5.2 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 560 mm (22 in) |
| Jul | 30°C (86°F) | 161 mm (6.3 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 640 mm (25.2 in) |
| Aug | 29°C (85°F) | 236 mm (9.3 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 520 mm (20.5 in) |
| Sep | 29°C (85°F) | 228 mm (9 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 320 mm (12.6 in) |
| Oct | 29°C (83°F) | 122 mm (4.8 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (80°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) |
| Dec | 24°C (75°F) | 20 mm (0.8 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.