Which place is cheaper, Mumbai or Chiang Mai?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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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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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayChiang Mai $45Mumbai $69
The average daily cost (per person) in Chiang Mai is $45, 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 Chiang Mai and Mumbai in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personChiang Mai $26Mumbai $34
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomChiang Mai $52Mumbai $68
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 $3.63Mumbai $7.77
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$1.09
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Moped Rental$4.91
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Chiang Mai
Also for Chiang Mai, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Chiang Mai #1 Way Private Car transfer to/from Bangkok City: $270
- Skyline Jungle Luge Ticket + Lunch with Private Transfer: $250
- Private Transfer to/from Mae Sot: $216
- Private Transfer to/from Mae Sot: $203
- Chiang Mai #Private Car transfer to/from Mae Sot: $195
- Zipline Adventure at Chiang Mai with Return Transfer: $191
- Private Transfer: Chiang Mai Airport Arrival or Departure ride: $155
- Chiang Mai Airport CNX to Pai Resorts Round Trip Private Transfer: $153
- Private Transfer from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai: $152
- From One-Way Private Transfer to Chiang Rai: $149
- Chiang Mai Private Transfer to Pai (one way): $143
- Private Airport Transfer to or from Chiang Rai: $127
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Mumbai
Also for Mumbai, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Premium Mumbai guided tour with transfer: $480
- Luxury Mumbai Package with Hotel,Private Airport Transfers and Sightseeing Tour: $270
- Mumbai Airport(BOM)to Mumbai Downtown-Round-Trip Private Transfer: $153
- Private Transfer from Mumbai Chatrapati Shivaji Airport (BOM) to Mumbai Downtown: $137
- Mumbai full day private city tour with guide and transfer: $117
- Departure Private Transfers: Mumbai City to Mumbai Airport BOM in Luxury Van: $93
- Arrival Private Transfers: Mumbai Airport BOM to Mumbai City in Luxury Van: $93
- Mumbai Airport Transfers : Mumbai City to Mumbai Airport BOM in Luxury Van: $93
- Private Dharavi Slum Tour Including Car Transfer: $91
- Local Street Food Private Walking Tour with Transfer: $90
- Global Vipassana Pagoda : Half Day Tour with Transfer: $84
- Mumbai Downtown to Mumbai Airport(BOM) Departure Private Transfer: $76
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 $10Mumbai $26
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)$5.32
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Roti Snack (Bread)$0.65
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Casual Breakfast$1.09
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Casual Lunch (for Two)$5.46
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Mangoes$0.82
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Coffee$1.36
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 Evening Class Chiang Mai Visit Organic Garden and Market: $11
- Cooking Morning Class Chiang Mai Visit Organic Garden and Market : $11
- Traditional Khantoke Dinner and Show from Chiang Mai: $19
- Khantoke Dinner with Traditional Performance: $22
- Morning Cooking Class in Organic Garden | Chiang Mai: $22
- Afternoon Cooking Class in Organic Garden in Chiang Mai: $22
- Half-Day Thai Cooking Class at Organic Farm in Chiang Mai: $22
- Evening Cooking Class and Local Market Visit: $24
- Cooking Class, Market and Thai Herbs Garden Tour: $24
- Private Virtual Thai Cooking Class: $25
- Half Day Morning Cooking Class with Yummy Tasty Thai Cooking School: $25
- Authentic Easy Thai Recipes for Home-Style Cooking Half Day AM: $25
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
- Mumbai Food Tour: $25
- Street Food Tour - Eat like a Local with sunset view: $26
- Old Bombay Bazaar and Food Tour with local Guide: $27
- Guided Food Tour Through the Vibrant Markets of Old Bombay: $28
- Street Food Tour: $32
- Indian cusine demonstration cum hands on with Hi Tea / Dinner at a Family home: $33
- Mumbai Street Food Tour with Sun Set View: $38
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Chiang Mai $13Mumbai $2.66
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$35
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Doi Suthep Entrance Ticket$1.64
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Kratong Lessons$2.73
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Pedicure$4.09
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Chiang Mai Museum (for Two)$4.91
Tours and Activities in Chiang Mai
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Chiang Mai.
- Chiang Mai Thapae Muay Thai Boxing Stadium Ticket: $27
- One Day Doi Inthanon National Park Small Group Guided Tour: $39
- Private Tour of Sacred Sakyant Tattoo in Lamphun Province.: $79
- 1 Day Doi Inthanon Private tour ( Hiking and Sightseeing ): $96
- 1 Day Private Tour Doi Inthanon And Phachor Canyon: $128
- 1 Day Private Tour White Temple and Renewed Doichang Coffee: $188
- 1 Hr Chiang Mai Buggy Tour (Off-Road): $149
- 1-Day Bike and River Kayak Adventure from Chiang Mai: $64
- 10KM Inflatable Kayaking Adventure: $81
- 10km Rafting with 8Adventures from Chiang Mai Include Pickup & Lunch : $102
- 2 Days 1 Night Non Tourist Trek: $122
- 2 Days Hiking Tour in Chiang Mai: $111
Tours and Activities in Mumbai
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Mumbai.
- Mumbai City Tour : $100
- Private Full-Day Mumbai Sightseeing Tour with Dharavi Slums: $82
- "Best of Mumbai (Guided Full Day Sightseeing City Tour)": $127
- "Highlights of Mumbai Guided Half Day Sightseeing City Tour: $74
- "Religions of Mumbai (Guided Half Day Sightseeing City Tour): $80
- 2-Days Private Taj Mahal Sunrise Tour from Mumbai by Round Trip Flights: $231
- 2-Hour Guided Tour of Dharavi: $25
- 3 Days Complete Mumbai Tour Inclusive of Bollywood Studio Experience: $277
- 3 Hours of Pottery Making Experience in a Studio in Mumbai: $70
- 5 Hours Private Tour in Mumbai City: $74
- 7-Hour Mumbai Sightseeing + Dharavi Slum Tour + Local Train Ride: $71
- Agra Taj Tour from Mumbai: $220
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayChiang Mai $6.76Mumbai $3.69
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$2.73
Sample the Local Flavors in Chiang Mai
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Chiang Mai:
- Chiang Mai Pub Crawl: The Best Bars & Pubs in Chiang Mai!: $9.46
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
- 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: $152
- Wine Tasting Tour Sula Vineyards Nashik - (Day excursion from Mumbai): $163
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.