Which place is cheaper, Mumbai or Darjiling?
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 Darjiling or Mumbai?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Darjiling 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: Darjiling or Mumbai?
Darjiling
What began as a cluster of villages grew to prominence in the 19th Century when the British first established a hill station here and eventually realized that the climate was well-suited for tea plantations. Darjeeling (or Darjiling) has since become known for its teas in addition to cultural diversity, stunning views, and trekking opportunities.
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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Darjiling Prices
India PricesMumbai Prices
India Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayDarjiling $39Mumbai $76
The average daily cost (per person) in Darjiling is $39, while the average daily cost in Mumbai is $76. 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 Darjiling and Mumbai in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personDarjiling $11Mumbai $29
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomDarjiling $22Mumbai $58
Compare Hotels in Darjiling and Mumbai
Looking for a hotel in Darjiling 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: Darjiling Hotel Prices and Mumbai Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Darjiling $6.56Mumbai $6.44
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Darjiling
Also for Darjiling, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Rafting Journey at the Down on Teesta River's White Water with Private Transfer: $182
- Private Transfer Darjeeling Hotels To Bagdogra Airport IXB Drop: $64
- Private Transfer from Gangtok to Bagdogra: $48
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Mumbai
Also for Mumbai, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Luxury Mumbai Package with Hotel,Private Airport Transfers and Sightseeing Tour: $270
- Private Arrival Transfer from Mumbai Airport to Hotel Including VIP Assistance: $214
- Private Departure Transfer from Mumbai Hotel to Airport Including VIP Assistance: $214
- Mumbai Private Bollywood Studio Tour with Transfer: $118
- Airport Transfer: Mumbai to Mumbai Airport BOM by Van: $110
- Departure Private Transfers: Mumbai City to Mumbai Airport BOM in Luxury Van: $100
- Arrival Transfer: Mumbai Airport BOM to Mumbai by Luxury Van: $100
- Transfer to & fro Airports,Cruise Terminal,Hotels or any whichway, one way/time: $65
- Airport Transfer: Mumbai Airport BOM to Mumbai by Business Car: $65
- Private Transfer from Mumbai Airport (BOM) to Mumbai: $59
- Private Transfer from Mumbai hotels to Mumbai Cruise Port: $59
- Private Transfer from Mumbai Cruise Port to Mumbai Hotels: $59
Is it cheaper to fly into Darjiling or Mumbai?
Prices for flights to both Mumbai and Darjiling 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 dayDarjiling $21Mumbai $38
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Mumbai
For Mumbai, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Mumbai Food Tour — 178 Years of Bombay on a Plate: $14
- Private Street Food Tour with Mumbai Sightseeing Tour including AC vehicles: $19
- Small Group Authentic Mumbai Virtual Cooking Class with Dessert: $20
- Vegetarian Indian Cuisine Virtual Cooking Class Experience from Mumbai: $20
- Mumbai Food Tour: $20
- Indian cusine demonstration cum hands on with Hi Tea / Dinner at a Family home: $29
- Indian cusine demonstration cum hands on with Hi Tea / Dinner at a Family home: $29
- Experience Mumbai Street Food Tour: $36
- Flavors of Mumbai Food Tour: $38
- Mumbai Street Food Tour: $39
- Mumbai Authentic Street Food Tour: $41
- Bombay Express Mumbai Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $45
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Darjiling $11Mumbai $2.33
Tours and Activities in Darjiling
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Darjiling.
- A Full Day Tour Of Darjeeling: $208
- Best of Gangtok (Guided Halfday Sightseeing Tour by Car): $73
- Colonial Heritage Walking Tour in Darjeeling: $27
- Darjeeling & Gangtok tour: $253
- Darjeeling City Tour with Uber: $57
- Darjeeling Exquisite Estate Tour: $156
- Darjeeling Full-Day Sightseeing Tour with Guide & Transports: $161
- Day Trip to Gangtok (Guided Private Sightseeing Experience from Darjeeling): $129
- Day Trip to Kalimpong (Guided Private Sightseeing Experience from Darjeeling): $129
- Day_Trippers (Darjeeling Full Day Tour).: $92
- Heritage & Cultural Walk of Darjeeling (2 Hours Guided Walking Tour): $11
- Heritage & Cultural Walk of Gangtok (2 Hours Guided Walking Tour): $11
Tours and Activities in Mumbai
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Mumbai.
- "Mumbai City Sightseeing Tour": $43
- 2-Hour Guided Tour of Dharavi: $22
- 3 Days Chatrapati Shambaji Nagar Tour from Mumbai in Pvt Vehicle: $290
- 3 Hours Early Morning in South Mumbai Heritage Bicycle Tour: $43
- 3-Day Mumbai to Nashik, Ajanta and Ellora Tour with Car and Guide: $150
- 7 Hour Mumbai City Sightseeing Tour By Navv Om Namaha Shivaya: $108
- All in one Combo of City ,Slum,Dhobighat & Dabbawala tour: $77
- All inclusive Elephanta Caves Guided Tour: $50
- All-Inclusive Private Full-Day Mumbai Sights & Local Experiences: $163
- Asia Largest Dharavi Slum Guided Tour: $16
- Audio Guided Tour of Matunga & Dadar Parsi Colony, Mumbai: $6.14
- Audio Guided Walking Tour on HopOn India App – From Gateway to Fountain, Mumbai: $5.32
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayDarjiling $7.69Mumbai $3.23
Sample the Local Flavors in Mumbai
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Mumbai:
- Bombay Party (Bar Crawl): $25
- South Bombay Pub Crawl: $34
- Sula Vineyards Wine Tasting Day Trip from Mumbai by Train or Car: $131
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Darjiling and Mumbai, we can see that Mumbai is more expensive. And not only is Darjiling much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Darjiling would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Darjiling 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 Darjiling.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Darjiling Expensive? and Is Mumbai Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Darjiling or Mumbai?
Mumbai has a larger population, and is about 100 times larger than the population of Darjiling. When comparing the sizes of Darjiling 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.