Which place is cheaper, Mumbai or Dubai?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
Should you visit Dubai or Mumbai?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Dubai and Mumbai can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Dubai or Mumbai?
Dubai
Ever wonder what it would be like to see the lifestyles of the rich and famous up close. There's no more upscale destination than Dubai. It's by far and away the spot for shopping, partying, sunbathing, fine dining and the most luxurious of luxury. As the most modern and progressive of the seven emirates in the United Arab Emirates, this area has experienced an unbelievable economic boom and tourism spike. It's a desert city with an amazing infrastructure.
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 Romantic Tours for Couples in United Arab Emirates, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United Arab Emirates, The Best 2-Week Tours from Mumbai, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to India.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayDubai $248Mumbai $69
The average daily cost (per person) in Dubai is $248, 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 Dubai and Mumbai in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personDubai $170Mumbai $34
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomDubai $340Mumbai $68
Compare Hotels in Dubai and Mumbai
Looking for a hotel in Dubai 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: Dubai Hotel Prices and Mumbai Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Dubai $13Mumbai $7.76
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Dubai
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Dubai:
-
Taxi Ride$12
-
Airport Taxi$12
-
Sea Taxi$0.54
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Dubai
Also for Dubai, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Burj Khalifa: Skip-the-Line Entry, Gourmet Meal, & Transfer: $799
- Atlantis Aquaventure Entry Ticket With Transfers: $768
- From Private Van Transfer in Maybach: $735
- From Jabel Jais High Mountain Tour with Transfers: $326
- Private Transfer Dubai Red Dunes Safari & Camel Ride: $300
- Zipline Dubai Marina - XLine With Private Transfer : $300
- Guided Abu Dhabi City Tour Private Transfer: $300
- Hot Air Balloon Flight with 4X4 Transfers: $299
- Fujairah Dam Tour with Private Transfers : $299
- The Dubai Mall Tour with Private Transfers : $299
- Hot Air Balloon with 60 Minutes Balloon Ride with Transfers: $299
- Afternoon Tea at Sahn Eddar in Burj al Arab with Transfers: $299
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Mumbai
Also for Mumbai, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Premium Mumbai guided tour with transfer: $476
- Luxury Mumbai Package with Hotel,Private Airport Transfers and Sightseeing Tour: $270
- 2-Day Private Tour with Airport Transfers: $268
- Private Arrival Transfer from Mumbai Airport to Hotel Including VIP Assistance: $204
- Mumbai Airport(BOM)to Mumbai Downtown-Round-Trip Private Transfer: $157
- Private Transfer from Mumbai Chatrapati Shivaji Airport (BOM) to Mumbai Downtown: $140
- Private Dharavi Slum Tour Including Car Transfer: $113
- Create Your Own: Custom Private Tour of Mumbai with transfers: $97
- Kanheri caves half day guided tour with transfers: $96
- Mumbai Airport Transfers : Mumbai City to Mumbai Airport BOM in Luxury Van: $96
- Departure Private Transfers: Mumbai City to Mumbai Airport BOM in Luxury Van: $96
- Local Street Food Private Walking Tour with Transfer: $95
Is it cheaper to fly into Dubai or Mumbai?
Prices for flights to both Mumbai and Dubai 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 dayDubai $56Mumbai $25
Typical Food Prices in Dubai
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Dubai:
-
French bread$0.95
-
Sumo salad in Dubai Mall + Juice$10
-
Lemon Mint Tea$4.36
-
Coffee & Cake$6.53
-
Smoothie$5.45
-
Shawarma$1.91
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Dubai
For Dubai, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- DINNER +PARTY + CITY of old city Dubai : $6.00
- Old Dubai Souks, Abra Ride, and Street Food Tour: $7.00
- Old Town, Creek, Museums, Souks, & Street Food Tour: $11
- Al-Seef Premium Dinner Cruise: $13
- Romantic Sightseeing Dhow Cruise Dinner: $15
- Dubai Romantic Dhow Creek Dinner Cruise With Live Shows and International Buffet: $15
- 2-Hour Evening Dhow Cruise and Dinner: $15
- Dhow Boat Dinner Cruise in Dubai: $16
- Scenic Dhow Cruise with Buffet Dinner and Live Shows: $16
- Deira Creek: Dhow Cruise Dinner: $16
- 2-Hour Evening Dhow Cruise and Dinner: $17
- Catamaran Cruise with Dinner at Al Jaddaf Waterfront Dubai: $17
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Mumbai
For Mumbai, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Discover Mumbai's street & beach with Vegetarian food tour: $7.14
- Hidden Gems and Street Food Tour: $15
- Vegetarian Indian Cuisine Virtual Cooking Class Experience from Mumbai: $20
- Authentic Street Food Tour: $21
- Mumbai Walking Food Tour with Foodie Guide: $23
- Unique Street Food Tour with Local Guide: $24
- Mumbai Sunset Street Food Tour: $24
- Mumbai Food Tour: $25
- Street Food Tour - Eat like a Local with sunset view: $26
- Food Tour with Unlimited Tastings, Bazaar, Temples, & More: $27
- Safe Food Tour in Mumbai for 2 hours: $31
- Indian cusine demonstration cum hands on with Hi Tea / Dinner at a Family home: $33
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Dubai $19Mumbai $2.66
Typical Entertainment Prices in Dubai
For Dubai, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
-
Visit to the Dubai Museum$0.82
Tours and Activities in Dubai
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Dubai.
- 30-Minutes Jet Ski Burj Al Arab Tour of Dubai: $119
- 4 hours Night Yacht Party Tour at Dubai Harbour for Adults : $120
- 60-Minute Dirt Bike Adventure at Red Desert: $208
- Abu Dhabi City Tour Including Ferrari World Ticket : $185
- Abu Dhabi Day Tour with Qasr al Watan: $53
- Admission ticket for IMG Worlds of Adventure in Dubai: $95
- Bur Dubai Abra Tour and Boat Ride with Museum of Illusions : $135
- Burj Khalifa At the Top & Sky Views Ticket: $167
- Desert Adventure with ATV and Camel Ride and Live Shows: $100
- Dibba Full Day Cruise Trip: $191
- Dubai (Marina Luxury Yacht) Tour with BF : $95
- Dubai (Marina Luxury Yacht) Tour with Breakfast: $105
Tours and Activities in Mumbai
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Mumbai.
- Dharavi Slum, Dhobi Ghat & Dabbawala Experience: $24
- Private Full-Day Mumbai Sightseeing Tour with Dharavi Slums: $54
- "Best of Mumbai (Guided Full Day Sightseeing City Tour)": $131
- "Highlights of Mumbai Guided Half Day Sightseeing City Tour: $76
- "Local A True Insider’s Tour": $100
- "Mumbai Highlights: An Immersive 6-Hour Half-Day Tour": $75
- "Religions of Mumbai (Guided Half Day Sightseeing City Tour): $82
- 2 Days Mumbai City tour with Elephanta Caves: $160
- 2 Hours Dharavi Slum Tour With Local Guide: $12
- 3 Hours Early Morning in South Mumbai Heritage Bicycle Tour : $39
- 5 Hours Private Mumbai City Sightseeing Tour with Guide: $30
- Agra Taj Tour from Mumbai: $220
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayDubai $23Mumbai $3.68
Typical Alcohol Prices in Dubai
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Dubai:
-
A Couple Drinks$25
Sample the Local Flavors in Dubai
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Dubai:
- Pub Crawl Nightlife Tour: $68
- Pub Crawl Private, Birthdays & Corporate Events: $110
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: $40
- South Bombay Pub Crawl: $40
- Mumbai Private Bar Crawl with City Night Tour: $130
- Full-Day Private Wine Tour at Sula Vineyards from Mumbai: $156
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Dubai and Mumbai, we can see that Dubai is more expensive. And not only is Mumbai much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Dubai is in Middle East and Mumbai is in Asia, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Mumbai would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Mumbai 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 Dubai would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Dubai than you might in Mumbai.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Dubai Expensive? and Is Mumbai Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Dubai or Mumbai?
Mumbai has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Dubai. When comparing the sizes of Dubai 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 Dubai 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 Dubai or Mumbai in the Summer?
Both Mumbai and Dubai are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Dubai throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Mumbai because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
The dry season in Dubai is June to August. It rains a lot this time of the year in Mumbai. In July, Dubai usually receives less rain than Mumbai. Dubai gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Mumbai receives 640 mm (25.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.
The heat can be very extreme in Dubai. In the summer, Dubai is a little warmer than Mumbai. Typically, the summer temperatures in Dubai in July average around 35°C (95°F), and Mumbai averages at about 28°C (82°F).
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyDubai 35°C (95°F)Mumbai 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Dubai or Mumbai in the Autumn?
Both Mumbai and Dubai during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Dubai because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Mumbai year-round.
Dubai usually gets less rain in October than Mumbai. Dubai gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Mumbai receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
In October, Dubai is generally around the same temperature as Mumbai. Daily temperatures in Dubai average around 29°C (84°F), and Mumbai fluctuates around 29°C (84°F).
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberDubai 29°C (84°F)Mumbai 29°C (84°F)
Should I visit Dubai or Mumbai in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Dubai and Mumbai. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Dubai year-round. Mumbai attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Also, January to March is the rainy season in Dubai. In January, Dubai usually receives around the same amount of rain as Mumbai. Dubai gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Mumbai receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.
Dubai is cooler than Mumbai in the winter. The daily temperature in Dubai averages around 19°C (66°F) in January, and Mumbai fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryDubai 19°C (66°F)Mumbai 24°C (75°F)
Should I visit Dubai or Mumbai in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Dubai as well as Mumbai. Dubai attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Mumbai throughout the year.
Also, June to August in Dubai is the dry season. Dubai usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Mumbai. Dubai gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Mumbai receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
In the spring, Dubai is cooler than Mumbai. Typically, the spring temperatures in Dubai in April average around 26°C (79°F), and Mumbai averages at about 29°C (84°F).
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilDubai 26°C (79°F)Mumbai 29°C (84°F)
Typical Weather for Mumbai and Dubai
| Dubai | Mumbai | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 19°C (66°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Feb | 20°C (68°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Mar | 23°C (73°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Apr | 26°C (79°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| May | 31°C (88°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 30°C (86°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Jun | 33°C (91°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 560 mm (22 in) |
| Jul | 35°C (95°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 640 mm (25.2 in) |
| Aug | 36°C (97°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 520 mm (20.5 in) |
| Sep | 33°C (91°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 320 mm (12.6 in) |
| Oct | 29°C (84°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) |
| Nov | 25°C (77°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) |
| Dec | 21°C (70°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.