Which place is cheaper, Mumbai or Islamabad?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Islamabad or Mumbai?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Islamabad and Mumbai can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.
Where Should I go: Islamabad or Mumbai?
Islamabad
Islamabad is the capital of Pakistan, specially built in the 1960's to replace the former capital, Karachi. Most of the city's population are employees of the government, though many people come from all over Pakistan to enjoy the city's peaceful atmosphere and green spaces, museums, and monuments.
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 Pakistan, The Best Cultural Tours in Pakistan, 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 dayIslamabad $42Mumbai $69
The average daily cost (per person) in Islamabad is $42, 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 Islamabad and Mumbai in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personIslamabad $20Mumbai $34
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomIslamabad $40Mumbai $68
Compare Hotels in Islamabad and Mumbai
Looking for a hotel in Islamabad 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: Islamabad Hotel Prices and Mumbai Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Islamabad $7.68Mumbai $7.77
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Islamabad
Also for Islamabad, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Transit Trip: Murree Exploration Day Trip & Round Trip Airport Transfer: $140
- Private Transfer from Islamabad Airport to Pakistan: $61
- Islamabad International Airport Departure Drop off Transfer : $55
- Premium Services: Islamabad International Airport Transfer - Departures: $55
- Premium Services: Islamabad International Airport Transfer - Arrival: $55
- Islamabad International Airport Arrival Pick up Transfer: $55
- Private Chauffeur: Arrival Transfer Airport Pick up (Islamabad, Karachi, Lahore): $50
- Islamabad International Airport Transfer - ARRIVAL: $40
- Islamabad International Airport Transfer - DEPARTURE: $40
- Islamabad International Airport Transfer: $35
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 Islamabad or Mumbai?
Prices for flights to both Mumbai and Islamabad 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 dayIslamabad $15Mumbai $26
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.Islamabad $9.48Mumbai $2.66
Tours and Activities in Islamabad
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Islamabad.
- 5-Hour Private Guided Tour in Islamabad City: $130
- Best of Islamabad Half Day Tour With Meal At Monal Restaurant (Morn & Eve Slots): $100
- From 15 Day Trekking Tour of Thalay and Nangma: $3,070
- From 9-Day Colors of Hunza Valley Cultural Tour: $2,065
- From Full Day Guided Taxila Ruins Exploration Tour: $150
- From Full Day Historical Peshawar Guided City Tour: $160
- From Skardu and Baltistan Cultural Tour with Food: $2,339
- Full Day Private Guided Tour of Taxila Gandahara Civilization : $140
- Full-Day Sightseeing Tour Of Islamabad: $80
- Full-day Essential Islamabad Tour: $150
- Islamabad City Tour : $150
- Islamabad City Tour With Faisal Mosque, Pakistan Monument & Lunch : $110
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 dayIslamabad $2.88Mumbai $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
- 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 Islamabad and Mumbai, we can see that Mumbai is more expensive. And not only is Islamabad much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Islamabad would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Islamabad 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 Islamabad.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Islamabad Expensive? and Is Mumbai Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Islamabad or Mumbai?
Mumbai has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Islamabad. When comparing the sizes of Islamabad 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 Islamabad or Mumbai?
Islamabad has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Mumbai experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Islamabad or Mumbai in the Summer?
Both Mumbai and Islamabad are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Plenty of visitors come to Mumbai because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
It's very hot in Islamabad this time of the year. Islamabad is a little warmer than Mumbai in the summer. The daily temperature in Islamabad averages around 32°C (90°F) in July, and Mumbai fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Islamabad. Islamabad usually receives more sunshine than Mumbai during summer. Islamabad gets 247 hours of sunny skies, while Mumbai receives 73 hours of full sun in the summer.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Mumbai. It's quite rainy in Islamabad. In July, Islamabad usually receives less rain than Mumbai. Islamabad gets 237 mm (9.3 in) of rain, while Mumbai receives 640 mm (25.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyIslamabad 32°C (90°F)Mumbai 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Islamabad or Mumbai in the Autumn?
Both Mumbai and Islamabad during the autumn are popular places to visit. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Mumbai year-round.
In the autumn, Islamabad is around the same temperature as Mumbai. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Islamabad in October average around 26°C (80°F), and Mumbai averages at about 29°C (84°F).
In Mumbai, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Islamabad. In the autumn, Islamabad often gets more sunshine than Mumbai. Islamabad gets 287 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Mumbai receives 240 hours of full sun.
Islamabad usually gets less rain in October than Mumbai. Islamabad gets 12 mm (0.5 in) of rain, while Mumbai receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberIslamabad 26°C (80°F)Mumbai 29°C (84°F)
Should I visit Islamabad or Mumbai in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Islamabad and Mumbai. Mumbai attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In January, Islamabad is generally much colder than Mumbai. Daily temperatures in Islamabad average around 14°C (57°F), and Mumbai fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Mumbai this time of the year. In Islamabad, it's very sunny this time of the year. Islamabad usually receives less sunshine than Mumbai during winter. Islamabad gets 213 hours of sunny skies, while Mumbai receives 270 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Islamabad usually receives more rain than Mumbai. Islamabad gets 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Mumbai receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryIslamabad 14°C (57°F)Mumbai 24°C (75°F)
Should I visit Islamabad or Mumbai in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Islamabad as well as Mumbai. The warm climate attracts visitors to Mumbai throughout the year.
Islamabad is around the same temperature as Mumbai in the spring. The daily temperature in Islamabad averages around 27°C (80°F) in April, and Mumbai fluctuates around 29°C (84°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Mumbai. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Islamabad this time of the year. In the spring, Islamabad often gets less sunshine than Mumbai. Islamabad gets 258 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Mumbai receives 284 hours of full sun.
Islamabad usually gets more rain in April than Mumbai. Islamabad gets 37 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Mumbai receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilIslamabad 27°C (80°F)Mumbai 29°C (84°F)
Typical Weather for Mumbai and Islamabad
| Islamabad | Mumbai | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 14°C (57°F) | 34 mm (1.3 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Feb | 16°C (61°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Mar | 21°C (70°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Apr | 27°C (80°F) | 37 mm (1.4 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| May | 32°C (89°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) | 30°C (86°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Jun | 35°C (94°F) | 52 mm (2 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 560 mm (22 in) |
| Jul | 32°C (90°F) | 237 mm (9.3 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 640 mm (25.2 in) |
| Aug | 31°C (89°F) | 221 mm (8.7 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 520 mm (20.5 in) |
| Sep | 31°C (87°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 320 mm (12.6 in) |
| Oct | 26°C (80°F) | 12 mm (0.5 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) |
| Nov | 20°C (68°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) |
| Dec | 15°C (59°F) | 30 mm (1.2 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.