A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Islamabad vs. Mumbai for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

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.


Which place is cheaper, Mumbai or Islamabad?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in Islamabad is $52, 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 Islamabad and Mumbai in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Islamabad $20
    Mumbai $29
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Islamabad $40
    Mumbai $58
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.

Hotels in Islamabad


Hotels in Mumbai


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
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Islamabad $7.65
    Mumbai $6.44

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Islamabad

Also for Islamabad, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Premium Services: Islamabad Day Trip & Round Trip Airport Transfers.: $170
  • Transit Trip: Islamabad City Exploration Day Tour & Round Trip Airport Transfer: $110
  • Islamabad Round Trip Airport Transfer & Customizable Day Trip: $95
  • Private Transfer from Islamabad Airport to Pakistan: $61
  • Premium Services: Islamabad International Airport Transfer - Arrival: $55
  • Islamabad International Airport Arrival Pick up Transfer: $55
  • Islamabad Airport Transfers: $54
  • Private Chauffeur: Arrival Transfer Airport Pick up (Islamabad, Karachi, Lahore): $50
  • Islamabad International Airport Transfer - ARRIVAL: $40
  • Islamabad International Airport Transfer - DEPARTURE: $40

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Mumbai

Also for Mumbai, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Mumbai Private Bollywood Studio Tour with Transfer: $117
  • Airport Transfer: Mumbai to Mumbai Airport BOM by Van: $110
  • Arrival Transfer: Mumbai Airport BOM to Mumbai by Luxury Van: $99
  • Mumbai Airport (BOM) to Mumbai - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $75
  • Airport Transfer: Mumbai Airport BOM to Mumbai by Business Car: $64
  • Mumbai Airport Transfers : Mumbai City to Mumbai Airport BOM in Business Car: $64
  • Departure Private Transfers: Mumbai City to Mumbai Airport BOM in Business Car: $64
  • Transfer to & fro Airports,Cruise Terminal,Hotels or any whichway, one way/time: $64
  • Private Transfer from Mumbai Cruise Port to Mumbai Hotels: $58
  • Private Transfer from Mumbai Cruise Port to Mumbai Hotels: $58
  • Private Transfer from Mumbai hotels to Mumbai Cruise Port: $58
  • Private Transfer from Chatrapati Shivaji (BOM) Airport to Mumbai: $42

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
  • Food Meals for one day
    Islamabad $26
    Mumbai $38

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Mumbai

For Mumbai, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • 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
  • Lights, Flavour, Action- A Story-Driven Food Tour: $30
  • Mumbai's Curry Cooking Class: Veg, Non-Veg: $32
  • Experience Mumbai Street Food Tour: $36
  • Mumbai Authentic Street Food Tour: $41
  • Bombay Express Mumbai Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $45
  • Indian Chai and Pakora Cooking Class: $48
  • Authentic Indian Cooking Class in Mumbai in a Local Home: $49
  • Daily Mumbai Street Food Tour: $52
  • Private Authentic Bengali Cooking Class & Market Tour in Mumbai: $52

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Islamabad $9.45
    Mumbai $2.33

Tours and Activities in Islamabad

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Islamabad.

  • Best of Islamabad City Landmarks Exploration Tour (Private & Guided).: $95
  • Best of Islamabad Half Day Tour (Morn & Eve Slots): $100
  • Best of One-Day Sightseeing Tour: $85
  • Discover Peshawar Full Day Guided Tour from Islamabad: $130
  • Exclusive Luxury Private Tour: Discover the Gems of Islamabad: $80
  • Explore Takht I Bahi and Peshawar Full Day Tour from Islamabad: $145
  • From Full Day Guided Taxila Ruins Exploration Tour: $150
  • From Full Day Historical Peshawar Guided City Tour: $160
  • Full Day Islamabad & Taxila UNESCO Site Tour: $78
  • Full Day Islamabad Guided City Tour: $100
  • Full Day Private City Tour Of Islamabad: $220
  • Full Day Private Guided Tour of Taxila Gandahara Civilization: $100

Tours and Activities in Mumbai

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Mumbai.

  • "Mumbai - Dharavi Slum Tour": $8.51
  • "Mumbai City Sightseeing Tour": $43
  • 2-Hour Guided Tour of Dharavi: $21
  • 2025 Award Winning: Mumbai City Highlights Half Day Tour: $65
  • 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: $148
  • 7 Hour Mumbai City Sightseeing Tour By Navv Om Namaha Shivaya: $106
  • All in one Combo of City ,Slum,Dhobighat & Dabbawala tour: $77
  • All inclusive Elephanta Caves Guided Tour: $50
  • All-Inclusive Mumbai to Alibaug Coastal Villages RoPax Ferry Tour: $299
  • All-Inclusive Private Full-Day Mumbai Sights & Local Experiences: $163

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Islamabad $2.88
    Mumbai $3.24

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 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.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Islamabad 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.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Islamabad 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.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Islamabad 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.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Islamabad 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)


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