Which place is cheaper, Mumbai or Istanbul?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Istanbul or Mumbai?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Istanbul or Mumbai, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.
Where Should I go: Istanbul or Mumbai?
Istanbul
Istanbul is strategically located on the Bosphorus and is split between Europe and Asia. It truly is a city where east meets west. Istanbul is the cultural and financial hub of Turkey, and also the most populous city. The sites are countless and there's something for everybody, whether you're interested in art, music, food, or adventure. You can pass many days exploring both the residential and commercial pockets of this city. Much of the appeal is hidden away along back alleys or within corner shops.
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 2-Week Tours in Turkey, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Turkey, 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 dayIstanbul $126Mumbai $69
The average daily cost (per person) in Istanbul is $126, 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 Istanbul and Mumbai in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personIstanbul $47Mumbai $34
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomIstanbul $94Mumbai $68
Compare Hotels in Istanbul and Mumbai
Looking for a hotel in Istanbul 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: Istanbul Hotel Prices and Mumbai Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Istanbul $55Mumbai $7.77
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Istanbul
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Istanbul are as follows:
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Ferry$0.09
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Local Bus$0.09
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Istanbul
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Istanbul:
- Private Bosphorus Tour on Luxury Yacht w/transfer: $753
- From 2-Day Cappadocia Trip w/ Flight and Transfers: $469
- From Pamukkale Day Tour With Flights and Transfers: $323
- Private Full Day Walking Tour in Istanbul with Transfer: $294
- Hagia Sophia, Topkapi & Mosque Tour with Transfer: $286
- Private Guided Istanbul Luxury Tour (Tickets and Transfers): $283
- Troy and Gallipoli Day Guided Tour with Transfer: $280
- 3-Day Tours & Transfer Package: $226
- Istanbul Dolmabahçe Palace Private Tour with Transfers: $225
- Istanbul Airport Transfer: Sabiha Airport SAW to Istanbul in Luxury Car: $224
- Istanbul Airport Transfer: Istanbul to Sabiha Airport SAW in Luxury Car: $224
- Istanbul Airport Transfer: New Airport IST to Istanbul in Luxury Car: $224
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Mumbai
Also for Mumbai, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Dharavi Slum Tour in Mumbai with Combo Packages & Transfers: $12
- Mumbai Private Car: Airport to Hotel Transfer: $18
- Airport to Hotel or Hotel to Airport Transfers: $24
- Private Transfer to/from Mumbai Airport: $24
- Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer service in Mumbai HTL-APT (BOM): $27
- Private Transfer From/To Mumbai Chhatrapati International Airport: $27
- Affordable transfer from Mumbai Airport to Pune: $28
- Mumbai Airport Transfer in Private Vehicle: $28
- Private Hotel Transfers to/from Mumbai Airport: $30
- One way Private transfer from Mumbai Airport to Hotel: $34
- Private Hotel Transfers to/from Airport: $36
- Private Transfer from Chatrapati Shivaji (BOM) Airport to Mumbai: $39
Is it cheaper to fly into Istanbul or Mumbai?
Prices for flights to both Mumbai and Istanbul 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 dayIstanbul $31Mumbai $26
Typical Food Prices in Istanbul
Some typical examples of dining costs in Istanbul are as follows:
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Juice$0.06
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Turkish Delight$0.02
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Dessert$0.26
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Pastries$0.05
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Istanbul
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Istanbul.
- Bosphorus Dinner Cruise with Turkish Night Show from Istanbul: $16
- Istanbul Bosphorus Dinner Cruise Turkish Night Show All inclusive: $16
- Dinner Cruise and Entertainment with Private Table: $17
- Bosphorus Dinner Cruise Tour With Turkish Night Show: $21
- Bosphorus Dinner Cruise , Unlimited Drinks, & Show: $22
- Bosphorus Luxury Catamaran Cruise with Dinner Show: $25
- Bosphorus Dinner Cruise and Turkish Night Show: $26
- Istanbul Bosphorus Cruise with All inclusive Dinner and Belly-Dancer Show : $27
- Bosphorus Boat Cruise with Dinner & Entertainment: $27
- Istanbul Bosphorus Dinner Cruise with Unlimited Drinks and Shows: $28
- Dinner Cruise Bosphorus with Hotel Transfer: $28
- 3 Hour Ottoman Dinner Cruise in Istanbul : $29
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.Istanbul $79Mumbai $2.66
Typical Entertainment Prices in Istanbul
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Istanbul are as follows:
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Bosphurus Boat (for 2)$0.62
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Yerebatan Cistern for Two$0.62
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Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts for Two$0.31
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Hagia Sofia entrance$0.93
Tours and Activities in Istanbul
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Istanbul are as follows:
- 2 Hours Ultimate Kebab Experience in Galata, Istanbul: $160
- 4 Hours Private Highlights Tour Of Istanbul: $273
- All in One Day Istanbul - Historical Tour of Istanbul with Bosphorus Cruise: $164
- Bosphorus Cruise And Asia Minor Tour: $220
- Dolmabace Palace, Bosphorus Boat Tour , Eyüp Sultan Mosque Tour: $150
- Highlights of Cappadocia with Mehmet ( Private Tour ): $95
- Istanbul Half Day City Tour (Ottoman Relics): $55
- City Highlights Tour w/Hagia Sophia & Blue Mosque: $35
- Must - See Istanbul Stops 1: Half Day Morning Tour: $139
- 1 Day Private Istanbul Guided Tour: $75
- 1,2 or 3 DAY: Private Guided Istanbul Tour from CRUISE SHIP or HOTEL: $75
- 1-Day Best of Istanbul Private Tour with the Best Local Guides: $250
Tours and Activities in Mumbai
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Mumbai.
- Audio Guided Walking Tour on HopOn India App – From Gateway to Fountain, Mumbai: $5.32
- Elephanta Caves Audio Guided Walking Tour, Mumbai on HopOn India App: $5.34
- Highlights Bus Full-Day Tour in Hindi: $5.40
- Dharavi Slum Tour with Local guide: $6.00
- Audio Guided Tour of Matunga & Dadar Parsi Colony, Mumbai: $6.14
- Malabar District, Scavenger Hunt & Self-Guided Tour: $6.63
- Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $6.63
- Mumbai (Malabar District) Self-Guided Tour: $6.67
- Dharavi Slum Tour: $8.64
- Dharavi Slum Tour: $8.99
- Dharavi Slum Experience with Local Resident English Guide: $9.50
- Inside Dharavi: Unveiling Mumbai's Slum Culture Tour: $9.59
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayIstanbul $15Mumbai $3.69
Sample the Local Flavors in Istanbul
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Istanbul:
- Istanbul 7-Hour Pub Crawl: Big Night Out: $27
- Party Pub Crawl with Party Bus: $29
- Wine Tasting Experience in Istanbul : $50
- Istanbul Wine Tasting at Home with Local Family: $84
- 2-Day Wine Tasting Tour along the Thracian Wine Route: $180
- Istanbul Private Wine Tasting Tour Through 3 City Wineries : $246
- Istanbul Private and Guided, Food and Wine Tasting Tour: $430
- Luxury Wine Tasting on a Private Yacht: $849
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 Istanbul and Mumbai, we can see that Istanbul is more expensive. And not only is Mumbai much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Istanbul is in Europe 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 Istanbul would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Istanbul 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 Istanbul Expensive? and Is Mumbai Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Istanbul or Mumbai?
Mumbai has a larger population, and is about 14% larger than the population of Istanbul. When comparing the sizes of Istanbul 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 Istanbul or Mumbai?
Istanbul 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 Istanbul or Mumbai in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Istanbul as well as Mumbai. The summer months attract visitors to Istanbul because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. The warm climate attracts visitors to Mumbai throughout the year.
Istanbul is cooler than Mumbai in the summer. The daily temperature in Istanbul averages around 24°C (74°F) in July, and Mumbai fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Istanbul this time of the year. In the summer, Istanbul often gets more sunshine than Mumbai. Istanbul gets 333 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Mumbai receives 73 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Mumbai. Istanbul usually gets less rain in July than Mumbai. Istanbul gets 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Mumbai receives 640 mm (25.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyIstanbul 24°C (74°F)Mumbai 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Istanbul or Mumbai in the Autumn?
Both Mumbai and Istanbul are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Istanbul this time of year. Plenty of visitors come to Mumbai because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In the autumn, Istanbul is much colder than Mumbai. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Istanbul in October average around 16°C (61°F), and Mumbai averages at about 29°C (84°F).
It's quite sunny in Mumbai. Istanbul usually receives less sunshine than Mumbai during autumn. Istanbul gets 169 hours of sunny skies, while Mumbai receives 240 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In October, Istanbul usually receives less rain than Mumbai. Istanbul gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Mumbai receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberIstanbul 16°C (61°F)Mumbai 29°C (84°F)
Should I visit Istanbul or Mumbai in the Winter?
Both Mumbai and Istanbul during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Istanbul for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Mumbai year-round.
In January, Istanbul is generally much colder than Mumbai. Daily temperatures in Istanbul average around 6°C (43°F), and Mumbai fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).
In Mumbai, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the winter, Istanbul often gets less sunshine than Mumbai. Istanbul gets 75 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Mumbai receives 270 hours of full sun.
Istanbul usually gets more rain in January than Mumbai. Istanbul gets 99 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Mumbai receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryIstanbul 6°C (43°F)Mumbai 24°C (75°F)
Should I visit Istanbul or Mumbai in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Istanbul and Mumbai. Many visitors come to Istanbul in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Mumbai attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Istanbul is much colder than Mumbai in the spring. The daily temperature in Istanbul averages around 13°C (55°F) in April, and Mumbai fluctuates around 29°C (84°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Mumbai this time of the year. Istanbul usually receives less sunshine than Mumbai during spring. Istanbul gets 180 hours of sunny skies, while Mumbai receives 284 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Istanbul usually receives more rain than Mumbai. Istanbul gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Mumbai receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilIstanbul 13°C (55°F)Mumbai 29°C (84°F)
Typical Weather for Mumbai and Istanbul
| Istanbul | Mumbai | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 6°C (43°F) | 99 mm (3.9 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Feb | 6°C (44°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Mar | 8°C (47°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Apr | 13°C (55°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| May | 17°C (63°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 30°C (86°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Jun | 21°C (71°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 560 mm (22 in) |
| Jul | 24°C (74°F) | 19 mm (0.7 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 640 mm (25.2 in) |
| Aug | 24°C (74°F) | 26 mm (1 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 520 mm (20.5 in) |
| Sep | 20°C (69°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 320 mm (12.6 in) |
| Oct | 16°C (61°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) |
| Nov | 12°C (54°F) | 89 mm (3.5 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) |
| Dec | 9°C (47°F) | 122 mm (4.8 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.