Which place is cheaper, Mumbai or Jaisalmer?
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 Jaisalmer or Mumbai?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Jaisalmer 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: Jaisalmer or Mumbai?
Jaisalmer
Jaisalmer is located in western part of the Rajasthan state of India. The city is known as the "Golden City" for its Sonar Qila, or 'Golden Fort'. This fort is different than other forts in India in that it is a living fort, meaning that it contains many hotels, homes, and shops for locals and visitors. The city is very close to the Thar Desert, to which excursions can be made.
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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Jaisalmer Prices
India PricesMumbai Prices
India Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayJaisalmer $41Mumbai $76
The average daily cost (per person) in Jaisalmer is $41, 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 Jaisalmer and Mumbai in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personJaisalmer $12Mumbai $29
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomJaisalmer $24Mumbai $58
Compare Hotels in Jaisalmer and Mumbai
Looking for a hotel in Jaisalmer 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: Jaisalmer Hotel Prices and Mumbai Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Jaisalmer $11Mumbai $6.44
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Jaisalmer
Also for Jaisalmer, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer From Jaisalmer To Delhi: $197
- Private Transfer From Jaisalmer To Agra: $181
- Transfer From Jaisalmer To Udaipur Via Ranakpur Jain Temple: $90
- Private Transfer From Jaisalmer To Pushkar: $85
- Jaisalmer To Bikaner Private One Way Transfer: $64
- Private Transfer From Jaisalmer To Bikaner: $62
- From Jaisalmer : Private Transfer To Bikaner: $55
- 2-Night Camel Safari with Meals & Transfers: $55
- Bada Bagh Sunset Tour with Private Transfer: $50
- From Jaisalmer : Transfer To Jodhpur Via Osian Temple: $48
- Private Transfer from Jaisalmer to Jodhpur: $45
- Private Transfer From Jaisalmer To Jodhpur Via Osian Temple: $45
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
- Mumbai Private Bollywood Studio Tour with Transfer: $118
- Departure Private Transfers: Mumbai City to Mumbai Airport BOM in Luxury Van: $95
- Arrival Transfer: Mumbai Airport BOM to Mumbai by Luxury Van: $95
- Transfer to & fro Airports,Cruise Terminal,Hotels or any whichway, one way/time: $64
- Airport Transfer: Mumbai Airport BOM to Mumbai by Business Car: $61
- Departure Private Transfers: Mumbai City to Mumbai Airport BOM in Business Car: $61
- Private Transfer from Mumbai hotels to Mumbai Cruise Port: $59
- Private Transfer from Mumbai Cruise Port to Mumbai Hotels: $59
- Private Transfer from Mumbai Cruise Port to Mumbai Hotels: $59
- Private Arrival Departure Airport Transfers Mumbai: $54
Is it cheaper to fly into Jaisalmer or Mumbai?
Prices for flights to both Mumbai and Jaisalmer 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 dayJaisalmer $20Mumbai $38
Typical Food Prices in Jaisalmer
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Jaisalmer:
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Dinner$4.19
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Jaisalmer
For Jaisalmer, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Jaisalmer Food Tour: Taste the Flavors of the Golden City!: $14
- Authentic Desert Farm Visit and Cooking Class: $24
- Jaisalmer Heritage & Cultural Walking & Street Food Tour: $25
- Camel Trails Sunset Safari with Dinner: $29
- Jodhpur Camel & Jeep Safari with Sunset, Folk Dance, Dinner: $30
- Half-Day Camel Tour with Dinner: $34
- Pleasant Sunset Safari With Dinner On Dunes (From 2:00 PM to Approx. 10:00 PM): $35
- Dinner on the Dunes & Camel Safari: $36
- Sunset Safari With Dinner: $37
- Shahi Half day non touristic sand dune camel safari with dinner: $38
- Shahi Half Day Sunset Camel ride & Cultural program & dinner: $38
- Jeep Safari, Camel Ride, Dinner and Folk Dance: $42
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
- Lights, Flavour, Action- A Story-Driven Food Tour: $31
- Experience Mumbai Street Food Tour: $36
- Flavors of Mumbai Food Tour: $38
- Mumbai Street Food Tour: $39
- Bombay Express Mumbai Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $45
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Jaisalmer $11Mumbai $2.33
Typical Entertainment Prices in Jaisalmer
For Jaisalmer, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
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Sam Sand Dunes for Two$3.14
Tours and Activities in Jaisalmer
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Jaisalmer.
- 02 nights authentic wild camping & Luxury Camping Experience: $129
- 1 night 2 days Thar Desert Experience Jaisalmer: $41
- 2 Days Non-Touristic Overnight Thar Desert Camel Safari Tour: $28
- 3 Days Tour in Wild Desert Safari: $70
- 4-day Jaisalmer And Jodhpur Combo Tour: $206
- 8 Days Private Tour Colors of Rajasthan from Jaisalmer: $215
- Adventure Night With Cultural Show: $54
- Adventure non touristic camel safari: $24
- Agra: Skip-the-Line Taj Mahal Sunrise Tour w/Fatehpur Sikri: $4.50
- Amazing Overnight experience under the stars in Thar Desert: $59
- An Overnight Non-touristic Camel Safari (2PM to 11:30 AM Next Day): $37
- Buoyant Luxurious Overnight Thar Desert Camping Tour: $152
Tours and Activities in Mumbai
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Mumbai.
- " Dash Of Mumbai " Sightseeing & Experiences-by Goi Licensed Guide Ragini Doshi: $285
- 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: $150
- 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 – Mumbai Cricket Walk by HopOn India: $5.34
- Audio Guided Walking Tour on HopOn India App – From Gateway to Fountain, Mumbai: $5.32
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayJaisalmer $8.09Mumbai $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 Jaisalmer and Mumbai, we can see that Mumbai is more expensive. And not only is Jaisalmer much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Jaisalmer would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Jaisalmer 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 Jaisalmer.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Jaisalmer Expensive? and Is Mumbai Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Jaisalmer or Mumbai?
Mumbai has a larger population, and is about 190 times larger than the population of Jaisalmer. When comparing the sizes of Jaisalmer 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.