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.
Jump to 
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.
-
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
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personJaisalmer $12Mumbai $30
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomJaisalmer $24Mumbai $60
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
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Jaisalmer $11Mumbai $6.47
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 Jaipur: $117
- 2-Night Camel Safari with Meals & Transfers: $96
- Transfer From Jaisalmer To Udaipur Via Ranakpur Jain Temple: $90
- Jaisalmer To Bikaner Private One Way Transfer: $64
- Private Transfer From Jaisalmer To Bikaner: $62
- From Bikaner : Private Transfer To Jaisalmer: $60
- From Jaisalmer : Private Transfer To Bikaner: $55
- From Jaisalmer : Transfer To Jodhpur Via Osian Temple: $48
- One Way Transfer From Jaisalmer To Jodhpur: $42
- One Way Jaisalmer To Jodhpur Transfer: $39
- Private Transfer from Jaisalmer to Jodhpur: $37
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Mumbai
Also for Mumbai, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private 3Day City Tour with Hotel & Airport Transfer: $377
- Private Shore Excursion with Guide & Transfers: $215
- Private Arrival Transfer from Mumbai Airport to Hotel Including VIP Assistance: $214
- Private Departure Transfer from Mumbai Hotel to Airport Including VIP Assistance: $214
- From Sondai Fort Guided Trek with Meals & Transfers: $179
- From Prabalgad Fort Trek with Meals and Transfers: $165
- Mumbai to Alibaug Private Speed Boat Transfer: $145
- Full-Day Private City Tour with Guide and Transfer: $120
- Private Bollywood Tour with Dance Show & Transfers: $104
- Airport Transfer: Mumbai to Mumbai Airport BOM by Van: $102
- Departure Private Transfers: Mumbai City to Mumbai Airport BOM in Luxury Van: $92
- Arrival Transfer: Mumbai Airport BOM to Mumbai by Luxury Van: $92
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
-
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:
-
Dinner$4.21
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Jaisalmer
For Jaisalmer, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- off beat Desert safari with sunset and dinner: $10
- Jaisalmer Food Tour: Taste the Flavors of the Golden City!: $13
- Jodhpur Camel & Jeep Safari with Sunset, Folk Dance, Dinner: $25
- Dinner on the Dunes & Camel Safari: $25
- Jaisalmer Heritage & Cultural Walking & Street Food Tour: $25
- Camel Trails Sunset Safari with Dinner: $32
- Pleasant Sunset Safari With Dinner On Dunes (From 2:00 PM to Approx. 10:00 PM): $35
- Sunset Safari With Dinner: $37
- Cooking Class with Local Family & Rooftop Meal: $37
- Jeep Camel Ride, Musical Evening & Traditional Buffet Dinner: $37
- Shahi Half Day Sunset Camel ride & Cultural program & dinner: $38
- Blissful Half-Day Sunset Camel Safari, Musical Eve & Dinner: $38
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Mumbai
For Mumbai, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Private Evening City & Street Food Tour with AC Car: $11
- Private Bollywood Studio Tour & Indian Cooking Class: $11
- Best Steet Food Tour & Marekt with Train Ride Tour: $14
- Discover Mumbai's street & beach with Vegetarian food tour: $14
- Mumbai Street Food Tour with Evening Bazaar Walk: $14
- Authentic Indian Cooking Class in Mumbai with a Local Family: $16
- 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 Street Food Tour: $20
- Indian Cooking Class & Cultural Delights: $23
- Private Dharavi Walking Tour & Indian Cooking Class: $25
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Jaisalmer $11Mumbai $2.34
Typical Entertainment Prices in Jaisalmer
For Jaisalmer, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
-
Sam Sand Dunes for Two$3.16
Tours and Activities in Jaisalmer
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Jaisalmer.
- 2 Days Sharing Group Thar Desert Safari Adventure Tour: $8.60
- 2 Days-1 Night Camel Tour: $110
- 2 Night 3 Days Non Touristic Thar Desert & Camel Safari Adventure: $49
- 2 Nights 3 Days Nomadic Thar Desert Adventure Safari Tour: $105
- 2-Night Desert Experience with Luxury Camp from Jaisalmer: $222
- 3 Days Tour in Wild Desert Safari: $70
- 3 days Jaisalmer Private Tour with Desert Safari, Sightseeing and Accommodation: $178
- 4-day Jaisalmer And Jodhpur Combo Tour: $207
- 5 Days Udaipur Jodhpur & Jaisalmer Tour: $266
- Adventure & Campfire Overnight Desert Safari: $32
- Adventure non touristic camel safari: $33
- All-Inclusive Jaisalmer Full or Half Day Sightseeing Tour: $48
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: $286
- "Mumbai - Dharavi Slum Tour": $8.61
- "Mumbai City Sightseeing Tour": $43
- 2 Days Delhi, Agra Tour from Mumbai by Flight: $299
- 2 Days Mumbai Tour with Car and Hotel: $285
- 2-Day Tour to Taj Mahal, Agra from Mumbai with Both side Commercial Flights: $270
- 2-Day Tour to The Taj Mahal, Agra from Mumbai with Both Side Commercial Flights: $254
- 2Days Mumbai Sightseeing Tours with Dharavi, Elephanta Caves: $62
- 3 Days Chatrapati Shambaji Nagar Tour from Mumbai in Pvt Vehicle: $290
- 3 Days Complete Mumbai Tour Inclusive of Bollywood Studio Experience: $277
- 3 Jyotirlinga Temple Tour – From Mumbai, Pune and Aurangabad: $156
- 3-Day Mumbai to Goa Road Trip: Village Stay & Sightseeing: $499
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayJaisalmer $8.13Mumbai $3.25
Sample the Local Flavors in Mumbai
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Mumbai:
- Bombay Party (Bar Crawl): $25
- 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.