Should I Visit Jaisalmer or Mumbai for Vacation? Which is Better? Which is Cheaper? Which is More Expensive?

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 Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in India, The Best Adventure Tours to India, The Best Sightseeing Tours in India, and The Best Cultural Tours in India.

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.

Jaisalmer Prices
India Prices

Mumbai Prices
India Prices
Average Daily Cost Per person, per day

Jaisalmer $45

Mumbai $85

The average daily cost (per person) in Jaisalmer is $45, while the average daily cost in Mumbai is $85. 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 person

Jaisalmer $13

Mumbai $33
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room

Jaisalmer $26

Mumbai $66

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 $12

Mumbai $7.53

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Jaisalmer

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

Bada Bagh Sunset Tour with Private Transfer: $118
Transfer From Jaisalmer To Udaipur Via Ranakpur Jain Temple: $90
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 Jaisalmer To Jodhpur Transfer: $43
One Way Transfer Service From Jaisalmer Airport To Hotel: $12
Jaisalmer Airport: One-Way Transfer Arrival and Departure: $5.77

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 Transfer from Mumbai hotels to Mumbai Cruise Port: $209
Private Transfer from Mumbai Cruise Port to Mumbai Airport (BOM): $209
Private Transfer from Mumbai hotels to Mumbai Cruise Port: $209
Mumbai Airport(BOM) to Mumbai Downtown - Arrival Private Transfer: $209
Private Transfer from Mumbai Cruise Port to Mumbai Hotels: $209
Private Departure Transfer from Mumbai Hotel to Airport Including VIP Assistance: $204
Mumbai Downtown to Chatrapati Shivaji Airport (BOM) - Departure Private Transfer: $147
Private Dharavi Slum Tour Including Car Transfer: $110
Kanheri caves half day guided tour with transfers: $96
Local Street Food Private Walking Tour with Transfer: $95
Mumbai Airport Transfers : Mumbai Airport BOM to Mumbai City in Luxury Van: $89

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 day

Jaisalmer $23

Mumbai $43

Typical Food Prices in Jaisalmer

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Jaisalmer:

Dinner

$4.64

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
Half Day Camel Safari Sunset with Dinner by Wanderlust: $24
Jaisalmer Heritage & Cultural Walking & Street Food Tour: $29
4×4 Jeep Safari And Camel Safari With Dinner On Sand dunes: $46
Thar Desert Sunset Camel Ride with Dinner & Show: $46
Jeep Safari, Camel Ride, Dinner and Folk Dance: $48
Jeep Safari,Camel Ride,Buffet Dinner & Folk Dance: $65
Half-Day Desert Safari with Camel Ride and Dinner: $69
Luxury tent, dinner, breakfast, camel ride in thar desert: $84

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: $14
Guided Street Food Tour, Local Bazaars, Culture & More: $15
Discover Mumbai's street & beach with Vegetarian food tour: $17
Street Food Tour - Eat like a Local with Sunset view: $18
Authentic Street Food Tour: $20
Mumbai Coastal Cooking: From Fishing Net to Flavourful Plate: $21
Unique Street Food Tour with Local Guide: $23
Taste of Street Food Tour & Vibrant Bazzars: $23
Street Food Tour: $26
Guided Street Food Tour, Local Bazaars, Culture & More: $27
Safe Food Tour in Mumbai for 2 hours: $30

Entertainment

Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.

Jaisalmer $12

Mumbai $2.58

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

$3.48

Tours and Activities in Jaisalmer

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

2 Days Non-Touristic Overnight Thar Desert Camel Safari Tour: $29
2 Days Sharing Group Non Touristic Camel & Desert Safari: $36
2-Day 1-Night Camel Tour Jaisalmer ( Non Touristic ): $35
5 Days Udaipur Jodhpur & Jaisalmer Tour: $346
Buoyant Luxurious Overnight Thar Desert Camping Tour: $165
Camel Safari Half Day Desert Experience: $23
Camel Safari Tour From Jodhpur: $32
Colorful Markets of Jaisalmer (3 Hour Guided Tour): $12
Desert Tour Jaisalmer: $32
Experience Jaisalmer at Night (2 Hour Guided Walking Tour): $12
Explore Jaisalmer at Night (2 Hour Guided Walking Tour): $12
Fascinating City Day Tour of Golden City ( Jaisalmer ): $29

Tours and Activities in Mumbai

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

Dharavi Authentic Slum Tour: $105
Kanheri Caves Heritage Tour: $45
Mumbai by Night Guided Tour : $50
Private Full-Day Mumbai Sightseeing Tour with Dharavi Slums: $52
"Best of Mumbai (Guided Full Day Sightseeing City Tour)": $122
"Highlights of Mumbai Guided Half Day Sightseeing City Tour: $71
"Religions of Mumbai (Guided Half Day Sightseeing City Tour): $77
2 Days Mumbai City tour with Elephanta Caves: $160
2 Hours Dharavi Slum Tour with Local Guide : $18
2-Days Private Taj Mahal Sunrise Tour from Mumbai by Round Trip Flights: $222
2-Hour Guided Tour of Dharavi: $24
3 Hours Early Morning in South Mumbai Heritage Bicycle Tour : $47

Alcohol

Alcohol Drinks for one day

Jaisalmer $8.95

Mumbai $3.58

Sample the Local Flavors in Mumbai

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Mumbai:

South Bombay Pub Crawl: $37
South Bombay Pub Crawl: $38
Nashik: Private Full-Day Wine Tour with Tastings From Mumbai: $135

How are these travel costs calculated?

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.

A Travel Price Comparison for India Jaisalmer vs. Mumbai for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Jaisalmer or Mumbai?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Where Should I go: Jaisalmer or Mumbai?

Jaisalmer

Mumbai

Which place is cheaper, Mumbai or Jaisalmer?

Accommodation

Compare Hotels in Jaisalmer and Mumbai

Local Transportation

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Jaisalmer

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Mumbai

Is it cheaper to fly into Jaisalmer or Mumbai?

Food

Typical Food Prices in Jaisalmer

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Jaisalmer

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Mumbai

Entertainment

Typical Entertainment Prices in Jaisalmer

Tours and Activities in Jaisalmer

Tours and Activities in Mumbai

Alcohol

Sample the Local Flavors in Mumbai

Which is Bigger, Jaisalmer or Mumbai?

Related Articles for Jaisalmer

Related Articles for Mumbai

A Travel Price Comparison for India Jaisalmer vs. Mumbai for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Jaisalmer or Mumbai?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Where Should I go: Jaisalmer or Mumbai?

Jaisalmer

Mumbai

Which place is cheaper, Mumbai or Jaisalmer?

Accommodation

Compare Hotels in Jaisalmer and Mumbai

Local Transportation

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Jaisalmer

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Mumbai

Is it cheaper to fly into Jaisalmer or Mumbai?

Food

Typical Food Prices in Jaisalmer

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Jaisalmer

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Mumbai

Entertainment

Typical Entertainment Prices in Jaisalmer

Tours and Activities in Jaisalmer

Tours and Activities in Mumbai

Alcohol

Sample the Local Flavors in Mumbai

Which is Bigger, Jaisalmer or Mumbai?

Related Articles for Jaisalmer

Related Articles for Mumbai

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