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

Should you visit Kerala or Mumbai?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Kerala 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: Kerala or Mumbai?

Kerala

Palm trees, sandy beaches, and vibrant culture. You'll find all of these things in Kerala, India. Located in the south of the country, Kerala is known as one of the top ten paradises in the world.

This area is covered in a beautiful, natural ecosystem including backwaters, mountains, coconuts and spices. The heavy, yearlong rains provide lush and gorgeous vegetation, and earn the area a spot on the list of the wettest spots on earth.

Kerala is very different from the rest of India. For one, this area is the most literate and diverse area in in the country with churches, mosques, Hindu temples and even synagogues. This states' education and healthcare are far beyond the rest of the country- putting them on par with many Western areas of the world. However, even though this area is incredibly diverse and progressive, do not expect everyone to speak or understand English.

The best part is that this area is by far the safest in all of India. There is almost no incidence of tourists being cheated or taken for granted.

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 Luxury Tours to India, The Best Budget Tours to India, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from New Delhi, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Mumbai.


Which place is cheaper, Mumbai or Kerala?

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 Kerala is $0.00, 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 Kerala and Mumbai in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Kerala -
    Mumbai $33
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Kerala $0.00
    Mumbai $66
Compare Hotels in Kerala and Mumbai

Looking for a hotel in Kerala 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 Kerala


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: Mumbai Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Kerala -
    Mumbai $7.49

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kerala

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Kerala:

  • Private 4-Day Tour in Kerala with Houseboat and Airport Transfers: $198
  • Private Transfer from Cochin to Isha Foundation Coimbatore: $170
  • Private Transfer from Cochin to Munnar Hotel: Hassle-Free Ride: $118
  • Private Transfer from Trivandrum to Alleppey: Travel Guide: $114
  • Private Transfer from Kovalam to Alleppey: Hassle-Free Journey: $108
  • Private Transfer:Fort Kochi to Munnar: $100
  • Private Transfer from Cochin to Marari: Relaxed & Convenient Ride: $83
  • Private Transfer from Cochin to Alleppey or Kumarakom Hotel: $79
  • Private Transfer: Cochin Airport (COK) to Kochi Hotels: $50
  • Trivandrum Airport Transfer to Trivandrum Hotels: $47
  • Private Transfer from Kochi (COK) Airport to Kochi City: $40
  • Private Transfer from Kochi City to Kochi (COK) Airport: $40

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Mumbai

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

  • Private Guided Tour in Kanheri Cave with Transfers: $36
  • Departure Private Transfers: Mumbai City to Mumbai Airport BOM in Business Car: $58
  • Dharavi Slum Tour with Laundry And Hotel Transfer (South Mumbai): $44
  • Dharavi Tour Including Car Transfer: $38
  • Dharavi Tour Including Car Transfer: $39
  • Mumbai - private arrival transfer from Airport to Hotel : $64
  • Mumbai Airport Transfer to and from Hotel: $31
  • Mumbai Airport Transfers : Mumbai Airport BOM to Mumbai City in Luxury Van: $90
  • Mumbai Airport Transfers : Mumbai City to Mumbai Airport BOM in Business Car: $58
  • Mumbai Airport(BOM) to Mumbai Downtown - Arrival Private Transfer: $211
  • Mumbai Chatrapati Shivaji Airport (BOM) to Mumbai - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $296
  • Mumbai Downtown to Chatrapati Shivaji Airport (BOM) - Departure Private Transfer: $148

Is it cheaper to fly into Kerala or Mumbai?

Prices for flights to both Mumbai and Kerala 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
    Kerala -
    Mumbai $43

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Kerala

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Kerala.

  • Enjoy the best Food tour in kochi with a local !: $19
  • 4 Hours Kerala Village Cooking Class in Munnar: $21
  • Private candle light dinner: $21
  • WE COOKS- Home Cooking Class in Munnar: $23
  • Cooking classes @ Aryavilla heritage, Varkala: $32
  • Hands-on Authentic Keralite Cooking Class - Learn, Cook, Eat & Enjoy!: $35
  • Private Cooking Demonstration for Your Group in a Kochi Home: $75
  • Traditional Kerala Cooking Class in a Local Home in Kochi: $76
  • Private Authentic Kerala Cooking Class in a Local Home: $79
  • Kochi Over View & Kathakali & Dinner.Tour: $90
  • Kathakali Classical Dance Performance with Dinner: $124
  • Cooking experience in Kochi, a half day tour: $128

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
  • Street Food Tour - Eat like a Local with Sunset view: $17
  • Discover Mumbai's street & beach with Vegetarian food tour: $17
  • Authentic Street Food Tour: $20
  • Guided Street Food Tour, Local Bazaars, Culture & More: $21
  • Mumbai Coastal Cooking: From Fishing Net to Flavourful Plate: $21
  • Taste of Street Food Tour & Vibrant Bazzars: $23
  • Unique Street Food Tour with Local Guide: $23
  • Safe Food Tour in Mumbai for 2 hours: $30
  • Indian cusine demonstration cum hands on with Hi Tea / Dinner at a Family home: $32
  • Street Food Tour: $35

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Kerala -
    Mumbai $2.56

Tours and Activities in Kerala

Here are a few actual costs in Kerala for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Half Day Hiking in Munnar Trekking Tour: $14
  • Munnar Tea Trail Tour , Tea factory visit & Tea Tasting: $18
  • Sunrise Tour in Top Station, Munnar ( By Munnar Info): $69
  • Wild Elephant Anakulam & Waterfalls Tour(munnar valley Trekking): $59
  • "Day Trip to Varkala from Trivandrum (Guided Full Day City Tour)": $142
  • "Essentials" Shore Excursion for Cruisers to Kochi. Pick & Drop: $80
  • 05 Days Kerala Tour: $28
  • 12 Hours Private Munnar Tour from Kochi: $130
  • 2 Days in Cochin (Kochi) Private Tour: $250
  • 2 Nights Misty Munnar Sightseeing (Private Tour with Car) - Iris Holidays: $122
  • 2-Hours Street Food Guided Tour of Thiruvananthapuram: $24
  • 21hrs Aleppey Village and Canal Tour by Private Houseboat.: $152

Tours and Activities in Mumbai

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

  • Guided Tour: The Heart of Mumbai: $0.58
  • Dharavi Slum tour in Mumbai by local resident: $4.73
  • Dharavi Slumdog Tour -See the real Slum with a Local: $5.09
  • Highlights Bus Full-Day Tour in Hindi: $5.19
  • Inside Dharavi: A Unique Slum Tour with an Local Guide: $5.33
  • Elephanta Caves Audio Guided Walking Tour, Mumbai on HopOn India App: $5.34
  • Slum Tour: Inside Dharavi's Vibrant Community: $5.76
  • 2 hours Dharavi Slum Tour with Local Guide: $5.77
  • Dharavi Slum Tour Experience with Local: $5.88
  • Exploring Dharavi: Mumbai's Walking Slum Tour: $5.91
  • Mumbai Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $6.73
  • Dharavi Slumdog Millionaire Tour: With Local Guide: $8.07

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Kerala -
    Mumbai $3.56

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


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Kerala and Mumbai, we can see that Mumbai is more expensive. And not only is Kerala much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Kerala would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Kerala 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 Kerala.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Kerala Expensive? and Is Mumbai Expensive?.


Which has a larger population, Kerala or Mumbai?

Kerala has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Mumbai. When comparing the sizes of Kerala 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.