A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Koh Samui vs. Mumbai for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Koh Samui or Mumbai?

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

Should I visit Koh Samui 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: Koh Samui or Mumbai?

Koh Samui

The largest island on the east coast of southern Thailand, Ko Samui (or Koh Samui) sees a good number of visitors every year who come for its lush rainforest, beautiful shores, and undersea wildlife. The size of the island is still small enough to allow visitors to circumnavigate it with a taxi or motorbike in a day, while hikers and outdoor enthusiasts can find plenty of inland activities in the hills and jungle.

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 Tours Under $1000 in Thailand, The Best Budget Tours to Thailand, The Best 2-Week Tours from Mumbai, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to India.


Which place is cheaper, Mumbai or Koh Samui?

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 Koh Samui is $77, 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 Koh Samui and Mumbai in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Koh Samui $26
    Mumbai $30
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Koh Samui $52
    Mumbai $60
Compare Hotels in Koh Samui and Mumbai

Looking for a hotel in Koh Samui 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 Koh Samui


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: Koh Samui Hotel Prices and Mumbai Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Koh Samui $19
    Mumbai $6.46
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Koh Samui

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Koh Samui:


  • Scooter Rental
    $2.30
  • Gas for Scooter
    $1.23
  • Airport Taxi
    $14
  • Taxi- Na Thon Pier to Lamai Beach
    $13
  • Minibus- Airport to Chaweng
    $3.68

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Koh Samui

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

  • The Red Baron Luxury Yacht Cruise from Koh Samui with Return Transfer: $166
  • Koh Samui Paradise Park Farm Admission Ticket with Return Transfer: $138
  • Paradise Park Farm Entry Ticket with Transfer: $118
  • ATV And Zipline Experience on Koh Samui with Transfer: $112
  • The Jungle Club or The Roof Samui Table Reservation with Transfer: $94
  • Thrilling 2 Hour ATV Jungle with Hotel Transfer from Koh Samui: $88
  • Angthong Catamaran Tour from Koh Samui with Lunch and Transfers: $78
  • Private Arrival Transfer: Koh Samui Airports to Hotel by Minivan: $75
  • Koh Samui Tree Bridge Zipline and Jungle Cafe with Hotel Transfer: $69
  • Private Transfer from Samui (USM) Airport to Mae Nam: $69
  • Private Transfer from Mae Nam to Samui (USM) Airport: $69
  • Private Transfer from Samui (USM) Airport to Taling Ngam: $69

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Mumbai

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

  • Private Arrival Transfer from Mumbai Airport to Hotel Including VIP Assistance: $214
  • Private Departure Transfer from Mumbai Hotel to Airport Including VIP Assistance: $214
  • Airport Transfer: Mumbai to Mumbai Airport BOM by Van: $111
  • Departure Private Transfers: Mumbai City to Mumbai Airport BOM in Luxury Van: $101
  • Arrival Transfer: Mumbai Airport BOM to Mumbai by Luxury Van: $101
  • Mumbai Private Bollywood Studio Tour with Transfer: $94
  • Mumbai Airport (BOM) to Mumbai - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $76
  • Airport Transfer: Mumbai Airport BOM to Mumbai by Business Car: $65
  • Departure Private Transfers: Mumbai City to Mumbai Airport BOM in Business Car: $65
  • Transfer to & fro Airports,Cruise Terminal,Hotels or any whichway, one way/time: $64
  • Private Transfer from Mumbai hotels to Mumbai Cruise Port: $59
  • Private Transfer from Mumbai Cruise Port to Mumbai Hotels: $59

Is it cheaper to fly into Koh Samui or Mumbai?

Prices for flights to both Mumbai and Koh Samui 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
    Koh Samui $38
    Mumbai $38
Typical Food Prices in Koh Samui

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


  • Casual Lunch (for Two)
    $6.60

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Koh Samui

For Koh Samui, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Samui Suppers Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $59
  • Coconut Corners Samui Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $59
  • Half Day Pig Island Snorkeling Trip with Sunset Dinner from Samui: $60
  • Cooking Class by Samui Native Instructor Geng and O Family: $79
  • Thai Cooking Class with Local Market Tour in Koh Samui: $79
  • Thai Cooking Masterclass by the Sea on Koh Samui: $80
  • Thai Cooking Class | Since 2012 | Farm to Table: $82
  • Cooking Class in Ko Samui for Small Group: $82
  • Red Baron Sunset Dinner Cruise from Koh Samui with Transfer: $85
  • Thai Cooking Class from Koh Samui with Local Market: $86
  • Romantic Evening on Koh Samui’s Sunset Dinner Cruise: $107
  • Sunset Dinner Cruise Koh Samui The Red Baron: $110

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
  • Mumbai Street Food Tour with Evening Market Walk: $17
  • Vegetarian Indian Cuisine Virtual Cooking Class Experience from Mumbai: $20
  • Mumbai Food Tour: $20
  • Best Mumbai Street Food Tour with Market & Train Ride Tour: $27
  • Indian cusine demonstration cum hands on with Hi Tea / Dinner at a Family home: $29
  • Experience Mumbai Street Food Tour: $36
  • Mumbai Street Food Tour: $39
  • Mumbai Authentic Street Food Tour: $41
  • Bombay Express Mumbai Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $45
  • Mumbai Best Street Food Tour with Local Guide: $46
  • Authentic Indian Cooking Class in Mumbai in a Local Home: $49

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Koh Samui $12
    Mumbai $2.34

Tours and Activities in Koh Samui

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

  • 2 Hour ATV Jungle Adventure in Koh Samui Mountain Viewpoints: $88
  • 2 Hours ATV Quad Bike Popular Tour From Koh Samui: $111
  • 2-Hour Koh Samui ATV Quad Tour: $58
  • 2.5-Hours ATV Jungle Adventure Experience from Koh Phangan: $121
  • 3 Hour ATV Secret Waterfall Adventure in Koh Samui: $110
  • 4 Hour Ultimate ATV Jungle Tour in Koh Samui Lunch Included: $141
  • 4WD Jungle Safari Tour in Koh Samui with Lunch: $50
  • 6 Hours Elephant Care and Jungle Tour by 4WD in Koh Samui: $62
  • ATV 1.5 Hours Jungle Safari Tour On Koh Phangan: $76
  • ATV 2 hrs. Jungle Adventure on the Mountain Way in Koh Samui: $63
  • ATV Jungle & Mountain Trails 30-Min Off-Road Adventure Koh Samui: $47
  • Adventure Kayaking at Angthong Marine Park: $116

Tours and Activities in Mumbai

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

  • "Mumbai - Dharavi Slum Tour": $8.57
  • "Mumbai City Sightseeing Tour": $43
  • 2-Hour Guided Tour of Dharavi: $21
  • 2025 Award Winning: Mumbai City Highlights Half Day Tour: $65
  • 3 Days Complete Mumbai Tour Inclusive of Bollywood Studio Experience: $277
  • 3 Hours Early Morning in South Mumbai Heritage Bicycle Tour: $34
  • 3-Day Mumbai to Nashik, Ajanta and Ellora Tour with Car and Guide: $149
  • All in one Combo of City ,Slum,Dhobighat & Dabbawala tour: $77
  • 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 Tour of Matunga & Dadar Parsi Colony, Mumbai: $6.14

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Koh Samui $5.21
    Mumbai $3.25

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


When comparing the travel costs between Koh Samui and Mumbai, we can see that Koh Samui is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Asia, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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


Which is Bigger, Koh Samui or Mumbai?

Mumbai has a larger population, and is about 320 times larger than the population of Koh Samui. When comparing the sizes of Koh Samui 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 Koh Samui or Mumbai?

Both destinations experience a warmer climate with nice weather most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season.

Should I visit Koh Samui or Mumbai in the Summer?

Both Mumbai and Koh Samui are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Koh Samui throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Mumbai because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Mumbai. It's quite rainy in Koh Samui. In July, Koh Samui usually receives less rain than Mumbai. Koh Samui gets 143 mm (5.6 in) of rain, while Mumbai receives 640 mm (25.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

In the summer, Koh Samui is cooler than Mumbai. Typically, the summer temperatures in Koh Samui in July average around 24°C (76°F), and Mumbai averages at about 28°C (82°F).


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Koh Samui 24°C (76°F) 
    Mumbai 28°C (82°F)

Should I visit Koh Samui or Mumbai in the Autumn?

Both Mumbai and Koh Samui during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Koh Samui because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Mumbai year-round.

December to February is the dry season in Koh Samui. October to December is the rainy season in Koh Samui. It rains a lot this time of the year in Koh Samui. Koh Samui usually gets more rain in October than Mumbai. Koh Samui gets 240 mm (9.5 in) of rain, while Mumbai receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

In October, Koh Samui is generally cooler than Mumbai. Daily temperatures in Koh Samui average around 24°C (75°F), and Mumbai fluctuates around 29°C (84°F).


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Koh Samui 24°C (75°F) 
    Mumbai 29°C (84°F)

Should I visit Koh Samui or Mumbai in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Koh Samui and Mumbai. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Koh Samui year-round. Mumbai attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

December to February in Koh Samui is the dry season. In January, Koh Samui usually receives more rain than Mumbai. Koh Samui gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Mumbai receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Koh Samui is around the same temperature as Mumbai in the winter. The daily temperature in Koh Samui averages around 22°C (72°F) in January, and Mumbai fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Koh Samui 22°C (72°F) 
    Mumbai 24°C (75°F)

Should I visit Koh Samui or Mumbai in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Koh Samui as well as Mumbai. Koh Samui attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Mumbai throughout the year.

Koh Samui usually gets more rain in April than Mumbai. Koh Samui gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Mumbai receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

In the spring, Koh Samui is cooler than Mumbai. Typically, the spring temperatures in Koh Samui in April average around 24°C (76°F), and Mumbai averages at about 29°C (84°F).


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Koh Samui 24°C (76°F) 
    Mumbai 29°C (84°F)

Typical Weather for Mumbai and Koh Samui

Koh Samui Mumbai
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 22°C (72°F) 51 mm (2 in) 24°C (75°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Feb 22°C (72°F) 11 mm (0.4 in) 25°C (77°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Mar 23°C (74°F) 24 mm (0.9 in) 27°C (81°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Apr 24°C (76°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 29°C (84°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
May 25°C (77°F) 164 mm (6.5 in) 30°C (86°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Jun 25°C (77°F) 145 mm (5.7 in) 29°C (84°F) 560 mm (22 in)
Jul 24°C (76°F) 143 mm (5.6 in) 28°C (82°F) 640 mm (25.2 in)
Aug 24°C (76°F) 140 mm (5.5 in) 28°C (82°F) 520 mm (20.5 in)
Sep 25°C (76°F) 196 mm (7.7 in) 28°C (82°F) 320 mm (12.6 in)
Oct 24°C (75°F) 240 mm (9.5 in) 29°C (84°F) 90 mm (3.5 in)
Nov 23°C (74°F) 335 mm (13.2 in) 28°C (82°F) 20 mm (0.8 in)
Dec 23°C (73°F) 134 mm (5.3 in) 26°C (79°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)