Which place is cheaper, Mumbai or Koh Samui?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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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.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayKoh Samui $55Mumbai $69
The average daily cost (per person) in Koh Samui is $55, while the average daily cost in Mumbai is $69. 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
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personKoh Samui $24Mumbai $34
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomKoh Samui $48Mumbai $68
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.
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
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Koh Samui $17Mumbai $7.77
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Koh Samui
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Koh Samui:
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Scooter Rental$2.05
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Gas for Scooter$1.09
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Airport Taxi$12
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Taxi- Na Thon Pier to Lamai Beach$11
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Minibus- Airport to Chaweng$3.27
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Koh Samui
Also for Koh Samui, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- ATV And Zipline Experience on Koh Samui with Transfer: $110
- Ethical Elephant Home Guided Tour with Transfers: $81
- Private Transfer from Ko Samui Cruise Port to Ko Samui Hotels: $74
- Guided Zipline Adventure in Ko Samui with Round Trip Transfer: $71
- Private Departure Transfer: From Hotel to Airport Koh Samui by Minivan: $69
- Private Transfer from Ko Samui Port to Ko Samui Island Hotels: $67
- Private Transfer from Ko Samui Port to Ko Samui Airport (USM): $67
- Private Transfer from Ko Samui island hotels to Ko Samui Port: $66
- Full Moon Party Speedboat Round Trip Transfer: $55
- Ko Samui Airport (USM) to Ko Samui Round Trip Private Transfer: $52
- Private Transfer from Samui (USM) Airport to Samui City: $46
- Private Transfer from Samui City to Samui (USM) Airport: $46
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Mumbai
Also for Mumbai, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Premium Mumbai guided tour with transfer: $480
- Luxury Mumbai Package with Hotel,Private Airport Transfers and Sightseeing Tour: $270
- Mumbai Airport(BOM)to Mumbai Downtown-Round-Trip Private Transfer: $153
- Private Transfer from Mumbai Chatrapati Shivaji Airport (BOM) to Mumbai Downtown: $137
- Mumbai full day private city tour with guide and transfer: $117
- Departure Private Transfers: Mumbai City to Mumbai Airport BOM in Luxury Van: $93
- Arrival Private Transfers: Mumbai Airport BOM to Mumbai City in Luxury Van: $93
- Mumbai Airport Transfers : Mumbai City to Mumbai Airport BOM in Luxury Van: $93
- Private Dharavi Slum Tour Including Car Transfer: $91
- Local Street Food Private Walking Tour with Transfer: $90
- Global Vipassana Pagoda : Half Day Tour with Transfer: $84
- Mumbai Downtown to Mumbai Airport(BOM) Departure Private Transfer: $76
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
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Food Meals for one dayKoh Samui $19Mumbai $26
Typical Food Prices in Koh Samui
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Koh Samui:
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Casual Lunch (for Two)$5.86
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:
- Romantic 4-Course Dinner for Two on the Beach by the Amari Samui: $43
- Cooking Class with Herbal Garden by Amari Koh Samui: $51
- Thai Cooking Class at Melati Beach Resort & Spa: $59
- Sunset Dinner Cruise: $61
- Thai Cooking Class with Local Market Tour in Koh Samui: $67
- Thai Cooking Class & Organic Micro Farm Experience - Farm to Table. Since 2015: $69
- Koh Samui Sunset Dinner Cruise: $71
- Cooking Class in Ko Samui for Small Group : $72
- Koh Samui Jungle Kitchen - Half Day Cooking Class: $77
- Thai Cooking Class in Koh Samui: $78
- Thai Cooking Class with Local Market Tour: $80
- Red Baron Romantic Sunset Dinner Cruise: $88
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: $15
- Discover Mumbai's street & beach with food tour: $17
- Mumbai Food Tour: $20
- Vegetarian Indian Cuisine Virtual Cooking Class Experience from Mumbai: $20
- Mumbai Food Tour: $25
- Street Food Tour - Eat like a Local with sunset view: $26
- Old Bombay Bazaar and Food Tour with local Guide: $27
- Guided Food Tour Through the Vibrant Markets of Old Bombay: $28
- Street Food Tour: $32
- Indian cusine demonstration cum hands on with Hi Tea / Dinner at a Family home: $33
- Mumbai Street Food Tour with Sun Set View: $38
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Koh Samui $10Mumbai $2.66
Tours and Activities in Koh Samui
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Koh Samui.
- 6 Hrs Off Road 4x4 Adventure of Hidden Gems In Koh Samui Hills 1 - 4 persons: $117
- 6 Hrs Off Road 4x4 Adventure of Hidden Gems In Koh Samui Hills 5 - 8 Persons: $145
- Koh Samui Island ATV Quad Bike Adventure: $50
- Pig Island Experience By Speed Boat, Snorkeling, Kayaking Relaxing on the Beach: $49
- Private Tour in Koh Samui Waterfall And Mummified Monk Temple: $198
- koh samui island and water fall tour: $43
- 2 Day Halfmoon Festival Experience General Admission Pass: $70
- 2 Islands Sightseeing and Snorkeling Trip From Koh Samui: $46
- 2-Hour Koh Samui ATV Quad Tour: $51
- 2.5-Hours ATV Jungle Adventure Experience from Koh Phangan: $107
- 3 Night Hotel Package and 2 Day Experience at Halfmoon Festival: $284
- 3.5-Hours ATV Adventure in the Jungle of Koh Phangan: $160
Tours and Activities in Mumbai
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Mumbai.
- Mumbai City Tour : $100
- Private Full-Day Mumbai Sightseeing Tour with Dharavi Slums: $82
- "Best of Mumbai (Guided Full Day Sightseeing City Tour)": $127
- "Highlights of Mumbai Guided Half Day Sightseeing City Tour: $74
- "Religions of Mumbai (Guided Half Day Sightseeing City Tour): $80
- 2-Days Private Taj Mahal Sunrise Tour from Mumbai by Round Trip Flights: $231
- 2-Hour Guided Tour of Dharavi: $25
- 3 Days Complete Mumbai Tour Inclusive of Bollywood Studio Experience: $277
- 3 Hours of Pottery Making Experience in a Studio in Mumbai: $70
- 5 Hours Private Tour in Mumbai City: $74
- 7-Hour Mumbai Sightseeing + Dharavi Slum Tour + Local Train Ride: $71
- Agra Taj Tour from Mumbai: $220
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayKoh Samui $4.63Mumbai $3.69
Sample the Local Flavors in Koh Samui
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Koh Samui:
- Private 4x4 Off-Road Island Safari + Rum Distillery Visit & Tasting: $295
Sample the Local Flavors in Mumbai
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Mumbai:
- Bombay Party (Bar Crawl): $25
- South Bombay Pub Crawl: $39
- South Bombay Pub Crawl: $39
- Mumbai Pub Crawl: History, Iconic Bars, Cocktail Workshop, Stories and Drinks : $90
- Mumbai Private Bar Crawl with City Night Tour: $124
- Nashik: Private Full-Day Wine Tour with Tastings From Mumbai: $128
- Full-Day Private Wine Tour at Sula Vineyards from Mumbai: $152
- Wine Tasting Tour Sula Vineyards Nashik - (Day excursion from Mumbai): $163
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Koh Samui and Mumbai, we can see that Mumbai is more expensive. And not only is Koh Samui much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Koh Samui would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Koh Samui 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 Koh Samui.
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).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyKoh 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).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberKoh 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).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryKoh 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).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilKoh 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) |
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.