Which place is cheaper, Mumbai or Kolkata (Calcutta)?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Kolkata (Calcutta) or Mumbai?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Kolkata (Calcutta) 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: Kolkata (Calcutta) or Mumbai?
Kolkata (Calcutta)
Formerly known as Calcutta, Kolkata is the capital of West Bengal, India. Featuring colonial architecture, galleries, temples, and festivals, the city has flourished from its roots as an East India Company trading post in the 18th Century to a thriving metropolis. Today Kolkata is a diverse center of culture and bustling activity.
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 4-Week (1-Month) Tours in India, The Best Bicycle Tours in India, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in India, and The Best Adventure Tours to India.
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Kolkata (Calcutta) Prices
India PricesMumbai Prices
India Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayKolkata (Calcutta) $47Mumbai $86
The average daily cost (per person) in Kolkata (Calcutta) is $47, while the average daily cost in Mumbai is $86. 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 Kolkata (Calcutta) and Mumbai in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personKolkata (Calcutta) $16Mumbai $33
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomKolkata (Calcutta) $32Mumbai $66
Compare Hotels in Kolkata (Calcutta) and Mumbai
Looking for a hotel in Kolkata (Calcutta) 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: Kolkata (Calcutta) Hotel Prices and Mumbai Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Kolkata (Calcutta) $5.00Mumbai $7.60
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kolkata (Calcutta)
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Kolkata (Calcutta):
- The Second City of Empire: A Kolkata Heritage Walking Tour with Private Transfer: $134
- Build Your Own: custom private tour of Kolkata with transfers: $69
- Private Transfer from Kolkata to Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose (CCU) Airport: $63
- Private Departure Transfer: Hotel to Kolkata Airport: $32
- Kolkata Airport (CCU) Private Transfer to Kolkata City/Hotels: $30
- Kolkata - Arrival transfer from Airport to Hotel: $28
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Mumbai
Also for Mumbai, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- One-Way Transfer Airport to Hotel: $11
- Mumbai by Night: Private Iconic Sights Tour with Transfers: $18
- VIP Mumbai Airport Transfer: Comfort & Convenience: $22
- Private Hotel Transfers to/from Mumbai Airport: $23
- Private Transfer to/from Mumbai Airport: $24
- Mumbai Private Airport Transfer to Hotel Easy & Safe: $24
- Private Transfer from Mumbai to your Accommodation in Pune: $25
- Mumbai Downtown to Mumbai Airport(BOM) Departure Private Transfer: $26
- Mumbai Airport Transfer to and from Hotel: $31
- Private Hotel Transfers to/from Airport: $35
- Mumbai Downtown to Chatrapati Shivaji Airport (BOM) - Departure Private Transfer: $37
- Dharavi Tour Including Car Transfer: $39
Is it cheaper to fly into Kolkata (Calcutta) or Mumbai?
Prices for flights to both Mumbai and Kolkata (Calcutta) 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 dayKolkata (Calcutta) $24Mumbai $43
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Kolkata (Calcutta)
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Kolkata (Calcutta).
- Bengali Nights Kolkata Food Tour with 13+ Tastings: $35
- Alleyway Food Tour: $48
- Dinner Cruise on Ganges Kolkata 3Hrs: $60
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
- Street Food Tour - Eat like a Local with Sunset view: $16
- Discover Mumbai's street & beach with Vegetarian food tour: $18
- Mumbai Heritage, Food Tour & Bustling Local Bazaar Walk: $18
- Experience Mumbai Street Food Tour: $20
- Mumbai Food Tour: $20
- Small Group Authentic Mumbai Virtual Cooking Class with Dessert: $20
- Authentic Street Food Tour: $21
- Mumbai Coastal Cooking: From Fishing Net to Flavourful Plate: $21
- Unique Street Food Tour with Local Guide: $23
- Street Food Tour: $28
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Kolkata (Calcutta) $15Mumbai $2.60
Tours and Activities in Kolkata (Calcutta)
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Kolkata (Calcutta) are as follows:
- 02 Days Guided Private Tour of Kolkata : $225
- Calcutta Contrast Tour: $48
- Capturing the City of Joy; Full Day Kolkata Street Photography Tour: $85
- Cultural Confluence of Kolkata - Culture Kaleidoscope Tour: $42
- Custom Private Kolkata Sightseeing with English speaking Guide: $60
- Experience Kolkata in 2 Days like never before - Private Tour: $143
- Explore Kolkata- Private Full Day Tour: $90
- Flower Market Colors and Ganges Ghat Experience: $30
- Guided Kolkata Sightseeing Trip by Car, Walk & Sunset Cruise Excursion Trip: $107
- Hello Calcutta Walk Tour: $40
- Heritage & Cultural Walk of Kolkata (2 Hours Guided Walking Tour): $18
- Heritage and Culture of Kolkata Private Tour: $65
Tours and Activities in Mumbai
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Mumbai.
- Guided Tour: The Heart of Mumbai: $0.59
- Highlights Bus Full-Day Tour in Hindi: $4.22
- Slum Tour Dharavi Small Group with a Local Guide: $5.01
- Dharavi Slumdog Tour -See the real Slum with a Local: $5.27
- Mumbai's Historical Architecture: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.40
- Inside Dharavi: Unveiling Mumbai's Slum Culture Tour: $5.62
- Dharavi Slum Tour Experience with Local: $5.80
- 2 hours Dharavi Slum Tour with Local Guide: $5.86
- Audio Guided Tour of Matunga & Dadar Parsi Colony, Mumbai: $6.14
- Dharavi Slumdog Millionaire Tour: With Local Guide: $6.56
- 2 Hours Markets And Temple Tour: $7.03
- Mumbai:Dhobi Ghat Laundry,Dharavi Slum & Flower market Tour: $7.03
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayKolkata (Calcutta) $8.09Mumbai $3.61
Sample the Local Flavors in Mumbai
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Mumbai:
- South Bombay Pub Crawl: $41
- Nashik: Private Full-Day Wine Tour with Tastings From Mumbai: $135
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Kolkata (Calcutta) and Mumbai, we can see that Mumbai is more expensive. And not only is Kolkata (Calcutta) much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Kolkata (Calcutta) would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Kolkata (Calcutta) 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 Kolkata (Calcutta).
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Kolkata (Calcutta) Expensive? and Is Mumbai Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Kolkata (Calcutta) or Mumbai?
Mumbai has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Kolkata (Calcutta). When comparing the sizes of Kolkata (Calcutta) 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.