Should you visit Mumbai or Bangalore?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Mumbai or Bangalore, 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: Mumbai or Bangalore?
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.
Bangalore
Bangalore is the capital city of the state of Karnataka, in India. It's also India's third largest city with a population of about 8.5 million. It's considered one of the most liveable cities in the country and was historically known for its many gardens and lush green spaces. Today those areas are all but gone, having given way to the growing population and sprawling metropolises. Bangalore is also the information technology hub of the country and is sometimes referred to as India's Silicon Valley.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Mumbai, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to India, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in India, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in India.
Which place is cheaper, Bangalore or Mumbai?
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 Mumbai is $76, while the average daily cost in Bangalore is $47. 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 Mumbai and Bangalore in more detail.
Accommodation
Looking for a hotel in Mumbai or Bangalore? 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:
Mumbai Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Mumbai
Also for Mumbai, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
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VIP Mumbai Airport Transfer: Comfort & Convenience:
$19
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Transfer to & fro Airports,Cruise Terminal,Hotels or any whichway, one way/time:
$65
-
Transfer Mumbai Airport Hotel/Navi Mumbai:
$19
-
Private Transfer from Mumbai hotels to Mumbai Cruise Port:
$57
-
Private Transfer from Mumbai Cruise Port to Mumbai Hotels:
$57
-
Private Transfer from Mumbai Cruise Port to Mumbai Airport (BOM):
$40
-
Private Transfer from Mumbai Airport to Hotel:
$11
-
Private Transfer from Mumbai Airport (BOM) to Mumbai Port:
$40
-
Private Transfer from Mumbai Airport (BOM) to Mumbai Cruise Port:
$57
-
Private Transfer from Mumbai Airport (BOM) to Mumbai:
$57
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Private Transfer from Chatrapati Shivaji (BOM) Airport to Mumbai:
$41
-
Private Departure Transfer from Mumbai Hotel to Airport Including VIP Assistance:
$214
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bangalore
Also for Bangalore, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
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Bangalore to Chennai Private Transfers:
$135
-
Private Transfer from Bangalore to Puttaparthi-Safe & Comfortable:
$120
-
Private Arrival Transfer: Bengaluru International Airport to Bangalore Hotels:
$84
-
Bengaluru Airport (BLR) to Bengaluru Round-Trip Transfer:
$73
-
Wild Life Jeep Safari Tour at Bannerghatta with Private Transfer:
$70
-
Mysore City Private Day Tour with Transfers:
$67
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Private Departure Transfer from City Hotel to Bengaluru Airport - 10PM to 6AM:
$52
-
Bengaluru City to Bengaluru Kempegowda Airport (BLR)- Departure Private Transfer:
$40
-
Bengaluru Kempegowda Airport (BLR) to Bengaluru Arrival Transfer:
$36
-
Bangalore Airport (BLR) Private Transfer to Bangalore City/Hotels:
$32
Is it cheaper to fly into Mumbai or Bangalore?
Prices for flights to both Bangalore and Mumbai 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 day
Mumbai $38
Bangalore $19
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Mumbai
For Mumbai, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
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Private Evening City & Street Food Tour with AC Car:
$11
-
Private Bollywood Studio Tour & Indian Cooking Class:
$11
-
Best Steet Food Tour & Marekt with Train Ride Tour:
$14
-
Discover Mumbai's street & beach with Vegetarian food tour:
$14
-
Mumbai Street Food Tour with Evening Bazaar Walk:
$14
-
Authentic Indian Cooking Class in Mumbai with a Local Family:
$16
-
Private Street Food Tour with Mumbai Sightseeing Tour including AC vehicles:
$19
-
Small Group Authentic Mumbai Virtual Cooking Class with Dessert:
$20
-
Vegetarian Indian Cuisine Virtual Cooking Class Experience from Mumbai:
$20
-
Mumbai Street Food Tour:
$20
-
Indian Cooking Class & Cultural Delights:
$23
-
Private Dharavi Walking Tour & Indian Cooking Class:
$25
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Bangalore
For Bangalore, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
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Pop-Up Dinner in Bangalore with Focus on Sustainable Food:
$22
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Traditional Cooking Classes & Dinner with Chef Family:
$44
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Discover Bangalore's Cuisine: Private Half-Day Cooking Experience:
$60
-
Cook, Dine & Connect: Indian Home Cooking in Bengaluru:
$70
-
Private South Indian Cooking Class in Bangalore with a Local:
$78
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Doctor led Bengaluru Food Tour Discover Authentic Local Cuisine:
$92
-
Private Bengaluru Food Walking Tour with Dinner:
$99
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Cooking experience in Bangalore, a half day tour:
$115
Entertainment
Tours and Activities in Mumbai
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Mumbai.
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" Dash Of Mumbai " Sightseeing & Experiences-by Goi Licensed Guide Ragini Doshi:
$286
-
"Mumbai - Dharavi Slum Tour":
$8.61
-
"Mumbai City Sightseeing Tour":
$43
-
2 Days Delhi, Agra Tour from Mumbai by Flight:
$299
-
2 Days Mumbai Tour with Car and Hotel:
$285
-
2-Day Tour to Taj Mahal, Agra from Mumbai with Both side Commercial Flights:
$270
-
2-Day Tour to The Taj Mahal, Agra from Mumbai with Both Side Commercial Flights:
$254
-
2Days Mumbai Sightseeing Tours with Dharavi, Elephanta Caves:
$62
-
3 Days Chatrapati Shambaji Nagar Tour from Mumbai in Pvt Vehicle:
$290
-
3 Days Complete Mumbai Tour Inclusive of Bollywood Studio Experience:
$277
-
3 Jyotirlinga Temple Tour – From Mumbai, Pune and Aurangabad:
$156
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3-Day Mumbai to Goa Road Trip: Village Stay & Sightseeing:
$499
Tours and Activities in Bangalore
For Bangalore, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
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(Mysuru) Mysore Day Out - A Royal Experience Private Tour from Bangalore:
$125
-
2-Day Tour to Taj Mahal and Agra from Bangalore with Both Side Commercial Flight:
$254
-
3 Days Taj Mahal Tour From Bengaluru to Agra:
$80
-
A Vijayanagara Tour through Hampi And Anegundi:
$215
-
Agra Taj Tour from Bangalore:
$292
-
All Inclusive Bangalore Half-Day City Tour with Hotel Pickup:
$70
-
Architecture Tour of Bangalore:
$76
-
Authentic Shopping Experience in Bangalore for Souvenirs & Gifts:
$48
-
Bangalore Birdwatching Tour with Local Guide:
$200
-
Bangalore City Tour (Lunch, Pick up & drop at hotel):
$100
-
Bangalore Discovery: Full-Day Private Guided City Tour:
$80
-
Bangalore Explorer: 3-Day Tour of the Garden City:
$259
Alcohol
Sample the Local Flavors in Mumbai
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Mumbai:
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Bombay Party (Bar Crawl):
$25
-
Sula Vineyards Wine Tasting Day Trip from Mumbai by Train or Car:
$131
Sample the Local Flavors in Bangalore
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Bangalore:
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Pub Crawl in Bengaluru - A lovely private evening experience with a local:
$34
-
Bangalore The Original Pub Crawl Tour:
$50
-
Brews of Bengaluru- Pub Crawl:
$95
-
Bangalore Wine Trails: Grover Zampa Vineyard & Wine Tasting:
$161
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Mumbai and Bangalore, we can see that Mumbai is more expensive. And not only is Bangalore much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Bangalore would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Bangalore 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 Bangalore.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Mumbai Expensive? and Is Bangalore Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Mumbai or Bangalore?
Mumbai has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Bangalore. When comparing the sizes of Mumbai and Bangalore, 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.
Related Articles for Mumbai
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