Which place is cheaper, Beijing or Mumbai?
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 Mumbai or Beijing?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Mumbai or Beijing, 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 Beijing?
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.
Beijing
Beijing is the capital of China and, with 21.5 million people, it is the second most populated city in the world after Shanghai. It is a city that keeps pockets of its history hidden in old neighborhoods or back alleys, despite the constant change and modernization that goes on around it. As the capital city of China, there is plenty of history and culture. You can still get yourself lost in one of the last remaining hutongs, which are old neighborhoods that remain untouched by the city's modernization. The alleys that weave between the old homes are lined with drying clothes, corner markets, and people going about their daily lives the way they have for centuries. Surrounding these hutongs you'll find modern buildings and a booming economy, all threatening to destroying these last bits of Beijing's history. Beijing offers a glimpse into a microcosm that represents the entire country of China. Make sure you give yourself enough time in China to truly experience Beijing. You can pass a lot of time soaking up life in the city, which remains as diverse as the country it resides within.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Mumbai, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to India, The Best 2-Week Tours from Beijing, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to China.
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Mumbai Prices
India PricesBeijing Prices
China Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayMumbai $77Beijing $96
The average daily cost (per person) in Mumbai is $77, while the average daily cost in Beijing is $96. 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 Beijing in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personMumbai $30Beijing $42
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomMumbai $60Beijing $84
Compare Hotels in Mumbai and Beijing
Looking for a hotel in Mumbai or Beijing? 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 and Beijing Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Mumbai $6.51Beijing $8.22
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Mumbai
Also for Mumbai, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Airport Transfer: Mumbai Airport BOM to Mumbai by Business Car: $64
- Airport Transfer: Mumbai to Mumbai Airport BOM by Van: $110
- Arrival Transfer: Mumbai Airport BOM to Mumbai by Luxury Van: $99
- Departure Private Transfers: Mumbai City to Mumbai Airport BOM in Business Car: $64
- Mumbai - private arrival transfer from Airport to Hotel: $39
- Mumbai - private departure transfer from Hotel to Airport: $39
- Mumbai After Dark: Private Night Tour with AC Transfers: $25
- Mumbai Airport (BOM) to Mumbai - Arrival Private Transfer: $37
- Mumbai Airport (BOM) to Mumbai - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $75
- Mumbai Airport (BOM) to Mumbai - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $51
- Mumbai Airport BOM Private Transfer to Mumbai City Central/Hotels: $24
- Mumbai Airport Private Arrival Transfers: $20
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Beijing
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Beijing:
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Taxi$5.02
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Train from Airport for Two$7.35
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Taxi to Hotel$8.83
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2 Metro Passes$2.35
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Metro$0.59
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Beijing
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Beijing:
- Pivate Transfer To Datong Yungang Grottoes From Beijing: $598
- Beijing Layover Private Tour: City Highlights With Airport Transfer: $300
- Beijing Acrobatics Show And Peking Opera Tour With Transfer: $299
- Beijing Great Wall and Imperial Palace Private Tour with Airport Transfer: $299
- Beijing Layover Tour with Hutong, Temple of Heaven and Airport Transfer: $296
- Beijing Layover of Comprehensive City Tour With Airport Transfer: $290
- Private Day Tour of Beijing City Overview with Airport Transfer: $285
- Beijing Private Transfer: Mutianyu Great Wall Slow-Paced Visit: $280
- Beijing Hutong Culture Experience with Airport Transfer: $276
- Private Transfer to Beidaihe Summer Resort from Beijing: $272
- Private Transfer To Guyaju Ancient Cave(With Options): $269
- 1-Day Bejing Layover Tour:Mutianyu Great Wall,Forbidden City & Airport Transfers: $250
Is it cheaper to fly into Mumbai or Beijing?
Prices for flights to both Beijing 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 dayMumbai $39Beijing $36
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
- Vegetarian Indian Cuisine Virtual Cooking Class Experience from Mumbai: $20
- Mumbai Food Tour: $20
- Mumbai Street Food Tour: Taste the City's Best Local Flavors: $25
- Indian cusine demonstration cum hands on with Hi Tea / Dinner at a Family home: $29
- Indian cusine demonstration cum hands on with Hi Tea / Dinner at a Family home: $29
- Lights, Flavour, Action- A Story-Driven Food Tour: $31
- Experience Mumbai Street Food Tour: $36
- Mumbai Authentic Street Food Tour: $41
- Bombay Express Mumbai Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $45
- Authentic Indian Cooking Class in Mumbai in a Local Home: $49
- Private Authentic Bengali Cooking Class & Market Tour in Mumbai: $52
Typical Food Prices in Beijing
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Beijing:
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Popcorn$0.88
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Hot Pot Dinner$7.35
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Dumpling Breakfast for Two$2.94
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Watermelon$2.06
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Peking Duck Dinner for 2$18
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Two Popsicles$0.88
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Beijing
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Beijing.
- Online Cooking Class Beijing Dumplings and Cuisine by Sunflowerli Renowned Chef: $20
- Online Cooking Class Orange Chicken by Sunflower Li: $20
- Online Cooking Class Kungpao Chicken: $25
- Beijing Food Tour: $40
- Hutong Breakfast Food Tour: $45
- Beijing Hutong Breakfast Food Tour: $45
- Beijing Acrobatic Show Tickets w/ Optional Dinner or Transfer: $48
- 3.5-Hour Walking Food Tour: A Bite of History at Beijing Niujie Street: $49
- Temple of Heaven Private Tour w/Option Show &Dinner: $54
- Experience Beijing Walking Food Tour Private: $55
- China's Favourite Street Food Cooking Workshop: $55
- Private Local Food Tour in Beijing with a Local Guide: $59
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Mumbai $2.36Beijing $26
Tours and Activities in Mumbai
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Mumbai.
- Dharavi Slum tour in Mumbai by local resident: $4.30
- Mumbai Malabar Self-Guided Walking City Tour & Scavenger Hunt: $5.00
- Mumbai Self-Guided Walking City Tour & Scavenger Hunt: $5.00
- Audio Guided Walking Tour on HopOn India App – From Gateway to Fountain, Mumbai: $5.32
- Audio Guided Tour – Mumbai Cricket Walk by HopOn India: $5.34
- Elephanta Caves Audio Guided Walking Tour, Mumbai on HopOn India App: $5.34
- Mumbai's Historical Architecture: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.40
- From Delhi: Taj Mahal Sunrise, Baby Taj & Agra Fort Day Tour: $5.64
- Audio Guided Tour of Matunga & Dadar Parsi Colony, Mumbai: $6.14
- Dharavi Slum Tour in Untold Stories with Local Guide: $6.44
- Best Slum Tour Dharavi Small Group with a Local: $6.98
- From Delhi: Taj Mahal & Agra City Tour with Fatehpur Sikri: $7.10
Typical Entertainment Prices in Beijing
Here are a few typical costs in Beijing for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
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Entry to Summer Palace for Two$8.83
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Two Opera Tickets$63
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Temple of Heaven Park Entrance (for 2)$10
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Forbidden City (for 2)$18
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Forbidden City Tickets$18
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Audio Guides at Forbidden City$12
Tours and Activities in Beijing
Here are a few actual costs in Beijing for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- 1-Day Beijing Private Tour to Forbidden City and Mutianyu Great Wall: $150
- 1-Day Beijing Private Tour to Lama Temple,Summer Palace and Hutong Rickshaw: $120
- 1-Day Beijing Private Tour: Mutianyu Great Wall and Hutong Rickshaw Riding: $277
- 1-Day Beijing tour to Temple of Heaven,Hutong Tour,Lama Temple & Summer Palace: $240
- 1-Day Mount Qingcheng and Dujiangyan Irrigation System Tour: $175
- 1-Day Mutianyu Great Wall and Beijing Airport Drop off Tour: $235
- 1-Day Private Tour: Huanghuacheng Great Wall Hiking with the lunch from Beijing: $213
- 1-Day Private Tour: Jinshanling Great Wall Hiking Tour from Beijing: $256
- 1-Day Self-Guided Simatai and Gubei Town Night Tour from Beijing: $149
- 1-Day Simatai Great Wall Hiking Tour with a Visit to Gubei Water Town: $249
- 2 Day Private Xian Tour from Beijing: $268
- 2 Days 1 Night Mutianyu Great Wall Leisure Tour: Beautiful Sunset and Sunrise: $213
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayMumbai $3.27Beijing $12
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
Sample the Local Flavors in Beijing
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Beijing:
- Evening Food Private Tour with Brewery Taproom Hopping at Slow Boat in Beijing: $110
- Tipsy Travel: Beijing Local Food and Bar Crawl night in Hutong: $138
- 5-Hour Private Changyu Chateau Wine Tasting Tour from Beijing: $178
- Beijing Brewery Bike Tour: $199
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Mumbai and Beijing, we can see that Beijing is more expensive. And not only is Mumbai much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Mumbai would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Mumbai 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 Beijing would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Beijing than you might in Mumbai.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Mumbai Expensive? and Is Beijing Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Mumbai or Beijing?
Mumbai has a larger population, and is about 70% larger than the population of Beijing. When comparing the sizes of Mumbai and Beijing, 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 Mumbai or Beijing?
Beijing has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Mumbai experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Mumbai or Beijing in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Mumbai as well as Beijing. Mumbai attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, many travelers come to Beijing for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.
In July, Mumbai is generally around the same temperature as Beijing. Daily temperatures in Mumbai average around 28°C (82°F), and Beijing fluctuates around 27°C (80°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Beijing. In the summer, Mumbai often gets less sunshine than Beijing. Mumbai gets 73 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Beijing receives 224 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Beijing. Mumbai receives a lot of rain in the summer. Mumbai usually gets more rain in July than Beijing. Mumbai gets 640 mm (25.2 in) of rain, while Beijing receives 176 mm (6.9 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyMumbai 28°C (82°F)Beijing 27°C (80°F)
Should I visit Mumbai or Beijing in the Autumn?
Both Beijing and Mumbai are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Mumbai throughout the year. Also, many visitors come to Beijing in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
Mumbai is much warmer than Beijing in the autumn. The daily temperature in Mumbai averages around 29°C (84°F) in October, and Beijing fluctuates around 14°C (56°F).
It's quite sunny in Beijing. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Mumbai. Mumbai usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Beijing during autumn. Mumbai gets 240 hours of sunny skies, while Beijing receives 227 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In October, Mumbai usually receives more rain than Beijing. Mumbai gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Beijing receives 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberMumbai 29°C (84°F)Beijing 14°C (56°F)
Should I visit Mumbai or Beijing in the Winter?
Both Beijing and Mumbai during the winter are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Mumbai because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Furthermore, most visitors come to Beijing for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.
Beijing can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Mumbai is much warmer than Beijing. Typically, the winter temperatures in Mumbai in January average around 24°C (75°F), and Beijing averages at about -4°C (26°F).
In Beijing, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Mumbai. In the winter, Mumbai often gets more sunshine than Beijing. Mumbai gets 270 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Beijing receives 201 hours of full sun.
Mumbai usually gets more rain in January than Beijing. Mumbai gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Beijing receives 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryMumbai 24°C (75°F)Beijing -4°C (26°F)
Should I visit Mumbai or Beijing in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Mumbai and Beijing. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Mumbai year-round. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Beijing because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty.
In April, Mumbai is generally much warmer than Beijing. Daily temperatures in Mumbai average around 29°C (84°F), and Beijing fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Beijing this time of the year. In Mumbai, it's very sunny this time of the year. Mumbai usually receives more sunshine than Beijing during spring. Mumbai gets 284 hours of sunny skies, while Beijing receives 247 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Mumbai usually receives less rain than Beijing. Mumbai gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Beijing receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilMumbai 29°C (84°F)Beijing 14°C (57°F)
Typical Weather for Beijing and Mumbai
| Mumbai | Beijing | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 24°C (75°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | -4°C (26°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) |
| Feb | 25°C (77°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | -1°C (30°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) |
| Mar | 27°C (81°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 6°C (42°F) | 9 mm (0.4 in) |
| Apr | 29°C (84°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 26 mm (1 in) |
| May | 30°C (86°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) |
| Jun | 29°C (84°F) | 560 mm (22 in) | 25°C (76°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 640 mm (25.2 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 176 mm (6.9 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 520 mm (20.5 in) | 25°C (78°F) | 182 mm (7.2 in) |
| Sep | 28°C (82°F) | 320 mm (12.6 in) | 20°C (69°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) |
| Oct | 29°C (84°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 14°C (56°F) | 19 mm (0.7 in) |
| Nov | 28°C (82°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) |
| Dec | 26°C (79°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | -1°C (29°F) | 2 mm (0.1 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.