Which place is cheaper, Bodh Gaya or Mumbai?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Mumbai or Bodh Gaya?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Mumbai or Bodh Gaya, 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 Bodh Gaya?
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.
Bodh Gaya
Located in the state of Bihar in the northeast of India, Bodh Gaya is the most respected place and pilgrimage destination for Buddhists. Bodh Gaya is believed to be the site where Buddha Shakyamuni achieved enlightenment while meditating under the famous Bodhi tree.
Prince Gautama Siddartha was born in the sixth century, B.C. in what is modern-day Nepal. Siddartha lived a comfortable life of extravagance as he was born the son of King Suddhodana of the Sakya clan, but after witnessing human suffering, Siddartha decided to give up all of his possessions and embarked upon a quest to seek knowledge and the solution to such suffering. It is underneath a Pipal tree near the city of Gaya, that it is believed he began to meditate until he became enlightened. Today, a descendent of the original Bodhi Tree is located in the Mahabodhi Temple Complex in the city of Bodh Gaya.
Weather in Bodhgaya is generally warm throughout the year, with daytime highs in the 90s during summer and nighttime lows in the high 40s during winter. Because Bodhgaya is centered around religious sites, pack light layers and plan to dress modestly. Remember that you'll be expected to take shoes off at all temples, so sandals may be easier to wear and a good time-saver.
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.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayMumbai $69Bodh Gaya $52
The average daily cost (per person) in Mumbai is $69, while the average daily cost in Bodh Gaya is $52. 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 Bodh Gaya in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personMumbai $34Bodh Gaya $22
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomMumbai $68Bodh Gaya $44
Compare Hotels in Mumbai and Bodh Gaya
Looking for a hotel in Mumbai or Bodh Gaya? 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 Bodh Gaya Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Mumbai $7.77Bodh Gaya $23
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Mumbai
Also for Mumbai, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer service in Mumbai HTL-APT (BOM): $27
- Transfer from Mumbai Airport to Hotel: $55
- Private Transfer: Hotel to Mumbai Airport: $47
- Private Transfer from Mumbai to Pune via Lonavala City Tour: $57
- Private Transfer from Mumbai hotels to Mumbai Cruise Port: $64
- Private Transfer from Mumbai hotels to Mumbai Cruise Port: $64
- Private Transfer from Mumbai Port to Mumbai Int Airport (BOM): $48
- Private Transfer from Mumbai Int Airport (BOM) to Mumbai Port: $48
- Private Transfer from Mumbai Cruise Port to Mumbai Hotels: $64
- Private Transfer from Mumbai Cruise Port to Mumbai Hotels: $64
- Private Transfer from Chatrapati Shivaji (BOM) Airport to Mumbai: $39
- Private Transfer From/To Mumbai Chhatrapati International Airport: $27
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bodh Gaya
Also for Bodh Gaya, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Affordable Bodh Gaya Airport Transfer: $15
- Private Transfer from Bodhgaya Hotel to Gaya Airport: $13
- Private Transfer from Bodhgaya Airport: $13
Is it cheaper to fly into Mumbai or Bodh Gaya?
Prices for flights to both Bodh Gaya 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 $26Bodh Gaya $16
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
- Small Group Authentic Mumbai Virtual Cooking Class with Dessert: $20
- Old Bombay Bazaar and Food Tour with local Guide: $23
- 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
- Indian cusine demonstration cum hands on with Hi Tea / Dinner at a Family home: $33
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Mumbai $2.66Bodh Gaya $9.82
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 Hour Dharavi Slum Tour with Local Guide: $12
- 2-Days Private Taj Mahal Sunrise Tour from Mumbai by Round Trip Flights: $230
- 2-Hour Guided Tour of Dharavi: $25
- 3 Hours Early Morning in South Mumbai Heritage Bicycle Tour : $39
- 3 Hours of Pottery Making Experience in a Studio in Mumbai: $70
- 3-Hour Private Guided Tour in Bollywood from Mumbai: $196
- 5 Hours Private Tour in Mumbai City: $74
Tours and Activities in Bodh Gaya
For Bodh Gaya, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Bodhgaya Day Tour (Hotel Pickup): $34
- Bodhgaya and Gaya Pilgrimage Tour: $53
- Exclusive Guided Tour of Bodh Gaya: $227
- Excursion tour of Rajgir & Nalanda from Bodhgaya: $63
- Full Day Tour in Bodhgaya Hotel pick up: $32
- Full-Day Private Guided Bodhgaya Tour with Pick Up: $39
- Guided Virtual Tour of Bodhgaya: $27
- Private guided tour of Bodh Gaya over 2 days : $175
- Spiritual, Bodhgaya Tour (01 Night / 02 Days): $336
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayMumbai $3.69Bodh Gaya $5.64
Sample the Local Flavors in Mumbai
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Mumbai:
- Bombay Party (Bar Crawl): $25
- South Bombay Pub Crawl: $38
- South Bombay Pub Crawl: $39
- Mumbai Private Bar Crawl with City Night Tour: $124
- Nashik: Private Full-Day Wine Tour with Tastings From Mumbai: $128
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Mumbai and Bodh Gaya, we can see that Mumbai is more expensive. And not only is Bodh Gaya much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Bodh Gaya would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Bodh Gaya 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 Bodh Gaya.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Mumbai Expensive? and Is Bodh Gaya Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Mumbai or Bodh Gaya?
Mumbai has a larger population, and is about 360 times larger than the population of Bodh Gaya. When comparing the sizes of Mumbai and Bodh Gaya, 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.