Which place is cheaper, Koh Tao or Mumbai?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
Should you visit Mumbai or Koh Tao?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Mumbai or Koh Tao, 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 Koh Tao?
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.
Koh Tao
With a name that literally means, "Turtle Island," Koh Tao, Thailand is the type of vacation spot divers dream of. There is the faintest current and a buffet of dive sites and shops.
This tiny island hosts hundreds of thousands of visitors a year, but take not that there are no garbage disposal facilities. Everything that can't be burnt needs to be taken from the island. Avoid plastic bags, and don't dump your trash in the open landscape (then again, why would you?) because there are no departments for road clean up. Water and electricity on the island are scarce, so use them wisely.
Keep in mind that monsoon season from November to January so you may be faced with constant rain for days at a time in those months.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Mumbai, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to India, The Best Tours for Seniors to Thailand, and The Best Contiki Tours to Thailand.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayMumbai $69Koh Tao $37
The average daily cost (per person) in Mumbai is $69, while the average daily cost in Koh Tao is $37. 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 Koh Tao in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personMumbai $34Koh Tao $14
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomMumbai $68Koh Tao $28
Compare Hotels in Mumbai and Koh Tao
Looking for a hotel in Mumbai or Koh Tao? 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 Koh Tao Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Mumbai $7.77Koh Tao $8.67
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
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Koh Tao
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Koh Tao:
-
Motorbike Rental$5.18
-
Chumpon to Koh Tao Ferry$18
Is it cheaper to fly into Mumbai or Koh Tao?
Prices for flights to both Koh Tao 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
-
Food Meals for one dayMumbai $26Koh Tao $9.21
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
Typical Food Prices in Koh Tao
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Koh Tao:
-
Sit Down Lunch (for One)$5.46
-
Breakfast$4.09
-
Casual Breakfast (for Two)$3.27
-
Fancy Dinner (for Two)$13
-
Pancake$1.91
-
American Breakfast (for Two)$7.64
-
Dinner at Bam Bam (for Two)$7.36
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Mumbai $2.66Koh Tao $26
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
Typical Entertainment Prices in Koh Tao
For Koh Tao, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
-
Kayak Rental (One Hour)$6.82
-
Snorkel Rental$2.73
-
Kayak and Snorkel (2)$2.73
Tours and Activities in Koh Tao
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Koh Tao.
- 5 Islands Full-Day Tour Around Koh Tao and Koh Nangyuan: $24
- Advanced Adventurer - 2 days ( Advanced Open Water): $277
- Basic Diver ( One Day Experience): $124
- Full day snorkeling adventure around Koh Tao: $22
- Koh Nang Yuan and Koh Tao 5 Point Snorkeling Tour: $23
- Koh Tao Cliff Jumping Snorkeling Experience: $135
- Koh Tao Snorkeling Tour to Hidden Bays and Koh Nang Yuan : $28
- Koh Tao Snorkeling and Island Hopping Tour (Private) : $175
- Koh Tao Viewpoint and Snorkeling Tour: $55
- Premium Snorkel Tour to the Bays of Koh Tao onboard the Oxygen: $33
- Snorkel Tour to Koh Nangyuan and the hidden bays of Koh Tao onboard the Oxygen: $22
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayMumbai $3.69Koh Tao $7.14
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
Typical Alcohol Prices in Koh Tao
Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Koh Tao from other travelers:
-
Beer$1.77
-
Bottle of Wine$10
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Mumbai and Koh Tao, we can see that Mumbai is more expensive. And not only is Koh Tao much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Koh Tao would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Koh Tao 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 Tao.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Mumbai Expensive? and Is Koh Tao Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Mumbai or Koh Tao?
Mumbai has a larger population, and is about 9180 times larger than the population of Koh Tao. When comparing the sizes of Mumbai and Koh Tao, 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 Koh Tao?
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 Mumbai or Koh Tao in the Summer?
Both Koh Tao and Mumbai are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Mumbai throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Koh Tao because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Koh Tao. It's quite rainy in Mumbai. In July, Mumbai usually receives more rain than Koh Tao. Mumbai gets 640 mm (25.2 in) of rain, while Koh Tao receives 174 mm (6.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.
Mumbai usually receives less sunshine than Koh Tao during summer. Mumbai gets 73 hours of sunny skies, while Koh Tao receives 195 hours of full sun in the summer.
In the summer, Mumbai is a little warmer than Koh Tao. Typically, the summer temperatures in Mumbai in July average around 28°C (82°F), and Koh Tao averages at about 24°C (76°F).
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyMumbai 28°C (82°F)Koh Tao 24°C (76°F)
Should I visit Mumbai or Koh Tao in the Autumn?
Both Koh Tao and Mumbai during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Mumbai because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Koh Tao year-round.
October and November is the rainy season in Koh Tao. Koh Tao gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Mumbai usually gets less rain in October than Koh Tao. Mumbai gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Koh Tao receives 276 mm (10.9 in) of rain this time of the year.
It's quite sunny in Mumbai. In the autumn, Mumbai often gets more sunshine than Koh Tao. Mumbai gets 240 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Koh Tao receives 167 hours of full sun.
In October, Mumbai is generally a little warmer than Koh Tao. Daily temperatures in Mumbai average around 29°C (84°F), and Koh Tao fluctuates around 24°C (76°F).
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberMumbai 29°C (84°F)Koh Tao 24°C (76°F)
Should I visit Mumbai or Koh Tao in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Mumbai and Koh Tao. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Mumbai year-round. Koh Tao attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
February to June in Koh Tao is the dry season. In January, Mumbai usually receives less rain than Koh Tao. Mumbai gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Koh Tao receives 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Koh Tao this time of the year. In Mumbai, it's very sunny this time of the year. Mumbai usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Koh Tao during winter. Mumbai gets 270 hours of sunny skies, while Koh Tao receives 255 hours of full sun in the winter.
Mumbai is around the same temperature as Koh Tao in the winter. The daily temperature in Mumbai averages around 24°C (75°F) in January, and Koh Tao fluctuates around 22°C (72°F).
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryMumbai 24°C (75°F)Koh Tao 22°C (72°F)
Should I visit Mumbai or Koh Tao in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Mumbai as well as Koh Tao. Mumbai attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Koh Tao throughout the year.
Also, February to June in Koh Tao is the dry season. Mumbai usually gets less rain in April than Koh Tao. Mumbai gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Koh Tao receives 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain this time of the year.
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Koh Tao. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Mumbai this time of the year. In the spring, Mumbai often gets more sunshine than Koh Tao. Mumbai gets 284 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Koh Tao receives 239 hours of full sun.
In the spring, Mumbai is a little warmer than Koh Tao. Typically, the spring temperatures in Mumbai in April average around 29°C (84°F), and Koh Tao averages at about 25°C (77°F).
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilMumbai 29°C (84°F)Koh Tao 25°C (77°F)
Typical Weather for Koh Tao and Mumbai
| Mumbai | Koh Tao | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 24°C (75°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 94 mm (3.7 in) |
| Feb | 25°C (77°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 23°C (74°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) |
| Mar | 27°C (81°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) |
| Apr | 29°C (84°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 74 mm (2.9 in) |
| May | 30°C (86°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 25°C (78°F) | 189 mm (7.4 in) |
| Jun | 29°C (84°F) | 560 mm (22 in) | 25°C (78°F) | 174 mm (6.9 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 640 mm (25.2 in) | 24°C (76°F) | 174 mm (6.9 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 520 mm (20.5 in) | 25°C (76°F) | 206 mm (8.1 in) |
| Sep | 28°C (82°F) | 320 mm (12.6 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 158 mm (6.2 in) |
| Oct | 29°C (84°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 24°C (76°F) | 276 mm (10.9 in) |
| Nov | 28°C (82°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 23°C (74°F) | 380 mm (15 in) |
| Dec | 26°C (79°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 118 mm (4.6 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.