A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Mumbai vs. Nara for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Mumbai or Nara?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Mumbai or Nara, 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 Nara?

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.

Nara

As Japan's first capital, Nara offers a world of tradition and culture second only to the city of Kyoto. It is home to eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites, which are largely concentrated in the area of Nara Park. Here, it is also common to see many deer wandering freely amongst the temples and shrines.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Mumbai, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to India, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Japan, and The Best Cultural Tours in Japan.


Which place is cheaper, Nara or Mumbai?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Mumbai is $69, while the average daily cost in Nara 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 Mumbai and Nara in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Mumbai $34
    Nara $52
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Mumbai $68
    Nara $104
Compare Hotels in Mumbai and Nara

Looking for a hotel in Mumbai or Nara? 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.

Hotels in Mumbai


Hotels in Nara


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 Nara Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Mumbai $7.77
    Nara $5.83

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Mumbai

Also for Mumbai, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Dharavi Slum Tour in Mumbai with Combo Packages & Transfers: $12
  • Mumbai Private Car: Airport to Hotel Transfer: $18
  • Airport to Hotel or Hotel to Airport Transfers: $24
  • Private Transfer to/from Mumbai Airport: $24
  • Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer service in Mumbai HTL-APT (BOM): $27
  • Private Transfer From/To Mumbai Chhatrapati International Airport: $27
  • Affordable transfer from Mumbai Airport to Pune: $28
  • Mumbai Airport Transfer in Private Vehicle: $28
  • Private Hotel Transfers to/from Mumbai Airport: $30
  • One way Private transfer from Mumbai Airport to Hotel: $34
  • Private Hotel Transfers to/from Airport: $36
  • Private Transfer from Chatrapati Shivaji (BOM) Airport to Mumbai: $39

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Nara

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Nara:

  • Kansai Airport (KIX):Private One-Way Transfer to/from Nara: $240

Is it cheaper to fly into Mumbai or Nara?

Prices for flights to both Nara 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 day
    Mumbai $26
    Nara $28

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

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Nara

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Nara.

  • Eel Fishing and Cooking Experience in Kyoto: $72
  • Cooking class, learning how to make authentic sushi: $111
  • Full Day Nara E bike Tour and Osaka History Food Tour: $189

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Mumbai $2.66
    Nara $7.81

Tours and Activities in Mumbai

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Mumbai.

  • Audio Guided Walking Tour on HopOn India App – From Gateway to Fountain, Mumbai: $5.32
  • Elephanta Caves Audio Guided Walking Tour, Mumbai on HopOn India App: $5.34
  • Highlights Bus Full-Day Tour in Hindi: $5.40
  • Dharavi Slum Tour with Local guide: $6.00
  • Audio Guided Tour of Matunga & Dadar Parsi Colony, Mumbai: $6.14
  • Malabar District, Scavenger Hunt & Self-Guided Tour: $6.56
  • Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $6.56
  • Mumbai (Malabar District) Self-Guided Tour: $6.67
  • Dharavi Slum Tour: $8.63
  • Dharavi Slum Tour: $8.99
  • Inside Dharavi: Unveiling Mumbai's Slum Culture Tour: $9.11
  • Dharavi Slum Experience with Local Resident English Guide: $9.50

Tours and Activities in Nara

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Nara are as follows:

  • 1 Day Walking Tour in Nara Palace Deer and Inkstick: $166
  • 1-Day Walking Tour in Palace, Deer and Inkstick: $147
  • All must-sees in 3 hours - Nara Park Classic Tour! From JR Nara!: $42
  • EBike Eco Chic Tour Explore 1300 Year Old Primeval Forest: $88
  • Eigo Tour - Walk in Nara City: $65
  • Experience Authentic Sushi making in Nara: $115
  • Guided Tour of Todai ji and Nara Park: $83
  • Guided Uji Anime Walking Tour: $31
  • Half-Day Private Guided Tour : Nara Imperial Palace: $95
  • Half-Day Private Guided Tour to Nara City: $95
  • Immersive Experience Tour in Totsukawa village: $3,202
  • Katsuragi: Unique Sumo Experience: $195

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Mumbai $3.69
    Nara $11

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


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Mumbai and Nara, we can see that Nara 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 Nara would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Nara 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 Nara Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Mumbai or Nara?

Mumbai has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Nara. When comparing the sizes of Mumbai and Nara, 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 Nara?

Nara 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 Nara in the Summer?

Both Nara and Mumbai during the summer are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Mumbai because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Also, most visitors come to Nara for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Mumbai is around the same temperature as Nara. Typically, the summer temperatures in Mumbai in July average around 28°C (82°F), and Nara averages at about 27°C (80°F).

In the summer, Mumbai often gets less sunshine than Nara. Mumbai gets 73 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nara receives 183 hours of full sun.

Nara gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Mumbai. Mumbai usually gets more rain in July than Nara. Mumbai gets 640 mm (25.2 in) of rain, while Nara receives 186 mm (7.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Mumbai 28°C (82°F) 
    Nara 27°C (80°F)

Should I visit Mumbai or Nara in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Mumbai and Nara. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Mumbai year-round. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Nara because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Mumbai is generally much warmer than Nara. Daily temperatures in Mumbai average around 29°C (84°F), and Nara fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

In Mumbai, it's very sunny this time of the year. Mumbai usually receives more sunshine than Nara during autumn. Mumbai gets 240 hours of sunny skies, while Nara receives 159 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Nara receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Mumbai usually receives less rain than Nara. Mumbai gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Nara receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Mumbai 29°C (84°F) 
    Nara 17°C (63°F)

Should I visit Mumbai or Nara in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Mumbai as well as Nara. Mumbai attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Nara this time of year.

It's quite cold in Nara in the winter. Mumbai is much warmer than Nara in the winter. The daily temperature in Mumbai averages around 24°C (75°F) in January, and Nara fluctuates around 4°C (40°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Mumbai this time of the year. In the winter, Mumbai often gets more sunshine than Nara. Mumbai gets 270 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nara receives 140 hours of full sun.

Mumbai usually gets less rain in January than Nara. Mumbai gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Nara receives 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Mumbai 24°C (75°F) 
    Nara 4°C (40°F)

Should I visit Mumbai or Nara in the Spring?

Both Nara and Mumbai are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Mumbai throughout the year. Also, many travelers come to Nara for the natural beauty.

In the spring, Mumbai is much warmer than Nara. Typically, the spring temperatures in Mumbai in April average around 29°C (84°F), and Nara averages at about 14°C (57°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Mumbai. Mumbai usually receives more sunshine than Nara during spring. Mumbai gets 284 hours of sunny skies, while Nara receives 176 hours of full sun in the spring.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Nara. In April, Mumbai usually receives less rain than Nara. Mumbai gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Nara receives 127 mm (5 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Mumbai 29°C (84°F) 
    Nara 14°C (57°F)

Typical Weather for Nara and Mumbai

Mumbai Nara
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 24°C (75°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 4°C (40°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Feb 25°C (77°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 5°C (40°F) 60 mm (2.3 in)
Mar 27°C (81°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 8°C (46°F) 99 mm (3.9 in)
Apr 29°C (84°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 14°C (57°F) 127 mm (5 in)
May 30°C (86°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 19°C (65°F) 128 mm (5.1 in)
Jun 29°C (84°F) 560 mm (22 in) 23°C (73°F) 214 mm (8.4 in)
Jul 28°C (82°F) 640 mm (25.2 in) 27°C (80°F) 186 mm (7.3 in)
Aug 28°C (82°F) 520 mm (20.5 in) 28°C (82°F) 117 mm (4.6 in)
Sep 28°C (82°F) 320 mm (12.6 in) 24°C (74°F) 154 mm (6.1 in)
Oct 29°C (84°F) 90 mm (3.5 in) 17°C (63°F) 110 mm (4.3 in)
Nov 28°C (82°F) 20 mm (0.8 in) 12°C (53°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Dec 26°C (79°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 7°C (44°F) 41 mm (1.6 in)