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

Should you visit Mumbai or Nikko?

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

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

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.

Nikko

Nikko is a small Japanese city located in the mountains north of Tokyo. It is well-known for the site of Toshogu, a famed Shinto shrine established in 1617, in memory of Tokugawa Ieyasu who was the founding ruler of the Edo Period. The town is situated just outside of Nikko National Park which offers scenic mountain landscapes, lakes, waterfalls, hot springs, wild monkeys, and hiking trails.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Mumbai, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to India, The Best 10-Day Tours in Japan, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Japan.


Which place is cheaper, Nikko 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 Nikko is $82. 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 Nikko in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Mumbai $34
    Nikko $46
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Mumbai $68
    Nikko $92
Compare Hotels in Mumbai and Nikko

Looking for a hotel in Mumbai or Nikko? 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 Nikko


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 Nikko Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Mumbai $7.77
    Nikko -

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

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Nikko

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

  • Haneda Airport to/from Nikko City Private Transfer: $613
  • Narita Airport to/from Nikko City Private Transfer: $613
  • Kinugawa Osen to Tokyo Narita Airport Private Departure Transfer: $263
  • Kinugawa Osen to Tokyo Haneda Airport Departure Private Transfer: $263

Is it cheaper to fly into Mumbai or Nikko?

Prices for flights to both Nikko 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
    Nikko $31

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

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Mumbai $2.66
    Nikko $21

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

Tours and Activities in Nikko

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

  • Full Day Private Nikko Tour from Tokyo with English Driver: $474
  • Full-Day Private Nikko Tour with English Speaking Driver: $600
  • Nikko Custom Full Day Tour: $228
  • Nikko Custom Half Day Tour: $144
  • Nikko Full-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide: $137
  • Nikko Private Full-Day Sightseeing Day Tour: $474
  • Nikko Toshogu, Lake Chuzenjiko & Kegon Waterfall 1 Day Tour: $483
  • Nikko self-guided tour app with multi-language audioguide: $4.28
  • Visit the Unexplored Regions of Lake Chuzenji-Scenic Trekking and Rafting Tour: $76
  • World Heritage Nikko Walking Tour - Toshogu Shrine, Kanmangafuchi: $59

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Mumbai $3.69
    Nikko $15

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 Nikko, we can see that Nikko 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 Nikko would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Nikko 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 Nikko Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Mumbai or Nikko?

Mumbai has a larger population, and is about 790 times larger than the population of Nikko. When comparing the sizes of Mumbai and Nikko, 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 Nikko?

Nikko 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 Nikko in the Summer?

Both Nikko and Mumbai are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Mumbai throughout the year. Also, many travelers come to Nikko for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

Mumbai is a little warmer than Nikko in the summer. The daily temperature in Mumbai averages around 28°C (82°F) in July, and Nikko fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).

Mumbai usually receives less sunshine than Nikko during summer. Mumbai gets 73 hours of sunny skies, while Nikko receives 136 hours of full sun in the summer.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Nikko. It's quite rainy in Mumbai. In July, Mumbai usually receives more rain than Nikko. Mumbai gets 640 mm (25.2 in) of rain, while Nikko receives 171 mm (6.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Mumbai 28°C (82°F) 
    Nikko 25°C (77°F)

Should I visit Mumbai or Nikko in the Autumn?

Both Nikko 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. Also, many visitors come to Nikko in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Mumbai is much warmer than Nikko. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Mumbai in October average around 29°C (84°F), and Nikko averages at about 16°C (61°F).

It's quite sunny in Mumbai. In the autumn, Mumbai often gets more sunshine than Nikko. Mumbai gets 240 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nikko receives 167 hours of full sun.

Nikko gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Mumbai usually gets less rain in October than Nikko. Mumbai gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Nikko receives 117 mm (4.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Mumbai 29°C (84°F) 
    Nikko 16°C (61°F)

Should I visit Mumbai or Nikko in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Mumbai and Nikko. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Mumbai year-round. Also, most visitors come to Nikko for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Nikko can be very cold during winter. In January, Mumbai is generally much warmer than Nikko. Daily temperatures in Mumbai average around 24°C (75°F), and Nikko fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Nikko this time of the year. In Mumbai, it's very sunny this time of the year. Mumbai usually receives more sunshine than Nikko during winter. Mumbai gets 270 hours of sunny skies, while Nikko receives 212 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Mumbai usually receives less rain than Nikko. Mumbai gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Nikko receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Mumbai 24°C (75°F) 
    Nikko 3°C (37°F)

Should I visit Mumbai or Nikko in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Mumbai as well as Nikko. Mumbai attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Nikko because of the small town charm and the natural beauty.

Mumbai is much warmer than Nikko in the spring. The daily temperature in Mumbai averages around 29°C (84°F) in April, and Nikko fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Mumbai this time of the year. In the spring, Mumbai often gets more sunshine than Nikko. Mumbai gets 284 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nikko receives 191 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Nikko. Mumbai usually gets less rain in April than Nikko. Mumbai gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Nikko receives 108 mm (4.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Mumbai 29°C (84°F) 
    Nikko 13°C (55°F)

Typical Weather for Nikko and Mumbai

Mumbai Nikko
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 24°C (75°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 3°C (37°F) 26 mm (1 in)
Feb 25°C (77°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 3°C (38°F) 44 mm (1.7 in)
Mar 27°C (81°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 7°C (44°F) 74 mm (2.9 in)
Apr 29°C (84°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 13°C (55°F) 108 mm (4.2 in)
May 30°C (86°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 18°C (64°F) 139 mm (5.5 in)
Jun 29°C (84°F) 560 mm (22 in) 21°C (70°F) 206 mm (8.1 in)
Jul 28°C (82°F) 640 mm (25.2 in) 25°C (77°F) 171 mm (6.7 in)
Aug 28°C (82°F) 520 mm (20.5 in) 27°C (80°F) 195 mm (7.7 in)
Sep 28°C (82°F) 320 mm (12.6 in) 22°C (72°F) 201 mm (7.9 in)
Oct 29°C (84°F) 90 mm (3.5 in) 16°C (61°F) 117 mm (4.6 in)
Nov 28°C (82°F) 20 mm (0.8 in) 10°C (50°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Dec 26°C (79°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 5°C (41°F) 32 mm (1.2 in)