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

Should you visit Mumbai or Palermo?

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

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

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.

Palermo

Located on its north coast, Palermo is the capital city of Sicily. The city has a lot to offer visitors who decide to venture to this often overlooked part of Italy. There is an interesting history, some unique and delicious food, and a fascinating culture. Prices in Sicily are generally cheaper than elsewhere in Italy. There are a handful of budget accommodation options and plenty of mid range hotels that are spread throughout the city. The rooms are usually comfortable and clean but as always, read reviews before making your reservation.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Mumbai, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to India, The Best Luxury Tours to Italy, and The Best Budget Tours to Italy.


Which place is cheaper, Palermo or Mumbai?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in Mumbai is $76, while the average daily cost in Palermo is $132. 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 Palermo in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Mumbai $30
    Palermo $65
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Mumbai $60
    Palermo $130
Compare Hotels in Mumbai and Palermo

Looking for a hotel in Mumbai or Palermo? 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 Palermo


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 Palermo Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Mumbai $6.46
    Palermo $6.56

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Mumbai

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

  • Mumbai Airport Transfer: $12
  • Mumbai Airport Private Arrival Transfers: $20
  • Mumbai Airport Transfer to Hotel with a Private Transport: $20
  • Mumbai Airport Private Departure Transfers: $21
  • Mumbai Private Airport Transfer to Hotel Easy & Safe: $23
  • Private Transfer Mumbai Airport by Innova Crysta: $24
  • Mumbai Airport BOM Private Transfer to Mumbai City Central/Hotels: $24
  • Mumbai After Dark: Private Night Tour with AC Transfers: $25
  • Mumbai Airport Transfer in Private Vehicle: $26
  • Mumbai Airport Transfer to and from Hotel: $31
  • One way Private transfer from Mumbai Airport to Hotel: $36
  • Mumbai Airport (BOM) to Mumbai - Arrival Private Transfer: $38

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Palermo

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Palermo:


  • Bus to Monreale
    $3.49
  • Bus From Airport
    $6.98
  • 90 Minute Bus Pass
    $1.51
  • Short Taxi Ride
    $5.06

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Palermo

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Palermo:

  • From Panoramic Transfer to Monreale in CruiserCar: $406
  • From Siracusa Transfer with Piazza Armerina Stop: $348
  • Private Transfer DA Palermo to Trapani: $296
  • Private transfer from Palermo Airport to Capo d'Orlando or vice versa: $296
  • Private Transfer DA Palermo to San Vito Lo Capo: $296
  • Private Transfer Palermo Cefalu': $273
  • Palermo DA transfer to Trapani Port or Vinceversa: $272
  • Private Transfer from Palermo APT to Marina di Portorosa or vice versa: $258
  • Transfer Palermo Airport to Trapani city or vice versa: $243
  • Private airport transfer to Cefalù or Campofelice di Roccella: $204
  • Private Transfer from Palermo (PMO) Airport to Santa Flavia: $199
  • Palermo Airport (PMO) to Palermo Cruise Port - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $183

Is it cheaper to fly into Mumbai or Palermo?

Prices for flights to both Palermo 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 $38
    Palermo $59

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
  • Mumbai Street Food Tour with Evening Market Walk: $17
  • Small Group Authentic Mumbai Virtual Cooking Class with Dessert: $20
  • Vegetarian Indian Cuisine Virtual Cooking Class Experience from Mumbai: $20
  • Lights, Flavour, Action- A Story-Driven Food Tour: $30
  • Experience Mumbai Street Food Tour: $36
  • Flavors of Mumbai Food Tour: $37
  • Mumbai Street Food Tour: $38
  • Mumbai Authentic Street Food Tour: $41
  • Bombay Express Mumbai Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $45
  • Mumbai Best Street Food Tour with Local Guide: $46
  • Indian Chai and Pakora Cooking Class: $48

Typical Food Prices in Palermo

Some typical examples of dining costs in Palermo are as follows:


  • Sitdown Dinner (for Two)
    $37
  • Fast Food Lunch
    $6.19

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Palermo

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

  • Palermo Sicilian Street Food Tour: Small Group by Do Eat Better: $52
  • Palermo Sicilian Street Food Tour: Small Group with a Local: $53
  • Walking Tour and street food Tour Palermo / History and Food: $59
  • Palermo's Delight: Unleash the Secrets of Pizza and Gelato Making: $62
  • Pizza and Gelato Cooking Class with Dinner and Wine: $64
  • Pasta & Tiramisu Cooking Class with Flowing Wine: $64
  • Pizza & Tiramisu Class with Free Flowing Fine Wine: $69
  • Palermo : Best Street Food Tour With A Local Guide: $69
  • Food Tour at the Vucciria Market – Palermo: $73
  • Pasta and Gelato Making Class with Dinner and Wine: $74
  • Wanna be Sicilian: Palermo Cooking Class and Market Tour: $79
  • Authentic Sicilian Dinner with a Local Chef: $79

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Mumbai $2.34
    Palermo $19

Tours and Activities in Mumbai

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

  • Mumbai (Malabar District) Self-Guided Tour: $3.90
  • Dharavi Slum tour in Mumbai by local resident: $4.27
  • 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
  • Audio Guided Tour – Mumbai Cricket Walk by HopOn India: $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
  • From Delhi: Taj Mahal & Agra City Tour with Fatehpur Sikri: $7.10
  • Dharavi Slum Tour - See the real Slum with a Local Guide: $7.48
  • Mumbai Dharavi Slum Tour With Local English Guide: $7.51
  • Mumbai Slum Tour with Dhobi Ghat Laundry & Train Ride Tour: $7.56
  • Best Bus Tour Mumbai/Bombay: $8.00

Typical Entertainment Prices in Palermo

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Palermo are as follows:


  • Capuchin Catacombs (for 2)
    $6.98
  • Castello della Zisa Entrance (for Two)
    $14
  • Theater Tickets (for Two)
    $57

Tours and Activities in Palermo

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

  • "Sun Life Surf: Excitement, fun, and surfing: the perfect experience!" ️.: $47
  • Agrigento Valley of the Temples and Villa Romana del Casale Tour from Palermo: $145
  • All-inclusive yacht tour in the beautiful Bay of Mondello: $175
  • Ballaro 'street food market tour & Santa Rosalia Sanctuary: $118
  • Best of Private Walking Tour with a Local: $93
  • Capuchin Catacombs and Monreale Cathedral Private Tour: $256
  • Discover MtPellegrino with a PRIVATE Guided Bike Tour: $105
  • Discover the Charm of A 3-Hour UNESCO Sites Walking Tour: $36
  • Duca di Salaparuta Winery: Duke's Excellences Tour: $70
  • Entrance ticket to the Radici Piccolo Museo Della Natura: $12
  • Exclusive Boat Tour Along the Palermo Coast Baia Mondello: $166
  • From Cefalù: Palermo & Monreale Cathedral Tour: $70

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Mumbai $3.25
    Palermo $13

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
  • Sula Vineyards Wine Tasting Day Trip from Mumbai by Train or Car: $131

Typical Alcohol Prices in Palermo

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Palermo:


  • Beer
    $2.98
  • Bottle of Quality Wine
    $13

Sample the Local Flavors in Palermo

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Palermo:

  • Guided Bar Crawl with Shots and Discounts on Drinks: $19
  • Sicilian wine tasting and hors d'oeuvres in an 18th century palace: $42
  • Sicilian Wine Tasting with Local Food in Palermo: $47
  • Wine Tasting with Sicilian Tapas: $50
  • Wine Tasting with Snacks at Bottega Monteleone: $51
  • Etna Experience - Wine tasting and food pairing: $58
  • Sicily Experience - Wine tasting and food pairing: $58
  • Natural Wine Tasting with snacks at Bottega Monteleone: $64
  • Eating Evening Food & Wine Tour: $99
  • Palermo on a plate: Mamma's classics and Wine tour: $104
  • Palermo on a plate: Traditional Food & Wine tour (by Streaty): $106
  • Street Food and Wine Tour With an Architect: $116


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Mumbai and Palermo, we can see that Palermo is more expensive. And not only is Mumbai much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Mumbai is in Asia and Palermo is in Europe, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. 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 Palermo would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Palermo 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 Palermo Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Mumbai or Palermo?

Mumbai has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Palermo. When comparing the sizes of Mumbai and Palermo, 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 Palermo?

Palermo 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 Palermo in the Summer?

Both Palermo 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. Furthermore, many travelers come to Palermo for the beaches, snorkeling, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Mumbai is generally a little warmer than Palermo. Daily temperatures in Mumbai average around 28°C (82°F), and Palermo fluctuates around 25°C (76°F).

In Palermo, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the summer, Mumbai often gets less sunshine than Palermo. Mumbai gets 73 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Palermo receives 347 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Mumbai. Mumbai usually gets more rain in July than Palermo. Mumbai gets 640 mm (25.2 in) of rain, while Palermo receives 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Mumbai 28°C (82°F) 
    Palermo 25°C (76°F)

Should I visit Mumbai or Palermo in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Mumbai and Palermo. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Mumbai year-round. Furthermore, many visitors come to Palermo in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Mumbai is a little warmer than Palermo in the autumn. The daily temperature in Mumbai averages around 29°C (84°F) in October, and Palermo fluctuates around 20°C (67°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Palermo this time of the year. In Mumbai, it's very sunny this time of the year. Mumbai usually receives more sunshine than Palermo during autumn. Mumbai gets 240 hours of sunny skies, while Palermo receives 204 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Mumbai usually receives more rain than Palermo. Mumbai gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Palermo receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Mumbai 29°C (84°F) 
    Palermo 20°C (67°F)

Should I visit Mumbai or Palermo in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Mumbai as well as Palermo. Mumbai attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, most visitors come to Palermo for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

In the winter, Mumbai is much warmer than Palermo. Typically, the winter temperatures in Mumbai in January average around 24°C (75°F), and Palermo averages at about 12°C (53°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 Palermo. Mumbai gets 270 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Palermo receives 133 hours of full sun.

Mumbai usually gets less rain in January than Palermo. Mumbai gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Palermo receives 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Mumbai 24°C (75°F) 
    Palermo 12°C (53°F)

Should I visit Mumbai or Palermo in the Spring?

Both Palermo 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, the spring months attract visitors to Palermo because of the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.

In April, Mumbai is generally much warmer than Palermo. Daily temperatures in Mumbai average around 29°C (84°F), and Palermo fluctuates around 15°C (58°F).

It's quite sunny in Palermo. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Mumbai. Mumbai usually receives more sunshine than Palermo during spring. Mumbai gets 284 hours of sunny skies, while Palermo receives 219 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Mumbai usually receives less rain than Palermo. Mumbai gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Palermo receives 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Mumbai 29°C (84°F) 
    Palermo 15°C (58°F)

Typical Weather for Palermo and Mumbai

Mumbai Palermo
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 24°C (75°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 12°C (53°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)
Feb 25°C (77°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 12°C (53°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Mar 27°C (81°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 13°C (55°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
Apr 29°C (84°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 15°C (58°F) 37 mm (1.5 in)
May 30°C (86°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 18°C (65°F) 17 mm (0.7 in)
Jun 29°C (84°F) 560 mm (22 in) 22°C (71°F) 5 mm (0.2 in)
Jul 28°C (82°F) 640 mm (25.2 in) 25°C (76°F) 2 mm (0.1 in)
Aug 28°C (82°F) 520 mm (20.5 in) 25°C (77°F) 9 mm (0.3 in)
Sep 28°C (82°F) 320 mm (12.6 in) 23°C (73°F) 42 mm (1.6 in)
Oct 29°C (84°F) 90 mm (3.5 in) 20°C (67°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Nov 28°C (82°F) 20 mm (0.8 in) 16°C (60°F) 65 mm (2.5 in)
Dec 26°C (79°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 13°C (55°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)