Which place is cheaper, Rio de Janeiro or Mumbai?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Mumbai or Rio de Janeiro?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Mumbai or Rio de Janeiro, 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 Rio de Janeiro?
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.
Rio de Janeiro
Rio de Janeiro is the most popular travel destination in Brazil. It is the second largest city in Brazil and the sixth largest in the Americas. A portion of the city has been designated a World Heritage Site. It's also famous for Carnival, it's gorgeous beaches, and world-famous landmarks. Rio's appeal as a travel destination is apparent year round due to the great weather and plenty of fun activities. The city has a wonderful natural harbor that is surrounded by Sugar Loaf Mountain, Corcovado Peak, and the hills of Tijuca, creating an absolutely breathtaking and awe-inspiring setting.
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 Brazil, and The Best Budget Tours to Brazil.
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Mumbai Prices
India PricesRio de Janeiro Prices
Brazil Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayMumbai $77Rio de Janeiro $119
The average daily cost (per person) in Mumbai is $77, while the average daily cost in Rio de Janeiro is $119. 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 Rio de Janeiro in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personMumbai $30Rio de Janeiro $66
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomMumbai $60Rio de Janeiro $132
Compare Hotels in Mumbai and Rio de Janeiro
Looking for a hotel in Mumbai or Rio de Janeiro? 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 Rio de Janeiro Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Mumbai $6.51Rio de Janeiro $7.91
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Mumbai
Also for Mumbai, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Airport Transfer: Mumbai Airport BOM to Mumbai by Business Car: $64
- Airport Transfer: Mumbai to Mumbai Airport BOM by Van: $109
- Arrival Transfer: Mumbai Airport BOM to Mumbai by Luxury Van: $99
- Departure Private Transfers: Mumbai City to Mumbai Airport BOM in Luxury Van: $99
- Mumbai - private arrival transfer from Airport to Hotel: $39
- Mumbai - private departure transfer from Hotel to Airport: $39
- Mumbai After Dark: Private Night Tour with AC Transfers: $25
- Mumbai Airport (BOM) to Mumbai - Arrival Private Transfer: $37
- Mumbai Airport (BOM) to Mumbai - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $74
- Mumbai Airport BOM Private Transfer to Mumbai City Central/Hotels: $24
- Mumbai Airport Private Arrival Transfers: $20
- Mumbai Airport Private Departure Transfers: $22
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Rio de Janeiro
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Rio de Janeiro:
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Taxi Ride$2.91
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Rio de Janeiro
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Rio de Janeiro:
- Private Departure Transfer from Rio de Janeiro to RIOgaleão - Tom Jobim Airport: $298
- TRANSFER 4 Passengers: Búzios/Angra dos Reis/Arraial do Cabo/Cabo Frio.: $270
- Private Airport Transfers | Round Trip: $260
- Sugarloaf Mountain Sunrise Experience with Breakfast & Transfer: $253
- Private Transfer | Round Trip: $250
- Museum of Tomorrow - | Round Trip Transfer + 2 Tickets: $250
- Rio Art Museum | Round Trip Transfer + 2 Tickets: $250
- Private transfer from Rio x Buzios, Arraial and Cabo Frio 4 pax: $247
- Transfer service from / to Rio de Janeiro / Paraty: $239
- Private transfer from Rio de Janeiro x Angra dos Reis (4 max): $238
- Arrival Private Transfer from Rio GIG or SDU Airport to Paraty: $232
- TRANSFER ISLAND GRANDE Ground Transportation + Fast Boat: $225
Is it cheaper to fly into Mumbai or Rio de Janeiro?
Prices for flights to both Rio de Janeiro 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 $39Rio de Janeiro $35
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Mumbai
For Mumbai, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Mumbai Street Food Tour with Evening Market Walk: $17
- Small Group Authentic Mumbai Virtual Cooking Class with Dessert: $20
- Mumbai Food Tour: $20
- Vegetarian Indian Cuisine Virtual Cooking Class Experience from Mumbai: $20
- Indian cusine demonstration cum hands on with Hi Tea / Dinner at a Family home: $29
- Indian cusine demonstration cum hands on with Hi Tea / Dinner at a Family home: $29
- Experience Mumbai Street Food Tour: $36
- Mumbai Street Food Tour: $39
- Mumbai Authentic Street Food Tour: $42
- Bombay Express Mumbai Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $45
- Mumbai Best Street Food Tour with Local Guide: $45
- Indian Chai and Pakora Cooking Class: $49
Typical Food Prices in Rio de Janeiro
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Rio de Janeiro:
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Popcorn$0.58
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Corn on the Cob$0.78
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Hamburger$0.97
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Rio de Janeiro
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Rio de Janeiro.
- Vegan Rio Cooking Class: Hands-On Moqueca & Caipirinhas: $55
- Rio Roots Food Tour with 12 Tastings: $62
- Carioca Kitchens Rio de Janeiro Food Tour with 12 Tastings: $67
- Guided Dinner in Rio at a Restaurant of Your Choice: $70
- Roxy Dinner Show: That Embrace Show: $78
- Food Tour Rio de Janeiro - The Best Typical Brazilian Dishes: $79
- Hands-On Cooking Class in Rio: Iconic Street Foods & Caipirinhas: $85
- Brazilian Churrascaria Guided Dinner in Rio with Wine Pairing: $89
- Rio Food Tour: Street Food, Hidden Gems & Local Culture: $94
- Family Cooking Class in Rio Make 9 Brazilian Dishes Together: $95
- Folklore show Ginga Tropical with Optional Dinner: $97
- Roxy Show - Brazilian Rhythms with optional Barbecue Dinner: $101
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Mumbai $2.36Rio de Janeiro $21
Tours and Activities in Mumbai
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Mumbai.
- Private Mumbai City Tour with Dharavi Slum (Famous Movie Location: $4.34
- Dharavi Slum tour in Mumbai by local resident: $4.34
- Mumbai Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $5.00
- Mumbai (Malabar District) Self-Guided Tour: $5.00
- 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
- Audio Guided Tour of Matunga & Dadar Parsi Colony, Mumbai: $6.14
- Dharavi Slum Tour in Untold Stories with Local Guide: $6.51
- From Delhi: Taj Mahal & Agra City Tour with Fatehpur Sikri: $7.10
Tours and Activities in Rio de Janeiro
Here are a few actual costs in Rio de Janeiro for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- 1 day tour Rio de Janeiro to Christ and Cable car and much more: $119
- 10-hour Private Tour Rio In One Day: Christ, Sugarloaf, Selarón, Downtown: $229
- 12 Beaches Easy Bike Tour Rio de Janeiro: $77
- 2 Day Tour from Rio de Janeiro, Corcovado and Arraial do Cabo: $209
- 2 Days Tour in City Tour Express and Arraial do Cabo: $197
- 2 Days in Rio: Cultural & Ecologic Tours: $297
- 3 Hour Rocinha Favela Walking Tour with a Local Guide: $49
- 4 horas - Tour private: Corcovado e praias: $220
- 4-Hour Guided Kayak Experience in Rio de Janeiro: $75
- 4-Hour Private Guided Tour in Rio de Janeiro: $95
- 4-hour Sum-up Of Rio de Janeiro "Private Tour" – Optional Airport & Port Pick-up: $149
- 4x4 Jeep Jungle Tour Rio de Janeiro: $52
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayMumbai $3.27Rio de Janeiro $12
Sample the Local Flavors in Mumbai
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Mumbai:
- Bombay Party (Bar Crawl): $25
- South Bombay Pub Crawl: $35
- Sula Vineyards Wine Tasting Day Trip from Mumbai by Train or Car: $131
Sample the Local Flavors in Rio de Janeiro
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Rio de Janeiro:
- Lapa by Night: Samba, Cachaça & The Ultimate Rio Pub Crawl: $30
- Dance the Night Away at a Pedra do Sal Bar Crawl: $38
- Petropolis City Tour with Imperial Museum and Optional Lunch & Bohemia Brewery: $47
- Botafogo Bar Crawl Eat and Drink Like a Local: $49
- Rio Pub Crawl with Caipirinhas & Bar Bites: $95
- Petrópolis City and Brewery Bohemia Tour - Best of Rio's Mountains: $110
- Brazilian Wine Tasting Evening: $123
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Mumbai and Rio de Janeiro, we can see that Rio de Janeiro 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 Rio de Janeiro is in South America, 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 Rio de Janeiro would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Rio de Janeiro 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 Rio de Janeiro Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Mumbai or Rio de Janeiro?
Mumbai has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Rio de Janeiro. When comparing the sizes of Mumbai and Rio de Janeiro, 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 Rio de Janeiro?
Rio de Janeiro 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 Rio de Janeiro in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Mumbai as well as Rio de Janeiro. Mumbai attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, many travelers come to Rio de Janeiro for the beaches, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.
In July, Mumbai is generally around the same temperature as Rio de Janeiroin January. Daily temperatures in Mumbai average around 28°C (82°F), and Rio de Janeiro fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).
It's quite rainy in Rio de Janeiro. Mumbai receives a lot of rain in the summer. Mumbai usually gets more rain in July than Rio de Janeiroin January. Mumbai gets 640 mm (25.2 in) of rain, while Rio de Janeiro receives 114 mm (4.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures July and JanuaryMumbai 28°C (82°F)Rio de Janeiro 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Mumbai or Rio de Janeiro in the Autumn?
Both Rio de Janeiro and Mumbai are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Mumbai throughout the year. Also, many visitors come to Rio de Janeiro in the autumn for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
Mumbai is a little warmer than Rio de Janeiro in the autumn. The daily temperature in Mumbai averages around 29°C (84°F) in October, and Rio de Janeiro fluctuates around 25°C (77°F)in April.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Rio de Janeiro. In October, Mumbai usually receives less rain than Rio de Janeiroin April. Mumbai gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Rio de Janeiro receives 137 mm (5.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn. The dry season in Rio de Janeiro is May to November. The rainy season in Rio de Janeiro is December to April.
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Autumn Average Temperatures October and AprilMumbai 29°C (84°F)Rio de Janeiro 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Mumbai or Rio de Janeiro in the Winter?
Both Rio de Janeiro and Mumbai during the winter are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Mumbai because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Furthermore, most visitors come to Rio de Janeiro for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.
In the winter, Mumbai is a little warmer than Rio de Janeiro. Typically, the winter temperatures in Mumbai in January average around 24°C (75°F), and Rio de Janeiro averages at about 21°C (70°F)in July.
Mumbai usually gets less rain in January than Rio de Janeiroin July. Mumbai gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Rio de Janeiro receives 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures January and JulyMumbai 24°C (75°F)Rio de Janeiro 21°C (70°F)
Should I visit Mumbai or Rio de Janeiro in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Mumbai and Rio de Janeiro. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Mumbai year-round. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Rio de Janeiro because of the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.
In April, Mumbai is generally a little warmer than Rio de Janeiroin October. Daily temperatures in Mumbai average around 29°C (84°F), and Rio de Janeiro fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).
In April, Mumbai usually receives less rain than Rio de Janeiroin October. Mumbai gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Rio de Janeiro receives 88 mm (3.5 in) of rain each month for the spring. May to November in Rio de Janeiro is the dry season. Also, December to April is the rainy season in Rio de Janeiro.
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Spring Average Temperatures April and OctoberMumbai 29°C (84°F)Rio de Janeiro 23°C (73°F)
Typical Weather for Rio de Janeiro and Mumbai
| Mumbai | Rio de Janeiro | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 24°C (75°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 114 mm (4.5 in) |
| Feb | 25°C (77°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 105 mm (4.1 in) |
| Mar | 27°C (81°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 103 mm (4.1 in) |
| Apr | 29°C (84°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 137 mm (5.4 in) |
| May | 30°C (86°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 86 mm (3.4 in) |
| Jun | 29°C (84°F) | 560 mm (22 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 640 mm (25.2 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 56 mm (2.2 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 520 mm (20.5 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 51 mm (2 in) |
| Sep | 28°C (82°F) | 320 mm (12.6 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) |
| Oct | 29°C (84°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 88 mm (3.5 in) |
| Nov | 28°C (82°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 96 mm (3.8 in) |
| Dec | 26°C (79°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 169 mm (6.7 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.