Which place is cheaper, Saint Thomas 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 Saint Thomas?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Mumbai or Saint Thomas, 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 Saint Thomas?
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.
Saint Thomas
Saint Thomas is a beautiful island in the U.S. Virgin Islands. Together with St. John, St. Croix, and Water Island, it forms the unincorporated territory of the United States. The island is also home to the territorial capital and port of Charlotte Amalie. The island's population is just over 50,000, which is slightly less than half of the territory's total population.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Mumbai, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to India.
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Mumbai Prices
India PricesSaint Thomas Prices
USVI Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayMumbai $83Saint Thomas $258
The average daily cost (per person) in Mumbai is $83, while the average daily cost in Saint Thomas is $258. 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 Saint Thomas in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personMumbai $32Saint Thomas $131
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomMumbai $64Saint Thomas $262
Compare Hotels in Mumbai and Saint Thomas
Looking for a hotel in Mumbai or Saint Thomas? 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.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Mumbai $7.37Saint Thomas $37
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Mumbai
Also for Mumbai, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Luxury Mumbai Package with Hotel,Private Airport Transfers and Sightseeing Tour: $270
- Private Transfer from Mumbai Cruise Port to Mumbai Hotels: $168
- Private Transfer from Mumbai hotels to Mumbai Cruise Port: $168
- Private Transfer from Mumbai Int Airport (BOM) to Mumbai Port: $162
- Mumbai Airport Transfers : Mumbai Airport BOM to Mumbai City in Luxury Van: $114
- Arrival Private Transfers: Mumbai Airport BOM to Mumbai City in Luxury Van: $102
- Create Your Own: Custom Private Tour of Mumbai with transfers: $97
- Private Transfer from Mumbai Cruise Port to Mumbai Hotels: $81
- Transfer to & fro Airports,Cruise Terminal,Hotels or any whichway, one way/time: $69
- Airport Transfer: Mumbai Airport BOM to Mumbai by Business Car: $66
- Arrival Private Transfers: Mumbai Airport BOM to Mumbai City in Business Car: $66
- Mumbai - private arrival transfer from Airport to Hotel : $64
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Saint Thomas
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Saint Thomas are as follows:
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Scooter Rental$65
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Taxi Ride$5.00
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Saint Thomas
Also for Saint Thomas, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Cyril E. King Airport STT to Charlotte Amalie RoundTrip Transfer: $204
- Prince Taxi & Tours St.Thomas Airport transfer to Redhook Ferry: $200
- Prince Taxi USVI ST.Thomas Airport transfer to Westin : $180
- Prince Taxi USVI-ST.Thomas Airport Transfer to Ritz Carlton : $180
- ST.Thomas Private Airport One-Way Transfers: $180
- Private Airport Transfer in Luxury Vehicle- St. Thomas, USVI: $179
- Private Arrival Transfer from Cyril E King Airport to Redhook Bay: $175
- Prince Taxi ST.Thomas Airport transfer to Yacht Haven/Bluebeards: $175
- Private Hotel and Resorts Transfers: $173
- PARADISE TAXI & TOURS USVI-St. Thomas- Airport Transfer to Ritz Carlton Elysian : $170
- Paradise Taxi & Tours USVI- St. Thomas - Airport Transfer to Red Hook Ferry: $160
- Paradise Taxi & Tours USVI-St Thomas- Airport Transfer Sapphire / Crystal Cove : $160
Is it cheaper to fly into Mumbai or Saint Thomas?
Prices for flights to both Saint Thomas 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 $42Saint Thomas $94
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Mumbai
For Mumbai, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Private Street Food Tour with Mumbai Sightseeing Tour including AC vehicles: $19
- Vegetarian Indian Cuisine Virtual Cooking Class Experience from Mumbai: $20
- Mumbai Food Tour: $20
- Small Group Authentic Mumbai Virtual Cooking Class with Dessert: $20
- Mumbai Street Food Tour with Evening Bazaar Walk: $29
- Indian cusine demonstration cum hands on with Hi Tea / Dinner at a Family home: $31
- Bombay Express Mumbai Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $39
- Mumbai Street Food Tour: $42
- Daily Mumbai Street Food Tour : $52
- Private Mumbai Market Tour and Cooking Class With an Expert: $52
- Private Vegetarian Indian Cooking Class in Mumbai: $53
- Private Market Tour and Vegetarian Cooking Class in Mumbai: $64
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Saint Thomas
For Saint Thomas, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Flavors: Cultural Cooking Class, St Thomas, USVI, USA : $81
- St. John Sail with Bar and Hors d'Oeuvres to Lovango Dinner: $119
- Sunset & Harbor Lights Dinner Sail from the Marriott's Frenchman's Cove: $119
- Afternoon Snorkel, Pizza & Sunset Tour departing from St. Thomas & St. John: $120
- Local Experience, St. John U.S. Virgin Islands Food Tour: $125
- Pizza Pi Shuttle (Official) - Jet Ski Trip St Thomas: $148
- St. John PiZZA Pi Snorkel Sail with Beach Stop, Lunch & Open Bar - Westin: $149
- Christmas Cove and Pizza Pi Happy Hour Sail Tour: $185
- Turtles, Pizza Pi & Sunset trip: $295
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Mumbai $2.52Saint Thomas $60
Tours and Activities in Mumbai
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Mumbai.
- Dharavi Authentic Slum Tour: $120
- Kanheri Caves Heritage Tour: $45
- Mumbai by Night Guided Tour : $50
- Private Full-Day Mumbai Sightseeing Tour with Dharavi Slums: $41
- "Private Mumbai City Sightseeing Tour": $46
- "Private Mumbai Dharavi Slum Tour": $9.24
- "Private Mumbai Kanheri Caves Tour : A Buddhist Settlement": $46
- 3 Day Private Tour in Aurangabad: $290
- 3 Hours Early Morning in South Mumbai Heritage Bicycle Tour : $46
- 3-Hour Private Guided Tour in Bollywood from Mumbai: $226
- 7 Hour Mumbai City Sightseeing Tour By Navv Om Namaha Shivaya: $116
- All In One Combo Tour of Mumbai City, Dabbawalas, Dhobhi Ghat, Slums & Bollywood: $150
Tours and Activities in Saint Thomas
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Saint Thomas.
- Island Icons & Treasures Tour - St. Thomas USVI : $199
- Magens Bay Trail Hiking Tour: $60
- Two-Hour Sightseeing Excursion : $58
- Vi Top Taxi &Tours USVI-Coki Beach Snorkeling Tour : $68
- 1 Hour Jet Ski Tour in the Virgin Islands from Westin St. John: $169
- 1-Hour Guided Jet Ski Tour in St. Thomas from Frenchman's Reef: $159
- 1.5 Hour Private Mini Jeep Tour on St. Thomas: $220
- 3 Hour Kayak and Snorkel Tour: $139
- Admission Ticket to Coral World & Coki Point Beach with Snorkeling: $40
- Best of Mangrove Lagoon Kayak, Hike and Snorkel Adventure with Picnic Lunch: $159
- Book Your Private Two and a Half Hour Island Tour today!: $150
- Children's Treasure Hunt Walking Tour: $25
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayMumbai $3.50Saint Thomas $27
Sample the Local Flavors in Mumbai
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Mumbai:
- Bombay Party (Bar Crawl): $25
- South Bombay Pub Crawl: $37
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Mumbai and Saint Thomas, we can see that Saint Thomas 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 Saint Thomas is in Caribbean Islands, 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 Saint Thomas would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Saint Thomas 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 Saint Thomas Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Mumbai or Saint Thomas?
Mumbai has a larger population, and is about 630 times larger than the population of Saint Thomas. When comparing the sizes of Mumbai and Saint Thomas, 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 Saint Thomas?
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 Saint Thomas in the Summer?
Both Saint Thomas 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 Saint Thomas because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
It's quite rainy in Mumbai. In July, Mumbai usually receives more rain than Saint Thomas. Mumbai gets 640 mm (25.2 in) of rain, while Saint Thomas receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.
It's quite sunny in Saint Thomas. Mumbai usually receives less sunshine than Saint Thomas during summer. Mumbai gets 73 hours of sunny skies, while Saint Thomas receives 287 hours of full sun in the summer.
Mumbai is around the same temperature as Saint Thomas in the summer. The daily temperature in Mumbai averages around 28°C (82°F) in July, and Saint Thomas fluctuates around 29°C (83°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyMumbai 28°C (82°F)Saint Thomas 29°C (83°F)
Should I visit Mumbai or Saint Thomas in the Autumn?
Both Saint Thomas 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 Saint Thomas year-round.
Saint Thomas gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Mumbai usually gets less rain in October than Saint Thomas. Mumbai gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Saint Thomas receives 146 mm (5.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
In Saint Thomas, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Mumbai. In the autumn, Mumbai often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Saint Thomas. Mumbai gets 240 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Saint Thomas receives 235 hours of full sun.
In the autumn, Mumbai is around the same temperature as Saint Thomas. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Mumbai in October average around 29°C (84°F), and Saint Thomas averages at about 28°C (82°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberMumbai 29°C (84°F)Saint Thomas 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Mumbai or Saint Thomas in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Mumbai and Saint Thomas. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Mumbai year-round. Saint Thomas attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In January, Mumbai usually receives less rain than Saint Thomas. Mumbai gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Saint Thomas receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Saint Thomas this time of the year. In Mumbai, it's very sunny this time of the year. Mumbai usually receives more sunshine than Saint Thomas during winter. Mumbai gets 270 hours of sunny skies, while Saint Thomas receives 240 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Mumbai is generally around the same temperature as Saint Thomas. Daily temperatures in Mumbai average around 24°C (75°F), and Saint Thomas fluctuates around 26°C (78°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryMumbai 24°C (75°F)Saint Thomas 26°C (78°F)
Should I visit Mumbai or Saint Thomas in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Mumbai as well as Saint Thomas. Mumbai attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Saint Thomas throughout the year.
Mumbai usually gets less rain in April than Saint Thomas. Mumbai gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Saint Thomas receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Saint Thomas. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Mumbai this time of the year. In the spring, Mumbai often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Saint Thomas. Mumbai gets 284 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Saint Thomas receives 272 hours of full sun.
Mumbai is around the same temperature as Saint Thomas in the spring. The daily temperature in Mumbai averages around 29°C (84°F) in April, and Saint Thomas fluctuates around 27°C (80°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilMumbai 29°C (84°F)Saint Thomas 27°C (80°F)
Typical Weather for Saint Thomas and Mumbai
| Mumbai | Saint Thomas | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 24°C (75°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) |
| Feb | 25°C (77°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) |
| Mar | 27°C (81°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) |
| Apr | 29°C (84°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) |
| May | 30°C (86°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 94 mm (3.7 in) |
| Jun | 29°C (84°F) | 560 mm (22 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 640 mm (25.2 in) | 29°C (83°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 520 mm (20.5 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 101 mm (4 in) |
| Sep | 28°C (82°F) | 320 mm (12.6 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 127 mm (5 in) |
| Oct | 29°C (84°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 146 mm (5.7 in) |
| Nov | 28°C (82°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 126 mm (4.9 in) |
| Dec | 26°C (79°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 26°C (80°F) | 71 mm (2.8 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.