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

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.


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.

  • Mumbai Prices
    India Prices
    Saint Thomas Prices
    USVI Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Mumbai $75
    Saint Thomas $258

The average daily cost (per person) in Mumbai is $75, 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
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Mumbai $29
    Saint Thomas $131
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Mumbai $58
    Saint 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.

Hotels in Mumbai


Hotels in Saint Thomas


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 Saint Thomas Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Mumbai $6.37
    Saint Thomas $37

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Mumbai

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

  • Private 3Day City Tour with Hotel & Airport Transfer: $377
  • Luxury Mumbai Package with Hotel,Private Airport Transfers and Sightseeing Tour: $270
  • Private Shore Excursion with Guide & Transfers: $215
  • From Sondai Fort Guided Trek with Meals & Transfers: $179
  • From Prabalgad Fort Trek with Meals and Transfers: $165
  • Mumbai to Alibaug Private Speed Boat Transfer: $145
  • Full-Day Private City Tour with Guide and Transfer: $120
  • Mumbai Private Bollywood Studio Tour with Transfer: $117
  • Airport Transfer: Mumbai to Mumbai Airport BOM by Van: $108
  • Private Bollywood Tour with Dance Show & Transfers: $104
  • Arrival Transfer: Mumbai Airport BOM to Mumbai by Luxury Van: $97
  • Mumbai Airport (BOM) to Mumbai - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $73

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Saint Thomas

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Saint Thomas are as follows:


  • Scooter Rental
    $65
  • Taxi Ride
    $5.00

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Saint Thomas

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

  • St.Thomas Airport (STT) to St.Thomas - RoundTrip Private Transfer: $211
  • St.Thomas Airport(STT) to St.Thomas - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $211
  • Private Airport Transfer in Luxury Vehicle- St. Thomas, USVI: $189
  • Vi Top Taxi - St. Thomas Airport Transfer to Wyndham Margaritaville: $180
  • Vi Top Taxi and Tours Airport Transfer to the Ritz Carlton: $180
  • Private Arrival Transfer from Cyril E King Airport to Redhook Bay: $175
  • Paradise Taxi & Tours USVI- St. Thomas - Airport Transfer to Red Hook Ferry: $174
  • Paradise Taxi & Tours USVI-St. Thomas Airport Transfer to Wyndham Margaritaville: $174
  • PARADISE TAXI & TOURS USVI-St. Thomas- Airport Transfer to Ritz Carlton Elysian: $174
  • Paradise Taxi & Tours USVI-St Thomas- Airport Transfer Sapphire / Crystal Cove: $174
  • Prince Taxi St.Thomas Airport transfer to and from Redhook Ferry: $160
  • Private Airport Transfer to or from St. John Ferry: $159

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
  • Food Meals for one day
    Mumbai $38
    Saint 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 Bollywood Studio Tour & Indian Cooking Class: $11
  • Private Evening City & Street Food Tour with AC Car: $11
  • Best Steet Food Tour & Marekt with Train Ride Tour: $14
  • Mumbai Food Tour — 178 Years of Bombay on a Plate: $14
  • Discover Mumbai's street & beach with Vegetarian food tour: $14
  • Mumbai Street Food Tour with Evening Bazaar Walk: $14
  • Authentic Indian Cooking Class in Mumbai with a Local Family: $16
  • Vegetarian Indian Cuisine Virtual Cooking Class Experience from Mumbai: $20
  • Indian Cooking Class & Cultural Delights: $23
  • Private Dharavi Walking Tour & Indian Cooking Class: $25
  • Safe Food Tour in Mumbai for 2 hours: $27
  • Indian cusine demonstration cum hands on with Hi Tea / Dinner at a Family home: $29

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:

  • St. James Snorkel & Pizza Pi Lunch: $90
  • St. Thomas Cultural Cooking Class: $109
  • 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
  • St. John PiZZA Pi Snorkel Sail with Beach Stop, Lunch & Open Bar - Westin: $129
  • Flavors of St Thomas Walking Food Tour: $145
  • Pizza Pi Shuttle (Official) - Jet Ski Trip St Thomas: $269

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Mumbai $2.31
    Saint Thomas $60

Tours and Activities in Mumbai

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

  • " Dash Of Mumbai " Sightseeing & Experiences-by Goi Licensed Guide Ragini Doshi: $281
  • "Mumbai - Dharavi Slum Tour": $8.47
  • "Mumbai City Sightseeing Tour": $42
  • 2 Days Delhi, Agra Tour from Mumbai by Flight: $299
  • 2 Days Mumbai City tour with Elephanta Caves: $90
  • 2 Days Mumbai Tour with Car and Hotel: $285
  • 2-Day Tour to Taj Mahal, Agra from Mumbai with Both side Commercial Flights: $270
  • 2-Day Tour to The Taj Mahal, Agra from Mumbai with Both Side Commercial Flights: $254
  • 2-Hour Guided Tour of Dharavi: $21
  • 2Days Mumbai Sightseeing Tours with Dharavi, Elephanta Caves: $62
  • 3 Days Chatrapati Shambaji Nagar Tour from Mumbai in Pvt Vehicle: $290
  • 3 Days Complete Mumbai Tour Inclusive of Bollywood Studio Experience: $277

Tours and Activities in Saint Thomas

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

  • 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
  • 3 Hour Kayak and Snorkel Tour: $139
  • Aerial Sightseeing Adventure!: $250
  • Book Your Private Two and a Half Hour Island Tour today!: $150
  • CWORI Dive Center: 1 Tank Guided Dive Tour at Coki Beach: $89
  • CWORI Dive Center: Try Scuba Diving Experience at Coki Beach: $109
  • Children's Treasure Hunt Walking Tour: $25
  • Cocktail Sunset Cruise from Sapphire Beach Resort: $110
  • Coral World Ocean Park General Admission Ticket: $29
  • Cruise Ship Port Shuttle to St John Ferry: $34
  • Cruise Ship Shuttle to Ferry going to St. John: $45

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Mumbai $3.20
    Saint Thomas $27

Sample the Local Flavors in Mumbai

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Mumbai:

  • Bombay Party (Bar Crawl): $25

Sample the Local Flavors in Saint Thomas

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Saint Thomas:

  • Da Conch Crawl- Walking Tour and Bar Crawl Downtown St. Thomas: $148


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).


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Mumbai 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).


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Mumbai 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).


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Mumbai 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).


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Mumbai 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)


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