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

Should you visit Mumbai or Sendai?

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

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

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.

Sendai

Sendai, Japan is located in the Toohoku region on the main Honshu island. It is often referred to as "Forest City" due to the large amount of green space throughout the city and the tree filled parks and public spaces. Sendai is a very pleasant city to visit; they are in close proximity to both mountains and the sea and have many large universities throughout the city, making it a popular college town.

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 from Tokyo, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Tokyo.


Which place is cheaper, Sendai 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 Sendai is $122. 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 Sendai in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Mumbai $29
    Sendai $56
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Mumbai $58
    Sendai $112
Compare Hotels in Mumbai and Sendai

Looking for a hotel in Mumbai or Sendai? 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 Sendai


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 Sendai Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Mumbai $6.44
    Sendai $17

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Mumbai

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

  • Transfer to & fro Airports,Cruise Terminal,Hotels or any whichway, one way/time: $64
  • Private Transfer from Mumbai hotels to Mumbai Cruise Port: $58
  • Private Transfer from Mumbai Cruise Port to Mumbai Hotels: $58
  • Private Transfer from Mumbai Cruise Port to Mumbai Hotels: $58
  • Private Transfer from Mumbai Cruise Port to Mumbai Airport (BOM): $41
  • Private Transfer from Mumbai Airport (BOM) to Mumbai Port: $41
  • Private Transfer from Chatrapati Shivaji (BOM) Airport to Mumbai: $42
  • Private Transfer Mumbai Airport by Innova Crysta: $23
  • One way Private transfer from Mumbai Airport to Hotel: $36
  • Mumbai Private Bollywood Studio Tour with Transfer: $117
  • Mumbai Private Airport Transfer to Hotel Easy & Safe: $23
  • Mumbai City Tour With Laundry And Hotel Transfers (South Mumbai): $39

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Sendai

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

  • Private Transfer from Sendai Airport to Sendai City: $187
  • Odawara to Tokyo Haneda Airport (HND) -Departure Private Transfer: $100
  • Sendai City: Private transfer to/from Sendai Airport: $88

Is it cheaper to fly into Mumbai or Sendai?

Prices for flights to both Sendai 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
    Sendai $53

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Mumbai

For Mumbai, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Vegetarian Indian Cuisine Virtual Cooking Class Experience from Mumbai: $20
  • Mumbai Food Tour: $20
  • Indian cusine demonstration cum hands on with Hi Tea / Dinner at a Family home: $29
  • Lights, Flavour, Action- A Story-Driven Food Tour: $30
  • Mumbai's Curry Cooking Class: Veg, Non-Veg: $32
  • Experience Mumbai Street Food Tour: $36
  • Mumbai Authentic Street Food Tour: $41
  • Bombay Express Mumbai Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $45
  • Indian Chai and Pakora Cooking Class: $48
  • Authentic Indian Cooking Class in Mumbai in a Local Home: $49
  • Daily Mumbai Street Food Tour: $52
  • Private Authentic Bengali Cooking Class & Market Tour in Mumbai: $52

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Sendai

For Sendai, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Local Food Tour in Shiogama, Japan Top Tuna and Sushi Town: $123

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Mumbai $2.33
    Sendai $17

Tours and Activities in Mumbai

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

  • "Mumbai - Dharavi Slum Tour": $8.51
  • "Mumbai City Sightseeing Tour": $43
  • 2-Hour Guided Tour of Dharavi: $21
  • 2025 Award Winning: Mumbai City Highlights Half Day Tour: $65
  • 3 Days Chatrapati Shambaji Nagar Tour from Mumbai in Pvt Vehicle: $290
  • 3 Hours Early Morning in South Mumbai Heritage Bicycle Tour: $43
  • 3-Day Mumbai to Nashik, Ajanta and Ellora Tour with Car and Guide: $148
  • 7 Hour Mumbai City Sightseeing Tour By Navv Om Namaha Shivaya: $106
  • All in one Combo of City ,Slum,Dhobighat & Dabbawala tour: $77
  • All inclusive Elephanta Caves Guided Tour: $50
  • All-Inclusive Mumbai to Alibaug Coastal Villages RoPax Ferry Tour: $299
  • All-Inclusive Private Full-Day Mumbai Sights & Local Experiences: $163

Tours and Activities in Sendai

For Sendai, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Afternoon Cycling Tour in Naruko: $138
  • Catch and Dine A Gourmet Fishing Experience in Miyagi: $22
  • Sendai and Matsushima Private Tour with Licensed Guide: $101
  • Local Foodie Tour, wander around the gourmet town: $120

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Mumbai $3.24
    Sendai $10

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


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Mumbai and Sendai, we can see that Sendai 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 Sendai would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Sendai 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 Sendai Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Mumbai or Sendai?

Mumbai has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Sendai. When comparing the sizes of Mumbai and Sendai, 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 Sendai?

Sendai 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 Sendai in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Mumbai and Sendai. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Mumbai year-round. Also, the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Sendai this time of year.

In the summer, Mumbai is a little warmer than Sendai. Typically, the summer temperatures in Mumbai in July average around 28°C (82°F), and Sendai averages at about 23°C (73°F).

Mumbai usually receives less sunshine than Sendai during summer. Mumbai gets 73 hours of sunny skies, while Sendai receives 124 hours of full sun in the summer.

Sendai receives a lot of rain in the summer. Mumbai gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Mumbai usually receives more rain than Sendai. Mumbai gets 640 mm (25.2 in) of rain, while Sendai receives 151 mm (5.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Mumbai 28°C (82°F) 
    Sendai 23°C (73°F)

Should I visit Mumbai or Sendai in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Mumbai as well as Sendai. Mumbai attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, many travelers come to Sendai for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In October, Mumbai is generally much warmer than Sendai. Daily temperatures in Mumbai average around 29°C (84°F), and Sendai fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Mumbai this time of the year. In the autumn, Mumbai often gets more sunshine than Sendai. Mumbai gets 240 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sendai receives 149 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Sendai. Mumbai usually gets less rain in October than Sendai. Mumbai gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Sendai receives 103 mm (4.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Mumbai 29°C (84°F) 
    Sendai 15°C (59°F)

Should I visit Mumbai or Sendai in the Winter?

Both Sendai and Mumbai are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Mumbai throughout the year. Also, many visitors come to Sendai in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Sendai can get quite cold in the winter. Mumbai is much warmer than Sendai in the winter. The daily temperature in Mumbai averages around 24°C (75°F) in January, and Sendai fluctuates around 2°C (35°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Mumbai. Mumbai usually receives more sunshine than Sendai during winter. Mumbai gets 270 hours of sunny skies, while Sendai receives 149 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Mumbai usually receives less rain than Sendai. Mumbai gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Sendai receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Mumbai 24°C (75°F) 
    Sendai 2°C (35°F)

Should I visit Mumbai or Sendai in the Spring?

Both Sendai and Mumbai during the spring 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 Sendai for the beaches and the activities around the city during these months.

In the spring, Mumbai is much warmer than Sendai. Typically, the spring temperatures in Mumbai in April average around 29°C (84°F), and Sendai averages at about 10°C (51°F).

It's quite sunny in Mumbai. In the spring, Mumbai often gets more sunshine than Sendai. Mumbai gets 284 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sendai receives 188 hours of full sun.

Mumbai usually gets less rain in April than Sendai. Mumbai gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Sendai receives 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Mumbai 29°C (84°F) 
    Sendai 10°C (51°F)

Typical Weather for Sendai and Mumbai

Mumbai Sendai
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 24°C (75°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 2°C (35°F) 42 mm (1.7 in)
Feb 25°C (77°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 2°C (35°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Mar 27°C (81°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 5°C (40°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Apr 29°C (84°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 10°C (51°F) 94 mm (3.7 in)
May 30°C (86°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 15°C (60°F) 111 mm (4.4 in)
Jun 29°C (84°F) 560 mm (22 in) 19°C (66°F) 133 mm (5.2 in)
Jul 28°C (82°F) 640 mm (25.2 in) 23°C (73°F) 151 mm (5.9 in)
Aug 28°C (82°F) 520 mm (20.5 in) 25°C (77°F) 165 mm (6.5 in)
Sep 28°C (82°F) 320 mm (12.6 in) 21°C (69°F) 187 mm (7.4 in)
Oct 29°C (84°F) 90 mm (3.5 in) 15°C (59°F) 103 mm (4.1 in)
Nov 28°C (82°F) 20 mm (0.8 in) 9°C (49°F) 69 mm (2.7 in)
Dec 26°C (79°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 4°C (40°F) 36 mm (1.4 in)