Which place is cheaper, Shanghai or Mumbai?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Mumbai or Shanghai?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Mumbai or Shanghai, 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 Shanghai?
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.
Shanghai
Shanghai is the largest and most modern city in China. With a population of over 23 million, it is the economic and financial hub of the country. It also continues to be one of the fastest growing cities in China with regular changes to the city's layout and skyline. It is not uncommon for buildings to be torn down, rebuilt and then torn down and rebuilt again. The city also has skyscrapers that rank among the tallest in the world. It has an ever changing downtown and street scape. In Shanghai, the general mantra remains "out with the old, in with the new".
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Mumbai, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to India, The Best 2-Week Tours from Beijing, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to China.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayMumbai $69Shanghai $115
The average daily cost (per person) in Mumbai is $69, while the average daily cost in Shanghai is $115. 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 Shanghai in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personMumbai $34Shanghai $81
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomMumbai $68Shanghai $162
Compare Hotels in Mumbai and Shanghai
Looking for a hotel in Mumbai or Shanghai? 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 $7.77Shanghai $3.87
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Mumbai
Also for Mumbai, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Dharavi Slum Tour in Mumbai with Combo Packages & Transfers: $12
- Mumbai Private Car: Airport to Hotel Transfer: $18
- Airport to Hotel or Hotel to Airport Transfers: $24
- Private Transfer to/from Mumbai Airport: $24
- Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer service in Mumbai HTL-APT (BOM): $27
- Private Transfer From/To Mumbai Chhatrapati International Airport: $27
- Affordable transfer from Mumbai Airport to Pune: $28
- Mumbai Airport Transfer in Private Vehicle: $28
- Private Hotel Transfers to/from Mumbai Airport: $30
- One way Private transfer from Mumbai Airport to Hotel: $34
- Private Hotel Transfers to/from Airport: $36
- Private Transfer from Chatrapati Shivaji (BOM) Airport to Mumbai: $39
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Shanghai
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Shanghai:
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Taxi Ride$3.59
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Two Subway Tickets$0.83
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Shanghai
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Shanghai:
- 1 Day-Pass for Disneyland Shanghai and Private Transfer Package: $245
- Shanghai Pudong Int’l Airport Private Arrival Transfer to Yiwu City Area : $226
- Shanghai-Suzhou private day tour with private transfer and Lunch: $204
- Top City Highlights Tickets with Optional Transfer: $185
- Ningbo City Private Arrival Transfer from Shanghai Pudong International Airport: $177
- Shanghai to Suzhou and Zhouzhuang Self-Guide Trip with Private Transfer: $171
- Shanghai Pudong Airport (PVG) Departure Transfer (central Shanghai to Airport): $168
- Shanghai to Hangzhou Private Transfer with Stop at Wuzhen : $166
- Shanghai to Hangzhou Private Transfer with Stop at Xitang Water Town: $157
- Shanghai Pudong Airport To Hangzhou Xiaoshan Airport one way private transfer: $155
- Shanghai to Beijing Bullet Train Ticket with Hongqiao Station Transfer: $150
- Shanghai Era Theatre Acrobatics Show with Hotel Transfer: $149
Is it cheaper to fly into Mumbai or Shanghai?
Prices for flights to both Shanghai 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 $26Shanghai $21
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Mumbai
For Mumbai, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Virtual Authentic Indian Tea and Paratha Cooking Class: $14
- Hidden Gems and Street Food Tour: $15
- Discover Mumbai's street & beach with food tour: $17
- Mumbai Food Tour: $20
- Vegetarian Indian Cuisine Virtual Cooking Class Experience from Mumbai: $20
- Mumbai Food Tour: $25
- Street Food Tour - Eat like a Local with sunset view: $26
- Old Bombay Bazaar and Food Tour with local Guide: $27
- Guided Food Tour Through the Vibrant Markets of Old Bombay: $28
- Street Food Tour: $32
- Indian cusine demonstration cum hands on with Hi Tea / Dinner at a Family home: $33
- Mumbai Street Food Tour with Sun Set View: $38
Typical Food Prices in Shanghai
Some typical examples of dining costs in Shanghai are as follows:
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Dumpling Breakfast$1.38
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Desserts in Jinmao Building Observatory$20
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Ajisen Lunch for Two$7.18
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Cantelope$1.66
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Dumplings and Soup$2.07
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Duck Dinner$4.14
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Pastries$2.90
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Barbeque Dinner$8.83
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Shanghai
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Shanghai.
- Online Cooking Class General Tso's Chicken by Sunflower Li: $20
- Online Cooking Class Sesame Chicken by Sunflower Li: $20
- Online Cooking Class Fried Rice by Sunflower Li : $20
- 3-Hour Biking and Local Food Tour: $70
- Authentic Local Food Tour in Central Shanghai: $79
- Late night food tour in Shanghai's French Concession: $85
- Shanghai Evening Food Tour/Shanghai tour gastronomico nocturno : $85
- Late Night Food Tour in the Shanghai's French Concession: $89
- Chinese Cooking Class and Wet Market Visit: $90
- Shanghai's Koreatown Food Tour: $91
- 4-Hour Food Tour in Qibao Water Town from Shanghai by Subway: $95
- 3-Hour Flexible Private Shanghai Night Tour with Local Dinner Option: $100
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Mumbai $2.66Shanghai $8.42
Tours and Activities in Mumbai
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Mumbai.
- 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
- Highlights Bus Full-Day Tour in Hindi: $5.40
- Dharavi Slum Tour with Local guide: $6.00
- Audio Guided Tour of Matunga & Dadar Parsi Colony, Mumbai: $6.14
- Malabar District, Scavenger Hunt & Self-Guided Tour: $6.56
- Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $6.56
- Mumbai (Malabar District) Self-Guided Tour: $6.67
- Dharavi Slum Tour: $8.63
- Dharavi Slum Tour: $8.99
- Inside Dharavi: Unveiling Mumbai's Slum Culture Tour: $9.11
- Dharavi Slum Experience with Local Resident English Guide: $9.50
Typical Entertainment Prices in Shanghai
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Shanghai are as follows:
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30 Minute River Cruise for Two$28
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Zoo for Two$14
Tours and Activities in Shanghai
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Shanghai are as follows:
- Private Shanghai Flexible City Highlight Tour with Night Cruise: $221
- Private Shanghai Full Day City Tour with Old and New Highlights: $108
- Shanghai Layover Tour to Xinchang Water Town with City Highlights Option : $135
- Yiwu International Trade City Private Day Tour from Shanghai by Bullet Train: $183
- Yuyuan Garden and Shanghai Museum Private Shanghai Day Tour: $175
- Zhouzhuang Water Town Self-Guided Day Tour from Shanghai: $88
- water village of shagnhai tour: $248
- 1 Day Shanghai Airport Layover Private Tour for City Highlights: $202
- 1 Day Shanghai Highlight Small Group Tour: $124
- 1 Day Shanghai Private Tour: $180
- 1 Days Shanghai Quality Group Tour: $110
- 1 day Shanghai City Mini Group tour: $92
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayMumbai $3.69Shanghai $7.35
Sample the Local Flavors in Mumbai
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Mumbai:
- Bombay Party (Bar Crawl): $25
- South Bombay Pub Crawl: $39
- South Bombay Pub Crawl: $39
- Mumbai Pub Crawl: History, Iconic Bars, Cocktail Workshop, Stories and Drinks : $90
- Mumbai Private Bar Crawl with City Night Tour: $124
- Nashik: Private Full-Day Wine Tour with Tastings From Mumbai: $128
- Full-Day Private Wine Tour at Sula Vineyards from Mumbai: $152
- Wine Tasting Tour Sula Vineyards Nashik - (Day excursion from Mumbai): $163
Sample the Local Flavors in Shanghai
Also in Shanghai, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Shanghai Pub Crawl - Bar-hopping/Night life tour: $20
- Shanghai Luxury Bar Crawl in 5-star Hotel or Boutique Hotel: $255
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Mumbai and Shanghai, we can see that Shanghai 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 Shanghai would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Shanghai 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 Shanghai Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Mumbai or Shanghai?
Shanghai has a larger population, and is about 15% larger than the population of Mumbai. When comparing the sizes of Mumbai and Shanghai, 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 Shanghai?
Shanghai 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 Shanghai in the Summer?
Both Shanghai 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. Also, many visitors come to Shanghai in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Mumbai is around the same temperature as Shanghai. Typically, the summer temperatures in Mumbai in July average around 28°C (82°F), and Shanghai averages at about 28°C (83°F).
In Shanghai, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the summer, Mumbai often gets less sunshine than Shanghai. Mumbai gets 73 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Shanghai receives 232 hours of full sun.
Shanghai gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Mumbai. Mumbai usually gets more rain in July than Shanghai. Mumbai gets 640 mm (25.2 in) of rain, while Shanghai receives 128 mm (5 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyMumbai 28°C (82°F)Shanghai 28°C (83°F)
Should I visit Mumbai or Shanghai in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Mumbai and Shanghai. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Mumbai year-round. Also, most visitors come to Shanghai for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.
In October, Mumbai is generally much warmer than Shanghai. Daily temperatures in Mumbai average around 29°C (84°F), and Shanghai fluctuates around 19°C (65°F).
In Mumbai, it's very sunny this time of the year. Mumbai usually receives more sunshine than Shanghai during autumn. Mumbai gets 240 hours of sunny skies, while Shanghai receives 162 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In October, Mumbai usually receives more rain than Shanghai. Mumbai gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Shanghai receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberMumbai 29°C (84°F)Shanghai 19°C (65°F)
Should I visit Mumbai or Shanghai in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Mumbai as well as Shanghai. Mumbai attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Shanghai because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
The weather in Shanghai can be very cold. Mumbai is much warmer than Shanghai in the winter. The daily temperature in Mumbai averages around 24°C (75°F) in January, and Shanghai fluctuates around 4°C (39°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 Shanghai. Mumbai gets 270 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Shanghai receives 135 hours of full sun.
Mumbai usually gets less rain in January than Shanghai. Mumbai gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Shanghai receives 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryMumbai 24°C (75°F)Shanghai 4°C (39°F)
Should I visit Mumbai or Shanghai in the Spring?
Both Shanghai 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 activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Shanghai this time of year.
In the spring, Mumbai is much warmer than Shanghai. Typically, the spring temperatures in Mumbai in April average around 29°C (84°F), and Shanghai averages at about 15°C (58°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Mumbai. Mumbai usually receives more sunshine than Shanghai during spring. Mumbai gets 284 hours of sunny skies, while Shanghai receives 153 hours of full sun in the spring.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Shanghai. In April, Mumbai usually receives less rain than Shanghai. Mumbai gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Shanghai receives 102 mm (4 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilMumbai 29°C (84°F)Shanghai 15°C (58°F)
Typical Weather for Shanghai and Mumbai
| Mumbai | Shanghai | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 24°C (75°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 4°C (39°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) |
| Feb | 25°C (77°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 59 mm (2.3 in) |
| Mar | 27°C (81°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) |
| Apr | 29°C (84°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 15°C (58°F) | 102 mm (4 in) |
| May | 30°C (86°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 20°C (67°F) | 113 mm (4.5 in) |
| Jun | 29°C (84°F) | 560 mm (22 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 152 mm (6 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 640 mm (25.2 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 128 mm (5 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 520 mm (20.5 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 133 mm (5.2 in) |
| Sep | 28°C (82°F) | 320 mm (12.6 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 156 mm (6.1 in) |
| Oct | 29°C (84°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 19°C (65°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Nov | 28°C (82°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 52 mm (2 in) |
| Dec | 26°C (79°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 7°C (44°F) | 35 mm (1.4 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.