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

Should you visit Pai or Mumbai?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Pai and Mumbai. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Where Should I go: Pai or Mumbai?

Pai

As the lush green mountains adorn the blue horizon amidst its creamy clouds, Pai, in northern Thailand, works as one of the many hubs for some of the world's most exciting cultural adventures and natural wonders. Within this small town just north of the Mae Hong Son Province, near the Myanmar border, Pai lays on the Pai River and holds a population of no more than 2,500. Despite its geographical insignificance, this town attracts a wide array of tourists. From breathtaking waterfalls to relaxing hot springs, you will find yourself astonished at how much this little city holds within its borders.

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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best G Adventures Tours to Thailand, The Best 3-Day Tours from Phuket, The Best 2-Week Tours from Mumbai, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to India.


Which place is cheaper, Mumbai or Pai?

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 Pai is $88, while the average daily cost in Mumbai is $75. 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 Pai and Mumbai in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Pai $16
    Mumbai $29
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Pai $32
    Mumbai $58
Compare Hotels in Pai and Mumbai

Looking for a hotel in Pai or Mumbai? 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 Pai


Hotels in Mumbai


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: Pai Hotel Prices and Mumbai Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Pai $41
    Mumbai $6.42

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: Mumbai Airport to Hotel: $35
  • Private Transfer from Mumbai to Pune via Lonavala City Tour: $50
  • Private Transfer from Mumbai to Chatrapati Shivaji (BOM) Airport: $43
  • Private Transfer from Mumbai hotels to Mumbai Cruise Port: $60
  • Private Transfer from Mumbai Cruise Port to Mumbai Hotels: $60
  • Private Transfer from Mumbai Cruise Port to Mumbai Hotels: $60
  • Private Transfer from Mumbai Cruise Port to Mumbai Airport (BOM): $42
  • Private Transfer from Mumbai Airport to Hotel: $12
  • Private Transfer from Mumbai Airport (BOM) to Mumbai Port: $42
  • Private Transfer from Chatrapati Shivaji (BOM) Airport to Mumbai: $43
  • Private Transfer Mumbai Airport by Innova Crysta: $24

Is it cheaper to fly into Pai or Mumbai?

Prices for flights to both Mumbai and Pai 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
    Pai $40
    Mumbai $38

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Mumbai

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

  • Mumbai Food Tour — 178 Years of Bombay on a Plate: $14
  • Mumbai Street Food Tour with Evening Market Walk: $17
  • Private Street Food Tour with Mumbai Sightseeing Tour including AC vehicles: $19
  • 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
  • Experience Mumbai Street Food Tour: $36
  • Mumbai Street Food Tour: $39
  • 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

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Pai $45
    Mumbai $2.32

Tours and Activities in Mumbai

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

  • "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: $149
  • 3-Hour Private Guided Tour in Bollywood from Mumbai: $225
  • 7 Hour Mumbai City Sightseeing Tour By Navv Om Namaha Shivaya: $107
  • Agra Taj Tour from Mumbai: $292
  • 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

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Pai $14
    Mumbai $3.22

Sample the Local Flavors in Mumbai

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Mumbai:

  • Bombay Party (Bar Crawl): $25
  • Sula Vineyards Wine Tasting Day Trip from Mumbai by Train or Car: $131


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



When is the best time to visit Pai or Mumbai?

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 Pai or Mumbai in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Pai and Mumbai. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Pai year-round. Mumbai attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

Mumbai receives a lot of rain in the summer. Pai gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Pai usually receives less rain than Mumbai. Pai gets 211 mm (8.3 in) of rain, while Mumbai receives 640 mm (25.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Pai usually receives more sunshine than Mumbai during summer. Pai gets 146 hours of sunny skies, while Mumbai receives 73 hours of full sun in the summer.

Pai is around the same temperature as Mumbai in the summer. The daily temperature in Pai averages around 29°C (85°F) in July, and Mumbai fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Pai 29°C (85°F) 
    Mumbai 28°C (82°F)

Should I visit Pai or Mumbai in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Pai as well as Mumbai. Pai attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Mumbai throughout the year.

Pai receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Pai usually gets more rain in October than Mumbai. Pai gets 115 mm (4.5 in) of rain, while Mumbai receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Mumbai. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Pai this time of the year. In the autumn, Pai often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Mumbai. Pai gets 226 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Mumbai receives 240 hours of full sun.

In the autumn, Pai is around the same temperature as Mumbai. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Pai in October average around 29°C (84°F), and Mumbai averages at about 29°C (84°F).


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Pai 29°C (84°F) 
    Mumbai 29°C (84°F)

Should I visit Pai or Mumbai in the Winter?

Both Mumbai and Pai are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Pai throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Mumbai because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

In January, Pai usually receives more rain than Mumbai. Pai gets 12 mm (0.5 in) of rain, while Mumbai receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.

It's quite sunny in Mumbai. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Pai. Pai usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Mumbai during winter. Pai gets 283 hours of sunny skies, while Mumbai receives 270 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Pai is generally around the same temperature as Mumbai. Daily temperatures in Pai average around 24°C (74°F), and Mumbai fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Pai 24°C (74°F) 
    Mumbai 24°C (75°F)

Should I visit Pai or Mumbai in the Spring?

Both Mumbai and Pai during the spring are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Pai because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Mumbai year-round.

Pai usually gets more rain in April than Mumbai. Pai gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Mumbai receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

In Mumbai, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Pai. In the spring, Pai often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Mumbai. Pai gets 275 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Mumbai receives 284 hours of full sun.

It's very hot in Pai this time of the year. Pai is around the same temperature as Mumbai in the spring. The daily temperature in Pai averages around 32°C (89°F) in April, and Mumbai fluctuates around 29°C (84°F).


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Pai 32°C (89°F) 
    Mumbai 29°C (84°F)

Typical Weather for Mumbai and Pai

Pai Mumbai
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 24°C (74°F) 12 mm (0.5 in) 24°C (75°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Feb 25°C (77°F) 2 mm (0.1 in) 25°C (77°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Mar 29°C (83°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 27°C (81°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Apr 32°C (89°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 29°C (84°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
May 31°C (88°F) 176 mm (6.9 in) 30°C (86°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Jun 30°C (86°F) 181 mm (7.1 in) 29°C (84°F) 560 mm (22 in)
Jul 29°C (85°F) 211 mm (8.3 in) 28°C (82°F) 640 mm (25.2 in)
Aug 29°C (84°F) 256 mm (10.1 in) 28°C (82°F) 520 mm (20.5 in)
Sep 29°C (85°F) 207 mm (8.1 in) 28°C (82°F) 320 mm (12.6 in)
Oct 29°C (84°F) 115 mm (4.5 in) 29°C (84°F) 90 mm (3.5 in)
Nov 27°C (80°F) 34 mm (1.3 in) 28°C (82°F) 20 mm (0.8 in)
Dec 24°C (76°F) 12 mm (0.5 in) 26°C (79°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)