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.

The average daily cost (per person) in Pai is $64, while the average daily cost in Mumbai is $69. 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 $14
    Mumbai $34
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Pai $28
    Mumbai $68
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 $37
    Mumbai $7.77

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Pai

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

  • Chiang Mai Hotel Transfer: to/from Pai Hotel: $149
  • Transfer and Tour to Pai / Chiang Mai: $149
  • Chiang Mai Hotel Transfer: to/from Pai Hotel: $132
  • Chiang Mai City to/from Pai Hotel: Private Transfer: $132
  • Chiang Mai Private Car transfer to or from Pai(Mae Hong Son): $107
  • Pa Pae Meditation: Private Car transfer to/from Chiang Mai: $70

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Mumbai

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

  • Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer service in Mumbai HTL-APT (BOM): $27
  • Transfer from Mumbai Airport to Hotel: $55
  • Private Transfer: Hotel to Mumbai Airport: $47
  • Private Transfer from Mumbai hotels to Mumbai Cruise Port: $64
  • Private Transfer from Mumbai hotels to Mumbai Cruise Port: $64
  • Private Transfer from Mumbai Cruise Port to Mumbai Hotels: $64
  • Private Transfer from Mumbai Cruise Port to Mumbai Hotels: $64
  • Private Transfer from Mumbai Chatrapati Shivaji Airport (BOM) to Mumbai Downtown: $137
  • Private Transfer from Chatrapati Shivaji (BOM) Airport to Mumbai: $39
  • Private Transfer From/To Mumbai Chhatrapati International Airport: $27
  • Private Dharavi Slum Tour Including Car Transfer: $91
  • Premium Mumbai guided tour with transfer: $480

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 $21
    Mumbai $26

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

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Pai $40
    Mumbai $2.66

Tours and Activities in Pai

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

  • Jungle Tipsy Tubing Experience with Shots: $6.76

Tours and Activities in Mumbai

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

  • Mumbai City Tour : $100
  • Private Full-Day Mumbai Sightseeing Tour with Dharavi Slums: $82
  • "Best of Mumbai (Guided Full Day Sightseeing City Tour)": $127
  • "Highlights of Mumbai Guided Half Day Sightseeing City Tour: $74
  • "Religions of Mumbai (Guided Half Day Sightseeing City Tour): $80
  • 2-Days Private Taj Mahal Sunrise Tour from Mumbai by Round Trip Flights: $231
  • 2-Hour Guided Tour of Dharavi: $25
  • 3 Days Complete Mumbai Tour Inclusive of Bollywood Studio Experience: $277
  • 3 Hours of Pottery Making Experience in a Studio in Mumbai: $70
  • 5 Hours Private Tour in Mumbai City: $74
  • 7-Hour Mumbai Sightseeing + Dharavi Slum Tour + Local Train Ride: $71
  • Agra Taj Tour from Mumbai: $220

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Pai $13
    Mumbai $3.69

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


When comparing the travel costs between Pai and Mumbai, we can see that Mumbai is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Asia, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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)