Which place is cheaper, Mumbai or Phuket?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
Jump to 
Should you visit Phuket or Mumbai?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Phuket or Mumbai, 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: Phuket or Mumbai?
Phuket
Phuket Island is the holiday gem of southern Thailand. Known for its beaches and resorts, the island brings in a massive amount of travelers from all over the world, year round. Although the beaches are beautiful, Phuket has also become more westernized and tourist-oriented in recent decades, leaving many travelers to venture elsewhere to find that amazing beach with a more authentic Thai vibe. However, Phuket Island is quite large, and hidden gems can still be found.
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 One Week (7-Day) Tours in Thailand, The Best 2-Week Tours in Thailand, The Best 2-Week Tours from Mumbai, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to India.
-
Phuket Prices
Thailand PricesMumbai Prices
India Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayPhuket $136Mumbai $76
The average daily cost (per person) in Phuket is $136, while the average daily cost in Mumbai is $76. 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 Phuket and Mumbai in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personPhuket $63Mumbai $30
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomPhuket $126Mumbai $60
Compare Hotels in Phuket and Mumbai
Looking for a hotel in Phuket 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.
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: Phuket Hotel Prices and Mumbai Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Phuket $12Mumbai $6.46
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Phuket
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Phuket:
-
Longtail Taxi (for Two)$9.21
-
Taxi from Airport to Phuket Town$7.67
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Phuket
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Phuket:
- Phuket Jet Ski Adventure and Island Hopping with Transfers: $233
- Phuket Airport to Koh Lanta any hotel Private transfer: $188
- Phuket any hotel to Koh lanta Private transfer: $182
- Flying Hanuman Ziplining Experience in Phuket with Return Transfer: $170
- ATV Bike 1 hr + ziplines 30 platforms with Roundtrip Transfer: $158
- Private Transfer from Krabi to Phuket, Khao Lak and More: $148
- Phi Phi Khai and Bamboo Island Sunrise with Transfer from Phuket: $145
- Private Phuket Airport Transfer to Hotels: $141
- ATV Bike 1 hr+ Skyline Adventure 28 platforms with free Transfer: $132
- Departure Private Transfers from Phuket City to Phuket Airport HKT: $129
- Arrival Private Transfers from Phuket Airport HKT to Phuket City: $129
- Phuket Airport Transfers : Phuket City to Phuket Airport HKT in Luxury Van: $129
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Mumbai
Also for Mumbai, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Airport Transfer: Mumbai Airport BOM to Mumbai by Business Car: $65
- Airport Transfer: Mumbai to Mumbai Airport BOM by Van: $111
- Arrival Transfer: Mumbai Airport BOM to Mumbai by Luxury Van: $101
- Departure Private Transfers: Mumbai City to Mumbai Airport BOM in Business Car: $65
- Departure Private Transfers: Mumbai City to Mumbai Airport BOM in Luxury Van: $101
- Mumbai - private departure transfer from Hotel to Airport: $39
- Mumbai After Dark: Private Night Tour with AC Transfers: $25
- Mumbai Airport (BOM) to Mumbai - Arrival Private Transfer: $38
- Mumbai Airport (BOM) to Mumbai - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $52
- Mumbai Airport (BOM) to Mumbai - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $76
- Mumbai Airport BOM Private Transfer to Mumbai City Central/Hotels: $24
- Mumbai Airport Private Arrival Transfers: $20
Is it cheaper to fly into Phuket or Mumbai?
Prices for flights to both Mumbai and Phuket 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 dayPhuket $42Mumbai $38
Typical Food Prices in Phuket
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Phuket:
-
Casual Dinner (for Two)$8.87
-
Casual Lunch (for Two)$5.22
-
Sit Down Dinner (for Two)$13
-
Thai Noodles$2.76
-
Bananas$0.77
-
Pizza (for Two)$9.21
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Phuket
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Phuket.
- One Day Experience Cooking at Phuket Patong Thailand: $28
- Phuket City Tour with Sunset and Thai Cooking: $49
- Phuket 10+ Tastings Food Tour & Charming Old Town: $52
- Phuket Express Thai Cooking Course with Authentic Recipes: $53
- Phuket City Tour with Phothong Ride and Cooking Class: $54
- Authentic Thai Cooking Class by Suuko Wellness Spa: $56
- Simply Thai Cooking Experience: $57
- Organic Thai Cooking Class and Market Tour in Phuket: $57
- Vegetarian Organic Thai Cooking Class and Market Tour in Phuket: $59
- Southern Flavors Phuket Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $59
- Baba Tastes Phuket Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $59
- Phuket Coral Island and Sunset Dinner by Luxury Catamaran: $59
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
- Vegetarian Indian Cuisine Virtual Cooking Class Experience from Mumbai: $20
- Mumbai Food Tour: $20
- Best Mumbai Street Food Tour with Market & Train Ride Tour: $27
- 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
- Mumbai Best Street Food Tour with Local Guide: $46
- Authentic Indian Cooking Class in Mumbai in a Local Home: $49
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Phuket $48Mumbai $2.34
Typical Entertainment Prices in Phuket
Here are a few typical costs in Phuket for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
-
One Day Boat Tour$28
-
Scuba Diving (Two Dives)$77
-
Thai Oil Massage$20
-
Surfboard Rental$9.21
Tours and Activities in Phuket
Here are a few actual costs in Phuket for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- 1-Hour Quad Bike ATV Ride – Ultimate Adventure: $60
- 12 Islands Overnight Tour: $204
- 2 Day Tour to James Bond Islands, Krabi and Phi Phi: $182
- 2x Snorkelling Phi Phi, Maiton, Maya Bay, khai islands tour: $72
- 3 Fun Dives King Cruiser Wreck and Koh DokMai for Certified diver: $170
- 3 Hour Zipline Adventure Park Experience: 65 Platforms: $107
- 3 Khai Islands Snorkeling Tour by Speed Boat: $43
- 3 Khai Islands Tour- Snorkel, Swim & Relax (Half or Full Day): $34
- 3-Island Speedboat Tour: Racha Noi, Racha Yai & Maiton: $113
- 4 Element Day with Zipline Adventure Expedition: $78
- 4 Hours Jet Ski Experience Hopping To 9 Islands in Phuket: $235
- 4 Hours and 50km Jet Ski Tour to 6 Phuket Islands: $238
Tours and Activities in Mumbai
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Mumbai.
- Mumbai (Malabar District) Self-Guided Tour: $3.88
- Dharavi Slum tour in Mumbai by local resident: $4.28
- Private Mumbai City Tour with Dharavi Slum (Famous Movie Location: $4.30
- 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
- Audio Guided Tour – Mumbai Cricket Walk by HopOn India: $5.34
- Mumbai's Historical Architecture: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.40
- From Delhi: Taj Mahal Sunrise, Baby Taj & Agra Fort Day Tour: $5.64
- Audio Guided Tour of Matunga & Dadar Parsi Colony, Mumbai: $6.14
- Dharavi Slum Tour in Untold Stories with Local Guide: $6.42
- From Delhi: Taj Mahal & Agra City Tour with Fatehpur Sikri: $7.10
- Mumbai Dharavi Slum Tour With Local English Guide: $7.53
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayPhuket $7.15Mumbai $3.25
Typical Alcohol Prices in Phuket
Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Phuket from other travelers:
-
Cocktails (for Two)$6.14
-
Beer$2.61
Sample the Local Flavors in Phuket
Also in Phuket, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Pub Crawl Rooftop, Bars, GoGo & 3 Clubs with Shots: $19
- Phuket Guided Pub Crawl: $29
- Chalong Bay Rum Distillery Experience and Lunch: $53
- Phuket Real City Tour with Rum Cocktail Distillery: $88
- Big Buddha & The Distillery Phuket: $135
- Phuket Rum Distillery Cocktail Workshop And Wat Chalong Temple: $172
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
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Phuket and Mumbai, we can see that Phuket 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 Phuket would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Phuket 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 Phuket Expensive? and Is Mumbai Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Phuket or Mumbai?
Mumbai has a larger population, and is about 140 times larger than the population of Phuket. When comparing the sizes of Phuket and Mumbai, 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 Phuket or Mumbai?
Both destinations experience a warmer climate most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season. Although in the rainy season, it doesn't necessarily rain every day.
Should I visit Phuket or Mumbai in the Summer?
Both Mumbai and Phuket during the summer are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Phuket because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Mumbai year-round.
Mumbai gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Phuket. Phuket usually gets less rain in July than Mumbai. Phuket gets 287 mm (11.3 in) of rain, while Mumbai receives 640 mm (25.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
It's quite sunny in Phuket. In the summer, Phuket often gets more sunshine than Mumbai. Phuket gets 206 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Mumbai receives 73 hours of full sun.
In July, Phuket is generally around the same temperature as Mumbai. Daily temperatures in Phuket average around 28°C (82°F), and Mumbai fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyPhuket 28°C (82°F)Mumbai 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Phuket or Mumbai in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Phuket and Mumbai. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Phuket year-round. Mumbai attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
December to March in Phuket is the dry season. Also, June to October is the rainy season in Phuket. Phuket gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Phuket usually receives more rain than Mumbai. Phuket gets 304 mm (12 in) of rain, while Mumbai receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Mumbai this time of the year. Phuket usually receives less sunshine than Mumbai during autumn. Phuket gets 181 hours of sunny skies, while Mumbai receives 240 hours of full sun in the autumn.
Phuket is around the same temperature as Mumbai in the autumn. The daily temperature in Phuket averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and Mumbai fluctuates around 29°C (84°F).
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberPhuket 27°C (81°F)Mumbai 29°C (84°F)
Should I visit Phuket or Mumbai in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Phuket as well as Mumbai. Phuket attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Mumbai throughout the year.
Also, December to March in Phuket is the dry season. Phuket usually gets more rain in January than Mumbai. Phuket gets 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Mumbai receives 10 mm (0.4 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 Phuket this time of the year. In the winter, Phuket often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Mumbai. Phuket gets 287 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Mumbai receives 270 hours of full sun.
In the winter, Phuket is a little warmer than Mumbai. Typically, the winter temperatures in Phuket in January average around 28°C (82°F), and Mumbai averages at about 24°C (75°F).
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryPhuket 28°C (82°F)Mumbai 24°C (75°F)
Should I visit Phuket or Mumbai in the Spring?
Both Mumbai and Phuket are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Phuket throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Mumbai because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
The rainy season in Phuket is June to October. It's quite rainy in Phuket. In April, Phuket usually receives more rain than Mumbai. Phuket gets 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain, while Mumbai receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.
It's quite sunny in Mumbai. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Phuket. Phuket usually receives less sunshine than Mumbai during spring. Phuket gets 249 hours of sunny skies, while Mumbai receives 284 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Phuket is generally around the same temperature as Mumbai. Daily temperatures in Phuket average around 29°C (84°F), and Mumbai fluctuates around 29°C (84°F).
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilPhuket 29°C (84°F)Mumbai 29°C (84°F)
Typical Weather for Mumbai and Phuket
| Phuket | Mumbai | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 28°C (82°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Feb | 28°C (83°F) | 22 mm (0.9 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Mar | 29°C (84°F) | 52 mm (2 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Apr | 29°C (84°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| May | 28°C (83°F) | 318 mm (12.5 in) | 30°C (86°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 279 mm (11 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 560 mm (22 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 287 mm (11.3 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 640 mm (25.2 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 262 mm (10.3 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 520 mm (20.5 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 399 mm (15.7 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 320 mm (12.6 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 304 mm (12 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (81°F) | 165 mm (6.5 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (81°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 10 mm (0.4 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.