Which place is cheaper, Mumbai or Pondicherry?
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 Pondicherry or Mumbai?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Pondicherry and Mumbai can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.
Where Should I go: Pondicherry or Mumbai?
Pondicherry
Located on the eastern coast of India in the state of Tamil Nadu, Pondicherry has a long and interesting history of trade and war as the largest French colony in India. Today the French influence in the city remains, especially in the old quarters. This being said, Pondicherry very much embodies and east-meets-west culture.
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 Bicycle Tours in India, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in India, The Best Adventure Tours to India, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in India.
-
Pondicherry Prices
India PricesMumbai Prices
India Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayPondicherry $41Mumbai $87
The average daily cost (per person) in Pondicherry is $41, while the average daily cost in Mumbai is $87. 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 Pondicherry and Mumbai in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personPondicherry $16Mumbai $34
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomPondicherry $32Mumbai $68
Compare Hotels in Pondicherry and Mumbai
Looking for a hotel in Pondicherry 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: Pondicherry Hotel Prices and Mumbai Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Pondicherry $5.59Mumbai $7.68
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Mumbai
Also for Mumbai, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- VIP Mumbai Airport Transfer: Comfort & Convenience: $22
- Transfer to & fro Airports,Cruise Terminal,Hotels or any whichway, one way/time: $43
- Transfer from Mumbai Airport to Hotel: $55
- Private Transfer: Mumbai Airport to Hotel: $55
- Private Transfer: Hotel to Mumbai Airport: $47
- Private Transfer from Mumbai to Chatrapati Shivaji (BOM) Airport: $39
- Private Transfer from Mumbai hotels to Mumbai Cruise Port: $64
- Private Transfer from Mumbai Int Airport (BOM) to Mumbai Port: $47
- Private Transfer from Mumbai Cruise Port to Mumbai Hotels: $64
- Private Transfer from Mumbai Cruise Port to Mumbai Airport (BOM): $64
- Private Transfer from Mumbai Airport (BOM) to Mumbai Cruise Port: $66
- Private Transfer From/To Mumbai Chhatrapati International Airport: $27
Is it cheaper to fly into Pondicherry or Mumbai?
Prices for flights to both Mumbai and Pondicherry 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 dayPondicherry $19Mumbai $44
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Pondicherry
For Pondicherry, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Indian Cooking Class in Pondicherry: $28
- French-Creole Cooking Class in Pondicherry with a Local Family: $78
- South Indian Dinner With A Local Family In Pondicherry: $161
- Cooking class in Pondicherry (with Lunch or Dinner): $268
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Mumbai
For Mumbai, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Discover Mumbai's street & beach with Vegetarian food tour: $14
- Hidden Gems and Street Food Tour: $15
- Street Food Tour - Eat like a Local with Sunset view: $19
- Vegetarian Indian Cuisine Virtual Cooking Class Experience from Mumbai: $20
- Small Group Authentic Mumbai Virtual Cooking Class with Dessert: $20
- Authentic Street Food Tour: $21
- Taste of Street Food Tour & Vibrant Bazzars: $21
- Unique Street Food Tour with Local Guide: $24
- Private Street Food Tour: $25
- Mumbai Food Tour: $25
- Walking Street Food Tour, Bazaar, Temples, & More: $30
- Safe Food Tour in Mumbai for 2 hours: $30
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Pondicherry $11Mumbai $2.63
Tours and Activities in Pondicherry
For Pondicherry, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Sri Arunachaleswara Temple Tour From Pondicherry: $79
- Auroville Guided Walking Tour: $18
- Best of the Pondicherry (Guided Full Day City Tour): $131
- Cultural Day Tour of Pondicherry and Auroville: $231
- Cultural Day Tour of Pondicherry and Auroville with Lunch: $280
- Day Trip to Mahabalipuram (Curated Private Sightseeing Experience): $148
- From Day Tour to Mahabalipuram and Kanchipuram: $125
- Full Day Guided Tour of Pondicherry with lunch and hotel pickup: $95
- Guided City Tour in Pondicherry with complimentary refreshments: $47
- Heritage & Cultural Walking Tour of Pondicherry : $15
- Magical Pondicherry Markets Tour : $13
- Pondicherry Art Trails (2 Hours Guided Walking Tours): $13
Tours and Activities in Mumbai
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Mumbai.
- Mumbai City Tour : $100
- Mumbai by Night Guided Tour : $50
- Private Full-Day Mumbai Sightseeing Tour with Dharavi Slums: $53
- "Best of Mumbai (Guided Full Day Sightseeing City Tour)": $126
- "Highlights of Mumbai Guided Half Day Sightseeing City Tour: $73
- "Local A True Insider’s Tour": $30
- "Mumbai Highlights: An Immersive 6-Hour Half-Day Tour": $30
- "Private Sightseeing Tour with Top Highlights": $30
- "Religions of Mumbai (Guided Half Day Sightseeing City Tour): $79
- "Speedboat Adventure: Elephanta Caves and Mumbai Highlights": $177
- "The Ancient Kanheri Caves : Guided Tour": $27
- 3 Hours Early Morning in South Mumbai Heritage Bicycle Tour : $49
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayPondicherry $6.82Mumbai $3.65
Sample the Local Flavors in Mumbai
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Mumbai:
- South Bombay Pub Crawl: $38
- 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: $130
- Nashik: Private Full-Day Wine Tour with Tastings From Mumbai: $135
- Full-Day Private Wine Tour at Sula Vineyards from Mumbai: $150
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Pondicherry and Mumbai, we can see that Mumbai is more expensive. And not only is Pondicherry much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Pondicherry would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Pondicherry 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 Mumbai would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Mumbai than you might in Pondicherry.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Pondicherry Expensive? and Is Mumbai Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Pondicherry or Mumbai?
Mumbai has a larger population, and is about 60 times larger than the population of Pondicherry. When comparing the sizes of Pondicherry 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.
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.