Which place is cheaper, Mumbai or Shanghai?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Shanghai 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 Shanghai 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: Shanghai or Mumbai?
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".
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 2-Week Tours from Beijing, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to China, The Best 2-Week Tours from Mumbai, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to India.
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Shanghai Prices
China PricesMumbai Prices
India Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayShanghai $140Mumbai $76
The average daily cost (per person) in Shanghai is $140, 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 Shanghai and Mumbai in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personShanghai $87Mumbai $29
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomShanghai $174Mumbai $58
Compare Hotels in Shanghai and Mumbai
Looking for a hotel in Shanghai 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: Shanghai Hotel Prices and Mumbai Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Shanghai $4.15Mumbai $6.44
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$3.85
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Two Subway Tickets$0.89
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 To Beijing Bullet Train Ticket with Local Private Transfer: $211
- Shanghai-Suzhou private day tour with private transfer and Lunch: $204
- Shanghai to Beijing Bullet Train Ticket with Hongqiao Station Transfer: $174
- 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 Disneyland: 1-Day Entry Ticket with Private Transfer: $153
- Private Transfer Between Hongqiao Airport（SHA) and Suzhou Hotels: $152
- Shanghai Era Theatre Acrobatics Show with Hotel Transfer: $149
- Shanghai Era Theatre Acrobatics Show with Hotel Transfer: $149
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Mumbai
Also for Mumbai, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Mumbai Airport Transfer: $12
- Mumbai Airport Transfer to Hotel with a Private Transport: $20
- Mumbai Private Airport Transfer to Hotel Easy & Safe: $23
- Mumbai Airport BOM Private Transfer to Mumbai City Central/Hotels: $24
- Private Transfer Mumbai Airport by Innova Crysta: $24
- Mumbai After Dark: Private Night Tour with AC Transfers: $25
- Mumbai to Mumbai Airport (BOM) - Departure Private Transfer: $26
- Mumbai Airport Transfer in Private Vehicle: $26
- Mumbai Airport Transfer to and from Hotel: $31
- Private Transfer: Mumbai Airport to Hotel: $35
- One way Private transfer from Mumbai Airport to Hotel: $37
- Mumbai Airport (BOM) to Mumbai - Arrival Private Transfer: $38
Is it cheaper to fly into Shanghai or Mumbai?
Prices for flights to both Mumbai and Shanghai 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 dayShanghai $40Mumbai $38
Typical Food Prices in Shanghai
Some typical examples of dining costs in Shanghai are as follows:
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Dumpling Breakfast$1.48
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Desserts in Jinmao Building Observatory$22
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Ajisen Lunch for Two$7.71
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Cantelope$1.78
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Dumplings and Soup$2.22
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Duck Dinner$4.45
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Pastries$3.11
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Barbeque Dinner$9.48
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Shanghai
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Shanghai.
- City Center Authentic Local Food Tour-Tip Based: $3.52
- Online Cooking Class Dim Sum by Sunflower Li: $20
- 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
- Authentic Shanghai Food Tour with Chi Gua Va: $35
- Shanghai Jade Buddha Temple and Local Food Tour: $49
- Market to Table Chinese Cooking Experience: $69
- Authentic Local Food Tour Near the Bund: $71
- Shanghai Breakfast Omakase A Home Cook Food Tour: $71
- Shanghai Food Tour and Alleyways to Skyline with 8 Local Eats: $71
- Small Group: Shanghai After Dark Food Tour with 9 tastings: $74
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
- Private Street Food Tour with Mumbai Sightseeing Tour including AC vehicles: $19
- Small Group Authentic Mumbai Virtual Cooking Class with Dessert: $20
- Vegetarian Indian Cuisine Virtual Cooking Class Experience from Mumbai: $20
- Mumbai Food Tour: $20
- Indian cusine demonstration cum hands on with Hi Tea / Dinner at a Family home: $29
- Indian cusine demonstration cum hands on with Hi Tea / Dinner at a Family home: $29
- Lights, Flavour, Action- A Story-Driven Food Tour: $31
- Experience Mumbai Street Food Tour: $36
- Flavors of Mumbai Food Tour: $38
- Mumbai Street Food Tour: $39
- Bombay Express Mumbai Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $45
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Shanghai $9.04Mumbai $2.33
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$30
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Zoo for Two$15
Tours and Activities in Shanghai
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Shanghai are as follows:
- 1 Day Shanghai Airport Layover Private Tour for City Highlights: $202
- 1 Day Shanghai Highlight Small Group Tour: $198
- 1 Day Shanghai Private Tour: $180
- 1 Day Shanghai Retail Innovation Tour: $169
- 1 Day Suzhou Private Tour (Departure from Shanghai): $240
- 1-Day Private Tour to Shanghai Museum,Yu Garden, the Bund and Nanjing Road: $190
- 1-Day Private Tour to Shanghai Zhujiajiao Water Town,Nanjing Road and the Bund: $221
- 1-Day Private Tour to Suzhou from Shanghai: $272
- 1-Day Private Tour to Zhujiajiao Water Town,the Bund and World Financial Center: $256
- 1-Day Shanghai Tour to Oriental Pearl TV Tower, Yu Garden and Jade Buddha Temple: $224
- 13 day private tour : Splendid China+ important highlights: $4,106
- 1Day Suzhou & Zhouzhuang Water Town Tour From Shanghai Or Suzhou: $298
Tours and Activities in Mumbai
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Mumbai.
- Private Mumbai City Tour + Dharavi Slum Slumdog Millionaire Tour: $4.29
- Dharavi Slum tour in Mumbai by local resident: $4.30
- Mumbai Malabar Self-Guided Walking City Tour & Scavenger Hunt: $4.50
- Mumbai Self-Guided Walking City Tour & Scavenger Hunt: $4.50
- Mumbai Slum Tour –An insight of Dharavi Slum with Local Guide: $4.84
- Mumbai's Historical Architecture: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.00
- 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
- Dharavi Slum Tour in Untold Stories with Local Guide: $5.48
- From Delhi: Taj Mahal Sunrise, Baby Taj & Agra Fort Day Tour: $5.64
- From Delhi: Taj Mahal & Agra City Tour with Fatehpur Sikri: $7.10
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayShanghai $7.89Mumbai $3.23
Sample the Local Flavors in Shanghai
Also in Shanghai, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Shanghai Bar Crawl: TCM Cocktails & Local Craft Beer: $89
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
- Sula Vineyards Wine Tasting Day Trip from Mumbai by Train or Car: $131
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Shanghai and Mumbai, 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 Shanghai Expensive? and Is Mumbai Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Shanghai or Mumbai?
Shanghai has a larger population, and is about 15% larger than the population of Mumbai. When comparing the sizes of Shanghai 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 Shanghai or Mumbai?
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 Shanghai or Mumbai in the Summer?
Both Mumbai and Shanghai during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Shanghai for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Mumbai year-round.
In the summer, Shanghai is around the same temperature as Mumbai. Typically, the summer temperatures in Shanghai in July average around 28°C (83°F), and Mumbai averages at about 28°C (82°F).
It's quite sunny in Shanghai. In the summer, Shanghai often gets more sunshine than Mumbai. Shanghai gets 232 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Mumbai receives 73 hours of full sun.
Mumbai gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Shanghai. Shanghai usually gets less rain in July than Mumbai. Shanghai gets 128 mm (5 in) of rain, while Mumbai receives 640 mm (25.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyShanghai 28°C (83°F)Mumbai 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Shanghai or Mumbai in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Shanghai and Mumbai. Many visitors come to Shanghai in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Mumbai attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In October, Shanghai is generally much colder than Mumbai. Daily temperatures in Shanghai average around 19°C (65°F), and Mumbai fluctuates around 29°C (84°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Mumbai this time of the year. Shanghai usually receives less sunshine than Mumbai during autumn. Shanghai gets 162 hours of sunny skies, while Mumbai receives 240 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In October, Shanghai usually receives less rain than Mumbai. Shanghai gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Mumbai receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberShanghai 19°C (65°F)Mumbai 29°C (84°F)
Should I visit Shanghai or Mumbai in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Shanghai as well as Mumbai. Most visitors come to Shanghai for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. The warm climate attracts visitors to Mumbai throughout the year.
Shanghai can be very cold during winter. Shanghai is much colder than Mumbai in the winter. The daily temperature in Shanghai averages around 4°C (39°F) in January, and Mumbai fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Mumbai. In the winter, Shanghai often gets less sunshine than Mumbai. Shanghai gets 135 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Mumbai receives 270 hours of full sun.
Shanghai usually gets more rain in January than Mumbai. Shanghai gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Mumbai receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryShanghai 4°C (39°F)Mumbai 24°C (75°F)
Should I visit Shanghai or Mumbai in the Spring?
Both Mumbai and Shanghai are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to Shanghai because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Plenty of visitors come to Mumbai because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In the spring, Shanghai is much colder than Mumbai. Typically, the spring temperatures in Shanghai in April average around 15°C (58°F), and Mumbai averages at about 29°C (84°F).
It's quite sunny in Mumbai. Shanghai usually receives less sunshine than Mumbai during spring. Shanghai gets 153 hours of sunny skies, while Mumbai receives 284 hours of full sun in the spring.
It's quite rainy in Shanghai. In April, Shanghai usually receives more rain than Mumbai. Shanghai gets 102 mm (4 in) of rain, while Mumbai receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilShanghai 15°C (58°F)Mumbai 29°C (84°F)
Typical Weather for Mumbai and Shanghai
| Shanghai | Mumbai | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 4°C (39°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Feb | 5°C (41°F) | 59 mm (2.3 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Mar | 9°C (48°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Apr | 15°C (58°F) | 102 mm (4 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| May | 20°C (67°F) | 113 mm (4.5 in) | 30°C (86°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Jun | 24°C (75°F) | 152 mm (6 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 560 mm (22 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (83°F) | 128 mm (5 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 640 mm (25.2 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 133 mm (5.2 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 520 mm (20.5 in) |
| Sep | 24°C (75°F) | 156 mm (6.1 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 320 mm (12.6 in) |
| Oct | 19°C (65°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) |
| Nov | 13°C (55°F) | 52 mm (2 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) |
| Dec | 7°C (44°F) | 35 mm (1.4 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.