Which place is cheaper, Mumbai or Similan Islands?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Similan Islands 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 Similan Islands 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: Similan Islands or Mumbai?
Similan Islands
There are places divers like, and there are places divers love. One of the most popular spots to visit the underwater world is at the national park of the Similan Islands in southern Thailand. With 140 square kilometers of land and nine islands, this area is a paradise for those ready to get their feet wet.
The park is made up of nine islands: Ko Bon, Ko Bayu, Ko Similan, Ko Payu, Ko Miang, Ko Payan, Ko Paying and Ko Huyong. If these names are a bit too similar for you to easily differentiate, don't worry. Most refer to each island with a number from 1 to 9. Two more islands were added to the park – Koh Bon and Koh Tachai – in 1998.
Even though the park was only established in 1982, the islands have been around for approximately 65 million years. They are the product of swells of hot magma during the Cretaceous period and smoothed over by glacial ice and water erosion. The reefs beneath the surface are approximately 5,000 years and therefor the oldest in Thailand. Luckily, because of its deep waters, the islands' underwater landscapes were essentially unharmed during the 2004 tsunami.
Each island is covered in lush, tropical jungle and white, sandy coastlines. There is fish of every shape, color and size – including the famous "Nemo" clownfish, batfish, barracudas, whale sharks and manta rays.
You'll want to plan your visit around monsoon season. So book a trip sometime between December and April. March is a particularly good time to visit as the winds have died down and the water is crystal clear. The park is closed from May to November.
There are a few tents and bungalows on some of the islands. They are government run, and you'll need to reserve them in advance. Many divers will simply take day trips, or sleep on board boats. There are several organized tour and boat options available out of Phuket, Khao Lak and Ranong. Both areas will likely offer day trips and live-aboard cruises. These cruises typically start at four days and 4 nights, but shorter trips are available. There is an entry fee to the park, along with a daily usage fee for those spending multiple days in the park. This fee is paid to your driver before the trip.
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 from Bangkok, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Phuket, The Best 2-Week Tours from Mumbai, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to India.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySimilan Islands $164Mumbai $69
The average daily cost (per person) in Similan Islands is $164, 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 Similan Islands and Mumbai in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSimilan Islands $68Mumbai $34
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSimilan Islands $136Mumbai $68
Compare Hotels in Similan Islands and Mumbai
Looking for a hotel in Similan Islands 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: Mumbai Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Similan Islands $98Mumbai $7.77
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 Similan Islands or Mumbai?
Prices for flights to both Mumbai and Similan Islands 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 daySimilan Islands $36Mumbai $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
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Similan Islands $44Mumbai $2.66
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
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Alcohol Drinks for one daySimilan Islands $9.35Mumbai $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 we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Similan Islands and Mumbai, we can see that Similan Islands 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 Similan Islands would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Similan Islands 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 Similan Islands Expensive? and Is Mumbai Expensive?.
When is the best time to visit Similan Islands 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 Similan Islands or Mumbai in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Similan Islands and Mumbai. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Similan Islands year-round. Mumbai attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Also, June to September is the rainy season in Similan Islands. Mumbai receives a lot of rain in the summer. Similan Islands gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Similan Islands usually receives less rain than Mumbai. Similan Islands gets 284 mm (11.2 in) of rain, while Mumbai receives 640 mm (25.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.
In Similan Islands, it's very sunny this time of the year. Similan Islands usually receives more sunshine than Mumbai during summer. Similan Islands gets 206 hours of sunny skies, while Mumbai receives 73 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Similan Islands is generally around the same temperature as Mumbai. Daily temperatures in Similan Islands average around 28°C (82°F), and Mumbai fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulySimilan Islands 28°C (82°F)Mumbai 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Similan Islands or Mumbai in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Similan Islands as well as Mumbai. Similan Islands attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Mumbai throughout the year.
Also, October to May in Similan Islands is the dry season. Similan Islands receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Similan Islands usually gets more rain in October than Mumbai. Similan Islands gets 351 mm (13.8 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. In the autumn, Similan Islands often gets less sunshine than Mumbai. Similan Islands gets 181 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Mumbai receives 240 hours of full sun.
Similan Islands is around the same temperature as Mumbai in the autumn. The daily temperature in Similan Islands averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and Mumbai fluctuates around 29°C (84°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberSimilan Islands 27°C (81°F)Mumbai 29°C (84°F)
Should I visit Similan Islands or Mumbai in the Winter?
Both Mumbai and Similan Islands are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Similan Islands throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Mumbai because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In January, Similan Islands usually receives more rain than Mumbai. Similan Islands gets 42 mm (1.7 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 Similan Islands. Similan Islands usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Mumbai during winter. Similan Islands gets 287 hours of sunny skies, while Mumbai receives 270 hours of full sun in the winter.
In the winter, Similan Islands is a little warmer than Mumbai. Typically, the winter temperatures in Similan Islands in January average around 27°C (80°F), and Mumbai averages at about 24°C (75°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuarySimilan Islands 27°C (80°F)Mumbai 24°C (75°F)
Should I visit Similan Islands or Mumbai in the Spring?
Both Mumbai and Similan Islands during the spring are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Similan Islands because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Mumbai year-round.
October to May is the dry season in Similan Islands. June to September is the rainy season in Similan Islands. It rains a lot this time of the year in Similan Islands. Similan Islands usually gets more rain in April than Mumbai. Similan Islands gets 157 mm (6.2 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 Similan Islands. In the spring, Similan Islands often gets less sunshine than Mumbai. Similan Islands gets 249 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Mumbai receives 284 hours of full sun.
In April, Similan Islands is generally around the same temperature as Mumbai. Daily temperatures in Similan Islands average around 29°C (83°F), and Mumbai fluctuates around 29°C (84°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilSimilan Islands 29°C (83°F)Mumbai 29°C (84°F)
Typical Weather for Mumbai and Similan Islands
| Similan Islands | Mumbai | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 27°C (80°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Feb | 28°C (82°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Mar | 28°C (83°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Apr | 29°C (83°F) | 157 mm (6.2 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| May | 28°C (82°F) | 345 mm (13.6 in) | 30°C (86°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 286 mm (11.3 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 560 mm (22 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 284 mm (11.2 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 640 mm (25.2 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 272 mm (10.7 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 520 mm (20.5 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 417 mm (16.4 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 320 mm (12.6 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 351 mm (13.8 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (80°F) | 188 mm (7.4 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (80°F) | 71 mm (2.8 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.