Which place is cheaper, Mumbai or Varanasi?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Varanasi 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 Varanasi 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: Varanasi or Mumbai?
Varanasi
Known to be one of India's holiest cities, many come to Varanasi on a spiritual pilgrimage looking to bathe in the sacred waters of the Ganges River. Dating back to the 11th Century BC, it is also one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. Centuries old temples make up the backdrop, as many come and come again to perform their holy rights at the edge of the historic river.
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.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayVaranasi $30Mumbai $69
The average daily cost (per person) in Varanasi is $30, 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 Varanasi and Mumbai in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personVaranasi $16Mumbai $34
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomVaranasi $32Mumbai $68
Compare Hotels in Varanasi and Mumbai
Looking for a hotel in Varanasi 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: Varanasi Hotel Prices and Mumbai Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Varanasi $4.95Mumbai $7.78
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Varanasi
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Varanasi:
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Tuk Tuk Through Town$0.96
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Rickshaw Ride$0.60
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Varanasi
Also for Varanasi, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- From Agra: Agra to Varanasi One Way Transfer: $176
- Varanasi hotel to Bodhgaya hotel private transfer: $135
- Private Transfer Varanasi to Bodhgaya - One Way: $111
- Private transfer from Varanasi to Allahabad: $67
- Private Transfer from Varanasi to Lal Bahadur Shastri (VNS) Airport: $42
- From Varanasi Airport Transfer: $36
- Private Departure Transfer to Airport from Hotel in Delhi By Car: $34
- Delhi Private Arrival Transfer From New Delhi Airport To Hotel In Delhi: $34
- Varanasi Airport Transfer: $30
- Private Departure Transfer from Varanasi Hotel to Airport: $28
- Private Varanasi Heritage Walk with Hotel Transfer: $28
- One-Way Transfer Airport to Hotel: $24
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Mumbai
Also for Mumbai, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Transfer from Mumbai Airport to Hotel: $55
- Private Transfer: Hotel to Mumbai Airport: $47
- Private Transfer from Mumbai hotels to Mumbai Cruise Port: $65
- Private Transfer from Mumbai hotels to Mumbai Cruise Port: $65
- Private Transfer from Mumbai Cruise Port to Mumbai Hotels: $65
- Private Transfer from Mumbai Cruise Port to Mumbai Hotels: $65
- Private Transfer from Mumbai Cruise Port to Mumbai Airport (BOM): $65
- Private Transfer from Mumbai Chatrapati Shivaji Airport (BOM) to Mumbai Downtown: $139
- Private Transfer from Mumbai Airport (BOM) to Mumbai Cruise Port: $68
- Private Dharavi Slum Tour Including Car Transfer: $91
- Private Departure Transfer from Mumbai Hotel to Airport Including VIP Assistance: $204
- Private Arrival Transfer from Mumbai Airport to Hotel Including VIP Assistance: $204
Is it cheaper to fly into Varanasi or Mumbai?
Prices for flights to both Mumbai and Varanasi 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 dayVaranasi $7.15Mumbai $26
Typical Food Prices in Varanasi
For Varanasi, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
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Dinner In Town$4.13
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Varanasi
For Varanasi, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Food Tour: Highlights Tour with Tasting &Sunset in Varanasi: $16
- Taste of Varanasi (2 Hour Guided Street Food Tour): $21
- Varanasi Food Tour with Monu: $22
- Varanasi Cooking Classes with Indu and Shobha: $32
- Varanasi Cooking Classes with Indu and Shobha: $40
- From Street food tour with Evening Ganga Aarti: $42
- Private Evening Rooftop Dinner: $44
- 3-hour Shopping and Street Food Tour on a tuk-tuk ride: $46
- Evening Dinner with Private Transfer: $50
- Afternoon tour of Varanasi with Boat ride over Ganges & Dinner on a tuk-tuk : $59
- Night Boat Ride, Aarati Ceremony and Dinner: $62
- Private Evening Street Food Tour: $63
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Mumbai
For Mumbai, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Hidden Gems and Street Food Tour: $15
- Small Group Authentic Mumbai Virtual Cooking Class with Dessert: $20
- Vegetarian Indian Cuisine Virtual Cooking Class Experience from Mumbai: $20
- Mumbai Food Tour: $20
- Unique Street Food Tour with Local Guide: $24
- Mumbai Food Tour: $25
- Guided Food Tour Through the Vibrant Markets of Old Bombay: $27
- Street Food Tour - Eat like a Local with sunset view: $29
- 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
- Bombay Express Mumbai Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $39
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Varanasi $11Mumbai $2.66
Typical Entertainment Prices in Varanasi
Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Varanasi's activities, tours, and tickets:
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Boat Ride$0.84
Tours and Activities in Varanasi
For Varanasi, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Varanasi Experience 01 Night -02 Days Tour: $85
- 01 Day Private Taj Mahal Tour (Delhi- Agra - Delhi): $140
- 08 Hours : Private Full Day City Tour of Jaipur : $120
- 1 Day Ayodhya Tour from Varanasi Airport: $74
- 1 day Varanasi Tour: $88
- 11 - Hours Agra Tour: Sunrise and Sunset of Taj Mahal from Delhi.: $97
- 2 Day Private Mystical Varanasi Tour: $49
- 2 Days : Varanasi Private Guided Tour With Airport Pickup: $161
- 2 Days Varanasi tour package for first timers: $150
- 2 Nights 3 Days Varanasi Tour - A Complete Tour Package: $300
- 2 days Varanasi city Tour by a Vande Bharat train: $181
- 2-Day Private Varanasi Tour Including Sunrise & Sunset Boat Ride: $188
Tours and Activities in Mumbai
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Mumbai.
- Dharavi Authentic Slum Tour: $111
- Kanheri Caves Heritage Tour: $45
- Mumbai City Tour : $100
- Private Full-Day Mumbai Sightseeing Tour with Dharavi Slums: $82
- "Best of Mumbai (Guided Full Day Sightseeing City Tour)": $130
- "Highlights of Mumbai Guided Half Day Sightseeing City Tour: $75
- "Local A True Insider’s Tour": $36
- "Mumbai Highlights: An Immersive 6-Hour Half-Day Tour": $36
- "Religions of Mumbai (Guided Half Day Sightseeing City Tour): $82
- 2-Days Private Taj Mahal Sunrise Tour from Mumbai by Round Trip Flights: $230
- 3 Hours of Pottery Making Experience in a Studio in Mumbai: $70
- 5 Hours Private Tour in Mumbai City: $74
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayVaranasi $7.86Mumbai $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
- South Bombay Pub Crawl: $40
- 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
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Varanasi and Mumbai, we can see that Mumbai is more expensive. And not only is Varanasi much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Varanasi would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Varanasi 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 Varanasi.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Varanasi Expensive? and Is Mumbai Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Varanasi or Mumbai?
Mumbai has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Varanasi. When comparing the sizes of Varanasi 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.