Which place is cheaper, Chicago or Mumbai?
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 Mumbai or Chicago?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Mumbai or Chicago, 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: Mumbai or Chicago?
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.
Chicago
Located in the Midwest, Chicago is the third largest city in the United States. It has a population of almost 3 million and a metropolitan area that covers more than 10,000 square kilometers. It is also a hub for music, comedy and theater. It's skyline is beautiful with modern skyscrapers and Lake Michigan as a backdrop. It is easy to stay entertained in Chicago for weeks. There are world class museums, upscale or eclectic shopping opportunities, and impressive architecture.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Mumbai, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to India, The Best 2-Week Tours from San Francisco, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Los Angeles.
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Mumbai Prices
India PricesChicago Prices
USA Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayMumbai $83Chicago $323
The average daily cost (per person) in Mumbai is $83, while the average daily cost in Chicago is $323. 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 Mumbai and Chicago in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personMumbai $32Chicago $198
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomMumbai $64Chicago $396
Compare Hotels in Mumbai and Chicago
Looking for a hotel in Mumbai or Chicago? 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 and Chicago Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Mumbai $7.37Chicago $37
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Mumbai
Also for Mumbai, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Guided Tour in Kanheri Cave with Transfers: $35
- Airport Transfer: Mumbai Airport BOM to Mumbai by Business Car: $66
- Arrival Private Transfers: Mumbai Airport BOM to Mumbai City in Business Car: $66
- Arrival Private Transfers: Mumbai Airport BOM to Mumbai City in Luxury Van: $102
- Create Your Own: Custom Private Tour of Mumbai with transfers: $97
- Dharavi Slum Tour in Mumbai with Combo Packages & Transfers: $12
- Luxury Mumbai Package with Hotel,Private Airport Transfers and Sightseeing Tour: $270
- Mumbai - private arrival transfer from Airport to Hotel : $64
- Mumbai Airport BOM Private Transfer to Mumbai City Central/Hotels: $24
- Mumbai Airport Transfers : Mumbai Airport BOM to Mumbai City in Luxury Van: $114
- Mumbai Airport(BOM) to Mumbai Downtown - Arrival Private Transfer: $26
- Mumbai Chhatrapati Shivaji Airport (BOM) to Mumbai - Arrival Private Transfer: $38
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Chicago
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Chicago:
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Parking$19
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Taxi Ride$10
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Taxi from Airport$45
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Chicago
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Chicago:
- Group Van Transfers from Chicago O'Hare and Midway Airports: $300
- Meet and Greet Private SUV Transfer from ORD to Downtown Chicago: $300
- Meet and Greet Private SUV Transfer from MDW to Downtown Chicago: $300
- Departure Private Transfer: Chicago to O'Hare Airport ORD in Luxury Car: $257
- Arrival Private Transfer: O'Hare Airport ORD to Chicago in Luxury Car: $255
- Private SUV Transfer from Chicago Downtown to O'Hare airport: $240
- Meet and Greet Private Sedan Transfer from ORD to Downtown Chicago: $240
- Curbside SUV Transfer from O'Hare/Midway to Downtown Chicago: $240
- Curbside SUV Transfer from ORD to Downtown Chicago: $240
- SUV transfer from downtown Chicago to O'hare Midway Airport: $240
- Meet and Greet Private Sedan Transfer from MDW to Downtown Chicago: $240
- Private SUV Transfer from Chicago Downtown to Midway airport: $240
Is it cheaper to fly into Mumbai or Chicago?
Prices for flights to both Chicago and Mumbai 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 dayMumbai $42Chicago $85
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Mumbai
For Mumbai, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Private Street Food Tour with Mumbai Sightseeing Tour including AC vehicles: $19
- Vegetarian Indian Cuisine Virtual Cooking Class Experience from Mumbai: $20
- Mumbai Food Tour: $20
- Small Group Authentic Mumbai Virtual Cooking Class with Dessert: $20
- Mumbai Street Food Tour with Evening Bazaar Walk: $29
- Indian cusine demonstration cum hands on with Hi Tea / Dinner at a Family home: $31
- Bombay Express Mumbai Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $39
- Mumbai Street Food Tour: $42
- Daily Mumbai Street Food Tour : $52
- Private Mumbai Market Tour and Cooking Class With an Expert: $52
- Private Vegetarian Indian Cooking Class in Mumbai: $53
- Private Market Tour and Vegetarian Cooking Class in Mumbai: $64
Typical Food Prices in Chicago
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Chicago:
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Dinner for 1$24
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Dinner for 3$118
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Chicago
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Chicago.
- Traveling Spoon Chicago-Style Deep Dish Pizza Private Online Cooking Class : $59
- Downtown Pizza Guided Walking Tour with Tastings: $73
- Sushi Making Cooking Class at a Local Distillery in Chicago: $75
- Pasta Making Cooking Class at a Local Distillery: $75
- Sushi Making Cooking Class at a Local Distillery: $75
- Pasta Making Cooking Class at a Local Distillery in Chicago: $75
- Downtown Family Food Tour by Bike with Sightseeing: $80
- Chicago Food Tour & Solve a Murder: Interactive True Crime Tour: $82
- Taste of Chicago's Chinatown Food Tours: $85
- Vito's Vault Chicago finest dinner theatre speakeasy: $85
- Downtown Classics Food Tour: Deep Dish, Beef Sandwich & More: $89
- City Cruises Lake Michigan Lunch or Dinner Cruise: $93
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Mumbai $2.52Chicago $47
Tours and Activities in Mumbai
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Mumbai.
- 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
- Mumbai's Historical Architecture: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.40
- From Delhi: Taj Mahal Sunrise, Baby Taj & Agra Fort Day Tour: $5.64
- Dharavi Slum Walking Tour: Daily Life in Asia's Largest Slum: $5.77
- From Delhi: Taj Mahal & Agra City Tour with Fatehpur Sikri: $7.10
- Dharavi Slum Tour - See the real Slum with a Local Guide: $7.33
- Best Slum Tour Dharavi Small Group with a Local : $8.37
- "Private Mumbai Dharavi Slum Tour": $9.24
- Dharavi slum tour in Mumbai by Female tour guides of the slum: $9.82
- Exploring Dharavi: Mumbai's Walking Slum Tour: $9.82
- Mumbai Slum Tour –Visit Dharavi with Local Guide : $12
Typical Entertainment Prices in Chicago
Here are a few typical costs in Chicago for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
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Sears Tower (family of 4)$102
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Aquarium for 4$118
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Water Taxi (family of 4)$22
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IMAX Movie for Two$35
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Shakespeare Play (2)$116
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Art Institute (2)$36
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U-Boat Tour (2)$8.00
Tours and Activities in Chicago
Here are a few actual costs in Chicago for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Field Museum of Natural History Early Access Ticket : $73
- 2 Hour Chicago Landmarks & Lakefront E-Bike Tour: $69
- 2 Hour Chicago Pier Fireworks & Evening Segway Tour: $78
- 2 Hour Private Chicago Soul House Tour: $65
- 2-Hour Chicago Lakefront & Museum Campus Segway Tour: $67
- 3 Hours Chicago Architecture Tour - Skyscrapers and Photo Ops: $135
- 360 Chicago Observation Deck Sip and View Ticket: $44
- 90 minute Chicago's Chinatown History and Culture Tour: $30
- African American Heritage Tour of Chicago : $125
- Amazing Lakefront Segway Tour of Chicago: $52
- American Writers Museum Admission Ticket: $16
- Architectural and Historical Private Tour in Downtown Chicago: $199
For more ideas for your next trip, check out The Best Free Things to Do in Chicago, Chicago Bucket List: The Best Places to See, and The Best Museums in Chicago.
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayMumbai $3.50Chicago $25
Sample the Local Flavors in Mumbai
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Mumbai:
- Bombay Party (Bar Crawl): $25
- South Bombay Pub Crawl: $37
Sample the Local Flavors in Chicago
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Chicago:
- Chicago Bar Crawl: Chi-Town Showdown: $15
- Chicago Local Brewery Expedition with Homemade Guacamole: $63
- Chicago Craft Brewery Barrel Bus Tour: $100
- Craft Brewery Tour by Barrel Bus: $100
- Chicago:Milwaukee City Highlights Day Trip with Brewery Tour: $106
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Mumbai and Chicago, we can see that Chicago is more expensive. And not only is Mumbai much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Mumbai is in Asia and Chicago is in North America, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. 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 Chicago would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Chicago 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 Mumbai Expensive? and Is Chicago Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Mumbai or Chicago?
Mumbai has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Chicago. When comparing the sizes of Mumbai and Chicago, 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 Mumbai or Chicago?
Chicago 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 Mumbai or Chicago in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Mumbai as well as Chicago. Mumbai attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Chicago because of the beaches, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.
In July, Mumbai is generally a little warmer than Chicago. Daily temperatures in Mumbai average around 28°C (82°F), and Chicago fluctuates around 77°F (25°C).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Chicago. In the summer, Mumbai often gets less sunshine than Chicago. Mumbai gets 73 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Chicago receives 326 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Chicago. Mumbai receives a lot of rain in the summer. Mumbai usually gets more rain in July than Chicago. Mumbai gets 640 mm (25.2 in) of rain, while Chicago receives 3.9 inches (100 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyMumbai 28°C (82°F)Chicago 77°F (25°C)
Should I visit Mumbai or Chicago in the Autumn?
Both Chicago and Mumbai are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Mumbai throughout the year. Also, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Chicago this time of year.
Mumbai is much warmer than Chicago in the autumn. The daily temperature in Mumbai averages around 29°C (84°F) in October, and Chicago fluctuates around 56°F (14°C).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Mumbai. Mumbai usually receives more sunshine than Chicago during autumn. Mumbai gets 240 hours of sunny skies, while Chicago receives 195 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In October, Mumbai usually receives more rain than Chicago. Mumbai gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Chicago receives 2.2 inches (56 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberMumbai 29°C (84°F)Chicago 56°F (14°C)
Should I visit Mumbai or Chicago in the Winter?
Both Chicago and Mumbai during the winter are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Mumbai because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Chicago for the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Chicago. In the winter, Mumbai is much warmer than Chicago. Typically, the winter temperatures in Mumbai in January average around 24°C (75°F), and Chicago averages at about 25°F (-4°C).
It's quite sunny in Mumbai. In the winter, Mumbai often gets more sunshine than Chicago. Mumbai gets 270 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Chicago receives 134 hours of full sun.
Mumbai usually gets less rain in January than Chicago. Mumbai gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Chicago receives 1.9 inches (47 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryMumbai 24°C (75°F)Chicago 25°F (-4°C)
Should I visit Mumbai or Chicago in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Mumbai and Chicago. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Mumbai year-round. Furthermore, many visitors come to Chicago in the spring for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.
In April, Mumbai is generally much warmer than Chicago. Daily temperatures in Mumbai average around 29°C (84°F), and Chicago fluctuates around 52°F (11°C).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Chicago this time of the year. In Mumbai, it's very sunny this time of the year. Mumbai usually receives more sunshine than Chicago during spring. Mumbai gets 284 hours of sunny skies, while Chicago receives 218 hours of full sun in the spring.
Chicago receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Mumbai usually receives less rain than Chicago. Mumbai gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Chicago receives 4.3 inches (108 mm) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilMumbai 29°C (84°F)Chicago 52°F (11°C)
Typical Weather for Chicago and Mumbai
| Mumbai | Chicago | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 24°C (75°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 25°F (-4°C) | 1.9 inches (47 mm) |
| Feb | 25°C (77°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 29°F (-2°C) | 1.4 inches (35 mm) |
| Mar | 27°C (81°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 41°F (5°C) | 3.7 inches (93 mm) |
| Apr | 29°C (84°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 52°F (11°C) | 4.3 inches (108 mm) |
| May | 30°C (86°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 63°F (17°C) | 3 inches (75 mm) |
| Jun | 29°C (84°F) | 560 mm (22 in) | 73°F (23°C) | 3.9 inches (100 mm) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 640 mm (25.2 in) | 77°F (25°C) | 3.9 inches (100 mm) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 520 mm (20.5 in) | 76°F (24°C) | 3.5 inches (90 mm) |
| Sep | 28°C (82°F) | 320 mm (12.6 in) | 68°F (20°C) | 3.8 inches (96 mm) |
| Oct | 29°C (84°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 56°F (14°C) | 2.2 inches (56 mm) |
| Nov | 28°C (82°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 44°F (7°C) | 2.2 inches (56 mm) |
| Dec | 26°C (79°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 31°F (-1°C) | 2.8 inches (71 mm) |
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.