Which place is cheaper, Rio de Janeiro 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 Rio de Janeiro?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Mumbai or Rio de Janeiro, 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 Rio de Janeiro?
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.
Rio de Janeiro
Rio de Janeiro is the most popular travel destination in Brazil. It is the second largest city in Brazil and the sixth largest in the Americas. A portion of the city has been designated a World Heritage Site. It's also famous for Carnival, it's gorgeous beaches, and world-famous landmarks. Rio's appeal as a travel destination is apparent year round due to the great weather and plenty of fun activities. The city has a wonderful natural harbor that is surrounded by Sugar Loaf Mountain, Corcovado Peak, and the hills of Tijuca, creating an absolutely breathtaking and awe-inspiring setting.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Mumbai, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to India, The Best G Adventures Tours to Brazil, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Rio de Janeiro.
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Mumbai Prices
India PricesRio de Janeiro Prices
Brazil Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayMumbai $83Rio de Janeiro $115
The average daily cost (per person) in Mumbai is $83, while the average daily cost in Rio de Janeiro is $115. 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 Rio de Janeiro in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personMumbai $32Rio de Janeiro $64
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomMumbai $64Rio de Janeiro $128
Compare Hotels in Mumbai and Rio de Janeiro
Looking for a hotel in Mumbai or Rio de Janeiro? 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 Rio de Janeiro Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Mumbai $7.37Rio de Janeiro $7.65
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 Rio de Janeiro
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Rio de Janeiro:
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Taxi Ride$2.82
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Rio de Janeiro
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Rio de Janeiro:
- TRANSFER VAN Rio de Janeiro x Búzios/Arraial do Cabo/Cabo Frio: $282
- Private Transfer From Rio De Janeiro to Buzios: $249
- Private Bilingual Transfer Angra dos Reis, Búzios or Paraty: $242
- TRANSFER - CLUB MED Rio: $225
- Private transfer Rio de Janeiro x Nova Friburgo: $222
- Buzios Private Transfer to and from Rio de Janeiro: $200
- TRANSFER 4 Passengers: Búzios/Angra dos Reis/Arraial do Cabo/Cabo Frio.: $200
- Transfers Rio X Buzios : $184
- Private Rio de Janeiro Layover Transfer & Tour from Airport: $180
- Private Transfer from Rio de Janeiro cruise port to Rio de Janeiro city: $172
- Rio to Buzios Private Transfer - by Alan Denis: $170
- Private Transfer from Cabo Frio Port to Rio de Janeiro hotels: $166
Is it cheaper to fly into Mumbai or Rio de Janeiro?
Prices for flights to both Rio de Janeiro 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 $42Rio de Janeiro $34
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 Rio de Janeiro
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Rio de Janeiro:
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Popcorn$0.56
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Corn on the Cob$0.75
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Hamburger$0.94
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Rio de Janeiro
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Rio de Janeiro.
- Waterfront Dinner and Live Music in Rio de Janeiro: $46
- Hands-On Cooking Class in Rio: Iconic Street Foods & Caipirinhas: $75
- Authentic Brazilian BBQ & Wine: A Guided Dinner Experience in Rio: $79
- Roxy Show - Brazilian Rhythms with optional Barbecue Dinner: $85
- Food Tour Rio de Janeiro - The Best Typical Brazilian Dishes: $92
- Family Cooking Class in Rio Make 9 Brazilian Dishes Together: $95
- LGBTQ+ Cooking Class in Rio: Cook, Toast & Celebrate Together: $95
- Brazilian BBQ Cooking & Drinks Class + Patio Party in Copacabana: $95
- Dinner and Show at the Official Roxy Dinner Show - Rio de Janeiro: $122
- Brazilian Dinner Show: Cultural Experience in Rio de Janeiro: $126
- Samba Show Admission & Transfer with Dinner Option: $130
- Flavors of Cooking Class and Caipirinhas: $130
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Mumbai $2.52Rio de Janeiro $21
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
Tours and Activities in Rio de Janeiro
Here are a few actual costs in Rio de Janeiro for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- 2 Day Tour from Rio de Janeiro, Corcovado and Arraial do Cabo: $180
- A Day in Arraial do Cabo Guided Tour: $77
- Favelas do Vidigal or Rocinha's experience: $23
- Ilha Grande Tour Full day - Rio de Janeiro by Rio Eco Trip: $105
- One Day Guided Tour in Rio de Janeiro: $165
- Samba Backstage Tour: Go Behind-the-Scenes of Carnival: $159
- 1 Day Discovery Tour NO Rio DE Janeiro: $192
- 1 day tour Rio de Janeiro to Christ and Cable car and much more: $115
- 10 Hours Private City Tour in Rio de Janeiro - Chartered Tour: $300
- 2 Days Tour in City Tour Express and Arraial do Cabo: $168
- 2 Days in Rio: Cultural & Ecologic Tours: $290
- 3 Hour Rocinha Favela Walking Tour with a Local Guide : $42
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayMumbai $3.50Rio de Janeiro $12
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 Rio de Janeiro
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Rio de Janeiro:
- Petropolis City Tour with Imperial Museum and Optional Lunch & Bohemia Brewery: $40
- Rio de Janeiro Pub Crawl (Lapa district): $40
- Rio Pub Crawl: Taste Caipirinhas & Local Bar Snacks: $95
- Petrópolis City and Brewery Bohemia Tour - Best of Rio's Mountains: $110
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Mumbai and Rio de Janeiro, we can see that Rio de Janeiro 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 Rio de Janeiro is in South 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 Rio de Janeiro would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Rio de Janeiro 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 Rio de Janeiro Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Mumbai or Rio de Janeiro?
Mumbai has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Rio de Janeiro. When comparing the sizes of Mumbai and Rio de Janeiro, 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 Rio de Janeiro?
Rio de Janeiro 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 Rio de Janeiro in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Mumbai as well as Rio de Janeiro. Mumbai attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, many travelers come to Rio de Janeiro for the beaches, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.
In July, Mumbai is generally around the same temperature as Rio de Janeiroin January. Daily temperatures in Mumbai average around 28°C (82°F), and Rio de Janeiro fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).
It's quite rainy in Rio de Janeiro. Mumbai receives a lot of rain in the summer. Mumbai usually gets more rain in July than Rio de Janeiroin January. Mumbai gets 640 mm (25.2 in) of rain, while Rio de Janeiro receives 114 mm (4.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures July and JanuaryMumbai 28°C (82°F)Rio de Janeiro 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Mumbai or Rio de Janeiro in the Autumn?
Both Rio de Janeiro 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, many visitors come to Rio de Janeiro in the autumn for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
Mumbai is a little warmer than Rio de Janeiro in the autumn. The daily temperature in Mumbai averages around 29°C (84°F) in October, and Rio de Janeiro fluctuates around 25°C (77°F)in April.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Rio de Janeiro. In October, Mumbai usually receives less rain than Rio de Janeiroin April. Mumbai gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Rio de Janeiro receives 137 mm (5.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn. The dry season in Rio de Janeiro is May to November. The rainy season in Rio de Janeiro is December to April.
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Autumn Average Temperatures October and AprilMumbai 29°C (84°F)Rio de Janeiro 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Mumbai or Rio de Janeiro in the Winter?
Both Rio de Janeiro 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, most visitors come to Rio de Janeiro for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.
In the winter, Mumbai is a little warmer than Rio de Janeiro. Typically, the winter temperatures in Mumbai in January average around 24°C (75°F), and Rio de Janeiro averages at about 21°C (70°F)in July.
Mumbai usually gets less rain in January than Rio de Janeiroin July. Mumbai gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Rio de Janeiro receives 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures January and JulyMumbai 24°C (75°F)Rio de Janeiro 21°C (70°F)
Should I visit Mumbai or Rio de Janeiro in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Mumbai and Rio de Janeiro. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Mumbai year-round. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Rio de Janeiro because of the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.
In April, Mumbai is generally a little warmer than Rio de Janeiroin October. Daily temperatures in Mumbai average around 29°C (84°F), and Rio de Janeiro fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).
In April, Mumbai usually receives less rain than Rio de Janeiroin October. Mumbai gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Rio de Janeiro receives 88 mm (3.5 in) of rain each month for the spring. May to November in Rio de Janeiro is the dry season. Also, December to April is the rainy season in Rio de Janeiro.
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Spring Average Temperatures April and OctoberMumbai 29°C (84°F)Rio de Janeiro 23°C (73°F)
Typical Weather for Rio de Janeiro and Mumbai
| Mumbai | Rio de Janeiro | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 24°C (75°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 114 mm (4.5 in) |
| Feb | 25°C (77°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 105 mm (4.1 in) |
| Mar | 27°C (81°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 103 mm (4.1 in) |
| Apr | 29°C (84°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 137 mm (5.4 in) |
| May | 30°C (86°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 86 mm (3.4 in) |
| Jun | 29°C (84°F) | 560 mm (22 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 640 mm (25.2 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 56 mm (2.2 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 520 mm (20.5 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 51 mm (2 in) |
| Sep | 28°C (82°F) | 320 mm (12.6 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) |
| Oct | 29°C (84°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 88 mm (3.5 in) |
| Nov | 28°C (82°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 96 mm (3.8 in) |
| Dec | 26°C (79°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 169 mm (6.7 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.