Which place is cheaper, San Francisco 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 San Francisco?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Mumbai or San Francisco, 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 San Francisco?
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.
San Francisco
San Francisco is a beautiful city that is famous for it's picturesque neighborhoods, liberal character, and stunning location on the bay. Some people describe San Francisco as the United State's most "European City." This title most likely comes from its compact development and its easy walkability. It also has no shortage of parks and public spaces where you can pass some time. The city sits on the end of a peninsula and offers stunning views of the blue bay, rolling green hills, and the striking Golden Gate Bridge.
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 Los Angeles, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United States of America.
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Mumbai Prices
India PricesSan Francisco Prices
USA Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayMumbai $83San Francisco $251
The average daily cost (per person) in Mumbai is $83, while the average daily cost in San Francisco is $251. 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 San Francisco in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personMumbai $32San Francisco $130
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomMumbai $64San Francisco $260
Compare Hotels in Mumbai and San Francisco
Looking for a hotel in Mumbai or San Francisco? 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 San Francisco Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Mumbai $7.37San Francisco $16
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Mumbai
Also for Mumbai, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Luxury Mumbai Package with Hotel,Private Airport Transfers and Sightseeing Tour: $270
- Private Transfer from Mumbai Cruise Port to Mumbai Hotels: $168
- Private Transfer from Mumbai hotels to Mumbai Cruise Port: $168
- Private Transfer from Mumbai Int Airport (BOM) to Mumbai Port: $162
- Mumbai Airport Transfers : Mumbai Airport BOM to Mumbai City in Luxury Van: $114
- Arrival Private Transfers: Mumbai Airport BOM to Mumbai City in Luxury Van: $102
- Create Your Own: Custom Private Tour of Mumbai with transfers: $97
- Private Transfer from Mumbai Cruise Port to Mumbai Hotels: $81
- Transfer to & fro Airports,Cruise Terminal,Hotels or any whichway, one way/time: $69
- Airport Transfer: Mumbai Airport BOM to Mumbai by Business Car: $66
- Arrival Private Transfers: Mumbai Airport BOM to Mumbai City in Business Car: $66
- Mumbai - private arrival transfer from Airport to Hotel : $64
Typical Local Transportation Prices in San Francisco
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in San Francisco:
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Taxi to SFO$45
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Golden Gate Bridge Toll$6.00
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Alcatraz Tour$30
Hired Cars and Shuttles in San Francisco
Also for San Francisco, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Silicon Valley Private Tour with Transfers: $510
- SFO Airport Private Transfer to/from Sacramento: $432
- Napa Valley 1-Way Transfer to/from the San Francisco Airport: $400
- Arrival Private Transfer SFO Airport to San Francisco City by SUV: $270
- Departure Private Transfer San Francisco to SFO Airport in a SUV: $245
- Departure Transfer San Francisco to SFO Airport by Luxury Sedan: $245
- San Francisco to San José Airport (SJC) - Departure Private Transfer: $226
- Private Luxury Transfer Tour : $200
- California: Oakland Airport Transfer from San Francisco: $180
- California: Oakland Airport Transfer to San Francisco: $180
- San Francisco Airport 1-Way Transfer to/from the City: $180
- Private Airport Transfer From San Francisco Union Square To SFO: $180
Is it cheaper to fly into Mumbai or San Francisco?
Prices for flights to both San Francisco 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 $42San Francisco $79
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
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in San Francisco
For San Francisco, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Online Cooking Class Pepper Steak Great for Team Building: $20
- Online Cooking Class Beijing Dumplings by Chef Sunflower Li: $25
- No Diet Club - Best street food tour in San Francisco !: $64
- North Beach and Little Italy Food Tour: $84
- North Beach & Chinatown Authentic Food Tour: $84
- San Francisco North Beach & Chinatown Food Tour with 5 Tastings: $85
- Mission District Food Tour with 6 Tastings: $89
- Mission District Food Tour with Tastings: $92
- San Francisco Food Tour: Ferry Building and Ferry Plaza Farmers Market: $95
- Chinatown Walking Food Tour: $99
- Mission District Walking Food Tour: $99
- Fisherman's Wharf and Pier 39 Food Tour: $99
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Mumbai $2.52San Francisco $31
Tours and Activities in Mumbai
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Mumbai.
- Dharavi Authentic Slum Tour: $120
- Kanheri Caves Heritage Tour: $45
- Mumbai by Night Guided Tour : $50
- Private Full-Day Mumbai Sightseeing Tour with Dharavi Slums: $41
- "Private Mumbai City Sightseeing Tour": $46
- "Private Mumbai Dharavi Slum Tour": $9.24
- "Private Mumbai Kanheri Caves Tour : A Buddhist Settlement": $46
- 3 Day Private Tour in Aurangabad: $290
- 3 Hours Early Morning in South Mumbai Heritage Bicycle Tour : $46
- 3-Hour Private Guided Tour in Bollywood from Mumbai: $226
- 7 Hour Mumbai City Sightseeing Tour By Navv Om Namaha Shivaya: $116
- All In One Combo Tour of Mumbai City, Dabbawalas, Dhobhi Ghat, Slums & Bollywood: $150
Tours and Activities in San Francisco
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for San Francisco.
- Electric Bike Tour De San Francisco: $100
- Explore San Francisco Napa Sacramento Oakland Black Exp Car Tour: $244
- Muir Woods and Sausalito Morning Tour Small-Group Half Day: $84
- North Beach & Little Italy Walking Tour: Food, History & Flavor: $86
- Private Luxury Car Tour in San Francisco Hotel Kabuki: $99
- Small Group | 1 Day Tour Through Monterey From San Francisco: $205
- "Summer of Love" tour in Haight-Ashbury in French: $63
- 2hr. INTERACTIVE Sailing Experience on San Francisco Bay: $149
- 2hr. SUNSET Sailing Experience on San Francisco Bay: $149
- 2hrs- Beyond the Bridge - Marin Headlands GoCar Tour: $219
- 3HR Golden Gate Bridge and Golden Gate Park GoCar Tour: $229
- 90 Minute Daytime Tour Aboard Wine Therapy: $85
For more ideas for your next trip, check out The Best Museums in San Francisco, The Best Outdoor Activities in San Francisco, and Things to Do In San Francisco on a Rainy Day.
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayMumbai $3.50San Francisco $22
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 San Francisco
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in San Francisco:
- SF Pub Crawl and Clubbing Experience: $17
- San Francisco Pub Crawl + Clubbing Experience: $27
- Ghosts, Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $30
- San Francisco Ghosts Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl : $36
- Walk with Spirits: A Haunted Pub Crawl in San Francisco: $44
- Walk with Spirits Haunted Pub Crawl: $44
- Local Distillery Cocktail Class: $49
- Local Distillery Cocktail Class: Skyline Views and City History: $69
- Wine Tasting on the Bay: $85
- From Napa & Sonoma Valley Wine Tour with Tastings: $103
- Napa Valley Half-Day Wine Tour with Tastings: $103
- 5 hours private napa wine tour from san francisco up to 7 people: $120
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Mumbai and San Francisco, we can see that San Francisco 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 San Francisco 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 San Francisco would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in San Francisco 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 San Francisco Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Mumbai or San Francisco?
Mumbai has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of San Francisco. When comparing the sizes of Mumbai and San Francisco, 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 San Francisco?
San Francisco 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 San Francisco in the Summer?
Both San Francisco and Mumbai are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Mumbai throughout the year. Also, the beaches, the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to San Francisco this time of year.
In July, Mumbai is generally much warmer than San Francisco. Daily temperatures in Mumbai average around 28°C (82°F), and San Francisco fluctuates around 63°F (17°C).
It's quite rainy in Mumbai. In July, Mumbai usually receives more rain than San Francisco. Mumbai gets 640 mm (25.2 in) of rain, while San Francisco receives 0.1 inches (2 mm) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyMumbai 28°C (82°F)San Francisco 63°F (17°C)
Should I visit Mumbai or San Francisco in the Autumn?
Both San Francisco and Mumbai during the autumn 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 San Francisco for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
Mumbai is much warmer than San Francisco in the autumn. The daily temperature in Mumbai averages around 29°C (84°F) in October, and San Francisco fluctuates around 63°F (17°C).
Mumbai usually gets more rain in October than San Francisco. Mumbai gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while San Francisco receives 1.3 inches (33 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberMumbai 29°C (84°F)San Francisco 63°F (17°C)
Should I visit Mumbai or San Francisco in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Mumbai and San Francisco. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Mumbai year-round. Furthermore, many visitors come to San Francisco in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine.
In the winter, Mumbai is much warmer than San Francisco. Typically, the winter temperatures in Mumbai in January average around 24°C (75°F), and San Francisco averages at about 50°F (10°C).
In January, Mumbai usually receives less rain than San Francisco. Mumbai gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while San Francisco receives 3.8 inches (96 mm) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryMumbai 24°C (75°F)San Francisco 50°F (10°C)
Should I visit Mumbai or San Francisco in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Mumbai as well as San Francisco. Mumbai attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, most visitors come to San Francisco for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty during these months.
In April, Mumbai is generally much warmer than San Francisco. Daily temperatures in Mumbai average around 29°C (84°F), and San Francisco fluctuates around 58°F (14°C).
Mumbai usually gets less rain in April than San Francisco. Mumbai gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while San Francisco receives 1.2 inches (31 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilMumbai 29°C (84°F)San Francisco 58°F (14°C)
Typical Weather for San Francisco and Mumbai
| Mumbai | San Francisco | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 24°C (75°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 50°F (10°C) | 3.8 inches (96 mm) |
| Feb | 25°C (77°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 54°F (12°C) | 2.7 inches (69 mm) |
| Mar | 27°C (81°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 56°F (13°C) | 2.7 inches (69 mm) |
| Apr | 29°C (84°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 58°F (14°C) | 1.2 inches (31 mm) |
| May | 30°C (86°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 60°F (15°C) | 0.2 inches (5 mm) |
| Jun | 29°C (84°F) | 560 mm (22 in) | 62°F (17°C) | 0.1 inches (3 mm) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 640 mm (25.2 in) | 63°F (17°C) | 0.1 inches (2 mm) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 520 mm (20.5 in) | 64°F (18°C) | 0.1 inches (1 mm) |
| Sep | 28°C (82°F) | 320 mm (12.6 in) | 66°F (19°C) | 0.3 inches (7 mm) |
| Oct | 29°C (84°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 63°F (17°C) | 1.3 inches (33 mm) |
| Nov | 28°C (82°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 57°F (14°C) | 2.8 inches (71 mm) |
| Dec | 26°C (79°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 51°F (11°C) | 2.7 inches (68 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.