How Much Does Mumbai Cost? 2026 Budget Guide | Prices & Tips
Mumbai presents a landscape of extreme financial contrasts, where daily costs can range from a modest $31 / ₹2,825 for solo budget travelers to over $500 / ₹45,387 for those seeking high-end luxury. As India’s most expensive city, it serves as a gateway where colonial history meets a sprawling coastline, demanding a higher budget than other Indian metros but remaining affordable compared to global hubs. Expenses are largely dictated by the city's island geography, where prime seaside real estate in South Mumbai and Bandra commands a premium. Travelers can navigate these costs by utilizing the extensive ferry and train networks while balancing street-side dining with upscale resort experiences. Current prices reflect a city that accommodates both the backpacker and the luxury seeker with equal ease.
Is Mumbai expensive to visit?
Mumbai is a moderately expensive destination by regional standards, with daily budgets typically ranging from $31 / ₹2,825 to $500 / ₹45,387 depending on your travel style.
On This Page
Daily Budget
How much to budget per person per day in Mumbai
$31
per person /day
$117
per person /day
$500
per person /day
Trip Costs by Duration
Total estimated costs per person, excluding flights
| Trip Costs by Duration | Budget | Mid-Range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3-Day Trip | $94 | $350 | $1,500 |
| 5-Day Trip | $156 | $583 | $2,501 |
| 7-Day Trip | $217 | $817 | $3,501 |
per person — Excludes international flights
Budget Buffer
Recommended contingency for unexpected expenses
It is wise to maintain a 15% buffer to cover the 12–18% GST on hotel rooms and the discretionary 5–10% service charge often added to restaurant bills.
How Does It Compare?
See how Mumbai stacks up against other popular destinations
What Things Cost
Real prices for common tourist expenses in Mumbai
Food & Drink (3)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Inexpensive Restaurant Meal Typical cost for a full meal at a local café (~$5.56 / ₹505). | $5.56 ₹505 |
| Domestic Beer (0.5L Bottle) Prices vary wildly; permit rooms are cheaper, bars more expensive (~$2.78 / ₹252). | $2.78 ₹252 |
| Cappuccino (Regular) Specialty coffee in Bandra or Colaba costs ~$2.49 / ₹226. | $2.49 ₹226 |
Transport (6)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Auto Rickshaw Minimum Fare Only available in suburbs (north of Bandra/Sion). Minimum fare is ~$0.26 / ₹24. | $0.26 ₹24 |
| Black and Yellow Taxi (Kali Peeli) Minimum Standard metered taxi. Minimum fare for first 1.5km is ~$0.31 / ₹28. | $0.31 ₹28 |
| BEST AC Bus Minimum Fare Incredibly cheap at ~$0.07 / ₹6.47. Use the 'Chalo' app for digital tickets. | $0.07 ₹6.47 |
| Prepaid Taxi (Airport to South Mumbai) Pay at the official counter inside the arrivals hall (~$8.33 / ₹756). | $8.34 ₹757 |
| Return Ferry (Gateway to Elephanta) Standard ferry is slightly cheaper, but 'luxury' has better seating (~$2.89 / ₹262). | $2.89 ₹262 |
| Local Train Day Pass (Second Class) First class pass costs ~$1.66 / ₹151 (₹150). Valid for unlimited travel for one day. | $0.56 ₹51 |
Accommodation (3)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Hostel Dorm Bed (South Mumbai) Prices in popular areas like Colaba average ~$12 / ₹1,110 per night. | $12 ₹1,109 |
| Mid-Range Hotel Room (Fort/Bandra) Includes tax. Expect to pay ~$80 / ₹7,261 for a clean, well-located room. | $80 ₹7,262 |
| Luxury Hotel Room (Taj Mahal Palace) Iconic heritage wing rooms cost significantly more. Base luxury starts ~$383 / ₹34,796. | $383 ₹34,797 |
Activities (3)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Elephanta Caves Entry (Foreigner) Does not include ferry or village tax. Total cost is ~$6.66 / ₹605. | $6.66 ₹605 |
| CSMVS Museum Entry (International) The primary history museum in Mumbai. Entry is ~$7.78 / ₹706. | $7.78 ₹706 |
| Dharavi Slum Guided Tour Ethical tours give a portion back to the community (~$11 / ₹1,009). | $11 ₹1,009 |
Food & Dining
What to eat and what it costs
Dining in Mumbai offers immense value, with an inexpensive restaurant meal costing approximately $5.56 / ₹505 at local favorites like Kyani & Co. While specialty coffee in trendy neighborhoods like Bandra or Colaba averages $2.49 / ₹226, those looking for evening drinks will find domestic beer bottles for around $2.78 / ₹252 in local permit rooms.
Cheap Eats
Where locals eat — real places, real prices
Kyani & Co.
$1.66–$4.44 / ₹151–₹403Fort/Marine Lines · Bakery
Try the Mutton Dhansak for a hearty meal under ~$4.46 / ₹404.
Bademiya
$3.34–$7.78 / ₹303–₹706Colaba · Street food area
Go to the original stall behind the Taj Hotel for the authentic experience.
Cafe Madras
$2.22–$5 / ₹202–₹454Matunga · Local chain
Arrive before 09:00 on weekends to avoid the hour-long queue.
Sardar Pav Bhaji
$2.22–$3.88 / ₹202–₹353Tardeo · Local chain
The 'Amul Butter' version is the local legend—not for the health-conscious!
Cannon Pav Bhaji
$1.12–$2.22 / ₹101–₹202CST Station · Street food area
Perfect for a quick bite after visiting the CST heritage building.
Getting Around
Transport costs and the smartest ways to move
Getting around is remarkably affordable, with minimum taxi fares starting at $0.31 / ₹28 and the efficient BEST AC buses costing only $0.07 / ₹6.47 per trip. For coastal exploration, the return ferry from the Gateway of India to Elephanta Island is a budget-friendly $2.89 / ₹262, providing an essential island-hopping experience.
Accommodation Overview
Lodging prices vary significantly by district; a hostel dorm bed in South Mumbai costs roughly $12 / ₹1,109, while mid-range hotels in Fort or Bandra average $80 / ₹7,262. For those seeking the pinnacle of luxury, iconic heritage stays like the Taj Mahal Palace start at approximately $383 / ₹34,797 per night.
Accommodation Budget in Mumbai
Budget
Hostels, budget hotels, shared facilities
Mid-Range
3-star hotels, boutique stays, great locations
Luxury
5-star hotels, suites, premium amenities
💡 Prices vary by season. Book 2-3 months ahead for best rates.
Money-Saving Tips
Insider tricks to stretch your budget further
- 1 Purchase a second-class local train day pass for just $0.56 / ₹51 to enjoy unlimited travel across the entire rail network.
- 2 Use the 'Chalo' app to book digital tickets for AC buses, which have a minimum fare of only $0.07 / ₹6.47.
- 3 Stick to the 'Kali Peeli' black and yellow taxis for short trips, as the metered minimum fare is a low $0.31 / ₹28.
- 4 Book a prepaid taxi at the official airport counter for a fixed rate of $8.34 / ₹757 to avoid overcharging upon arrival.
- 5 Opt for the 'luxury' ferry to Elephanta Island for $2.89 / ₹262; the small price increase provides significantly better seating and views.
- 6 Eat at historic Irani cafés like Kyani & Co. in Fort, where a full meal can be secured for under $5.56 / ₹505.
- 7 Avoid the $0.95 / ₹86 Bandra-Worli Sea Link toll by taking the inner city roads if you are not in a rush.
- 8 Look for 'Permit Rooms' rather than upscale hotel bars to find domestic beer at the standard $2.78 / ₹252 price point.
- 9 Visit the CSMVS Museum for $7.78 / ₹706 to see major historical exhibits without the high price tag of private galleries.
- 10 Take an ethical guided tour of Dharavi for $11 / ₹1,009 to ensure your money supports the local community directly.
Seasonal Pricing
When prices rise and fall throughout the year
Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb
+20-30%
Jun, Jul, Aug
-30-50%
Mar, Oct
Monsoon season (June–August) offers the deepest discounts, but heavy rains can disrupt travel. October and March are hot but offer better rates than the winter peak.
Events to Watch
- ● Ganesh Chaturthi (Sept): +40% hotels
- ● New Year's Eve: +100% luxury hotels
Free Things to Do
The best experiences that cost absolutely nothing
- 1 Walk along Marine Drive, known as the Queen's Necklace, for spectacular sunset views over the Arabian Sea.
- 2 Explore the ancient Banganga Tank in Malabar Hill, a sacred water tank surrounded by historic temples.
- 3 Visit the Sassoon Dock early in the morning to witness the vibrant and chaotic traditional fish market.
- 4 Stroll through the Hanging Gardens on Malabar Hill for a panoramic view of the South Mumbai skyline.
- 5 Visit the Mount Mary Basilica in Bandra, a beautiful Roman Catholic Church with views of the ocean.
- 6 Experience the evening atmosphere at Girgaon Chowpatty beach as locals gather for sunset snacks.
- 7 Walk past the High Court and Rajabai Clock Tower to admire the city's UNESCO-recognized Victorian Gothic architecture.
- 8 Observe the world-famous Dabbawalas sorting thousands of lunchboxes outside Churchgate Station around noon.
- 9 Enjoy the breeze at Worli Sea Face, a popular coastal promenade with views of the Bandra-Worli Sea Link.
- 10 Visit the Gateway of India to admire its grand architecture from the plaza at no cost.
Worth the Splurge
Premium experiences that justify the price tag
Afternoon Tea at Sea Lounge
Unbeatable views of the Gateway of India with colonial-era elegance. Costs ~$50 / ₹4,528.
Private Bollywood Studio Tour
See live filming, dance sets, and post-production for ~$139 / ₹12,614.
Sailing from Gateway of India
Rent a private yacht for 2 hours at sunset. Costs ~$67 / ₹6,037.
Popular Activities
Top-rated tours and experiences in Mumbai
Day Trip Costs
Popular day trips from Mumbai and what they cost
Elephanta Island
$2.89 / ₹262 by boat
$6.66 / ₹605
$17 / ₹1,513
Sanjay Gandhi National Park (Kanheri Caves)
$2.22 / ₹202 by train + park bus
$6.66 / ₹605
$16 / ₹1,412
Payment & Money
How to pay and what to know about money
Indian Rupee (INR)
1 $ ≈ 91 ₹
Yes
Widely accepted in malls, hotels, and upscale restaurants, but street food and local markets are strictly cash-only.
Rounding up the bill is common in cafes. In restaurants, a 10% tip is standard (~$1.19–$3.56 / ₹108–₹323) if no service charge is included.
Use ATMs attached to major banks like HDFC, ICICI, or SBI to avoid high 'convenience' fees. Withdrawal limits are usually ~$112 / ₹10,134 (₹10,000) per transaction.
Expected at Colaba Causeway and Fashion Street. Aim for 40–50% of the initial quoted price.
Connectivity
eSIM: $8.91 for 3GB / $25 for 10GB (opens in new tab)
Local SIM: $7.13–$9.5 / ₹647–₹862 for 1.5GB/day (30 days)
WiFi: Available in most cafes and mid-range hotels, but often requires an Indian mobile number for OTP verification.
Airalo eSIM is the most convenient for short trips, but getting a local Jio or Airtel SIM (~$7.13 / ₹647) provides much better coverage and speed if you have time to register.
Why you can trust this guide
35+ countries • 8 years analyzing travel data
Independent developer and travel data analyst based in Prague. 35+ countries visited across Europe and Asia, 8+ years analyzing flight routes, accommodation prices, and seasonal weather patterns.
- All neighborhoods verified by walking them
- Curated locations based on walkability & safety
- Real-time availability via live partner maps
- Prices based on Booking.com & Numbeo averages
Methodology: This guide combines on-the-ground neighborhood research, current hotel pricing data, and real traveler feedback to provide honest, actionable accommodation recommendations for Mumbai.
Updated: February 16, 2026
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