Mumbai fifth most 'budget-friendly city' globally: TripAdvisor Report

Mumbai, Jun 28: Country's financial capital Mumbai has been ranked as the fifth most budget-friendly city among 40 key tourists countries of the world, according to a survey.

Mumbai comes after Hanoi (Vietnam), Warsaw (Poland), Sharm el Sheikh (Egypt) and Bangkok (Thailand), 2015 TripIndex Cities, annual TripAdvisor cost comparison study showed.

The most expensive destination in the world is Cancun, Mexico, Zurich in Switzerland was ranked at the second spot, followed by New York City (USA), London (UK) and Punta Cana (Caribbean).

The total cost of a three-night break in Mumbai comes to Rs 53,911 with accommodation costing the most at Rs 23,091 for three nights, the report showed. It said Mumbai is 39 per cent more expensive than Hanoi.

However, for the taxi ride it turns out to be cheaper than Bangkok, Sharm el Sheikh and Warsaw. TripIndex Cities compares the cost of a three-night break during the summer travel months of June to August in 40 key tourist cities across the world, taking into account typical cost for two persons.

It included cost of stay at a four-star hotel for three nights, visit to three tourist spots, lunch and dinner on each day, to-and-fro taxi fare from of dinning place to hotel.

The survey found a three-night trip for two in Hanoi will cost travellers an average of Rs 46,645, nearly three times less than an average of Rs 1,28,627 at Cancun in Mexico, the most expensive destination.

When looking at on-the-ground cost of a three-night city break, the report showed travellers can find the best value in South East Asia as the four in the top 10 cheapest destinations were - Hanoi, Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, and Manila, at first, fourth, seventh and ninth spot, respectively.

The prices of itineraries like lodging, taxi, food, were taken into account from each destination and multiplied by three to represent the cost of a three-day city break for two people.

Prices were further cross-checked by telephoning the establishments for lunch, dinner, taxi, tour or activity and lodging at 4 and 4.5 star hotels.

The tariff in each market were taken in local currency between March 27 and May 5.

PTI