How much does it cost to travel to India?
You should plan to spend around $39 (₨3,274) per day on your vacation in India. This is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors.
Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:
- $10 (₨868) on meals
- $6.57 (₨549) on local transportation
- $34 (₨2,830) on hotels
A one week trip to India for two people costs, on average, $548 (₨45,840). This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
All of these average travel prices have been collected from other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.
Independent Travel
Traveling Independently has many benefits including affordabilty, freedom, flexibility, and the opportunity to control your own experiences.
All of the travel costs below are based on the experiences of other independent travelers.
Is India expensive to visit?
India is a very affordable destination to visit. It is in the top 10% of countries in the world for its affordability. Many budget travelers enjoy spending long periods of time exploring this country in depth.
Within Asia, India is reasonably affordable compared to the other countries. It is in the top 25% of countries in Asia for its affordability. You can find more affordable countries such as Uzbekistan, but there are also more expensive countries, such as Maldives.
For more details, see Is India Expensive?
How much money do I need for a trip to India?
The average India trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these India travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers.
Category
|
Cost
|
Accommodation 1
(Double Occupancy)
|
₨2,830
($34)
|
Local Transportation 1
|
₨549
($6.57)
|
Food 2
|
₨868
($10)
|
Entertainment 1
|
₨862
($10)
|
Tips and Handouts 1
|
₨41 -
123
($0 - 1)
|
Alcohol 2
|
₨297 -
891
($4 - 11)
|
Accommodation Budget in India
Calculated from travelers like you
The average price paid for one person for accommodation in India is $17 (₨1,415). For two people sharing a typical double-occupancy hotel room, the average price paid for a hotel room in India is $34 (₨2,830). This cost is from the reported spending of actual travelers.
Looking for a hotel in India? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.
Local Transportation Budget in India
Calculated from travelers like you
-
The cost of a taxi ride in India is significantly more than public transportation. On average, past travelers have spent $6.57 (₨549) per person, per day, on local transportation in India.
-
Local Transportation1
Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
$6.57
₨549
Typical prices for Local Transportation in India are listed below. These actual costs are from real travelers and can give you an idea of the Local Transportation prices in India, but your costs will vary based on your travel style and the place where the purchase was made.
-
Uber Cab
₨80
-
Auto-rickshaw
₨100
-
Delhi Metro Smart Card
₨150
-
Tuk Tuk Ride
₨10
-
Tuk Tuk Ride
₨20
-
Tuk Tuk Ride
₨30
-
Subway
₨32
-
Tuk Tuk Ride
₨40
Food Budget in India
Calculated from travelers like you
-
While meal prices in India can vary, the average cost of food in India is $10 (₨868) per day. Based on the spending habits of previous travelers, when dining out an average meal in India should cost around $4.15 (₨347) per person. Breakfast prices are usually a little cheaper than lunch or dinner. The price of food in sit-down restaurants in India is often higher than fast food prices or street food prices.
-
Food2
Meals for one day
$10
₨868
Typical prices for Food in India are listed below. These actual costs are from real travelers and can give you an idea of the Food prices in India, but your costs will vary based on your travel style and the place where the purchase was made.
-
McDonalds
₨293
-
Soda
₨10
-
Juice
₨25
-
Breakfast for Two
₨180
-
Lunch
₨200
-
Dinner In Town
₨345
-
Dinner
₨400
-
Dinner
₨550
Entertainment Budget in India
Calculated from travelers like you
-
Entertainment and activities in India typically cost an average of $10 (₨862) per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.
-
Entertainment1
Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
$10
₨862
Typical prices for Entertainment in India are listed below. These actual costs are from real travelers and can give you an idea of the Entertainment prices in India, but your costs will vary based on your travel style and the place where the purchase was made.
Tips and Handouts Budget in India
Calculated from travelers like you
Scams, Robberies, and Mishaps Budget in India
Calculated from travelers like you
-
Unfortunately, bad things can happen on a trip. Well, you've just got to deal with it! The average price for a scam, robbery, or mishap in India is $1.39 (₨116), as reported by travelers.
-
Scams, Robberies, and Mishaps1
$1.39
₨116
Alcohol Budget in India
Calculated from travelers like you
-
The average person spends about $7.10 (₨594) on alcoholic beverages in India per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.
-
Alcohol2
Drinks for one day
$7.10
₨594
Water Budget in India
Calculated from travelers like you
-
On average, people spend $0.48 (₨40) on bottled water in India per day. The public water in India is not usually considered safe to drink.
-
Water2
Bottled water for one day
$0.48
₨40
Last Updated: Aug 24, 2023
India On a Budget
Jaisalmer, Rajasthan, India
India is one of the world's most affordable and impressive destinations. It is a country of extremes. From its vibrant colors, rich scents, and strong flavors, to its strong spirituality and welcoming people, India truly has something for everyone. It's a country where poverty sits next to wealth, beauty is intertwined with filth, and structure is found amidst chaos. It has cities, like Varanasi, where religion and spirituality touch its very essence. It has natural beauty that is unsurpassed elsewhere but it also has a growing economy that is becoming an influential force in the world. The eager friendliness of the people is endearing, and the food is unforgettable.
India's vast size as well as its dramatic diversity from south to north and east to west, make it a country easiest visited over the course of several trips. It can be challenging to see the entire country, even with many weeks to explore. In the north you'll find the culturally and historically rich areas of Delhi, Varanasi, Rajasthan, and Agra (with the Taj Mahal). In the south you'll find the more rural and absolutely beautiful areas, with a more laid back feel and some of the country's best food. Wherever you go, it truly is Incredible India!
Travel costs in India are some of the lowest in the world. Budget travelers flock here because they can stretch there money in unexpected ways. Cheap hotels can cost as little as a few dollars in some places and filling meals can be purchased for equally as cheap. The best way to ensure you get a good deal is to negotiate hard, and rarely make reservations. Unless you're traveling during a peak time period when hotels and transportation fill up, you likely don't need advanced reservations. The one exception to this is the trains. Some train trips should be booked weeks in advance, while others can be booked the day before. It's almost always possible to show up in a town without reservations and you can get a good deal. For comfort and peace of mind, reservations in larger cities such as Mumbai or Delhi are recommended.
At A Glance
- India is a large country with both rural and urban areas. If you're spending an extended amount of time in the country you'll probably be surprised to find that prices are actually cheaper in many cities than they are in rural areas. This is in large part because of the limited competition that exists in the more remote areas. There are few hotels and restaurants when you're well out of town, so you can expect to pay a little more. Prices are still incredibly low though, so wherever you go in India, you're likely to get a good deal.
- The Indian population is incredibly welcoming. Prior to visiting India you'll probably hear many stories about the scams and ripoffs that can happen. While these do exist, do not let them intimidate you. The vast majority of the population will go out of their way to make you feel welcome. Strangers will help you negotiate a rickshaw and families will invite you into their home.
- Restaurants in large cities are often well overstaffed. Particularly at the higher end restaurants, don't be surprised to find a herd of people waiting on you. They'll stand attentively by while you read over the menu or enjoy your meal. It can be a little intrusive at first, but don't let it get to you. They are just hoping to make your experience as enjoyable as possible, and happy to be employed.
- It's easy to find budget accommodation in India for little more than a few bucks. If you want comfort and style, you don't have to spend much more to stay at a very nice and modern place. This is true in most cities around the country. If the place seems empty you can probably talk the price down even further as well, so do not hesitate to negotiate. If you just show up at a hotel or guesthouse, make sure you check out the room, bed, and bathroom before committing to a price.
- Transportation around India can often be difficult, especially for long distances. Several popular options are available, including flights, buses, trains, and hiring a car. If you want to hire a driver and a car, it's possible to do so at a reasonable rate for multiple days. Buses are a good option for shorter distances between cities. Trains are one of the most economical ways to get around, especially for long distances. Overnight trains can be a good way to get somewhere in relative comfort on a budget. Otherwise, airline tickets can sometimes be cheap, but sometimes be expensive depending on the route, airline, and dates.
- You're likely to encounter touts in most major tourist destinations around India. They will want to show you to a hotel or help you with a taxi. You will likely pay a large commission for these services so it is best to go it alone. It is not hard to find hotels and negotiate your own price. If possible, avoid the touts.
Related
Visa Information: Obtaining an Indian Visa is not hard, but can require a bit of paperwork and patience, especially for visitors from certain nationalities. Read this terrific
guide to the Indian Visa application process for tourists for more information.
Looking for a
hostel in Delhi or
Goa? Heading to
Kathmandu or want a
party in Tel Aviv?
Top Tourist Attractions
Taj Mahal: Perhaps the most iconic sight in India, this beautiful symbol of love is a must see for any trip to India. It's located in the city of Agra, which is reachable by train from Delhi. It's probably the most photographed and famous attraction in all of India.
Kerala: Located in the southern part of India, Kerala is a beautiful land that is great for wildlife and health based holidays. It's a spiritual area and not to be missed on any trip into this region of India.
Varanasi: Situated on the banks of the Ganges River, this strongly religious city offers you a little insight into the festivals of the Hindu religion. It's one of the most religious cities in the country and is rich with colors, flavors, and sounds.
Popular Foods
Indian food is rich and flavor. Rice is a staple and most meals come with a side of naan bread. While traditional Indian food is quite spicy, in touristy areas its easy to get a meal that is quite mild. If you want it spicy, you may even have to insist on it that way as waiters are used to foreigners requesting their meals with "no spice."
Dal Makhani: This popular vegetarian dish of slow cooked lentils is richly seasoned and cooked like a stew. It's usually served with a side of rice and vegetables or salad.
Tandoori Chicken: This is one of the most famous Indian dishes and is a heavily seasoned and roasted chicken dish (
recipe here). It is bright in color mainly because of the turmeric and cayenne pepper and is slow cooked in a tandoori oven. It is typically prepared spicy, but some places have it available in a mild flavor as well if you request it.
Chungdi Jhola: This is a saucy, prawn curry dish that is heavily spiced and rich in flavor. It's popular in the coastal cities, particularly in the south and is a favorite with many locals.
We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works.