A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Agra vs. Cusco for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Agra or Cusco?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Agra or Cusco, 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: Agra or Cusco?

Agra

In the north of India, in the state of Uttar Pradesh is the city of Agra. This land is home to great tales of emperors and majestic temples. It is the home to a magnificent past and the greatest symbol of love known to man, the Taj Mahal.

While this incredible structure is the main draw to this area, there is much more to see. Once the capital of the Mughal Empire, Agra can claim three different UNESCO World Heritage sites - the Taj Mahal, the Agra Fort and the abandoned city of Fatehpur Sikiri.

Cusco

Cusco is most famous as the historic capital of the Inca Empire. It is in the southern Sierras and is one of the most popular travel destinations within Peru. The city is located at 3,400 meters above sea level so it is best to acclimate yourself slowly to avoid altitude sickness.

Cusco is the starting point for many travelers making their way to the famed Machu Picchu or other Inca sites in the surrounding area.

The city is very beautiful and has impressive architecture throughout. The history is obvious as you walk around town and there are impressive ruins nearby, with the most impressive being Sacsayhuaman. The city also has a significant indigenous population that is obvious from their traditional clothing and style.

Cusco has a subtropical highland climate with a pleasant daytime temperature year around. There are two distinct seasons with the dry season being between May and August and the wet season between December and March. During the dry season there is plenty of sun with occasional nighttime freezes. Frost is less common in the wet season.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Sightseeing Tours in India, The Best Cultural Tours in India, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Cusco, and The Best 3-Day Tours from Cusco.


Which place is cheaper, Cusco or Agra?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in Agra is $54, while the average daily cost in Cusco is $59. 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 Agra and Cusco in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Agra $15
    Cusco $22
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Agra $30
    Cusco $44
Compare Hotels in Agra and Cusco

Looking for a hotel in Agra or Cusco? 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.

Hotels in Agra


Hotels in Cusco


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: Agra Hotel Prices and Cusco Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Agra $10
    Cusco $9.81
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Agra

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Agra:


  • Tuk Tuk Ride
    $0.58

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Agra

Also for Agra, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Delhi: Same Day Taj Mahal, Agra Tour with Pickup & Transfer.: $2.02
  • Delhi: Taj Mahal & Agra Fort Sunrise Tour with Transfers: $2.31
  • Private Taj Mahal and Agra Day Tour with Transfer: $2.43
  • From Delhi: Same Day Taj Mahal and Agra Fort with Transfers: $5.77
  • One-Way Transfer Airport to Hotel: $5.77
  • Round Trip Transfers Between Agra Hotels & Agra Airport AGR: $5.92
  • From Delhi: Taj Mahal & Agra Private Day Trip with Transfers: $5.95
  • Taj Mahal Sunrise and Agra Fort Half-Day Tour with Transfers: $6.51
  • From Delhi: Taj Mahal Agra Day Trip with Guide & Transfer: $6.93
  • From Delhi: Private Taj Mahal & Agra Day Trip with Transfers: $10
  • From Agra Private Transfers to Wildlife SOS Elephant Conservation: $11
  • Sunrise Taj Mahal and Agra Fort Half-Day Tour with Transfer: $14

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Cusco

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Cusco:


  • Taxi Ride
    $1.06

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cusco

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Cusco:

  • Full-Day Trip to Machu Picchu with Hotel Transfers: $302
  • Private Transfer From Cusco To Puno With 2 Sightseeing Hours: $294
  • Ollantaytambo train station to Cuzco city or airport- Roundtrip Private Transfer: $243
  • Scenic Journey from Cusco to Puno by Bus Including Hotel Transfers: $128
  • Cuzco city or airport to Ollantaytambo train station -Departure Private Transfer: $121
  • Transfer Cusco - Ollantaytambo train station : $95
  • Arrival Transfer & Cusco City Tour (Private Service): $80
  • Transfer to Ollantaytambo Cusco Peru: $80
  • Temple of the Moon Horseback Riding Tour with Transfer: $75
  • Airport Cusco Transfers: $69
  • Excursion to the Sacred Valley & Transfer to Ollantaytambo: $65
  • Cusco to Ollantaytambo: One-Way Private Transfer: $55

Is it cheaper to fly into Agra or Cusco?

Prices for flights to both Cusco and Agra 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
  • Food Meals for one day
    Agra $26
    Cusco $22
Typical Food Prices in Agra

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Agra:


  • Breakfast for Two
    $2.09

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Agra

For Agra, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Agra best Cooking class after Taj Mahal: $5.77
  • Agra Cooking Classes (Pick up and Drop available): $18
  • Local Food Tour with Cooking Class in Home Agra: $21
  • Street Food Tour with Spice Market on Tuk-Tuk: $21
  • Tuk-Tuk Ride and Street Food Tour with Spice Market: $22
  • Cooking Workshop and Vegetarian Dinner in Agra with Family: $29
  • Cooking Class and Much More in a Local Family Home: $29
  • Indian Food Private Cooking Class: $29
  • Old City & Street Food Tour with Vechicle Choice: $33
  • Private Indian Cooking Demonstration and In-Home Meal Minutes from the Taj Mahal: $33
  • Watch Bollywood Movie with Dinner in Agra: $35
  • Indian Home Visit Cooking Demo: $38

Typical Food Prices in Cusco

Some typical examples of dining costs in Cusco are as follows:


  • Sandwich
    $2.12
  • Mango
    $0.53

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Cusco

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Cusco.

  • Small-Group Virtual Ceviche Cooking Experience: $25
  • Folkloric Andean Show & 3-Course Dinner at Tunupa: $37
  • Pachapapa Restaurant Lunch or Dinner: $41
  • Cusco Tunupa Restaurant Folk Show with Dinner : $49
  • Andean Bread Baby Cooking Class with Hotel Pickup: $49
  • 3-Hour Peruvian Cooking Class: $49
  • Andean Folk Show with Dinner at Tunupa Plaza de Armas: $50
  • CUSCO COOKING CLASS DINNER - Short & Immersive 4:30pm: $50
  • Pete's Peruvian Cooking Class: $52
  • Cusco Cooking Class by ChocoMuseo in Cusco: $54
  • Peruvian Cooking Class Cocktails and Market in Cusco: $55
  • Market Tour & Traditional Peruvian Cooking Class in Cusco: $55

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Agra $19
    Cusco $29
Typical Entertainment Prices in Agra

For Agra, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:


  • Entry to the Red Fort for Two
    $6.96
  • Taj Mahal for Two
    $17

Tours and Activities in Agra

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Agra.

  • Mughal Carpet Co. Agra :- Handmade Rugs Demonstration Tour: $0.81
  • Handmade Marble Demonstration Tour: $0.98
  • Agra : Taj Mahal tour with guide: $1.15
  • Skip-the-line entry ticket on Taj Mahal tour: $1.15
  • Agra:- Skip-the-Line Taj Mahal Private Tour: $1.15
  • Sunrise Taj Mahal & Mausoleum Guided Tour with Skip-the-Line: $1.59
  • Taj Mahal and Mausoleum Tour with Skip-the-Line Entry: $1.62
  • Skip-the-Line Taj Mahal Guided Tour with Multi Options: $1.99
  • Taj Mahal & Agra fort Skip-the-Line Tour By Car with Options: $2.00
  • Taj Mahal and Agra Private Guided Tour from Delhi by AC Car: $2.00
  • Taj Mahal & Mausoleum Skip-The-Line Tickets & guided tour: $2.02
  • From Agra - Skip the Line: Taj Mahal & Agra Fort Tour by Car: $2.31

Typical Entertainment Prices in Cusco

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Cusco are as follows:


  • Salsa Class
    $2.65

Tours and Activities in Cusco

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Cusco are as follows:

  • 1 Day Rainbow Mountain Tour From Cusco: $45
  • ATV Tour to Moray, Maras and Salar in the Sacred Valley of the Incas: $42
  • Colorful mountain adventure with a slightly steep hike: $48
  • Cusco city wolking tour churches and streets : $35
  • Half-Day Private Tour to Maras and Moray: $111
  • Moray saltmines ATV (Cuatrimotos) Tour: $70
  • Mountain View Picnic & Salt Mines Tour with Private Service: $190
  • Official Machupicchu Ticket: $99
  • Official Ticket Football Day tour In Cusco with Tourism Guide: $100
  • Official Ticket- Machu Picchu Lost Citadel: $72
  • Private Tour to Sacred Valley Full Day from Cusco: $205
  • Sacred Valley Complete Tour with Lunch: $38

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Agra $9.34
    Cusco $9.31

Sample the Local Flavors in Cusco

Also in Cusco, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Pub Crawl with Skip-the-Line Access and Drinks: $17
  • Exclusive Pub Crawl with more than 10 Benefits: $25
  • Pisco and wine tour in the Majes Valley: $50


When comparing the travel costs between Agra and Cusco, we can see that Cusco is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Even though Agra is in Asia and Cusco is in South America, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Agra Expensive? and Is Cusco Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Agra or Cusco?

Agra has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Cusco. When comparing the sizes of Agra and Cusco, 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.