Which place is cheaper, Lijiang or Agra?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Agra or Lijiang?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Agra or Lijiang, 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 Lijiang?
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.
Lijiang
Lijiang is a city in Southwestern China with a history of rule under the Mu family during the Ming and Qing dynasties. It played a key role along the Ancient Southern Silk Road, which started from Burma, crossed Lijiang, Shangri-La County, Tibet, journeyed through Iran, the Fertile Crescent, and ultimately to the Mediterranean Sea. The area was once a center for trade, politics, culture, and education, which is still evident in the rich culture seen today. Lijiang has also been the home of centuries to the Naxi people who still inhabit the area.
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 Beijing, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to China.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayAgra $44Lijiang $41
The average daily cost (per person) in Agra is $44, while the average daily cost in Lijiang is $41. 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 Lijiang in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personAgra $16Lijiang $15
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomAgra $32Lijiang $30
Compare Hotels in Agra and Lijiang
Looking for a hotel in Agra or Lijiang? 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: Agra Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Agra $10Lijiang $5.58
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Agra
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Agra:
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Tuk Tuk Ride$0.60
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Agra
Also for Agra, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Vrindavan to Delhi private transfer: $28
- Visit to Jaipur 's Chokhi Dhani Tour on Agra to Jaipur Transfer: $74
- Transfer from Delhi to Jaipur with Tajmahal sight seeing: $187
- Transfer from Agra to New Delhi by Private Car: $60
- Transfer from Agra to Jaipur via Fatehpur Shikri and Abhaneri: $106
- Transfer from Agra to Jaipur by Private Car: $91
- Transfer from Agra To Jaipur Via Fatehpur Sikri & Stepwell: $90
- Transfer Agra To Jaipur Via Fatehpur Sikri & Stepwell: $60
- Sunrise Taj Mahal and Agra Fort Half-Day Tour with Transfer: $5.40
- Smooth Departure Transfer by Car from Agra to Lucknow: $100
- Round Trip Transfers to Wildlife SOS Elephant Conservation, Agra: $15
- Round Trip Transfers Between Agra Hotels & Agra Airport AGR: $6.14
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Lijiang
Also for Lijiang, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer from Lijiang/Shuhe hotel to Dali and Stops at Shaxi Old Town: $160
- Private Transfer from Lijiang/Shuhe hotel to Dali : $149
Is it cheaper to fly into Agra or Lijiang?
Prices for flights to both Lijiang 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
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Food Meals for one dayAgra $16Lijiang $17
Typical Food Prices in Agra
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Agra:
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Breakfast for Two$2.15
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: $6.00
- Street Food Tour with Spice Market on Tuk-Tuk: $12
- Home Hosted Luch or dinner by Indian local Family: $18
- Agra Heritage Walk with Food Tour: $20
- Local Food Tour with Cooking Class in Home Agra Including Lunch or Dinner: $20
- Indian Food Private Cooking Class: $22
- Cooking Class and Dine with a Local Family: $23
- Old City Food Tour with Local Guide and Tastings: $23
- The Spirit of Agra - Old Market Walking and Food Tour: $26
- Cooking classes Tour Including Pickup And Dropping To Hotel: $28
- Cooking Workshop and Vegetarian Dinner in Agra with Family: $30
- Agra's best cooking classes: $31
Typical Food Prices in Lijiang
For Lijiang, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
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Lunch for Two$4.14
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Lijiang
For Lijiang, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Lijiang Naxi Cuisine Cooking Class & Market Visit: $59
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Agra $20Lijiang $20
Typical Entertainment Prices in Agra
For Agra, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
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Entry to the Red Fort for Two$7.18
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Taj Mahal for Two$18
Tours and Activities in Agra
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Agra.
- Agra Local Tour with Taj Mahal : $30
- Jaipur Overnight Tour from Agra : $300
- Private 6 Hours: Agra Temples and Spiritual Sites Tour: $38
- Private Agra Local Sightseeing Tour: $47
- Private Taj Mahal and Agra Fort Day Tour: $42
- Taj Mahal Sunrise & Agra Fort Private Tour - All Inclusive: $21
- 06 Hours Agra City Tour - Private: $85
- 08 Days Taj Mahal Tour With Hemis National Park: $552
- 11-Hour Agra Day Tour: Sunrise and Sunset of Taj Mahal : $20
- 2 Days Agra Tour with Fatehpur Sikri & Abhaneri From Jaipur: $234
- 2 Days Tour of Taj Mahal and More - Agra Beyond Taj Mahal : $168
- 2 Days: Taj Mahal & Jaipur Sightseeing Tour with Breakfast: $52
Tours and Activities in Lijiang
For Lijiang, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- 1 Day Private Tour to Shaxi Ancient Town from Lijiang or Dali: $165
- 1 Day Tiger Teaping Gorge Private Tour from Lijiang or Shangri-La: $170
- 1-Day Lijiang tour with Lijiang Old Town,Black Dragon Pool,Baisha Village,Shuhe: $207
- 1-Day Old Town Tour in Lijiang: $166
- 1-Day Private Tour to Lijiang Highlights: $297
- 2 Days Tiger Leaping Gorge Hiking Tour by public coach: $189
- 2-Days Self-Guided tour from Lijiang to Dali and overnight in Shaxi old town: $212
- All Inclusive Private Day Tour to Shaxi Ancient Town from Lijiang: $221
- Beautiful Country road Biking tour to Xinhua village Heqing start from Lijiang: $173
- Flexible Lijiang City Highlights Private Day Tour with Lunch: $208
- Lijiang Private Essentials Tour to Jade Dragon Snow Mountain including Cable Car: $258
- Lijiang Train Station Pick up and Tiger Teaping Gorge Private Tour : $170
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayAgra $9.63Lijiang $7.86
When comparing the travel costs between Agra and Lijiang, we can see that Agra 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. Since both cities are in Asia, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Agra Expensive? and Is Lijiang Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Agra or Lijiang?
Agra has a larger population, and is about 26% larger than the population of Lijiang. When comparing the sizes of Agra and Lijiang, 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.
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.