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

Should you visit Agra or Sapa?

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

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

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.

Sapa

Sapa is a beautiful town in the northern mountains of Vietnam by the border with China. Many travelers pass through the area on their way from China into Hanoi. Alternatively, some travelers head north from Hanoi to spend a few days in the beautiful mountains where tribal cultures are still alive and well. There are a good number of ethnic minorities that populate the area. The eight populations in the area include H'mong, Dao, Tay, Giay, Muong, Thai, Hoa, and Xa Pho, but the vast majority in the area are H'mong. Within the town of Sapa itself, there are about 7,000 people. The rest of the population lives in the surrounding countryside and are peasant farmers.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Mumbai, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to India, The Best Budget Tours to Vietnam, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Vietnam.


Which place is cheaper, Sapa or Agra?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Agra is $44, while the average daily cost in Sapa is $36. 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 Sapa in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Agra $16
    Sapa $12
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Agra $32
    Sapa $24
Compare Hotels in Agra and Sapa

Looking for a hotel in Agra or Sapa? 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 Sapa


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 Sapa Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Agra $10
    Sapa $9.41
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Agra

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


  • Tuk Tuk Ride
    $0.60

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Agra

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

  • Delhi: One-Way Private Transfer to/from Agra: $3,200
  • Private transfer Agra to Varnashi: $230
  • Transfer from Delhi to Jaipur with Tajmahal sight seeing: $187
  • Private transfer from Agra to Varanasi by Car: $161
  • Private One Way Transfer From Agra To Udaipur: $150
  • Budget Transfer by Car from Agra to Varanasi Hotel: $146
  • From Jaipur Transfer via Visiting Abhaneri: $144
  • Agra to Delhi airport transfer by air-conditioned car: $130
  • A Taste of Agra for Foodies with Private Transfer: $130
  • Private Transfer Agra to Varanasi by Car: $130
  • Private Transfers Agra To Lucknow Drop: $123
  • Private Transfer To Jaipur From Agra Via Fatehpur Sikri And Abhaneri: $120

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Sapa

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Sapa are as follows:


  • Short Motorbike Ride
    $1.20

Is it cheaper to fly into Agra or Sapa?

Prices for flights to both Sapa 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 $16
    Sapa $16
Typical Food Prices in Agra

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


  • 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 Sapa

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


  • Casual Dinner (for One)
    $2.72
  • Quick Breakfast (for Two)
    $2.20
  • Coffee (for Two)
    $2.40
  • Western Dinner (for Two)
    $7.96
  • Pho Soup
    $0.60

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Agra $20
    Sapa $6.13
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
    $7.18
  • 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

Typical Entertainment Prices in Sapa

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


  • CatCat Village Tax
    $1.60
  • Ta Phin Village Tax
    $0.80
  • Walking Stick
    $0.20
  • Paddle Boat Rental on Sapa Lake (1 Hr)
    $3.20

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Agra $9.63
    Sapa $8.18

Typical Alcohol Prices in Sapa

Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Sapa are as follows:


  • Two Beers
    $1.00


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Agra and Sapa, we can see that Agra is more expensive. And not only is Sapa much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Sapa would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Sapa and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Agra would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Agra than you might in Sapa.

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


Which is Bigger, Agra or Sapa?

Agra has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Sapa. When comparing the sizes of Agra and Sapa, 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.