A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Bangalore vs. El Nido for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Bangalore or El Nido?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Bangalore and El Nido can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: Bangalore or El Nido?

Bangalore

Bangalore is the capital city of the state of Karnataka, in India. It's also India's third largest city with a population of about 8.5 million. It's considered one of the most liveable cities in the country and was historically known for its many gardens and lush green spaces. Today those areas are all but gone, having given way to the growing population and sprawling metropolises. Bangalore is also the information technology hub of the country and is sometimes referred to as India's Silicon Valley.

El Nido

El Nido is a coastal destination on the Philippine island of Palawan. It consists of about 45 islands and islets all with beautiful beachfront scenery and plenty of opportunities for experiencing nature above and below the water. Some of the island's best features include limestone karst cliffs, coral reefs, lagoons, coves, and waterfalls.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in India, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in India, The Best 2-Week Tours in Philippines, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Philippines.


Which place is cheaper, El Nido or Bangalore?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Bangalore is $44, while the average daily cost in El Nido is $40. 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 Bangalore and El Nido in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Bangalore $20
    El Nido $14
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Bangalore $40
    El Nido $28
Compare Hotels in Bangalore and El Nido

Looking for a hotel in Bangalore or El Nido? 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 Bangalore


Hotels in El Nido


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: El Nido Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Bangalore $9.65
    El Nido $19

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bangalore

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

  • Vineyard Tour to Beautiful Nandi Hills including Wine Tasting & Private Transfer: $238
  • VIP Bangalore Airport Transfer: Comfort & Convenience: $24
  • Private Departure Transfer: Bangalore Hotels to Bengaluru International Airport: $45
  • From Private Transfer to Hubli Car & Driver: $171
  • From Private Transfer to Chikmagalur Car & Driver: $124
  • From Private Transfer to Chennai Car & Driver: $143
  • From One-Way Transfer to Wayanad Car & Driver: $143
  • From One-Way Transfer to Ooty Car & Driver: $133
  • From Mysore guided day tour with transfers: $166
  • From City to Airport Private Transfer: $22
  • Bengaluru to Bengaluru Airport (BLR) - Departure Private Transfer: $45
  • Bengaluru Kempegowda Airport (BLR) to Bengaluru City -RoundTrip Private Transfer: $81

Hired Cars and Shuttles in El Nido

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

  • Private Van Transfer : From El Nido to Puerto Princesa Palawan: $150
  • Private Transfer from El Nido to Port Barton Palawan: $150
  • Private Transfer From El Nido Lio Airport To El Nido Hotels: $20
  • Lio Airport to/from Hotel Transfers: $37
  • El Nido Town: Transfers to/from Nacpan Beach: $12
  • El Nido (Lio) Airport Transfers: $50
  • EXPEDITION HAPPINESS PRIVATE TRANSFER: $200

Is it cheaper to fly into Bangalore or El Nido?

Prices for flights to both El Nido and Bangalore 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
    Bangalore $13
    El Nido $12

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Bangalore

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

  • Street Food Tour in Bangalore: $16
  • Bangalore : Street Food tour and Local Market Visit.: $17
  • Traditional Cooking Classes & Dinner with Family: $33
  • Discover Bangalore's Cuisine: Private Half-Day Cooking Experience: $60
  • Private South Indian Cooking Class in Bangalore with a Local: $62
  • Private In-Home Cooking Demonstration and Meal in Bangalore: $68
  • Private Indian Cooking Class and Meal in Bangalore Home: $73
  • 3-Hour Private Cooking Lesson and Meal in a Bangalore Home: $74
  • Private Cooking Classes on a Farm in Bangalore City: $85
  • Cooking experience in Bangalore, a half day tour: $107

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Bangalore $11
    El Nido $5.46

Tours and Activities in Bangalore

For Bangalore, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Private Full-Day Bangalore City Tour: $73
  • Sacred Bull walking tour in Bangalore with guide: $50
  • (Mysuru) Mysore Day Out - A Royal Experience Private Tour from Bangalore: $130
  • 2 Days Bangalare and Mysore Private Tour by Car: $227
  • 2 day Motorcycle tour from Bangalore to Belur, Halebid & Shravanabelagola: $288
  • Adiyogi +Lepakshi(Mini Hampi)+ Vidurashwatha=Full Day Mystic Tour: $134
  • Authentic Shopping Experience in Bangalore for Souvenirs & Gifts: $37
  • Bandipur wildlife and Mysore experience in 2 days from Bangalore: $300
  • Bangalore Basavanagudi Heritage Self Guided Walking Tour: $8.53
  • Bangalore City Tour (Lunch, Pick up & drop at hotel): $100
  • Bangalore City Tour By Tuk Tuk!: $109
  • Bangalore City Tour: Explore Full-Day Sightseeing Trip: $65

Tours and Activities in El Nido

For El Nido, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • El Nido Full Day Tour C with Buffet Lunch : $45
  • All-Inclusive El Nido Island Hopping Private Tour: $153
  • Island Hopping Tour A with Lunch No Hidden Charges: $46
  • Private Island Hopping Tour A with BUFFET LUNCH: $133
  • Private Island Hopping Tour C w/BUFFET LUNCH: $137
  • Sharing/Joiner Island Hopping Tour A w/BUFFET LUNCH: $22
  • Sharing/Joiner Island Hopping Tour B: $27
  • Sharing/Joiner Island Hopping Tour C w/BUFFET LUNCH: $29
  • El Nido Big Lagoon & Tropical Island Private Tour: $199
  • El Nido Group Tour B - Cave Tour w/ Island Lunch: $48
  • El Nido Island Hopping Tour ( Private & All-Inclusive ): $170
  • El Nido Island Hopping Tour A: $28

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Bangalore $9.03
    El Nido $8.49

Sample the Local Flavors in Bangalore

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Bangalore:

  • pub crawl Bangalore tours: $24
  • Pub Crawl Bangalore (3 Hours Guided Nightlife Experience): $35
  • Pub Crawl with Welcome Drinks, Games & Discounts: $48


When comparing the travel costs between Bangalore and El Nido, we can see that Bangalore 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 Bangalore Expensive? and Is El Nido Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Bangalore or El Nido?

Bangalore has a larger population, and is about 650 times larger than the population of El Nido. When comparing the sizes of Bangalore and El Nido, 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.