Which place is cheaper, Lijiang or Bangalore?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Bangalore or Lijiang?
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 Lijiang can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Bangalore or Lijiang?
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.
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 Yoga Tours and Retreats in India, The Best Luxury 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 dayBangalore $44Lijiang $41
The average daily cost (per person) in Bangalore 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 Bangalore and Lijiang in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personBangalore $20Lijiang $15
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomBangalore $40Lijiang $30
Compare Hotels in Bangalore and Lijiang
Looking for a hotel in Bangalore 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.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Bangalore $9.70Lijiang $5.58
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bangalore
Also for Bangalore, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Departure Transfer: Bangalore Hotels to Bengaluru International Airport: $45
- From Mysore guided day tour with transfers: $167
- Bengaluru Kempegowda Airport (BLR) to Bengaluru City -RoundTrip Private Transfer: $79
- One-Way Private City Transfer Mysore & Bangalore: $50
- Bangalore airport to Hotel Transfer: $18
- Affordable Bangalore Airport Transfer: $28
- Affordable Bangalore Airport Transfer: $16
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 Bangalore or Lijiang?
Prices for flights to both Lijiang 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
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Food Meals for one dayBangalore $13Lijiang $17
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Bangalore
For Bangalore, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Traditional Cooking Classes & Dinner with Family: $32
- Private Cooking Demonstration in a Bangalore Home: $45
- Traditional Cooking Classes & Dinner with Chef Family: $51
- Indian Cooking Class in Bangalore with an Award Winning Chef: $54
- Discover Bangalore's Cuisine: Private Half-Day Cooking Experience: $60
- Private In-Home Cooking Demonstration and Meal in Bangalore: $68
- Private Cooking Dining Experience in Bengaluru: $74
- Private Indian Cooking Class and Meal in Bangalore Home: $74
- 3-Hour Private Cooking Lesson and Meal in a Bangalore Home: $74
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.Bangalore $11Lijiang $20
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: $84
- Sacred Bull walking tour in Bangalore with guide: $50
- (Mysuru) Mysore Day Out - A Royal Experience Private Tour from Bangalore: $130
- 2 day Motorcycle tour from Bangalore to Belur, Halebid & Shravanabelagola: $288
- 4-Hour Private Photowalk Tour in Bengaluru: $79
- All Inclusive Sameday Taj Mahal & Agra Tour from Your hotel: $76
- Bandipur wildlife and Mysore experience in 2 days from Bangalore: $300
- Bangalore City Tour (Pick up from hotel): $100
- Bangalore City Tour By Tuk Tuk!: $110
- Bangalore Explorer: 3-Day Tour of the Garden City: $241
- Bangalore Full Day Private City Tour: $53
- Bangalore Heritage Walk - Private Walking tour: $67
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 dayBangalore $9.07Lijiang $7.86
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 (3 Hours Guided Nightlife Experience): $34
- Pub Crawl in Bengaluru - A lovely private evening experience with a local: $39
When comparing the travel costs between Bangalore and Lijiang, 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 Lijiang Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Bangalore or Lijiang?
Bangalore has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Lijiang. When comparing the sizes of Bangalore 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.