Which place is cheaper, Agra or Bodh Gaya?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
Should you visit Bodh Gaya or Agra?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Bodh Gaya or Agra, 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: Bodh Gaya or Agra?
Bodh Gaya
Located in the state of Bihar in the northeast of India, Bodh Gaya is the most respected place and pilgrimage destination for Buddhists. Bodh Gaya is believed to be the site where Buddha Shakyamuni achieved enlightenment while meditating under the famous Bodhi tree.
Prince Gautama Siddartha was born in the sixth century, B.C. in what is modern-day Nepal. Siddartha lived a comfortable life of extravagance as he was born the son of King Suddhodana of the Sakya clan, but after witnessing human suffering, Siddartha decided to give up all of his possessions and embarked upon a quest to seek knowledge and the solution to such suffering. It is underneath a Pipal tree near the city of Gaya, that it is believed he began to meditate until he became enlightened. Today, a descendent of the original Bodhi Tree is located in the Mahabodhi Temple Complex in the city of Bodh Gaya.
Weather in Bodhgaya is generally warm throughout the year, with daytime highs in the 90s during summer and nighttime lows in the high 40s during winter. Because Bodhgaya is centered around religious sites, pack light layers and plan to dress modestly. Remember that you'll be expected to take shoes off at all temples, so sandals may be easier to wear and a good time-saver.
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.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Cultural Tours in India, The Best Food and Culinary Tours in India, The Best Photography Tours in India, and The Best Religious Tours in India.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayBodh Gaya $52Agra $44
The average daily cost (per person) in Bodh Gaya is $52, while the average daily cost in Agra is $44. 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 Bodh Gaya and Agra in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personBodh Gaya $22Agra $16
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomBodh Gaya $44Agra $32
Compare Hotels in Bodh Gaya and Agra
Looking for a hotel in Bodh Gaya or Agra? 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: Bodh Gaya Hotel Prices and Agra Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Bodh Gaya $23Agra $10
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bodh Gaya
Also for Bodh Gaya, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Affordable Bodh Gaya Airport Transfer: $15
- Private Transfer from Bodhgaya Hotel to Gaya Airport: $13
- Private Transfer from Bodhgaya Airport: $13
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:
- Wildlife SOS Visit with One Way Transfer from Agra to Delhi: $49
- 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 Tundla railway station and vice versa: $34
- 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 Delhi Airport: $70
- Transfer from Agra To Jaipur Via Fatehpur Sikri & Stepwell: $90
- Transfer Agra to Delhi by Private AC Car: $75
- Transfer Agra To Jaipur Via Fatehpur Sikri & Stepwell: $60
Is it cheaper to fly into Bodh Gaya or Agra?
Prices for flights to both Agra and Bodh Gaya 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 dayBodh Gaya $16Agra $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
- Indian Home Visit Cooking Demo: $25
- 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
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Bodh Gaya $9.82Agra $20
Tours and Activities in Bodh Gaya
For Bodh Gaya, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Bodhgaya Day Tour (Hotel Pickup): $34
- Bodhgaya and Gaya Pilgrimage Tour: $53
- Exclusive Guided Tour of Bodh Gaya: $227
- Excursion tour of Rajgir & Nalanda from Bodhgaya: $63
- From Varanasi: Private Same Day Bodhgaya Tour: $144
- Full Day Tour in Bodhgaya Hotel pick up: $32
- Full-Day Private Guided Bodhgaya Tour with Pick Up: $39
- Guided Virtual Tour of Bodhgaya: $27
- Private guided tour of Bodh Gaya over 2 days : $175
- Spiritual, Bodhgaya Tour (01 Night / 02 Days): $336
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 City Tour With Guide: $43
- Agra Full day Sightseeing with Transports & Tour Guide: $37
- Agra Local Tour with Taj Mahal : $30
- Private 6 Hours: Agra Temples and Spiritual Sites Tour: $38
- Private Agra Local Sightseeing Tour: $47
- Private Full Day Sunrise Taj Mahal Tour With Agra Fort: $30
- Private Taj Mahal and Agra Fort Day Tour: $42
- Taj Mahal Sunrise & Agra Fort Private Tour - All Inclusive: $21
- 05-Hours Taj Mahal & Agra Day Tour by TUK TUK: $5.00
- 06 Hours Agra City Tour - Private: $85
- 08 Days Taj Mahal Tour With Hemis National Park: $552
- 1 Day Agra and 1 Day Jaipur Private Tour from Agra: $202
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayBodh Gaya $5.64Agra $9.63
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Bodh Gaya and Agra, we can see that Bodh Gaya is more expensive. And not only is Agra much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Agra would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Agra 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 Bodh Gaya would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Bodh Gaya than you might in Agra.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Bodh Gaya Expensive? and Is Agra Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Bodh Gaya or Agra?
Agra has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Bodh Gaya. When comparing the sizes of Bodh Gaya and Agra, 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.