Which place is cheaper, Amritsar or Bodh Gaya?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Bodh Gaya or Amritsar?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Bodh Gaya or Amritsar, 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 Amritsar?
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.
Amritsar
Amritsar is a holy city of the Sikh religion, named "holy pool of nectar" for the pool around the base of the Golden Temple complex. This complex is the city's main attraction, bringing pilgrims from all over to bathe in the waters of the sacred pool and visit the sacred temple.
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.
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Bodh Gaya Prices
India PricesAmritsar Prices
India Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayBodh Gaya $60Amritsar $64
The average daily cost (per person) in Bodh Gaya is $60, while the average daily cost in Amritsar is $64. 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 Amritsar in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personBodh Gaya $21Amritsar $21
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomBodh Gaya $42Amritsar $42
Compare Hotels in Bodh Gaya and Amritsar
Looking for a hotel in Bodh Gaya or Amritsar? 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 Amritsar Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Bodh Gaya $22Amritsar $16
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bodh Gaya
Also for Bodh Gaya, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- 3 Day Private Bodhgaya Sightseeing Tour with Transfer: $120
- Affordable Bodh Gaya Airport Transfer: $15
- From Varanasi: Bodhgaya Day Trip with Private Transfer: $102
- Gaya Airport (GAY) Private Transfer to Gaya City/Hotels: $25
- Private Airport Transfer Gaya to or from Bodhgaya Hotel: $25
- Private Transfer from Bodhgaya Airport: $13
- Private Transfer from Bodhgaya Hotel to Gaya Airport: $13
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Amritsar
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Amritsar:
- VIP Amritsar Airport Transfer: Comfort & Convenience: $17
- Private Wagah Border Drama and the Golden Temple with Transfer: $126
- Private Transfer from Amritsar to Amritsar Raja Sansi (ATQ) Airport: $39
- Amritsar to Dharamshala Tour (One Way Transfer): $84
- Amritsar 02 days :Wagha border: Airport transfer Eng. guide: $205
Is it cheaper to fly into Bodh Gaya or Amritsar?
Prices for flights to both Amritsar 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
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Food Meals for one dayBodh Gaya $26Amritsar $31
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Amritsar
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Amritsar.
- Amritsar Food Tour: $22
- Agra: Guided Street Food Tour w/ Private Transportation: $23
- Amritsar Food Tour: $25
- Amritsar Food Tour: $29
- Wagah Border Retreat Ceremony With Traditional Dinner: $45
- Wagah Border Retreat Ceremony With Dinner: $45
- Evening Tour to Sadda Pind with Dinner: $60
- Beating Retreat Ceremony, Sadda Pind and Dinner: $71
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Bodh Gaya $9.32Amritsar $14
Tours and Activities in Bodh Gaya
For Bodh Gaya, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Taj Mahal & Agra Private Tour from Delhi by Car – Fast Entry: $4.55
- Guided Virtual Tour of Bodhgaya: $27
- Bodhgaya Day Tour (Hotel Pickup): $33
- Full Day Tour in Bodhgaya Hotel pick up: $33
- Full Day Private Guided Tour of Bodhgaya: $40
- Private Tour of Bodhgaya and Gaya Including Vishnupad Temple: $50
- Full-Day Private Guided Bodhgaya Tour with Pick Up: $52
- Bodhgaya and Gaya Pilgrimage Tour: $53
- A Day Tour of Dungeshwari Caves and Barabar Caves from Bodhgaya.: $62
- Bodhgaya Full Day Tour: $63
- Half Day Private Guided Tour in Bodh Gaya & Dungeshwari Caves: $88
- Private Day Tour to Rajgir and Nalanda from Bodhgaya: $105
Tours and Activities in Amritsar
Here are a few actual costs in Amritsar for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Agra : Taj Mahal & Mausoleum Tour With Skip-the-Line Entry: $6.83
- Agra: Agra Fort and Baby Taj Private Tour with Pickup & Drop: $15
- Amritsar - Half day City tour (In & Around Golden Temple): $35
- Amritsar 1 Day Guided Tour-Golden Temple, Jalliawala Bagh, Wagah: $51
- Amritsar 1 Day Sightseeing with Wagah Border: $34
- Amritsar 1 Day Tour: Golden Temple, Jalianwala Bagh, Wagah Border: $52
- Amritsar : Golden Temple and Jallianwala Bagh Private Tour: $55
- Amritsar : Private Walking Tour with Visit to Golden Temple: $171
- Amritsar City Tour: $48
- Amritsar City Tour: $204
- Amritsar City Tour ( EXCLUDING WAGAH BORDER) : $47
- Amritsar City Tour ( Including Wagah Border Ceremony): $60
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayBodh Gaya $5.35Amritsar $13
When comparing the travel costs between Bodh Gaya and Amritsar, we can see that Amritsar 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 Bodh Gaya Expensive? and Is Amritsar Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Bodh Gaya or Amritsar?
Amritsar has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Bodh Gaya. When comparing the sizes of Bodh Gaya and Amritsar, 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.