Which place is cheaper, Bangalore or Bodh Gaya?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Bodh Gaya or Bangalore?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Bodh Gaya or Bangalore, 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 Bangalore?
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.
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.
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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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayBodh Gaya $52Bangalore $44
The average daily cost (per person) in Bodh Gaya is $52, while the average daily cost in Bangalore 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 Bangalore in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personBodh Gaya $22Bangalore $20
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomBodh Gaya $44Bangalore $40
Compare Hotels in Bodh Gaya and Bangalore
Looking for a hotel in Bodh Gaya or Bangalore? 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.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Bodh Gaya $23Bangalore $9.70
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bodh Gaya
Also for Bodh Gaya, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer from Bodhgaya Hotel to Gaya Airport: $13
- Private Transfer from Bodhgaya Airport: $13
- Affordable Bodh Gaya Airport Transfer: $15
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
Is it cheaper to fly into Bodh Gaya or Bangalore?
Prices for flights to both Bangalore 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 $16Bangalore $13
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
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Bodh Gaya $9.82Bangalore $11
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
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
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayBodh Gaya $5.64Bangalore $9.07
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 we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Bodh Gaya and Bangalore, we can see that Bodh Gaya is more expensive. And not only is Bangalore much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Bangalore would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Bangalore 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 Bangalore.
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 Bangalore Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Bodh Gaya or Bangalore?
Bangalore has a larger population, and is about 150 times larger than the population of Bodh Gaya. When comparing the sizes of Bodh Gaya and Bangalore, 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.