Which place is cheaper, Varanasi or Cappadocia?
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 Cappadocia or Varanasi?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Cappadocia or Varanasi? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.
Where Should I go: Cappadocia or Varanasi?
Cappadocia
Cappadocia is in Central Anatolia, between the mountains Erciyes, Melendiz and Hasan. It is famous for its underground cities, fairy chimneys, and caves. The landscape of the area is some of the most unique you'll ever see. The fairy chimneys are bizarrely shaped rock outcroppings that have evolved from the unique geography in the area. There are hiking trails through the series of valleys that make up the area. It's a great place to explore for outdoor enthusiasts and adventure seekers.
Varanasi
Known to be one of India's holiest cities, many come to Varanasi on a spiritual pilgrimage looking to bathe in the sacred waters of the Ganges River. Dating back to the 11th Century BC, it is also one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. Centuries old temples make up the backdrop, as many come and come again to perform their holy rights at the edge of the historic river.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours from Istanbul, The Best 2-Week Tours from Istanbul, The Best Bicycle Tours in India, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in India.
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Cappadocia Prices
Turkey PricesVaranasi Prices
India Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayCappadocia $122Varanasi $31
The average daily cost (per person) in Cappadocia is $122, while the average daily cost in Varanasi is $31. 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 Cappadocia and Varanasi in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personCappadocia $34Varanasi $14
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomCappadocia $68Varanasi $28
Compare Hotels in Cappadocia and Varanasi
Looking for a hotel in Cappadocia or Varanasi? 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: Cappadocia Hotel Prices and Varanasi Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Cappadocia $33Varanasi $4.35
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cappadocia
Also for Cappadocia, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- İstanbul Airport Transfer: $67
- Whirling Dervishes Ceremony Semah With Hotel Transfer: $27
- Transfer from Kayseri Airport to Cappadocia Hotels (Small Group): $19
- Transfer between Nevşehir/Kayseri Airports and Cappadocia hotels: $22
- Shuttle Transfer from Cappadocia Hotels to "Kayseri Erkilet Airport": $31
- Shared Transfers for Kayseri and Nevşehir Airports: $3.41
- Shared Shuttle Airport or Hotel Transfer in Cappadocia: $25
- Red Cappadocia Tour with Hotel transfer, Tickets, Lunch and more!: $70
- Private transfer in SUBURBAN in punta cana and bavaro cap cana: $60
- Private transfer from Nevşehir airport (NAV) to any hotel in Cappadocia: $107
- Private Transfers from to Kayseri or Nevşehir Airport: $30
- Private Transfers Nevşehir Apt to/from Kaymaklı or Özkonak Underground Cities: $131
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Varanasi
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Varanasi:
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Tuk Tuk Through Town$0.84
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Rickshaw Ride$0.53
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Varanasi
Also for Varanasi, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Sunrise Boat Tour and Heritage Walk with transfers: $79
- Sarnath Tour with Guide & Car Including transfers: $77
- Sunrise Boat Tour and Heritage Walk with transfers: $72
- Sarnath Tour with Guide & Car Including Hotel transfers: $70
- Private transfer from Varanasi to Allahabad: $67
- Smooth transfer from Varanasi Airport to Hotel: $60
- Airport Pickup/Drop Transfer Service: $53
- 3-hours Temple hopping with transfers: $35
- Varanasi Airport : Transfer To Hotel / To Airport: $21
- Varanasi Airport : Transfer to Hotel / To Airport: $13
- Varanasi Hotels to Varanasi Airport drop: Private Transfers: $11
- Varanasi Airport to Varanasi Hotels drop: Private Transfers: $11
Is it cheaper to fly into Cappadocia or Varanasi?
Prices for flights to both Varanasi and Cappadocia 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 dayCappadocia $56Varanasi $11
Typical Food Prices in Cappadocia
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Cappadocia:
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Cookies$0.02
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Cappadocia
For Cappadocia, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Cappadocia Turkish Night Show with Dinner and Drinks: $51
- Cappadocia From Traditional Cooking Class Course: $57
- Cappadocia Turkish Night Show, Dinner & Unlimited Drinks & Pickup: $61
- Turkish Night at Cave Restaurant with Dinner and Unlimited Drinks: $62
- Turkish Nights in Cappadocia Dinner & Cultural Show in a Cave: $65
- Cappadocia Night: Turkish Dance & Dinner: $70
- Turkish Night Show With Dinner in a Cave Restaurant: $74
- Cappadocia Turkish Night Cultural Show and Dinner: $75
- Cappadocia Turkish Night Show with Dinner & Hotel Transfers: $75
- Half-Day Private Food Tour in Kayseri: $78
- 2-Hour Cappadocia Turkish Night Show and Dinner Experience: $79
- Cappadocia Turkish Night with Dinner and Cultural Show: $79
Typical Food Prices in Varanasi
For Varanasi, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
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Dinner In Town$3.63
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Varanasi
For Varanasi, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Food Tour: Highlights Tour with Tasting &Sunset in Varanasi: $14
- Cooking Class with Sona: $29
- Night Boat Ride, Aarti Ceremony and Dinner: $29
- Ganga Aarti with Street Food Tour of Varanasi: $40
- Half-Day Varanasi Village Tour with Cooking Class & Local Dining: $40
- Varanasi Cooking Classes with Shobha: $40
- Traditional Indian Cooking Class with Dinner: $42
- Private Street Food Tour with 8+ Tastings & Pickup: $44
- Private Food Tour with Ganga Aarti Ceremony: $44
- Varanasi Cooking Classes with Indu and Shobha: $50
- Dashashwamedh Ganga Arati from balcony with Street Food Tour: $50
- Indian Cooking Class with Hotel Pickup: $52
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Cappadocia $62Varanasi $9.24
Typical Entertainment Prices in Cappadocia
For Cappadocia, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
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Underground City Entrance for Two$0.60
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Hot Air Balloon Ride for Two$12
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Horseback Riding for Two$2.31
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Cappadocia Driving Tour$2.46
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Goreme Museum Entrance Fee$0.30
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Whirling Dervishes Show$2.01
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Turkish Bath$1.41
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Hot air ballooning$8.15
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Goreme open air museum$0.40
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Bellydancing Show$2.62
Tours and Activities in Cappadocia
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Cappadocia.
- 1 Day Cappadocia Tour: $96
- 1 Hour Cappadocia ATV Tour: $11
- 1, 2 or 3 Days Private Cappadocia Tour Best Seller: $250
- 1-Hour Valleys and Landscapes through Cappadocia ATV Tour: $18
- 2 Day Guided Red and South Tour in Cappadocia: $114
- 2 Days Small Group Cappadocia North and South Tour: $136
- 2 Days South (Green tour) and North (Red tour) Cappadocia + Lunch: $90
- 2 Days in Private Tour & Spiritual Dervish Ceremony: $208
- 2 Hour Cappadocia Atv Experience: $57
- 2 Hours Sunset ATV Adventure in Cappadocia: $32
- 2 days Cappadocia Green and ultimate Red Tour: $131
- 2-Day Cappadocia Highlights Tour (Red & Green Tours Included): $182
Typical Entertainment Prices in Varanasi
Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Varanasi's activities, tours, and tickets:
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Boat Ride$0.74
Tours and Activities in Varanasi
For Varanasi, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- 03 Day Spiritual Tour: Kashi Vishwanath,Ganga Aarti Sarnath”: $271
- 08 Hours : Private - Full Day City Tour Of Delhi: $53
- 08 Hours : Private Full Day City Tour of Jaipur: $90
- 2 Day Private Bodhgaya Tour From Varanasi: $189
- 2 Day Private Mystical Varanasi Tour: $43
- 2 Days Enlightening Bodhgaya Tour from Varanasi: $180
- 2 Days Varanasi City Tour with Evening Aarti and Boat Ride: $100
- 2 Days Varanasi tour package for first timers: $135
- 2 Night 3 Days Spiritual Varanasi with Cruise Ride: $233
- 2-Day Varanasi Experience – Temples, Ghats & Ganga Aarti: $140
- 2-Day Varanasi Heritage & Tradition Guided Tour: $156
- 2-Day Experience Sunrise Boat Ride & Evening Aarti: $317
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayCappadocia $12Varanasi $6.91
Sample the Local Flavors in Cappadocia
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Cappadocia:
- Wine tasting in Cappadocia: $67
- Local Wine Tasting Experience: $68
- Wine Tasting in Cappadocia Turkey - Introduction of local wines: $72
- Cappadocia Fairy Chimneys Guided Tour with Local Wine Tasting: $85
- Cappadocia Vineyard Experience and Wine Tasting: $92
- Private Wine Tasting and Day Tour w/Göreme Museum: $108
- Wine Tasting and Sunset in Cappadocia: $204
- Half-Day Private Cappadocia Wine Tour Experience: $268
- Ancient Cappadocia's Wine Tasting - Private Tour: $275
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Cappadocia and Varanasi, we can see that Cappadocia is more expensive. And not only is Varanasi much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Cappadocia is in Europe and Varanasi is in Asia, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Varanasi would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Varanasi 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 Cappadocia would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Cappadocia than you might in Varanasi.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Cappadocia Expensive? and Is Varanasi Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Cappadocia or Varanasi?
Varanasi has a larger population, and is about 180 times larger than the population of Cappadocia. When comparing the sizes of Cappadocia and Varanasi, 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.