Which place is cheaper, Bangalore or Chennai?
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 Chennai or Bangalore?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Chennai or Bangalore? 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: Chennai or Bangalore?
Chennai
Formerly known as Madras from its colonial history, Chennai today is one of India's largest cities and capital of the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. It is located on the Bay of Bengal in southeastern India with an extensive stretch of sandy beaches, plenty of dining and shopping, a number of historic temples, monuments, and churches, plus amusement parks and more.
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 Adventure Tours to India, The Best Sightseeing Tours in India, The Best Cultural Tours in India, and The Best Food and Culinary Tours in India.
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Chennai Prices
India PricesBangalore Prices
India Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayChennai $30Bangalore $46
The average daily cost (per person) in Chennai is $30, while the average daily cost in Bangalore is $46. 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 Chennai and Bangalore in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personChennai $13Bangalore $17
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomChennai $26Bangalore $34
Compare Hotels in Chennai and Bangalore
Looking for a hotel in Chennai 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: Chennai Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Chennai $2.26Bangalore $8.42
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Chennai
Also for Chennai, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer from Mahabalipuram Hotel to Chennai Airport(MAA): $50
- Private Transfer from Chennai to Thiruvannamalai: Ultimate Guide: $130
- Private Transfer from Chennai to Pondicherry: Comfortable Travel: $130
- Private Transfer from Chennai City to Chennai (MAA) Airport: $39
- Private Transfer from Chennai City Hotel to Chennai Airport: $30
- Private Departure Transfer: Hotel to Chennai International Airport: $27
- Private Departure Transfer: Chennai Hotels to Chennai Airport (MAA): $35
- Private Chennai Airport Transfer Arrival to Hotel: $30
- Private Arrival Transfer: Chennai International Airport to Hotel: $26
- Private Arrival Transfer: Chennai Airport (MAA) to Pondicherry Hotels: $108
- Private Arrival Transfer: Chennai Airport (MAA) to Chennai Hotels: $35
- Private Arrival Transfer Chennai Airport MAA to Mahabalipuram: $55
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bangalore
Also for Bangalore, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Vineyard Tour to Beautiful Nandi Hills including Wine Tasting & Private Transfer: $238
- Bengaluru Airport Private Transfer Service: $232
- Private Transfer from Bangalore to Puttaparthi-Safe & Comfortable: $120
- Bengaluru Kempegowda Airport (BLR) to Bengaluru City -RoundTrip Private Transfer: $80
- Wild Life Jeep Safari Tour at Bannerghatta with Private Transfer: $70
- Mysore City Private Day Tour with Transfers: $67
- Private Departure Transfer from City Hotel to Bengaluru Airport - 10PM to 6AM: $52
- Bengaluru Airport (BLR) to Bengaluru - Arrival Private Transfer: $40
- Bengaluru City to Bengaluru Kempegowda Airport (BLR)- Departure Private Transfer: $40
- Bengaluru Kempegowda Airport (BLR) to Bengaluru Arrival Transfer: $37
- Bengaluru to Bengaluru Airport (BLR) - Departure Private Transfer: $37
- Bangalore Airport (BLR) Private Transfer to Bangalore City/Hotels: $32
Is it cheaper to fly into Chennai or Bangalore?
Prices for flights to both Bangalore and Chennai 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 dayChennai $9.61Bangalore $19
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Chennai
For Chennai, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Ayurvedic or South Indian Cooking Class in Chennai with an Author: $40
- Vegetarian South Indian Cooking Class in Chennai with Vidhya: $48
- PRIVATE Chennai Cooking Class in a Local Home with Meena: $54
- South Indian Vegetarian Cooking Class near Chennai Airport: $62
- Traditional Indian Art, Craft and Cooking Tour: $71
- Private Authentic Indian Cooking Demo in Chennai in Tara's Home: $76
- Private tour to learn Traditional Indian Art, craft & Cooking: $80
- Neighborhood Market Tour & South Indian Cooking Class in Chennai: $152
- Food Trail In Sowcarpet With Transport And Dinner - Chennai: $200
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 Chef Family: $44
- Anglo-Indian Cooking Class in Bangalore by Award-Winning Author: $54
- Discover Bangalore's Cuisine: Private Half-Day Cooking Experience: $60
- Cook, Dine & Connect: Indian Home Cooking in Bengaluru: $70
- Private Cooking Classes on a Farm in Bangalore City: $76
- Private South Indian Cooking Class in Bangalore with a Local: $78
- Doctor led Bengaluru Food Tour Discover Authentic Local Cuisine: $92
- Private Bengaluru Food Walking Tour with Dinner: $99
- Cooking experience in Bangalore, a half day tour: $115
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Chennai $2.40Bangalore $9.51
Tours and Activities in Chennai
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Chennai.
- 2 Day Royal Enfield Motorcycle tour from Chennai to Pondicherry & Mahabalipuram: $267
- 2-Day Tour to Taj Mahal and Agra from Chennai with Both Side Commercial Flights: $254
- 2-Day Tour to Taj Mahal and Agra from Chennai with Both side Commercial Flights: $276
- 2-Days Private Udaipur City Tour with Boat Ride: $116
- 6-Day Classical Tamil Nadu Private Tour from Chennai: $250
- 7-Day Spiritual Tamil Nadu Private Tour from Chennai: $526
- Agra Taj Tour from Chennai: $292
- All Inclusive Chennai Full & Half-Day Tour with Hotel Pickup: $48
- Auroville and Pondicherry Tour from Chennai: $134
- Auto Rickshaw Tour of Mahabalipuram: $82
- Best Of Chennai- Classic Tour on Royal Enfield Motorcycle: $160
- Best of Chennai and Mahabalipuram Full Day Private Guided Tour: $99
Tours and Activities in Bangalore
For Bangalore, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- (Mysuru) Mysore Day Out - A Royal Experience Private Tour from Bangalore: $125
- 2 day Motorcycle tour from Bangalore to Belur, Halebid & Shravanabelagola: $288
- 2-Day Tour to Taj Mahal and Agra from Bangalore with Both Side Commercial Flight: $254
- 3-Day Wayanad Tour from Bangalore: $298
- A Vijayanagara Tour through Hampi And Anegundi: $216
- All Inclusive Bangalore Half-Day City Tour with Hotel Pickup: $70
- Authentic Shopping Experience in Bangalore for Souvenirs & Gifts: $49
- Bangalore City Tour (Lunch, Pick up & drop at hotel): $100
- Bangalore Explorer: 3-Day Tour of the Garden City: $259
- Bangalore Full Day Private City Tour: $58
- Bangalore Heritage Walking Tour through Gavipuram: $30
- Bangalore Heritage and Cultural Walking Tour: $12
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayChennai $2.67Bangalore $7.87
Sample the Local Flavors in Bangalore
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Bangalore:
- Pub Crawl in Bengaluru - A lovely private evening experience with a local: $35
- Bangalore The Original Pub Crawl Tour: $45
- Hops and Stops Microbrewery Learning Trail in Bengaluru: $51
- Pub Crawl & Nightlife Exploration in Bangalore from 8 PM to 1 AM: $76
- Brews of Bengaluru- Pub Crawl: $95
- Bangalore Wine Trails: Grover Zampa Vineyard & Wine Tasting: $161
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Chennai and Bangalore, we can see that Bangalore is more expensive. And not only is Chennai much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Chennai would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Chennai 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 Bangalore would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Bangalore than you might in Chennai.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Chennai Expensive? and Is Bangalore Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Chennai or Bangalore?
Bangalore has a larger population, and is about 18% larger than the population of Chennai. When comparing the sizes of Chennai 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.