Should I Visit Chennai or Bangalore for Vacation? Which is Better? Which is Cheaper? Which is More Expensive?

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 Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in India, The Best Adventure Tours to India, The Best Sightseeing Tours in India, and The Best Cultural Tours in India.

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.

Chennai Prices
India Prices

Bangalore Prices
India Prices
Average Daily Cost Per person, per day

Chennai $33

Bangalore $52

The average daily cost (per person) in Chennai is $33, while the average daily cost in Bangalore is $52. 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

Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person

Chennai $15

Bangalore $19
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room

Chennai $30

Bangalore $38

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

Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.

Chennai $2.53

Bangalore $9.41

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Chennai

Also for Chennai, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

Private Transfer from Chennai to Vellore: Comfortable Travel: $94
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: $36
Private Transfer from Chennai City Hotel to Chennai Airport: $30
Private Arrival Transfer: Chennai Airport (MAA) to Pondicherry Hotels: $145
Full Day Tour to Kanchipuram and UNESCO's Mahabalipuram with Private Transfer: $234
Departure transfer: Chennai hotels to Chennai International Airport: $19
Departure Transfer from Chennai Hotels to Chennai airport: $20
Chennai International Airport to Hotel-Private Arrival transfer: $25
Chennai Airport to Hotel Transfer: $13
Chennai Airport Transfers : Budget Sedan and SUV Cabs: $15

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 Kempegowda Airport (BLR) to Bengaluru City -RoundTrip Private Transfer: $182
From Mysore guided day tour with transfers: $161
Bengaluru Kempegowda Airport (BLR) to Bengaluru Arrival Transfer: $144
Bengaluru to Bengaluru Airport (BLR) - Departure Private Transfer: $144
Bangalore to Chennai Private Transfers: $135
Bengaluru Airport (BLR) to Bengaluru - Arrival Private Transfer: $91
Wild Life Jeep Safari Tour at Bannerghatta with Private Transfer: $77
Private Departure Transfer from City Hotel to Bengaluru Airport - 10PM to 6AM: $52
Visit an Animal Sanctuary with Private Transfer in Bengaluru : $51
Private Transfer from Kempegowda (BLR) Airport to Bangalore: $50
Bangalore - private arrival transfer from airport to hotel: $35

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

Food Meals for one day

Chennai $11

Bangalore $21

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Chennai

For Chennai, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

Private Vegetarian South Indian Cooking Class in Chennai : $48
South Indian Cooking Class in Chennai with a Passionate Baker: $48
South Indian Vegetarian Cooking Class Near the Chennai airport: $62
Private Authentic Indian Cooking Class in Chennai with a Local: $76
Private Chennai Market Tour and Cooking Class with a Fun Local: $89
Authentic South Indian Cooking Class and Vegetarian Meal with a Local in Chennai: $122
Private South Indian Cooking Class and Market Visit 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:

Bengaluru food tour in VV puram chat street.: $24
Traditional Cooking Classes & Dinner with Family: $31
Private Cooking Demonstration in a Bangalore Home: $45
Traditional Cooking Classes & Dinner with Chef Family: $49
Indian Cooking Class in Bangalore with an Award Winning Chef: $54
Discover Bangalore's Cuisine: Private Half-Day Cooking Experience: $60
Private South Indian Cooking Class in Bangalore with a Local: $62
Private In-Home Cooking Demonstration and Meal in Bangalore: $68
Private Indian Cooking Class and Meal in Bangalore Home: $71
Private Cooking and Dining Experience in Bengaluru: $76
Cooking experience in Bangalore, a half day tour: $107

Entertainment

Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.

Chennai $2.68

Bangalore $11

Tours and Activities in Chennai

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Chennai.

Chennai Private Tour with Female Guide: $95
Chennai to Temple Trail: Srikalahasti & Sri Venkateswara Tour: $89
Sowcarpet Street Food Walking Tour in Chennai with guide: $45
"Enchanting Chennai – A Day Tour of the City's Best!": $175
A Private Day tour from Chennai to Gingee & Thiruvannamalai: $88
Agra Taj Tour from Chennai: $292
Auroville and Pondicherry Tour from Chennai: $134
Bicycle tour in Mahabalipuram with transport from Chennai,lunch & guide: $94
Big Fat Indian Wedding, shopping & bazaar walking tour in Chennai: $60
Birds & Beyond: Chennai to Pulicat Bird Sanctuary Day Tour: $135
British Architecture Walk in Chennai by Wonder tours: $49
British Architecture Walk, an immersive walking tour in Chennai: $55

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: $73
Sacred Bull walking tour in Bangalore with guide: $55
(Mysuru) Mysore Day Out - A Royal Experience Private Tour from Bangalore: $145
2 Day Bandipur Safari and Mysore Palace Tour: $296
3-Day Wayanad Tour from Bangalore: $280
4-Hour Private Photowalk Tour in Bengaluru: $79
8-Hour Custom Private Tour of Bengaluru: $139
A Vijayanagara Tour through Hampi And Anegundi: $237
Agra Taj Tour from Bangalore: $292
Art & Craft Tour of Bangalore: $98
Authentic Shopping Experience in Bangalore for Souvenirs & Gifts: $36
BANGALORE FULL DAY CITY TOUR: $67

Alcohol

Alcohol Drinks for one day

Chennai $2.98

Bangalore $8.80

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: $38
Pub Crawl Bangalore: $38
Pub Crawl Experience in Bangalore with Chandan: $40
Pub Crawl Bangalore (3 Hours Guided Nightlife Experience): $41
Pub Crawl with Welcome Drinks, Games & Discounts: $52
Brews of Bengaluru- Pub Crawl: $95

How are these travel costs calculated?

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.

A Travel Price Comparison for India Chennai vs. Bangalore for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Chennai or Bangalore?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Where Should I go: Chennai or Bangalore?

Chennai

Bangalore

Which place is cheaper, Bangalore or Chennai?

Accommodation

Compare Hotels in Chennai and Bangalore

Local Transportation

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Chennai

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bangalore

Is it cheaper to fly into Chennai or Bangalore?

Food

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Chennai

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Bangalore

Entertainment

Tours and Activities in Chennai

Tours and Activities in Bangalore

Alcohol

Sample the Local Flavors in Bangalore

Which is Bigger, Chennai or Bangalore?

Related Articles for Chennai

Related Articles for Bangalore

A Travel Price Comparison for India Chennai vs. Bangalore for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Chennai or Bangalore?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Where Should I go: Chennai or Bangalore?

Chennai

Bangalore

Which place is cheaper, Bangalore or Chennai?

Accommodation

Compare Hotels in Chennai and Bangalore

Local Transportation

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Chennai

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bangalore

Is it cheaper to fly into Chennai or Bangalore?

Food

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Chennai

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Bangalore

Entertainment

Tours and Activities in Chennai

Tours and Activities in Bangalore

Alcohol

Sample the Local Flavors in Bangalore

Which is Bigger, Chennai or Bangalore?

Related Articles for Chennai

Related Articles for Bangalore

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