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.
Jump to 
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.
-
Chennai Prices
India PricesBangalore Prices
India Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayChennai $30Bangalore $47
The average daily cost (per person) in Chennai is $30, while the average daily cost in Bangalore is $47. 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 personChennai $14Bangalore $18
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomChennai $28Bangalore $36
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 $2.31Bangalore $8.60
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: $156
- 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: $40
- Private Transfer from Chennai City Hotel to Chennai Airport: $30
- Private Departure Transfer: Hotel to Chennai International Airport: $27
- 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
- Full Day Tour to Kanchipuram and UNESCO's Mahabalipuram with Private Transfer: $234
- Departure transfer: Chennai hotels to Chennai International Airport: $44
- 12-Day Guided Tour to Kochi with Transfers: $1,167
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
- Private Arrival Transfer: Bengaluru International Airport to Bangalore Hotels: $84
- Private Departure Transfer: Bangalore Hotels to Bengaluru International Airport: $75
- Bengaluru Airport (BLR) to Bengaluru Round-Trip Transfer: $75
- Wild Life Jeep Safari Tour at Bannerghatta with Private Transfer: $71
- Bangalore - private arrival transfer from airport to hotel: $58
- Private Departure Transfer from City Hotel to Bengaluru Airport - 10PM to 6AM: $52
- Bengaluru Airport (BLR) to Bengaluru - Arrival Private Transfer: $41
- Bengaluru City to Bengaluru Kempegowda Airport (BLR)- Departure Private Transfer: $41
- 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
-
Food Meals for one dayChennai $9.81Bangalore $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
- Chennai Market Tour & Cooking Class in a Local Home with Meena: $54
- South Indian Vegetarian Cooking Class near Chennai Airport: $62
- Private Authentic Indian Cooking Demo in Chennai in Tara's Home: $76
- Traditional Indian Art, Craft and Cooking Tour: $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:
- Pop-Up Dinner in Bangalore with Focus on Sustainable Food: $22
- Traditional Cooking Classes & Dinner with Chef Family: $45
- Traditional Gowda Cooking Class and Meal in a Bangalore Home: $59
- Discover Bangalore's Cuisine: Private Half-Day Cooking Experience: $60
- Private In-Home Cooking Demonstration and Meal in Bangalore: $68
- Private South Indian Cooking Class in Bangalore with a Local: $78
- Private Bengaluru Food Walking Tour with Dinner: $99
- Private Cooking and Dining Experience in Bengaluru: $100
- Cooking experience in Bangalore, a half day tour: $115
- Authentic Indian Cooking Class: $149
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Chennai $2.45Bangalore $9.71
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
- 6-Day Classical Tamil Nadu Private Tour from Chennai: $250
- 7-Day Spiritual Tamil Nadu Private Tour from Chennai: $586
- A Private Day tour from Chennai to Gingee & Thiruvannamalai: $96
- Agra: Taj Mahal Skip-the-Line & Guided Private 3 Hours Tour: $4.51
- 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 Guided Half Day City Tour with a local: $43
- British Architecture Walk, an immersive walking tour in Chennai: $55
- British Legacies: The Story of Chennai Walking Tour: $90
- CHENNAI FULL DAY TOUR: $68
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
- 3 Days Taj Mahal Tour From Bengaluru to Agra: $64
- 8-Hour Custom Private Tour of Bengaluru: $150
- Art & Craft Tour of Bangalore: $98
- Authentic Shopping Experience in Bangalore for Souvenirs & Gifts: $38
- Bangalore Basavanagudi Heritage Self Guided Walking Tour: $7.99
- Bangalore City Tour (Lunch, Pick up & drop at hotel): $100
- Bangalore City Tour Full-Day Private: $204
- Bangalore Discovery: Full-Day Private Guided City Tour: $80
- Bangalore Explorer: 3-Day Tour of the Garden City: $259
- Bangalore Full Day Private City Tour: $58
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayChennai $2.73Bangalore $8.04
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: $35
- Bengaluru Pub Crawler - Nightlife Walking Tour: $89
- 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.