Which place is cheaper, Bikaner or Chennai?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
Should you visit Chennai or Bikaner?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Chennai or Bikaner? 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 Bikaner?
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.
Bikaner
Bikaner is located in the Rajasthan state in northwest India. This city is where the headquarters of Bikaner District and Division are located. The city was founded in 1486 by Rao Bika, and has a population of about 645,000 people.
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.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayChennai $29Bikaner $48
The average daily cost (per person) in Chennai is $29, while the average daily cost in Bikaner is $48. 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 Bikaner in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personChennai $15Bikaner $21
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomChennai $30Bikaner $42
Compare Hotels in Chennai and Bikaner
Looking for a hotel in Chennai or Bikaner? 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 and Bikaner Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Chennai $2.61Bikaner $13
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Chennai
Also for Chennai, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer from Chennai City to Chennai (MAA) Airport: $37
- Private Transfer from Chennai (MAA) Airport to Chennai City: $37
- Private Departure Transfer: Hotel to Chennai International Airport: $28
- Private Arrival Transfer: Chennai International Airport to Hotel: $40
- Private Arrival Transfer: Chennai Airport (MAA) to Pondicherry Hotels: $145
- Full Day Tour to Kanchipuram and UNESCO's Mahabalipuram with Private Transfer: $246
- 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
- Chennai - Private Departure Transfer from Hotel to Airport : $19
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Bikaner
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Bikaner:
-
Tuk Tuk Ride$0.24
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bikaner
Also for Bikaner, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Bikaner Heritage Walking Tour with Private Transfer: $153
- Self Guided Bikaner City Tour With One Way Transfer To Jaipur : $108
- Private Transfers Bikaner To Jodhpur Drop: $92
- Private Transfers Bikaner To Mandawa Drop: $61
- Private Transfer From Bikaner To Jaisalmer: $60
- Private Transfers Bikaner To Jaipur Drop: $55
- Private Transfer From Bikaner To Jodhpur: $48
- One-Way Transfer: Jaipur/Pushker/Jodhpur/Bikaner: $36
Is it cheaper to fly into Chennai or Bikaner?
Prices for flights to both Bikaner 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 $6.40Bikaner $17
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Chennai
For Chennai, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- 2 Hour Street Food Tour in Sowcarpet Chennai : $37
- Private In-Home Vegetarian Cooking Class and Meal in Chennai: $46
- 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
- Traditional Tamil Brahmin Vegetarian Cooking Lesson with a Local in Her Home: $74
- Private 3-Hour Cooking Lesson and Meal in Chennai: $100
- Authentic South Indian Cooking Class and Vegetarian Meal with a Local in Chennai: $122
- Food Trail In Sowcarpet With Transport And Dinner - Chennai: $216
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Bikaner
For Bikaner, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Taste of Bikaner (2 Hour Guided Street Food Tour with Local): $24
- Rajasthani Cooking Class in Bikaner: $172
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Chennai $2.77Bikaner $14
Tours and Activities in Chennai
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Chennai.
- St Thomas Mount Tour Chennai: $85
- Agra Taj Tour from Chennai: $220
- Auroville and Pondicherry Tour from Chennai: $44
- Bazaar Walking tour in George Town: $35
- Bicycle tour in Mahabalipuram with transport from Chennai,lunch & guide: $99
- Birds & Beyond: Chennai to Pulicat Bird Sanctuary Day Tour: $135
- British Architecture Walk in Chennai by Wonder tours: $49
- Chennai Cultural Walking Tour: $26
- Chennai Food Tasting Trails (2 Hour Guided Tour Experience): $26
- Chennai Full Day Guided Tour in a Private Car: $110
- Chennai Full Day Sightseeing in a Private Car: $66
- Chennai Half Day Guided Tour in a Private Car: $88
Tours and Activities in Bikaner
For Bikaner, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- 10 - Days Jodhpur, Jaisalmer, Bikaner, Jaipur and Agra Tour: $420
- 10 - Days Jodhpur, Jaisalmer, Bikaner, Jaipur and Agra Tour: $420
- 12 Days Rajasthan Fort & Places Tour: $1,319
- 2 - Day Mandawa Tour From Jaipur With Bikaner Drop: $120
- 6 Days Magnificent Rajasthan Tour: $468
- 8 - Day Rajasthan Tour, Jaipur, Jaisalmer & Bikaner: $360
- 8 - Day Rajasthan Tour, Jaipur, Jodhpur, Jaisalmer & Bikaner: $420
- 8 - Days Desert Tour of Jodhpur, Jaisalmer and Bikaner: $540
- 8 - Days Desert Tour of Jodhpur, Jaisalmer and Bikaner: $300
- 8 Days Rajasthan Tour - Jaipur, Jodhpur, Jaisalmer & Bikaner: $612
- A Private Guided Tour in Bikaner: $131
- Bikaner 2 Hour Guided Street Food Tasting Tour: $25
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayChennai $3.08Bikaner $12
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Chennai and Bikaner, we can see that Bikaner 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 Bikaner would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Bikaner 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 Bikaner Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Chennai or Bikaner?
Chennai has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Bikaner. When comparing the sizes of Chennai and Bikaner, 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.