Which place is cheaper, Delhi 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 Delhi?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Chennai or Delhi? 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 Delhi?
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.
Delhi
Delhi is the largest city in northern India and is officially the country's capital. The city has a population of 11 million with the metropolitan population reaching over 16 million. The city is similar in landscape to the rest of its surrounding area. It is very flat with the river Yamuna flowing on the eastern side of the city. The Aravalii Hills are in the western portion of the city. The city's history dates back to the 6th century BC and it has served as a capital for various kingdoms and empires.
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 PricesDelhi Prices
India Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayChennai $30Delhi $49
The average daily cost (per person) in Chennai is $30, while the average daily cost in Delhi is $49. 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 Delhi in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personChennai $14Delhi $21
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomChennai $28Delhi $42
Compare Hotels in Chennai and Delhi
Looking for a hotel in Chennai or Delhi? 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 Delhi Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Chennai $2.30Delhi $4.30
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Chennai
Also for Chennai, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Affordable Chennai Airport Transfer: $24
- Bangalore - private departure transfer from Hotel to Airport: $35
- Chennai - Private Departure Transfer from Hotel to Airport: $30
- Chennai Airport (MAA) Private Transfer to Chennai City/Hotels: $22
- Chennai Airport to Hotel Transfer: $13
- Chennai Airport: Layover City Guided Tour with Transfers: $48
- Chennai Private City and Airport Transfer: $27
- 12-Day Guided Tour to Kochi with Transfers: $1,094
- Departure transfer: Chennai hotels to Chennai International Airport: $44
- From Chennai Mylapore walking trail with Guide & Transfers: $45
- Private Arrival Transfer: Chennai Airport (MAA) to Pondicherry Hotels: $108
- Private Arrival Transfer: Chennai International Airport to Hotel: $26
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Delhi
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Delhi:
-
Tuk Tuk Ride$0.11
-
Taxi to Airport$1.69
-
Subway$0.34
-
Uber Cab$0.84
-
Delhi Metro Smart Card$1.58
-
Auto-rickshaw$1.05
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Delhi
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Delhi:
- Exclusive Delhi airport VIP service & transfer to Agra: $265
- From Private Taj Mahal Day Trip with Transfers: $229
- 3-Day City Tour of Old and New Delhi with Airport Transfers: $208
- Private Transfer Delhi To Varanasi: $190
- Evening Delhi city tour with pickup transfer: $183
- Private Transfer Delhi to Amritsar: $176
- From Delhi Agra Taj Mahal Tour by Car with Transfers: $169
- Private Transfer: Delhi to Rishikesh via Haridwar: $165
- Private Transfer New Delhi To Shimla: $160
- Private Transfer Delhi to Amritsar: $160
- One Way Delhi To Udaipur Transfer: $160
- Private Transfer: Delhi to Agra via Vrindavan & Mathura: $145
Is it cheaper to fly into Chennai or Delhi?
Prices for flights to both Delhi 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 $9.75Delhi $18
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
- Private Market Visit & Cooking Class in Sundari's Chennai Home: $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
Typical Food Prices in Delhi
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Delhi:
-
McDonalds$3.09
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Delhi
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Delhi.
- Private Old Delhi Street Food Tour: 11 Tastings & Rickshaw Ride: $8.61
- Old Delhi Food Tour: 8 Tastings & Tuk-Tuk Ride with Local Expert: $14
- Appetizing virtual cooking class from Delhi: $17
- Delhi Guided Half Day Food Tour in Famous Markets: $19
- Old Delhi Street Food Tour Rickshaw Ride and Hidden Gems Walk: $22
- Old Delhi Food Tour with Pickup and Drop Off: $22
- Learn Indian Cooking From A Chef - Private Cooking Class: $22
- Old Delhi Food Tour Extravaganza!: $26
- Online: Indian Food Cooking Class: $29
- Half Day Old Delhi Heritage Walking Street Food Tour: $30
- Old Delhi Street Food Tour – Explore Spices in Chandni Chowk: $30
- Authentic Indian Cooking Class in a Local Delhi Home: $38
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Chennai $2.44Delhi $17
Tours and Activities in Chennai
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Chennai.
- Private Night Walking Tour Chennai: $12
- Spiritual Stories of Guided Tour through Holy Sites: $12
- Explore Chennai City in Nightlights: Guided Tour by Foot: $12
- Explore Chennai City: Guided Walking Tour on Foot: $12
- Exploring Chennai Bustling Markets: Guided Tour by Foot: $12
- Explore Chennai City: 2 Hours Guided Walking Tour: $13
- Chennai Walking Tour ( 2 hours guided tour): $14
- Mahabalipuram Heritage Day Tour-Approved by Ministry of India: $18
- Magical Markets Guided Walking Tour: $19
- Chennai Walk of Divinity (2 Hours Guided Walking Tour): $19
- 2 Hour Street Food Walking Tour: $19
- Authentic Local Street Eats Guided Walking Tour: $19
Typical Entertainment Prices in Delhi
Here are a few typical costs in Delhi for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
-
Red Fort$9.16
Tours and Activities in Delhi
Here are a few actual costs in Delhi for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- “Old & New Delhi Discovery: Private Full-Day Guided Tour”: $59
- "Taj Mahal" Tour from Delhi by India's Fastest Train (Gatiman Express): $95
- (Time saver) 2-day Golden Triangle Tour all inclusive: $60
- 02 Days Jaipur Tour By Car From Delhi: $140
- 02 Days Overnight Taj Mahal Tour From Delhi: $150
- 03 Days Private Ranthambore Wildlife Safari Tour From Delhi: $230
- 1 Day Delhi City Tour & 1 Day Agra Taj Mahal Private Combo Tour: $76
- 1 Day Delhi and 1 Day Jaipur Tour by Car - All Inclusive Tour: $254
- 1 Day Delhi and 1 Day Taj Mahal Tour by Car: $119
- 1 Day Jaipur Tour from Delhi: $211
- 1 Day Taj Mahal Tour With Experienced Guide: $63
- 1- Day Golden Triangle Tour to Agra Jaipur from Delhi: $160
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayChennai $2.71Delhi $7.63
Sample the Local Flavors in Delhi
Also in Delhi, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Pub Crawl (3 Hours Guided Bar Hopping Tour): $29
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Chennai and Delhi, we can see that Delhi 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 Delhi would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Delhi 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 Delhi Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Chennai or Delhi?
Delhi has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Chennai. When comparing the sizes of Chennai and Delhi, 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.