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

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.


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.

The average daily cost (per person) in Chennai is $33, while the average daily cost in Delhi 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 Delhi in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Chennai $15
    Delhi $22
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Chennai $30
    Delhi $44
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.

Hotels in Chennai


Hotels in Delhi


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 $2.53
    Delhi $5.12

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Chennai

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

  • Affordable Chennai Airport Transfer: $24
  • Chennai - Private Arrival Transfer - From Airport to Hotel: $20
  • Chennai Airport (MAA) Private Transfer to Chennai City/Hotels: $22
  • Chennai Airport Transfers : Budget Sedan and SUV Cabs: $15
  • Chennai Airport to Hotel Transfer: $13
  • Chennai International Airport to Hotel-Private Arrival transfer: $25
  • Departure Transfer from Chennai Hotels to Chennai airport: $20
  • Departure transfer: Chennai hotels to Chennai International Airport: $19
  • Full Day Tour to Kanchipuram and UNESCO's Mahabalipuram with Private Transfer: $234
  • Private Arrival Transfer: Chennai Airport (MAA) to Pondicherry Hotels: $145
  • Private Transfer from Chennai City Hotel to Chennai Airport: $30
  • Private Transfer from Chennai City to Chennai (MAA) Airport: $36

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Delhi

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Delhi:


  • Tuk Tuk Ride
    $0.12
  • Taxi to Airport
    $1.86
  • Subway
    $0.37
  • Uber Cab
    $0.93
  • Delhi Metro Smart Card
    $1.74
  • Auto-rickshaw
    $1.16

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Delhi

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Delhi:

  • Delhi to Jaipur transfer via Bharatpur and Ranthambore park visit: $300
  • Delhi Airport (DEL) to Shimla Resorts-Arrival Transfer: $293
  • Delhi Indira Gandhi Airport (DEL) to Delhi hotels - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $278
  • 3-Days Delhi and Varanasi Tour by Express Train.Includes,Hotel Transfers.: $275
  • Private Transfer: Delhi to Corbett National Park with Brunch: $199
  • Private transfer from Delhi Indira Gandhi Intl Airport to Delhi Hotels : $199
  • Arrival Private Transfer Indira Gandhi Airport DEL to Delhi: $199
  • From Taj Mahal & Agra Private Day Trip with Transfers: $189
  • Private Transfer Delhi to Amritsar: $176
  • A Delectable Meal At The Great Kebab Factory with Private Transfer: $172
  • From Taj Mahal & Agra Private Day Trip with Transfers: $169
  • Private Transfers Delhi To Ajmer Drop: $142

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 day
    Chennai $11
    Delhi $20

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

Typical Food Prices in Delhi

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Delhi:


  • McDonalds
    $3.40

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Delhi

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Delhi.

  • Old Delhi Food Tour Extravaganza!: $29
  • Food Tour in Delhi: $30
  • Online: Indian Food Cooking Class: $32
  • Indian Cooking and Dining experience. : $36
  • Food Tour to Old Delhi with a Local: $38
  • Connaught Place Street shopping & food tour in Delhi: $39
  • Old Delhi Food Tour: A Night Time Feast: $40
  • Evening Food Tour: $40
  • Transit Tour-Guided Best Old Delhi's Attractions & Food Tour: $43
  • The Great Indian Food Tour (Old Delhi Food and Heritage Walk) : $44
  • Local Delhi Food Tour with Tour Guide - walk and taste street food: $45
  • Delhi by Evening Tour by Private Air-Condition vehicle includes Dinner. : $45

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Chennai $2.68
    Delhi $13

Tours and Activities in Chennai

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

  • Chennai Walking Tour ( 2 hours guided tour): $12
  • Private Night Walking Tour Chennai: $13
  • Chennai Heritage & Cultural Walk (2 Hours Guided Walking Tour): $14
  • Chennai Night Walk Tour ( 2 hours guided walking tour): $15
  • Magical Markets Tour (2 Hours Guided Walking Tour): $16
  • Chennai Walk of Divinity (2 Hours Guided Walking Tour): $16
  • 2 Hour Street Food Walking Tour: $16
  • Night Walking Tour of Chennai: $19
  • Food Walk Tour Chennai: $24
  • Chennai Cultural Walking Tour: $26
  • Village Tour around Mahabalipuram: $27
  • The Georgetown Bazaar Walking tour : $29

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
    $10

Tours and Activities in Delhi

Here are a few actual costs in Delhi for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • 2-day Tajmahal & Fort tour with Tiger Safari from Goa: $230
  • 6 Hours: Delhi Temples and Spiritual Sites Tour: $45
  • Bollywood Dance + Delhi City Tour: $75
  • Customized Full Day Tour of Old and New Delhi: $5.00
  • Delhi Agra Jaipur 3 Days Golden Triangle Tour From New Delhi: $40
  • Delhi Agra Jaipur 5 Days Golden Triangle Tour From New Delhi: $34
  • Delhi And Taj Mahal Sunrise tour from Delhi 2 Days: $210
  • Full Day Agra Sightseeing Tour from Delhi by Car: $250
  • Golden Triangle Tour 3 Days: $267
  • Half Day or Full Day Delhi Shopping Tour with Female Consultant: $41
  • Jaipur day Tour from Delhi : Private and All Inclusive: $82
  • New Delhi Night City Tour: $45

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Chennai $2.98
    Delhi $8.41

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): $26
  • Pub Crawl Delhi: $38


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.