Which place is cheaper, Himachal Pradesh or Chennai?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Chennai or Himachal Pradesh?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Chennai or Himachal Pradesh? 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 Himachal Pradesh?
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.
Himachal Pradesh
With a name that translates to "abode of snow," Himachal Pradesh is a state in north-western India with opportunities for experiencing the Himalaya mountain range. Visitors come to the region to experience the mountain scenery, engage in Tibetan culture, and learn about the region's ancient past.
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.
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Chennai Prices
India PricesHimachal Pradesh Prices
India Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayChennai $32Himachal Pradesh $502
The average daily cost (per person) in Chennai is $32, while the average daily cost in Himachal Pradesh is $502. 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 Himachal Pradesh in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personChennai $15Himachal Pradesh $196
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomChennai $30Himachal Pradesh $392
Compare Hotels in Chennai and Himachal Pradesh
Looking for a hotel in Chennai or Himachal Pradesh? 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
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Chennai $2.47Himachal Pradesh $43
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: $41
- Private Transfer from Chennai City Hotel to Chennai Airport: $30
- Private Departure Transfer: Mahabalipuram Hotels to Chennai Airport: $50
- Private Arrival Transfer: Chennai International Airport to Hotel: $26
- Private Arrival Transfer: Chennai Airport (MAA) to Pondicherry Hotels: $108
- Full Day Tour to Kanchipuram and UNESCO's Mahabalipuram with Private Transfer: $234
- Departure Transfer from Chennai Hotels to Chennai airport: $20
- Chennai Private City and Airport Transfer : $29
- Chennai International Airport to Hotel-Private Arrival transfer: $30
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Himachal Pradesh
Also for Himachal Pradesh, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Dehradun- Transfers+Hotel+Sightseeing: $254
- Shimla Thermal Resorts to Delhi Airport DEL -Departure Transfer: $235
- From Delhi: One way Private Transfer Service to Agra: $139
- Chandigarh Airport IXC to Manali Resorts - Round-Trip Transfer: $125
- Affordable Chandigarh to Manali Transfer: $98
- Chandigarh Airport (IXC) to Manali Resorts - Arrival Transfer: $62
- Private Transfer from Nainital to Delhi: $59
- Private Transfer from Mussoorie to Delhi: $50
- Private Transfer from Rishikesh to Delhi: $45
- Private Transfer from Dehradun to Delhi: $44
- Affordable transfer from Rishikesh to Delhi: $39
- Private Transfer from Dehradun Airport to Rishikesh: $35
Is it cheaper to fly into Chennai or Himachal Pradesh?
Prices for flights to both Himachal Pradesh 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
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Food Meals for one dayChennai $11Himachal Pradesh $225
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: $30
- Private In-Home Vegetarian Cooking Class and Meal in Chennai: $46
- South Indian Cooking Class in Chennai with a Passionate Baker: $48
- South Indian Vegetarian Cooking Class Near the Chennai airport: $62
- Traditional Cooking Class in Chennai in a Local Home with Sundari: $74
- Private Authentic Indian Cooking Class in Chennai with a Local: $76
- Private tour to learn Traditional Indian Art, craft & Cooking: $80
- 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 Market Tour and South Indian Cooking Class in Chennai: $152
- Food Trail In Sowcarpet With Transport And Dinner - Chennai: $200
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Himachal Pradesh
For Himachal Pradesh, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Simple Sattvic Cooking Classes in Rishikesh - Cook & Eat ! : $50
- South Indian Cooking Class in Rishikesh: Cook & Eat !: $55
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Chennai $2.63Himachal Pradesh $108
Tours and Activities in Chennai
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Chennai.
- British Buildings & the Story of Chennai walking tour with guide: $90
- Chennai to Temple Trail: Srikalahasti & Sri Venkateswara Tour: $103
- Sowcarpet Street Food Walking Tour in Chennai with guide: $45
- 2 Day Royal Enfield Motorcycle tour from Chennai to Pondicherry & Mahabalipuram: $267
- Agra Taj Tour from Chennai: $292
- Agra: Taj Mahal Skip-the-Line & Guided Private 3 Hours Tour: $4.55
- Auroville and Pondicherry Tour from Chennai: $134
- Best Of Chennai- Classic Tour on Royal Enfield Motorcycle: $160
- 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 Himachal Pradesh
For Himachal Pradesh, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- 2 Nights / 3 Days Rishikesh to Mahavatar Babaji Cave Tour: $251
- 3 Day Village Homestay Experience with Local Guide from Shimla: $116
- 3 Days Luxury Himachal Tour : Ex-Delhi to Jibhi & Tirthan Valley: $173
- Adventure Activity ATV RIDE 2.25 Kms RZR 570: $35
- Adventure Tour ATV Ride 3 Kms - RZR 570: $44
- All Inclusive Sunrise Taj Mahal Private Tour from Delhi by Car : $107
- Ashram Tour By Walk in Rishikesh (Private Tour): $12
- Best of the Chandigarh (Guided Full Day City Tour): $124
- Caving Tour in Rishikesh - 6 Hrs.: $50
- Chandigarh Museum Tour with Tuk Tuk ride: $23
- Chandigarh Nightlife Tour with shopping and food tasting: $23
- Chandigarh Private Full Day Tour : $65
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayChennai $2.92Himachal Pradesh $21
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Chennai and Himachal Pradesh, we can see that Himachal Pradesh 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 Himachal Pradesh would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Himachal Pradesh 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 Himachal Pradesh Expensive?.
Which has a larger population, Chennai or Himachal Pradesh?
Himachal Pradesh has a larger population, and is about 48% larger than the population of Chennai. When comparing the sizes of Chennai and Himachal Pradesh, 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.