Which place is cheaper, Jaisalmer 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 Jaisalmer?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Chennai or Jaisalmer? 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 Jaisalmer?
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.
Jaisalmer
Jaisalmer is located in western part of the Rajasthan state of India. The city is known as the "Golden City" for its Sonar Qila, or 'Golden Fort'. This fort is different than other forts in India in that it is a living fort, meaning that it contains many hotels, homes, and shops for locals and visitors. The city is very close to the Thar Desert, to which excursions can be made.
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 PricesJaisalmer Prices
India Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayChennai $32Jaisalmer $44
The average daily cost (per person) in Chennai is $32, while the average daily cost in Jaisalmer is $44. 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 Jaisalmer in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personChennai $15Jaisalmer $13
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomChennai $30Jaisalmer $26
Compare Hotels in Chennai and Jaisalmer
Looking for a hotel in Chennai or Jaisalmer? 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 Jaisalmer Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Chennai $2.47Jaisalmer $11
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Chennai
Also for Chennai, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Full Day Tour to Kanchipuram and UNESCO's Mahabalipuram with Private Transfer: $234
- 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 Arrival Transfer: Chennai Airport (MAA) to Pondicherry Hotels: $108
- Private Transfer from Chennai City to Chennai (MAA) Airport: $41
- Bangalore - private departure transfer from Hotel to Airport : $35
- Chennai International Airport to Hotel-Private Arrival transfer: $30
- Private Transfer from Chennai City Hotel to Chennai Airport: $30
- Private Departure Transfer: Hotel to Chennai International Airport: $27
- Affordable Chennai Airport Transfer: $24
- Chennai Airport (MAA) Private Transfer to Chennai City/Hotels: $22
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Jaisalmer
Also for Jaisalmer, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer From Jaisalmer To Delhi: $197
- Private Transfer From Jaisalmer To Agra: $181
- Private transfer from Jaisalmer to Bikaner: $120
- Private Transfer From Jaisalmer To Ahmedabad: $117
- Transfer From Jaisalmer To Udaipur Via Ranakpur Jain Temple: $90
- Bada Bagh Sunset Tour with Private Transfer: $63
- Private Transfer From Jaisalmer To Bikaner : $62
- From Bikaner : Private Transfer To Jaisalmer: $60
- From Jaisalmer : Private Transfer To Bikaner: $55
- From Jaisalmer : Transfer To Jodhpur Via Osian Temple: $48
- Private Transfer From Jaisalmer To Jodhpur Via Osian Temple : $45
- Private Transfer from Jaisalmer to Jodhpur: $45
Is it cheaper to fly into Chennai or Jaisalmer?
Prices for flights to both Jaisalmer 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 $11Jaisalmer $22
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
- South Indian Cooking Class in Chennai with a Passionate Baker: $48
- South Indian Vegetarian Cooking Class in Chennai with Meena: $54
- South Indian Vegetarian Cooking Class Near the Chennai airport: $62
- Private Authentic Indian Cooking Class in Chennai with a Local: $76
- Traditional Cooking Class in Chennai in a Local Home with Sundari: $78
- 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
Typical Food Prices in Jaisalmer
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Jaisalmer:
-
Dinner$4.54
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Jaisalmer
For Jaisalmer, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Jaisalmer Food Tour: Taste the Flavors of the Golden City!: $14
- Camel Trails Sunset Safari with Dinner: $14
- Cooking Class With Indian family : $15
- Authentic Desert Farm Visit and Cooking Class: $24
- Jaisalmer Heritage & Cultural Walking & Street Food Tour: $26
- Half Day Sunset Camel ride & Cultural program dance & dinner : $29
- Half day, non touristic sand dune ,camel safari with dinner : $30
- Half-Day Camel Tour with Dinner: $34
- Pleasant Sunset Safari With Dinner On Dunes (From 2:00 PM to Approx. 10:00 PM): $35
- Dinner on the Dunes & Camel Safari: $36
- Sunset Safari With Dinner: $37
- Experience Camel Safari With Folk Dance & Dinner: $37
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Chennai $2.63Jaisalmer $12
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
Typical Entertainment Prices in Jaisalmer
For Jaisalmer, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
-
Sam Sand Dunes for Two$3.41
Tours and Activities in Jaisalmer
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Jaisalmer.
- Jaisalmer Tuk-Tuk Private Full Day Tour with Pick-up: $18
- Non_touristic Camel safari : $30
- Private Full-Day Tour of Jaisalmer with Guide: $28
- 1 night 2 days Thar Desert Experience Jaisalmer: $42
- 1-Night and 2-Days Thar Desert Safari Tour: $44
- 2 Days Non-Touristic Overnight Thar Desert Camel Safari Tour: $28
- 2 Days-1 Night Camel Tour: $110
- 3 Days Private Jaisalmer Tour: $180
- 3 Days Tour in Wild Desert Safari: $76
- 3-Day Private Tour of Jaisalmer with Desert Camp Experience: $173
- 4-day Jaisalmer And Jodhpur Combo Tour : $224
- 5 Days Udaipur Jodhpur & Jaisalmer Tour: $286
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayChennai $2.92Jaisalmer $8.76
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Chennai and Jaisalmer, we can see that Jaisalmer 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 Jaisalmer would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Jaisalmer 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 Jaisalmer Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Chennai or Jaisalmer?
Chennai has a larger population, and is about 60 times larger than the population of Jaisalmer. When comparing the sizes of Chennai and Jaisalmer, 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.