Which place is cheaper, Kerala 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 Kerala?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Chennai or Kerala? 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 Kerala?
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.
Kerala
Palm trees, sandy beaches, and vibrant culture. You'll find all of these things in Kerala, India. Located in the south of the country, Kerala is known as one of the top ten paradises in the world.
This area is covered in a beautiful, natural ecosystem including backwaters, mountains, coconuts and spices. The heavy, yearlong rains provide lush and gorgeous vegetation, and earn the area a spot on the list of the wettest spots on earth.
Kerala is very different from the rest of India. For one, this area is the most literate and diverse area in in the country with churches, mosques, Hindu temples and even synagogues. This states' education and healthcare are far beyond the rest of the country- putting them on par with many Western areas of the world. However, even though this area is incredibly diverse and progressive, do not expect everyone to speak or understand English.
The best part is that this area is by far the safest in all of India. There is almost no incidence of tourists being cheated or taken for granted.
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 PricesKerala Prices
India Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayChennai $30Kerala $29
The average daily cost (per person) in Chennai is $30, while the average daily cost in Kerala is $29. 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 Kerala in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personChennai $13Kerala $11
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomChennai $26Kerala $22
Compare Hotels in Chennai and Kerala
Looking for a hotel in Chennai or Kerala? 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 $2.26Kerala $4.32
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 Arrival Transfer - From Airport to Hotel: $30
- 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 Mahabalipuram: $55
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kerala
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Kerala:
- Private Transfer from Trivandrum to Alleppey: Travel Guide: $191
- Private 4-Day Tour in Kerala with Houseboat and Airport Transfers: $181
- Kovalam to Alleppey Private Transfer: $130
- Private Transfer from Cochin to Munnar Hotel: Hassle-Free Ride: $118
- Private Transfer from Kovalam to Alleppey: Hassle-Free Journey: $108
- Private Transfer: Cochin Airport (COK) to Munnar: $105
- Private Transfer:Fort Kochi to Munnar: $100
- Private Transfer from Cochin to Marari: Relaxed & Convenient Ride: $83
- Cochin to Vagamon Transfer: $80
- Athirappilly Waterfalls Day Trip from Kochi with Transfers: $67
- Private Transfer from Cochin to Cherai: Hassle-Free Travel: $48
- Private Transfer: Cochin Airport (COK) to Cochin Port Cruise Ship Terminal: $45
Is it cheaper to fly into Chennai or Kerala?
Prices for flights to both Kerala 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 $9.61Kerala $13
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
- 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
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Kerala
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Kerala.
- Enjoy the best Food tour in kochi with a local !: $19
- Kerala Traditional Village Cooking Class in Munnar: $20
- WE COOKS- Home Cooking Class in Munnar: $23
- Hands-on Authentic Keralite Cooking Class - Learn, Cook, Eat & Enjoy!: $35
- Cooking classes @ Aryavilla heritage, Varkala: $38
- Fisherman Village Tour in Marari Cooking, Crafts and Culture: $40
- Biryani Cooking class with House Chef: $54
- Biryani - Cooking Class in Fort Kochi: $54
- Evening Tour of Kochi with Kathakali and Dinner: $55
- Kerala Muslim Cooking Class with a Riverfront View in Kochi: $69
- Private Traditional Home Cooking Class in Kochi with Archana: $70
- Group Kerala Cooking Demo & Home Dining Experience in Kochi: $75
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Chennai $2.40Kerala $8.46
Tours and Activities in Chennai
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Chennai.
- Tuk-Tuk Tour of Mahabalipuram Monuments: $11
- Private Night Walking Tour Chennai: $12
- Explore Chennai City: Guided Walking Tour on Foot: $12
- Explore Chennai City in Nightlights: Guided Tour by Foot: $12
- Spiritual Stories of Guided Tour through Holy Sites: $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
- Chennai Walk of Divinity (2 Hours Guided Walking Tour): $19
- Magical Markets Guided Walking Tour: $19
- 2 Hour Street Food Walking Tour: $19
Tours and Activities in Kerala
Here are a few actual costs in Kerala for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- 1 Day Activity Adventure Trekking Kerala: $111
- 12 Hours Private Munnar Tour from Kochi: $119
- 2 Days in Cochin (Kochi) Private Tour: $250
- 2 Nights Misty Munnar Sightseeing (Private Tour with Car) - Iris Holidays: $111
- 2 Nights, 3 Days Kerala Backwaters & Beaches Tour: $493
- 2-Day Tour to The Taj Mahal and Agra from Kochi with Both side Commercial Flight: $210
- 3-4 hours Kochi Tuk-Tuk Tour with Pickup from Cruise Ships: $12
- 4 Day Adventure Kerala Tour Package Cochin Munnar Thekkady: $157
- 4 Days - Munnar, Alleppey Houseboat & Kochi sightseeing: $285
- 4 Days Private Kerala Tour -Kochi, Munnar, Thekkady with 3* Hotel: $184
- 4 Hour Private Tuk Tuk Tour in Kochi From Cruise terminal: $14
- 4 nights-Budget Tour- Cochin/Munnar/Thekkady/Houseboat / Cochin: $286
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayChennai $2.67Kerala $4.48
When comparing the travel costs between Chennai and Kerala, we can see that Chennai is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Asia, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Chennai Expensive? and Is Kerala Expensive?.
Which has a larger population, Chennai or Kerala?
Kerala has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Chennai. When comparing the sizes of Chennai and Kerala, 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.