Which place is cheaper, Kolkata (Calcutta) 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 Kolkata (Calcutta)?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Chennai or Kolkata (Calcutta)? 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 Kolkata (Calcutta)?
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.
Kolkata (Calcutta)
Formerly known as Calcutta, Kolkata is the capital of West Bengal, India. Featuring colonial architecture, galleries, temples, and festivals, the city has flourished from its roots as an East India Company trading post in the 18th Century to a thriving metropolis. Today Kolkata is a diverse center of culture and bustling activity.
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 PricesKolkata (Calcutta) Prices
India Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayChennai $30Kolkata (Calcutta) $42
The average daily cost (per person) in Chennai is $30, while the average daily cost in Kolkata (Calcutta) is $42. 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 Kolkata (Calcutta) in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personChennai $14Kolkata (Calcutta) $15
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomChennai $28Kolkata (Calcutta) $30
Compare Hotels in Chennai and Kolkata (Calcutta)
Looking for a hotel in Chennai or Kolkata (Calcutta)? 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 Kolkata (Calcutta) Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Chennai $2.28Kolkata (Calcutta) $4.47
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Chennai
Also for Chennai, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Chennai Airport to Hotel Transfer: $13
- Chennai Airport (MAA) Private Transfer to Chennai City/Hotels: $22
- Affordable Chennai Airport Transfer: $24
- Private Arrival Transfer: Chennai International Airport to Hotel: $26
- Chennai Private City and Airport Transfer: $27
- Private Departure Transfer: Hotel to Chennai International Airport: $27
- Private Chennai Airport Transfer Arrival to Hotel: $30
- Chennai - Private Departure Transfer from Hotel to Airport: $30
- Private Transfer from Chennai City Hotel to Chennai Airport: $30
- Chennai - Private Arrival Transfer - From Airport to Hotel: $30
- Private Arrival Transfer: Chennai Airport (MAA) to Chennai Hotels: $35
- Private Departure Transfer: Chennai Hotels to Chennai Airport (MAA): $35
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kolkata (Calcutta)
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Kolkata (Calcutta):
- Build Your Own: custom private tour of Kolkata with transfers: $73
- Kolkata - Arrival transfer from Airport to Hotel: $43
- Airport Taxi: Round Trip Transfer Between Kolkata & Kolkata Airport CCU: $43
- Kolkata Airport to Kolkata Hotels drop: Private Transfers: $32
- Private Departure Transfer: Hotel to Kolkata Airport: $23
Is it cheaper to fly into Chennai or Kolkata (Calcutta)?
Prices for flights to both Kolkata (Calcutta) 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 $9.69Kolkata (Calcutta) $21
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
- Chennai Market Tour & Cooking Class in a Local Home with Meena: $54
- 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 Kolkata (Calcutta)
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Kolkata (Calcutta).
- Bengali Nights Kolkata Food Tour with 13+ Tastings: $39
- Alleyway Food Tour: $40
- Food Tour Delights of Kolkata with Aditya: $109
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Chennai $2.42Kolkata (Calcutta) $13
Tours and Activities in Chennai
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Chennai.
- Agra: Taj Mahal Skip-the-Line & Guided Private 3 Hours Tour: $4.51
- Taj Mahal & Agra Fort Tour from Delhi by Car – Fast Entry: $4.51
- Tuk-Tuk Tour of Mahabalipuram Monuments: $11
- Private Night Walking Tour Chennai: $12
- Exploring Chennai Bustling Markets: Guided Tour by Foot: $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
- Chennai Walking Tour ( 2 hours guided tour): $14
- Mahabalipuram Heritage Day Tour-Approved by Ministry of India: $18
- Magical Markets Guided Walking Tour: $19
- 2 Hour Street Food Walking Tour: $19
Tours and Activities in Kolkata (Calcutta)
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Kolkata (Calcutta) are as follows:
- 2-Day Tour to The Taj Mahal, Agra from Kolkata with Both Side Commercial Flight: $275
- Audio Guided Tour of Pathuriaghata – Finding the Tagores, Kolkata: $6.12
- Capturing the City of Joy; Full Day Kolkata Street Photography Tour: $85
- Chasing The Sun Experience Kolkata's Culture: $35
- Cultural Confluence of Kolkata - Culture Kaleidoscope Tour: $38
- Discover Kolkata in 2 Days: Private Customised Sightseeing Tour: $182
- Discover Kolkata: Half-Day Private Custom Tour with a Local Guide: $96
- Explore Kolkata: Private 1-Day and 2-Day Tour Options: $119
- Festivals of Calcutta walking Tour : Durga Puja/ Diwali Kali Puja: $86
- Flower Market Colors and Ganges Ghat Experience: $30
- Full Day Kolkata City Tour: $110
- Full Day Pilgrimage Tour of Ganga Sagar from Kolkata: $100
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayChennai $2.69Kolkata (Calcutta) $7.23
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Chennai and Kolkata (Calcutta), we can see that Kolkata (Calcutta) 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 Kolkata (Calcutta) would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Kolkata (Calcutta) 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 Kolkata (Calcutta) Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Chennai or Kolkata (Calcutta)?
Kolkata (Calcutta) has a larger population, and is about 7% larger than the population of Chennai. When comparing the sizes of Chennai and Kolkata (Calcutta), 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.