A Travel Price Comparison for India Chennai vs. Kolkata (Calcutta) for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

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.


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.

  • Chennai Prices
    India Prices
    Kolkata (Calcutta) Prices
    India Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Chennai $33
    Kolkata (Calcutta) $46

The average daily cost (per person) in Chennai is $33, while the average daily cost in Kolkata (Calcutta) is $46. 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
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Chennai $15
    Kolkata (Calcutta) $16
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Chennai $30
    Kolkata (Calcutta) $32
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.

Hotels in Chennai


Hotels in Kolkata (Calcutta)


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
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Chennai $2.51
    Kolkata (Calcutta) $4.93

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 Transfers : Budget Sedan and SUV Cabs: $15
  • Chennai - Private Departure Transfer from Hotel to Airport : $19
  • Departure Transfer from Chennai Hotels to Chennai airport: $20
  • Chennai - Private Arrival Transfer - From Airport to Hotel: $20
  • Chennai Airport (MAA) Private Transfer to Chennai City/Hotels: $22
  • Affordable Chennai Airport Transfer: $24
  • Chennai International Airport to Hotel-Private Arrival transfer: $25
  • Private Departure Transfer: Hotel to Chennai International Airport: $28
  • Chennai Private City and Airport Transfer : $30
  • Private Transfer from Chennai City Hotel to Chennai Airport: $30
  • Bangalore - private departure transfer from Hotel to Airport : $35

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kolkata (Calcutta)

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Kolkata (Calcutta):

  • The Second City of Empire: A Kolkata Heritage Walking Tour with Private Transfer: $134
  • Build Your Own: custom private tour of Kolkata with transfers: $69
  • Private Transfer from Kolkata to Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose (CCU) Airport: $58
  • Private Departure Transfer: Hotel to Kolkata Airport: $32
  • Kolkata Airport (CCU) Private Transfer to Kolkata City/Hotels: $30
  • Departure transfer from Hotel to Airport in Kolkata: $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
  • Food Meals for one day
    Chennai $11
    Kolkata (Calcutta) $24

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 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 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 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: $35
  • Alleyway Food Tour: $47

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Chennai $2.67
    Kolkata (Calcutta) $14

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): $13
  • 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): $16
  • Magical Markets Guided Walking Tour: $17
  • Chennai Walk of Divinity (2 Hours Guided Walking Tour): $17
  • 2 Hour Street Food Walking Tour: $17
  • Night Walking Tour of Chennai: $19
  • Gods of Mylapore walking tour- tourism ministry approved company: $25
  • Immersive Mahabalipuram tour by tourism ministry approved company: $25
  • Chennai Cultural Walking Tour: $26
  • The Georgetown Bazaar Walking tour : $29

Tours and Activities in Kolkata (Calcutta)

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Kolkata (Calcutta) are as follows:

  • 02 Days Guided Private Tour of Kolkata : $225
  • Audio Guided Tour of Maidan – Calcutta Sports Walk: $6.12
  • 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: $38
  • Cultural Confluence of Kolkata - Culture Kaleidoscope Tour: $36
  • Custom Private Guided Kolkata Sightseeing Trip w/ Optional Add ons: $142
  • Custom Private Kolkata Sightseeing with English speaking Guide: $59
  • Day Tour Of Kolkata: $24
  • Downtown Kolkata Private Tour (By Air Conditioned Car): $213
  • Experience Kolkata in 2 Days like never before - Private Tour: $166
  • Explore Kolkata- Private Full Day Tour: $100

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Chennai $2.97
    Kolkata (Calcutta) $7.97


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.

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