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

Should you visit Cochin or Kolkata (Calcutta)?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Cochin or Kolkata (Calcutta), this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Where Should I go: Cochin or Kolkata (Calcutta)?

Cochin

Cochin is a large city in Kerala, India. It's a cosmopolitan commercial port city with a population of over two million and is a major tourist destination. The city has a diverse population that has migrated from elsewhere in Kerala, as well as the rest of India. The city continues to become more cosmopolitan with fashion shifting to western styles. There are also many large shopping malls as well as an enthusiasm for sports such as football (soccer) or cricket.

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 Luxury Tours to India, The Best Budget Tours to India, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from New Delhi, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Mumbai.


Which place is cheaper, Kolkata (Calcutta) or Cochin?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Cochin is $36, while the average daily cost in Kolkata (Calcutta) is $37. 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 Cochin and Kolkata (Calcutta) in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Cochin $15
    Kolkata (Calcutta) $17
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Cochin $30
    Kolkata (Calcutta) $34
Compare Hotels in Cochin and Kolkata (Calcutta)

Looking for a hotel in Cochin 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 Cochin


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: Cochin Hotel Prices and Kolkata (Calcutta) Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Cochin $9.90
    Kolkata (Calcutta) $5.11

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: $69
  • Private Transfer Kolkata Airport CCU To Kolkata Hotels Drop: $22
  • The Second City of Empire: A Kolkata Heritage Walking Tour with Private Transfer: $150

Is it cheaper to fly into Cochin or Kolkata (Calcutta)?

Prices for flights to both Kolkata (Calcutta) and Cochin 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
    Cochin $12
    Kolkata (Calcutta) $14

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: $42
  • Dinner Cruise on Ganges Kolkata 3Hrs: $59

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Cochin $10
    Kolkata (Calcutta) $15

Tours and Activities in Kolkata (Calcutta)

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

  • Heritage & Cultural Walk of Kolkata (2 Hours Guided Walking Tour): $13
  • Kolkata Colonial Walk (2 Hours Guided Walking Tour): $13
  • Kolkata Half Day Guided City Tour: $27
  • Cultural Confluence of Kolkata - Culture Kaleidoscope Tour: $37
  • Walk Through Tales ( Heritage Tour ) : $37
  • Kolkata's Flower Market - Hooghly's Flower Fest Tour: $37
  • Magic Hour Tour: $37
  • Kolkata Slum Walking Tour: $41
  • Heritage sightseeing tours(Walking tours): $41
  • Indian Museum Guided Tour (Including surrounding area): $43
  • Full Day City Tour Of Kolkata With Guide: $55
  • Kolkata Daily - A Private Tour - Explore • Engage • Enchant: $55

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Cochin $8.79
    Kolkata (Calcutta) $8.27

Sample the Local Flavors in Kolkata (Calcutta)

Also in Kolkata (Calcutta), these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Pub Crawl Kolkata: $39


When comparing the travel costs between Cochin and Kolkata (Calcutta), we can see that Kolkata (Calcutta) 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 Cochin Expensive? and Is Kolkata (Calcutta) Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Cochin or Kolkata (Calcutta)?

Kolkata (Calcutta) has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Cochin. When comparing the sizes of Cochin 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.