Which place is cheaper, Kolkata (Calcutta) or Dahab?
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 Dahab or Kolkata (Calcutta)?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Dahab and Kolkata (Calcutta) can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.
Where Should I go: Dahab or Kolkata (Calcutta)?
Dahab
Dahab is a small town on the Sinai Peninsula in Egypt. It is located about 85 kilometers north of Sharm el-Sheikh and sits on the Gulf of Aqaba. It's a popular destination with divers and backpackers alike, and offers some of the best snorkeling and diving that you'll find in the Red Sea. It's a great alternative to the resort driven Sharm el-Sheikh, and is popular with independent travelers who are looking for affordable accommodation. There are some upmarket options however, predominantly in the Laguna area, but budget facilities are not hard to find.
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 Family-Friendly Tours to Egypt, The Best Historical Tours in Egypt, The Best 4-Week (1-Month) Tours in India, and The Best Bicycle Tours in India.
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Dahab Prices
Egypt PricesKolkata (Calcutta) Prices
India Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayDahab $22Kolkata (Calcutta) $42
The average daily cost (per person) in Dahab is $22, 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 Dahab and Kolkata (Calcutta) in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personDahab $8.05Kolkata (Calcutta) $15
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomDahab $16Kolkata (Calcutta) $30
Compare Hotels in Dahab and Kolkata (Calcutta)
Looking for a hotel in Dahab 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: Dahab Hotel Prices and Kolkata (Calcutta) Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Dahab $2.68Kolkata (Calcutta) $4.50
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Dahab
Also for Dahab, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer from Dahab to Sharm El Sheikh Airport (SSH): $34
- Blue Hole Snorkeling Tour from Dahab with Lunch & Hotel Transfers: $45
- Beginner Scuba Dive at Lighthouse w Photos & Transfer: $58
- Private Transfer From Dahab To Sharm el Sheikh airport: $65
- Pickup transfer from Dahab To Sharm El Sheikh airport: $70
- Private Pickup Transfer From Dahab To St. Catherine: $75
- Private Transfer from Dahab to Sharm El Sheikh (SSH) Airport: $114
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
- Private Transfers from Kolkata to Kolkata Airport drop:: $33
- Private Transfer from Kolkata to Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose (CCU) Airport: $62
- Private Transfer From Kolkata Airport to Hotel: $11
- Path of Knowledge: A Heritage Walking Tour of Kolkata with Private Transfer: $153
- Kolkata Airport to Kolkata Hotels drop: Private Transfers: $33
- Kolkata - Arrival transfer from Airport to Hotel: $43
- Build Your Own: custom private tour of Kolkata with transfers: $74
- Airport Taxi: Round Trip Transfer Between Kolkata & Kolkata Airport CCU: $43
Is it cheaper to fly into Dahab or Kolkata (Calcutta)?
Prices for flights to both Kolkata (Calcutta) and Dahab 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 dayDahab $11Kolkata (Calcutta) $22
Typical Food Prices in Dahab
For Dahab, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
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Seafood Dinner (for 2)$1.72
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Juice$0.09
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Breakfast for Two$0.54
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Dahab
For Dahab, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Bedouin Dinner in the Mountains In Dahab: $39
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Kolkata (Calcutta)
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Kolkata (Calcutta).
- Cooking experience in Authentic Bengali House with Lunch/Dinner: $36
- Bengali Nights Kolkata Food Tour with 13+ Tastings: $39
- Alleyway Food Tour: $40
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Dahab $5.67Kolkata (Calcutta) $13
Tours and Activities in Dahab
For Dahab, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Royal seascope Semi-Submarine Cruise: $33
- Full-Day Hike Tour at St. Catherine's Monastery: $35
- Royal Seascope Submarine Guided Boat Tour: $40
- Adventure Quad Biking Tour in Dahab: $40
- luxury Snorkeling cruise with buffet lunch: $41
- Blue Hole Snorkeling Tour with lunch from Dahab: $43
- Camel Ride + Blue Hole Snorkeling + Quad Bike Tour With Lunch From Dahab: $50
- Mount Sinai Sunrise and St Catherine Monastery Tour from Dahab: $50
- Private Day Tour To Blue Lagoon And Ras Abu Galum From Dahab: $65
- Adventure Safari By Horse In Dahab At Laguna Beach: $65
- Private City Tour In Sharm El Sheikh From Dahab: $65
- Saint Catherine's Monastery half-day Tour with Lunch from Dahab: $70
Tours and Activities in Kolkata (Calcutta)
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Kolkata (Calcutta) are as follows:
- 02- Day Kolkata & Sundarbans: The Heritage & Wilderness Tour: $299
- 2 days private tour of kolkata city and Bishnupur by car: $280
- 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: $39
- Discover Kolkata in 2 Days: Private Customised Sightseeing Tour: $174
- Explore Kolkata: Private 1-Day and 2-Day Tour Options: $109
- Festivals of Calcutta walking Tour : Durga Puja/ Diwali Kali Puja: $81
- Flower Market Colors and Ganges Ghat Experience: $30
- Full Day Pilgrimage Tour of Ganga Sagar from Kolkata: $100
- Guided Kolkata Sightseeing Trip by Car, Walk & Sunset Cruise Excursion Trip: $98
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayDahab $3.36Kolkata (Calcutta) $7.28
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Dahab and Kolkata (Calcutta), we can see that Kolkata (Calcutta) is more expensive. And not only is Dahab much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Dahab is in Africa and Kolkata (Calcutta) is in Asia, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Dahab would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Dahab 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 Dahab.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Dahab Expensive? and Is Kolkata (Calcutta) Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Dahab or Kolkata (Calcutta)?
Kolkata (Calcutta) has a larger population, and is about 580 times larger than the population of Dahab. When comparing the sizes of Dahab 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.