A Travel Price Comparison for India Delhi vs. Bodh Gaya for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Delhi or Bodh Gaya?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Delhi or Bodh Gaya, 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: Delhi or Bodh Gaya?

Delhi

Delhi is the largest city in northern India and is officially the country's capital. The city has a population of 11 million with the metropolitan population reaching over 16 million. The city is similar in landscape to the rest of its surrounding area. It is very flat with the river Yamuna flowing on the eastern side of the city. The Aravalii Hills are in the western portion of the city. The city's history dates back to the 6th century BC and it has served as a capital for various kingdoms and empires.

Bodh Gaya

Located in the state of Bihar in the northeast of India, Bodh Gaya is the most respected place and pilgrimage destination for Buddhists. Bodh Gaya is believed to be the site where Buddha Shakyamuni achieved enlightenment while meditating under the famous Bodhi tree.

Prince Gautama Siddartha was born in the sixth century, B.C. in what is modern-day Nepal. Siddartha lived a comfortable life of extravagance as he was born the son of King Suddhodana of the Sakya clan, but after witnessing human suffering, Siddartha decided to give up all of his possessions and embarked upon a quest to seek knowledge and the solution to such suffering. It is underneath a Pipal tree near the city of Gaya, that it is believed he began to meditate until he became enlightened. Today, a descendent of the original Bodhi Tree is located in the Mahabodhi Temple Complex in the city of Bodh Gaya.

Weather in Bodhgaya is generally warm throughout the year, with daytime highs in the 90s during summer and nighttime lows in the high 40s during winter. Because Bodhgaya is centered around religious sites, pack light layers and plan to dress modestly. Remember that you'll be expected to take shoes off at all temples, so sandals may be easier to wear and a good time-saver.

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, Bodh Gaya or Delhi?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

  • Delhi Prices
    India Prices
    Bodh Gaya Prices
    India Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Delhi $49
    Bodh Gaya $56

The average daily cost (per person) in Delhi is $49, while the average daily cost in Bodh Gaya is $56. 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 Delhi and Bodh Gaya in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Delhi $21
    Bodh Gaya $20
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Delhi $42
    Bodh Gaya $40
Compare Hotels in Delhi and Bodh Gaya

Looking for a hotel in Delhi or Bodh Gaya? 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 Delhi


Hotels in Bodh Gaya


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: Delhi Hotel Prices and Bodh Gaya Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Delhi $4.30
    Bodh Gaya $20
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Delhi

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Delhi:


  • Tuk Tuk Ride
    $0.11
  • Taxi to Airport
    $1.69
  • Subway
    $0.34
  • Uber Cab
    $0.84
  • Delhi Metro Smart Card
    $1.58
  • Auto-rickshaw
    $1.05

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Delhi

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Delhi:

  • Walk through Old Delhi's Colorful Chandni Chowk with Private Transfer: $104
  • Visit to Rail Museum or Dolls Museum with India Gate (private hotel transfers): $54
  • VIP Arrival Meet & Assist service at Delhi Airport (opt transfer): $81
  • Transfer from Delhi airport to hotel: $50
  • Transfer from Delhi Airport to Agra Hotel: $80
  • Transfer Delhi to Agra by AC car with Taj Mahal & Agra Fort Visit: $80
  • Taj Mahal Tour From Delhi by Car with Transfers: $189
  • Round trip Airport to Hotel to Airport transfers: $34
  • Round Trip Delhi Airport Transfers – Arrival & Departure Both: $59
  • Private transfer from Delhi Indira Gandhi Intl Airport to Delhi Hotels: $57
  • Private Transfers from Delhi to Major Cities – Flexible Options: $50
  • Private Transfers from Delhi to Major Cities – Flexible Options: $50

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bodh Gaya

Also for Bodh Gaya, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • 3 Day Private Bodhgaya Sightseeing Tour with Transfer: $120
  • Affordable Bodh Gaya Airport Transfer: $15
  • From Varanasi: Bodhgaya Day Trip with Private Transfer: $106
  • Gaya Airport (GAY) Private Transfer to Gaya City/Hotels: $25
  • Gaya: Create Your Own Itinerary - Private Tour & Transfer: $51
  • Private Airport Transfer Gaya to or from Bodhgaya Hotel: $25
  • Private Transfer from Bodhgaya Airport: $13
  • Private Transfer from Bodhgaya Hotel to Gaya Airport: $13

Is it cheaper to fly into Delhi or Bodh Gaya?

Prices for flights to both Bodh Gaya and Delhi 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
    Delhi $18
    Bodh Gaya $24
Typical Food Prices in Delhi

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Delhi:


  • McDonalds
    $3.09

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Delhi

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Delhi.

  • Private Old Delhi Street Food Tour: 11 Tastings & Rickshaw Ride: $8.64
  • Old Delhi Food Tour: 8 Tastings & Tuk-Tuk Ride with Local Expert: $14
  • Delhi Guided Half Day Food Tour in Famous Markets: $19
  • Old Delhi Food Tour with Pickup and Drop Off: $22
  • Delhi Private Cooking Class: $25
  • Old Delhi Food Tour Extravaganza!: $26
  • Food Tour in Delhi: $27
  • Private Half-Day Street Food Tour in Old Delhi: $27
  • Online: Indian Food Cooking Class: $29
  • Half Day Old Delhi Heritage Walking Street Food Tour: $30
  • Old Delhi Street Food Tour – Explore Spices in Chandni Chowk: $30
  • IWT eating/walking tour&certified cooking workshop: $31

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Delhi $17
    Bodh Gaya $8.65
Typical Entertainment Prices in Delhi

Here are a few typical costs in Delhi for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:


  • Red Fort
    $9.16

Tours and Activities in Delhi

Here are a few actual costs in Delhi for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • “Old & New Delhi Discovery: Private Full-Day Guided Tour”: $59
  • "Taj Mahal" Tour from Delhi by India's Fastest Train (Gatiman Express): $95
  • (Time saver) 2-day Golden Triangle Tour all inclusive: $60
  • 02 Days Amritsar and Golden Temple Tour by Train from Delhi: $264
  • 02 Days Jaipur Tour By Car From Delhi: $140
  • 02 nights 03 Days Private Jaipur tour from Delhi: $280
  • 03 Days Private Ranthambore Wildlife Safari Tour From Delhi: $230
  • 03-Days private luxury Golden Triangle Tour Delhi, Agra, Jaipur: $157
  • 04 Days Golden Triangle Tour of India: $199
  • 06 Hours Old and New Delhi Private City Tour: $14
  • 1 Day Delhi City Tour & 1 Day Agra Taj Mahal Private Combo Tour: $76
  • 1 Day Delhi Sightseeing Tour by Car Explore Iconic Landmarks: $81

Tours and Activities in Bodh Gaya

For Bodh Gaya, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Multilingual Private Day Tour of Temple & Buddha Sites: $25
  • Guided Virtual Tour of Bodhgaya: $27
  • Full Day Tour in Bodhgaya Hotel pick up: $31
  • Bodhgaya Day Tour (Hotel Pickup): $43
  • Full-Day Private Guided Bodhgaya Tour with Pick Up: $49
  • Private Guided Tour of Bodhgaya with Hotel Pickup: $50
  • Bodhgaya and Gaya Pilgrimage Tour: $52
  • BODHGAYA FULL DAY TOUR: $56
  • Bodhgaya Full Day Tour: $63
  • Private Tour of Bodhgaya and Gaya Including Vishnupad Temple: $70
  • Half Day Private Guided Tour in Bodh Gaya & Dungeshwari Caves: $88
  • Bodhgaya: Buddhist Pilgrimage Temple & Monastery Day Tour: $88

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Delhi $7.63
    Bodh Gaya $4.97

Sample the Local Flavors in Delhi

Also in Delhi, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Pub Crawl (3 Hours Guided Bar Hopping Tour): $29


When comparing the travel costs between Delhi and Bodh Gaya, we can see that Bodh Gaya 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 Delhi Expensive? and Is Bodh Gaya Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Delhi or Bodh Gaya?

Delhi has a larger population, and is about 310 times larger than the population of Bodh Gaya. When comparing the sizes of Delhi and Bodh Gaya, 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.