Which place is cheaper, Chengdu or Delhi?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
Jump to 
Should you visit Delhi or Chengdu?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Delhi or Chengdu, 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 Chengdu?
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.
Chengdu
Chengdu is in China's Sichuan Provence and is in what is known as the Red Basin. It is a particularly fertile region in China that is known for its agriculture. For this reason it is sometimes referred to as the "Land of Milk and Honey". The Funan River cuts through the city but has almost no boat traffic anymore. The city itself has a wonderful relaxed vibe compared to the rest of China and is filled with green parks and places to relax. It is considered one of the most livable cities in China.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to India, The Best Budget Tours to India, The Best Cultural Tours in China, and The Best Luxury Tours to China.
-
Delhi Prices
India PricesChengdu Prices
China Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayDelhi $53Chengdu $67
The average daily cost (per person) in Delhi is $53, while the average daily cost in Chengdu is $67. 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 Chengdu in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personDelhi $22Chengdu $21
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomDelhi $44Chengdu $42
Compare Hotels in Delhi and Chengdu
Looking for a hotel in Delhi or Chengdu? 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: Delhi Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Delhi $4.64Chengdu $6.02
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$1.82
-
Subway$0.36
-
Uber Cab$0.91
-
Delhi Metro Smart Card$1.70
-
Auto-rickshaw$1.14
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Delhi
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Delhi:
- 3-Day Fast Train Jaipur-Delhi Tour with Tickets & Transfers: $190
- 3-Days Amritsar tour from Delhi Includes Hotel,Train tickets & Transfers: $200
- Airport Arrival Transfer From Delhi Airport to Hotel in Delhi: $33
- Airport Transfers - Delhi Airport to Delhi Hotel: $50
- Akshardham Temple Tour Exhibition, Light & Water Show with Transfers: $99
- Akshardham Temple Tour with hotel transfers : $54
- Akshardham Tour Exhibition Light and Water show with Transfer: $99
- An Evening at the Akshardham Temple with Water Show with Private Transfer: $88
- Arrival Private Transfer Indira Gandhi Airport DEL to Delhi: $19
- Authentic Same Day Agra Tour with Private Transfer and licensed Tour Guide: $110
- Best Evening New Delhi Tour- with transfer to Hotel / Airport: $36
- Captivating Walk through Old Delhi's Colorful Chandni Chowk & Private Transfer: $108
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Chengdu
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Chengdu:
- Authentic Chengdu Dining Experience with with Private Transfers: $60
- 1-Day Chengdu Layover Tour: Leshan Giant buddha with Round Airport Transfer: $205
- Airport transfer between Tianfu(TFU) and Chengdu downtown: $45
- Chengdu 3-Day Self-Guided Jiuzhaigou&Huanglong with Transfer: $412
- Chengdu Airport (CTU) to Chengdu - Arrival Private Transfer: $31
- Chengdu Airport (TFU) to Chengdu - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $65
- Chengdu Airport (TFU) to Chengdu city - Arrival Private Transfer: $32
- Chengdu Airport Private Transfer With English Speaking Driver: $35
- Chengdu Airport to Hotel: Private Transfer for up to 40 pax: $230
- Chengdu Airport to Hotel: Private Transfer for up to 5 pax: $120
- Chengdu Panda Breeding Base Ticket w/ Optional Transfer or Guide: $20
- Chengdu Panda Breeding Base Tour with Guide or Transfer: $20
Is it cheaper to fly into Delhi or Chengdu?
Prices for flights to both Chengdu 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 dayDelhi $20Chengdu $38
Typical Food Prices in Delhi
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Delhi:
-
McDonalds$3.33
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Delhi
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Delhi.
- Old Delhi Food Tour Safari - The Capital of Flavors: $8.22
- Appetizing virtual cooking class from Delhi: $18
- Old Delhi Food Tour Extravaganza!: $28
- Food Tour in Delhi: $29
- Connaught Place Street shopping & food tour in Delhi: $39
- Veg and Non veg : Private Cooking Class in Delhi home (7 meal): $39
- Private Half-Day Street Food Tour in Old Delhi : $40
- Evening Food Tour: $40
- Discover Old 4-Hour Evening Walking Tour includes Guide & Dinner: $40
- Transit Tour-Guided Best Old Delhi's Attractions & Food Tour: $42
- The Great Indian Food Tour: Old Delhi Food and Heritage Walk: $43
- Delhi Private Cooking Class: $45
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Chengdu
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Chengdu.
- Chengdu Night: VIP Seat Opera Show or Back Alley Food Tour: $40
- Discovery more Chengdu evening food tour with locals : $55
- Chengdu Hidden Street Food Tour Spice Trails: $60
- Eat Like a Local! Food Tour in the Hidden Alleys: $67
- Tuktuk Food Tour Through Chengdu's Local Eats: $69
- Half-Day Professional Mapo Tofu Cooking with a Local Market Visit: $69
- Market Tour and Sichuan Cooking Class: $70
- Half-Day Chengdu Cooking Class with a Local Market Visit: $75
- Half day Sichuan Cuisine Cooking Class Tour(Cooking 3 dishes): $75
- Evening Food Tour with Local Guide: $78
- Chengdu Evening Food Tour: $79
- Half-Day Private Hot-Pot Cooking Class with a Local Market Visit: $80
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Delhi $19Chengdu $16
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$9.88
Tours and Activities in Delhi
Here are a few actual costs in Delhi for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Private Old and New Delhi City Tour All Inclusive from Delhi: $1.00
- Sunrise Taj Mahal Tour From Delhi : $1.40
- From Delhi To Taj Mahal Day Tour With 5 Star Meal: $2.50
- Taj Mahal Sunrise & Agra Tour From Delhi by Car - All Inclusive : $2.60
- Same Day Taj Mahal, Agra Fort & Baby Taj Tour From Delhi By Car : $4.04
- Taj Mahal & Agra Private Tour By Car with 5 Star Lunch: $4.04
- Delhi Temple and Spiritual Sites Private Day Tour - 6 hours: $4.04
- Private Full-Day Taj Mahal and Agra Fort Tour from New Delhi: $4.04
- Hauz Khas Village: A Self Guided Walking Tour: $4.04
- Driving tours through beautiful India: $4.31
- Same Day Agra Tour By Luxury Gatimaan Train From Delhi: $4.33
- New Delhi & Old Delhi Full day or Half Day Customizable Tour: $4.62
Tours and Activities in Chengdu
Here are a few actual costs in Chengdu for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Customize Your China Tour 2024/2025: $5.00
- Panda Research Base Ticket or Volunteer Day Trip: $9.50
- Chengdu Museum Tours & Tickets : $10
- Ticket reservation for Chengdu Giant Panda Breeding Base: $15
- Private Chengdu Panda Breeding Research Base Ticket and Guide opt: $16
- Chengdu Panda Research Base Tickets And Optional Private Tour: $16
- Giant Panda Breeding Research Base Ticket: $16
- Half-Day Panda Base Tour with Guide Option: $17
- Chengdu Giant Panda Breeding Research Base Ticket: $17
- Du Fu Thatched Cottage Museum Ticket for Adult: $18
- Panda Breeding Base Tickets Booking: $19
- Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding Ticket pre-booking: $20
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayDelhi $8.23Chengdu $3.99
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): $30
Sample the Local Flavors in Chengdu
Also in Chengdu, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Tipsy Travel: Chengdu Local Food and Bar Crawl Night Tour : $128
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Delhi and Chengdu, we can see that Chengdu is more expensive. And not only is Delhi much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Delhi would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Delhi 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 Chengdu would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Chengdu than you might in Delhi.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Delhi Expensive? and Is Chengdu Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Delhi or Chengdu?
Delhi has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Chengdu. When comparing the sizes of Delhi and Chengdu, 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.