A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Delhi vs. Lhasa for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Delhi or Lhasa?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Delhi or Lhasa, 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 Lhasa?

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.

Lhasa

Lhasa is the famed capital of Tibet, and is one of the most fascinating cities in the world to visit. It's name means "Land of the Gods" and the city dates back more than 1,300 years. It's elevation is 3,650 meters above sea level, making it one of the highest cities in the world. It sits on the northern slopes of the Himalayan Mountains by the Lhasa River and is the second largest city on the Tibetan Plateau after Xining.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to India, The Best Budget Tours to India, The Best Sightseeing Tours in China, and The Best Cultural Tours in China.


Which place is cheaper, Lhasa or Delhi?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Delhi is $45, while the average daily cost in Lhasa is $71. 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 Lhasa in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Delhi $23
    Lhasa $39
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Delhi $46
    Lhasa $78
Compare Hotels in Delhi and Lhasa

Looking for a hotel in Delhi or Lhasa? 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 Lhasa


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 $5.28
    Lhasa $2.56
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Delhi

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


  • Tuk Tuk Ride
    $0.12
  • Taxi to Airport
    $1.91
  • Subway
    $0.38
  • Uber Cab
    $0.96
  • Delhi Metro Smart Card
    $1.79
  • Auto-rickshaw
    $1.20

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: $119
  • Visit to Rail Museum or Dolls Museum with India Gate (private hotel transfers): $29
  • Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer service in Delhi HTL-APT (DEL): $27
  • Transfer from New Delhi to Agra by Private car: $60
  • Transfer from Delhi to Agra by private Car: $57
  • Tour To Swaminarayan Akshardham Guide & Delhi Transfers: $37
  • Taj Mahal Sunrise All Inclusive Tour with Transfers : $7.00
  • Stroll through Old Delhi's Chandni Chowk with Private Transfer: $119
  • Round Trip Airport Transfers - Delhi Airport to Hotel and back to Delhi Airport: $75
  • Round Trip Airport Transfers - Delhi Airport to Hotel and back to Delhi Airport: $72
  • Round Trip Airport Transfer- From Delhi Airport to Hotel & Back to Delhi Airport: $80
  • Qutub Minar Skip-the-Line E-tickets & guide Delhi transfers: $15

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Lhasa

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

  • Lhasa Kongga Airport Chauffeur Service, Lhasa Airport Transfer, Pickup: $170

Is it cheaper to fly into Delhi or Lhasa?

Prices for flights to both Lhasa 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 $12
    Lhasa $26
Typical Food Prices in Delhi

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


  • McDonalds
    $3.50

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Delhi

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

  • Appetizing virtual cooking class from Delhi: $20
  • Old Delhi Food Tour with local, A must for Indian culinary lover!: $21
  • Lunch or dinner with local family: $21
  • Food Tour Old Delhi: $31
  • Old Delhi Heritage Sightseeing | Walking Tour | Street Food Tour: $34
  • Old Delhi Food Tour: A Night Time Feast: $36
  • Veg and Non veg : Private Cooking Class in Delhi: $43
  • Old Delhi Street Food Tour: $44
  • Transit Tour-Guided Best Old Delhi's Attractions & Food Tour: $45
  • Vegetarian : Private Cooking Class in Delhi: $46
  • Culinary Delights Of Delhi Half Day Food Tour: $48
  • Delhi Kabul Cooking Class: $50

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Delhi $13
    Lhasa $17
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
    $10

Tours and Activities in Delhi

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

  • 2 Days Agra Tour From Delhi with Fatehpur Sikri & bird Sanctuary: $130
  • 3 Day Golden Triangle Tour from Delhi: $132
  • 3 Days Golden Triangle Tour from Delhi: $205
  • 3 Days Private Delhi, Agra, Jaipur and Triangle Tour : $147
  • 6 Hours: Delhi Temples and Spiritual Sites Tour: $45
  • All Inclusive: Same day Taj Mahal Tour From Delhi : $50
  • Bharatpur Birding adventure from Delhi: $159
  • Delhi : Private Day Tour Of Tajmahal And Shopping At Agra: $100
  • Delhi Agra and Jaipur 5 Days Golden Triangle Tour From New Delhi: $220
  • Delhi Evening City Tour with Guide: $53
  • Full Day Old And New Delhi City Tour- All Inclusive : $38
  • Golden Triangle Tour 3 Days: $267

Tours and Activities in Lhasa

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

  • 4 Days Lhasa City Essence Tour: $745
  • 4 Days Lhasa City Tibet Tour included Permit issued: $760
  • Private Full-Day Tour w/ Lunch: $800
  • 5 Days Classic Lhasa Tour with Yamdrok Lake in Tibet: $999
  • Nepal Tibet Tour 8 Days: $2,729

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Delhi $8.67
    Lhasa $6.90


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Delhi and Lhasa, we can see that Lhasa 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 Lhasa would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Lhasa 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 Lhasa Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Delhi or Lhasa?

Delhi has a larger population, and is about 90 times larger than the population of Lhasa. When comparing the sizes of Delhi and Lhasa, 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.