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

Should you visit Delhi or Nara?

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

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

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.

Nara

As Japan's first capital, Nara offers a world of tradition and culture second only to the city of Kyoto. It is home to eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites, which are largely concentrated in the area of Nara Park. Here, it is also common to see many deer wandering freely amongst the temples and shrines.

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


Which place is cheaper, Nara 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 Nara is $86. 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 Nara in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Delhi $23
    Nara $52
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Delhi $46
    Nara $104
Compare Hotels in Delhi and Nara

Looking for a hotel in Delhi or Nara? 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 Nara


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 Nara Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Delhi $5.28
    Nara $5.83
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:

  • Taj Mahal Sunrise All Inclusive Tour with Transfers : $7.00
  • Private Guided Delhi Shopping Tour with Transfers: $8.45
  • Private transfers to/from Indira Gandhi International Airport: $10
  • From Jaipur Private Full Day Trip with Private Transfers: $10
  • New Delhi Airport to Hotel Transfer Private Shuttle Sedan & SUV: $11
  • Private Transfer Delhi Hotel to Airport: $14
  • Qutub Minar Skip-the-Line E-tickets & guide Delhi transfers: $15
  • Delhi - Private arrival transfer from Airport to Hotel: $15
  • Delhi hotel to Delhi Airport transfer: $15
  • Delhi/Jaipur/Agra: Private One-Way Transfer: $15
  • Delhi Private Airport Transfer: $16
  • Humayun's Tomb Skip-the-Line E-tickets & guide Delhi transfers: $18

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Nara

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Nara:

  • Kansai Airport (KIX):Private One-Way Transfer to/from Nara: $240

Is it cheaper to fly into Delhi or Nara?

Prices for flights to both Nara 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
    Nara $28
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

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Nara

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

  • Eel Fishing and Cooking Experience in Kyoto: $72
  • Cooking class, learning how to make authentic sushi: $111
  • Full Day Nara E bike Tour and Osaka History Food Tour: $189

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Delhi $13
    Nara $7.81
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:

  • Same Day Agra Tour by Gatiman Express Train With Multiple Options: $2.79
  • From Taj Mahal & Agra Fort Tour by Car - All Inclusive: $3.75
  • Private Guided Tour to Taj Mahal and Agra Fort with All inclusive: $3.75
  • Taj Mahal & Agra Private Day Tour from Delhi with 5* Lunch: $4.00
  • Skip-The-Line Sunrise Taj Mahal Private Tour with Multi-Options: $4.25
  • Private Full-Day Taj Mahal and Agra Fort Tour from New Delhi: $4.30
  • Driving tours through beautiful India: $4.59
  • Private Taj Mahal Tour from Delhi by Car: $4.70
  • Private Same Day Skip The Line Taj Mahal Tour From Delhi: $4.92
  • All Inclusive Taj Mahal Day Tour from Delhi by Car: $5.00
  • Private One Day Taj Mahal Tour by Car: $5.00
  • Private Day Tour of Taj Mahal by India's Fastest Train or Car - All Inclusive: $5.00

Tours and Activities in Nara

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Nara are as follows:

  • Nara Heijyo-Kyo Bike Tour in UNESCO World Heritage Site: $16
  • Nara Heijyo-Kyo Bike Tour in UNESCO World Heritage Site: $16
  • A completely private tour to meet your favorite tea: $22
  • A completely private tour to meet your favorite tea: $23
  • Nara Craft Tours - local Craft beers tour experience in Nara City: $27
  • Guided Uji Anime Walking Tour: $31
  • Private Bike Tour in Nara with Japanese Guide: $36
  • All must-sees in 3 hours - Nara Park Classic Tour! From JR Nara!: $42
  • Nara Like a Local: Customized Private Tour: $55
  • Nara Like a Local: Customized Guided Tour: $55
  • Eigo Tour - Walk in Nara City: $65
  • Kyoto Uji Matcha Incense Making Experience (Reservations available for 2 people or more): $69

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Delhi $8.67
    Nara $11


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


Which is Bigger, Delhi or Nara?

Delhi has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Nara. When comparing the sizes of Delhi and Nara, 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.


When is the best time to visit Delhi or Nara?

Nara has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Delhi experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Delhi or Nara in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Delhi and Nara. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Delhi year-round. Furthermore, most visitors come to Nara for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

It's very hot in Delhi this time of the year. Delhi is a little warmer than Nara in the summer. The daily temperature in Delhi averages around 31°C (88°F) in July, and Nara fluctuates around 27°C (80°F).

Delhi usually receives less sunshine than Nara during summer. Delhi gets 166 hours of sunny skies, while Nara receives 183 hours of full sun in the summer.

Nara receives a lot of rain in the summer. Delhi gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Delhi usually receives less rain than Nara. Delhi gets 170 mm (6.7 in) of rain, while Nara receives 186 mm (7.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Delhi 31°C (88°F) 
    Nara 27°C (80°F)

Should I visit Delhi or Nara in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Delhi as well as Nara. Delhi attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, the autumn months attract visitors to Nara because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Delhi is much warmer than Nara. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Delhi in October average around 26°C (79°F), and Nara averages at about 17°C (63°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Delhi this time of the year. In the autumn, Delhi often gets more sunshine than Nara. Delhi gets 269 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nara receives 159 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Nara. Delhi usually gets less rain in October than Nara. Delhi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Nara receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Delhi 26°C (79°F) 
    Nara 17°C (63°F)

Should I visit Delhi or Nara in the Winter?

Both Nara and Delhi are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Delhi throughout the year. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Nara this time of year.

It's quite cold in Nara in the winter. In January, Delhi is generally much warmer than Nara. Daily temperatures in Delhi average around 15°C (59°F), and Nara fluctuates around 4°C (40°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Delhi. Delhi usually receives more sunshine than Nara during winter. Delhi gets 215 hours of sunny skies, while Nara receives 140 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Delhi usually receives less rain than Nara. Delhi gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Nara receives 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Delhi 15°C (59°F) 
    Nara 4°C (40°F)

Should I visit Delhi or Nara in the Spring?

Both Nara and Delhi during the spring are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Delhi because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Also, many travelers come to Nara for the natural beauty.

Delhi is much warmer than Nara in the spring. The daily temperature in Delhi averages around 29°C (84°F) in April, and Nara fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).

It's quite sunny in Delhi. In the spring, Delhi often gets more sunshine than Nara. Delhi gets 261 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nara receives 176 hours of full sun.

Nara gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Delhi usually gets less rain in April than Nara. Delhi gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Nara receives 127 mm (5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Delhi 29°C (84°F) 
    Nara 14°C (57°F)

Typical Weather for Nara and Delhi

Delhi Nara
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 15°C (59°F) 20 mm (0.8 in) 4°C (40°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Feb 17°C (63°F) 30 mm (1.2 in) 5°C (40°F) 60 mm (2.3 in)
Mar 22°C (72°F) 20 mm (0.8 in) 8°C (46°F) 99 mm (3.9 in)
Apr 29°C (84°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 14°C (57°F) 127 mm (5 in)
May 33°C (91°F) 30 mm (1.2 in) 19°C (65°F) 128 mm (5.1 in)
Jun 34°C (93°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 23°C (73°F) 214 mm (8.4 in)
Jul 31°C (88°F) 170 mm (6.7 in) 27°C (80°F) 186 mm (7.3 in)
Aug 30°C (86°F) 200 mm (7.9 in) 28°C (82°F) 117 mm (4.6 in)
Sep 30°C (86°F) 110 mm (4.3 in) 24°C (74°F) 154 mm (6.1 in)
Oct 26°C (79°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 17°C (63°F) 110 mm (4.3 in)
Nov 21°C (70°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 12°C (53°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Dec 16°C (61°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 7°C (44°F) 41 mm (1.6 in)