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

Should you visit Delhi or Nikko?

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

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

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.

Nikko

Nikko is a small Japanese city located in the mountains north of Tokyo. It is well-known for the site of Toshogu, a famed Shinto shrine established in 1617, in memory of Tokugawa Ieyasu who was the founding ruler of the Edo Period. The town is situated just outside of Nikko National Park which offers scenic mountain landscapes, lakes, waterfalls, hot springs, wild monkeys, and hiking trails.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to India, The Best Budget Tours to India, The Best 10-Day Tours in Japan, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Japan.


Which place is cheaper, Nikko 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 Nikko is $82. 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 Nikko in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Delhi $23
    Nikko $46
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Delhi $46
    Nikko $92
Compare Hotels in Delhi and Nikko

Looking for a hotel in Delhi or Nikko? 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 Nikko


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 Nikko Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Delhi $5.28
    Nikko -
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:

  • Delhi to Jaipur transfer via Bharatpur and Ranthambore park visit: $300
  • 3-Days Delhi and Varanasi Tour by Express Train.Includes,Hotel Transfers.: $275
  • Private Transfer: Delhi to Corbett National Park with Brunch: $224
  • From Taj Mahal & Agra Private Day Trip with Transfers: $189
  • Private Transfers Delhi To Dehradun Drop: $184
  • Evening Delhi city tour with pickup transfer: $183
  • 3-Day City Tour of Old and New Delhi with Airport Transfers: $180
  • Private Sightseeing Tour to Agra with Transfer & Ticket Included : $179
  • Private Transfer: Delhi to Rishikesh via Haridwar: $178
  • Private Transfer: Delhi to Agra via Vrindavan & Mathura: $166
  • One Way Delhi To Udaipur Transfer: $160
  • Private Transfers Delhi To Ajmer Drop: $147

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Nikko

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

  • Haneda Airport to/from Nikko City Private Transfer: $613
  • Kinugawa Osen to Tokyo Haneda Airport Departure Private Transfer: $263
  • Kinugawa Osen to Tokyo Narita Airport Private Departure Transfer: $263
  • Narita Airport to/from Nikko City Private Transfer: $613

Is it cheaper to fly into Delhi or Nikko?

Prices for flights to both Nikko 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
    Nikko $31
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
    Nikko $21
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 Nikko

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Nikko.

  • Nikko self-guided tour app with multi-language audioguide: $4.28
  • World Heritage Nikko Walking Tour - Toshogu Shrine, Kanmangafuchi: $59
  • Visit the Unexplored Regions of Lake Chuzenji-Scenic Trekking and Rafting Tour: $76
  • Nikko Full-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide: $137
  • Nikko Custom Half Day Tour: $144
  • Nikko Custom Full Day Tour: $228
  • Nikko Private Full-Day Sightseeing Day Tour: $474
  • Full Day Private Nikko Tour from Tokyo with English Driver: $474
  • Nikko Toshogu, Lake Chuzenjiko & Kegon Waterfall 1 Day Tour: $483
  • Full-Day Private Nikko Tour with English Speaking Driver: $600

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Delhi $8.67
    Nikko $15


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


Which is Bigger, Delhi or Nikko?

Delhi has a larger population, and is about 680 times larger than the population of Nikko. When comparing the sizes of Delhi and Nikko, 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 Nikko?

Nikko 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 Nikko in the Summer?

Both Nikko and Delhi during the summer are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Delhi because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Nikko for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

Delhi can become quite hot in the summer. In July, Delhi is generally a little warmer than Nikko. Daily temperatures in Delhi average around 31°C (88°F), and Nikko fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).

In the summer, Delhi often gets more sunshine than Nikko. Delhi gets 166 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nikko receives 136 hours of full sun.

Nikko gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Delhi. Delhi usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Nikko. Delhi gets 170 mm (6.7 in) of rain, while Nikko receives 171 mm (6.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Delhi 31°C (88°F) 
    Nikko 25°C (77°F)

Should I visit Delhi or Nikko in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Delhi and Nikko. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Delhi year-round. Furthermore, many visitors come to Nikko in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

Delhi is much warmer than Nikko in the autumn. The daily temperature in Delhi averages around 26°C (79°F) in October, and Nikko fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

In Delhi, it's very sunny this time of the year. Delhi usually receives more sunshine than Nikko during autumn. Delhi gets 269 hours of sunny skies, while Nikko receives 167 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Nikko receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Delhi usually receives less rain than Nikko. Delhi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Nikko receives 117 mm (4.6 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Delhi 26°C (79°F) 
    Nikko 16°C (61°F)

Should I visit Delhi or Nikko in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Delhi as well as Nikko. Delhi attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, most visitors come to Nikko for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Nikko can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Delhi is much warmer than Nikko. Typically, the winter temperatures in Delhi in January average around 15°C (59°F), and Nikko averages at about 3°C (37°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Nikko. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Delhi this time of the year. In the winter, Delhi often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Nikko. Delhi gets 215 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nikko receives 212 hours of full sun.

Delhi usually gets less rain in January than Nikko. Delhi gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Nikko receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Delhi 15°C (59°F) 
    Nikko 3°C (37°F)

Should I visit Delhi or Nikko in the Spring?

Both Nikko and Delhi are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Delhi throughout the year. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Nikko because of the small town charm and the natural beauty.

In April, Delhi is generally much warmer than Nikko. Daily temperatures in Delhi average around 29°C (84°F), and Nikko fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Delhi. Delhi usually receives more sunshine than Nikko during spring. Delhi gets 261 hours of sunny skies, while Nikko receives 191 hours of full sun in the spring.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Nikko. In April, Delhi usually receives less rain than Nikko. Delhi gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Nikko receives 108 mm (4.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Delhi 29°C (84°F) 
    Nikko 13°C (55°F)

Typical Weather for Nikko and Delhi

Delhi Nikko
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 15°C (59°F) 20 mm (0.8 in) 3°C (37°F) 26 mm (1 in)
Feb 17°C (63°F) 30 mm (1.2 in) 3°C (38°F) 44 mm (1.7 in)
Mar 22°C (72°F) 20 mm (0.8 in) 7°C (44°F) 74 mm (2.9 in)
Apr 29°C (84°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 13°C (55°F) 108 mm (4.2 in)
May 33°C (91°F) 30 mm (1.2 in) 18°C (64°F) 139 mm (5.5 in)
Jun 34°C (93°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 21°C (70°F) 206 mm (8.1 in)
Jul 31°C (88°F) 170 mm (6.7 in) 25°C (77°F) 171 mm (6.7 in)
Aug 30°C (86°F) 200 mm (7.9 in) 27°C (80°F) 195 mm (7.7 in)
Sep 30°C (86°F) 110 mm (4.3 in) 22°C (72°F) 201 mm (7.9 in)
Oct 26°C (79°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 16°C (61°F) 117 mm (4.6 in)
Nov 21°C (70°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 10°C (50°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Dec 16°C (61°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 5°C (41°F) 32 mm (1.2 in)