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

Should you visit Delhi or Seoul?

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

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

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.

Seoul

With a population of more than 11 million, Seoul is easily the largest city in South Korea. It is also the financial, political, and cultural capital of the country and has much to offer open minded travelers. It is often overlooked by travelers who instead head to Tokyo or Shanghai, but Seoul has a wide range of cultural experiences, food options, and historical sights. Seoul is a city of contrasts with ancient traditions, flashy technology, religious temples and a modern youth culture. It is also more affordable than many of the other Asian metropolis' to which it is often compared. If you're looking for an interesting and different experience that is a little off the tourist trail, Seoul can definitely offer that opportunity.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to India, The Best Budget Tours to India, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to South Korea, and The Best Adventure Tours to South Korea.


Which place is cheaper, Seoul or Delhi?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Delhi is $48, while the average daily cost in Seoul is $124. 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 Seoul in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Delhi $21
    Seoul $52
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Delhi $42
    Seoul $104
Compare Hotels in Delhi and Seoul

Looking for a hotel in Delhi or Seoul? 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 Seoul


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 Seoul Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Delhi $4.28
    Seoul $15
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Delhi

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


  • Tuk Tuk Ride
    $0.10
  • Taxi to Airport
    $1.68
  • Subway
    $0.34
  • Uber Cab
    $0.84
  • Delhi Metro Smart Card
    $1.57
  • Auto-rickshaw
    $1.05

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Delhi

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Delhi:

  • Delhi Highlights: Old & New Delhi Tour with Guide and Transfers: $6.85
  • IGI Airport/Agra/Jaipur: Private One Way Transfer: $7.67
  • Same Day Agra from Delhi with Luxury Transfers : A Taj Trip: $10
  • Delhi Airport Private Transfer to or from New Delhi and NCR: $11
  • New Delhi Airport to Hotel Transfer Private Shuttle Sedan & SUV: $11
  • Delhi Airport Transfers : Budget Sedan and SUV Cabs: $11
  • New Delhi Airport to Hotels drop: Private Transfers: $14
  • Private Transfer Delhi Hotel to Airport: $14
  • Delhi Airport: Private Transfer To/ From New Delhi/ Agra/Jaipur: $15
  • New Delhi Airport to Hotels drop: Private Transfers ( Top Rated ): $15
  • Delhi, Jaipur or Agra: Private One-Way Transfer: $15
  • New Delhi Airport to Hotel Transfer Private Shuttle Sedan & SUV: $16

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Seoul

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


  • Subway Card
    $3.47
  • Short Taxi Ride
    $4.85
  • Metro Ride
    $0.94
  • Seoul City Pass Plus
    $6.93

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Seoul

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Seoul:

  • From Round-Trip Transfer to Dae Jang Geum Park: $50
  • Gimpo Airport GMP Private Transfer To From Seoul Hotels: $108
  • Incheon Airport (ICN) Transfer to Seoul/Suwon/Seongnam/Yongin: $68
  • Incheon Airport (ICN): Private Transfer To/From Seoul Hotels: $104
  • Incheon Airport Transfer service pick up drop off Seoul ~7 Pax: $89
  • Incheon Airport transfer directly to Seoul city: $113
  • Incheon International Airport (ICN): Private Seoul Transfer: $95
  • Lotte World 1Day Pass+Obesrvatoy+Private round transfer(Seoul): $115
  • Lotte World Theme Park Private Transfer: $229
  • Premium Seoul Airport Transfer: Affordable & Convenience: $105
  • Private Airport Transfer * Incheon Airport Seoul (1-5 people): $97
  • Private Airport Transfer - Incheon Airport ⇔ Seoul (Up to 7 or 11 people): $130

Is it cheaper to fly into Delhi or Seoul?

Prices for flights to both Seoul 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
    Seoul $49
Typical Food Prices in Delhi

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


  • McDonalds
    $3.07

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Delhi

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

  • Customized Half Day and Full Day Delhi Shopping, Street Food Tour: $20
  • Learn Indian Cooking From A Chef - Private Cooking Class: $22
  • Food Tour in Delhi: $27
  • Evening Food Tour: $29
  • IWT eating/walking tour&certified cooking workshop: $31
  • Old Delhi Food Tour with Pickup and Drop Off: $32
  • Food Tour to Old Delhi with a Local: $38
  • Connaught Place Street shopping & food tour in Delhi: $39
  • Transit Tour-Guided Best Old Delhi's Attractions & Food Tour: $39
  • 4-Hour Old Delhi Evening Walking Tour with Local Dinner & Guide: $40
  • Delhi Night Street Food Tour with a Local Foodie: $41
  • Private Half-Day Old Delhi Traditional Food Tour: $43

Typical Food Prices in Seoul

Some typical examples of dining costs in Seoul are as follows:


  • Rice with Kimchi & Bacon
    $4.16
  • Waffle
    $0.69
  • Dippin' Dots
    $1.39
  • Chicken Fried Rice
    $3.81
  • Chicken Stick
    $1.39
  • Drinking Yoghurt & Mi Chew
    $1.32
  • Lunch Buffet
    $4.16
  • Donut
    $0.69
  • Mushroom Burger
    $3.60
  • Green Tea Ice Cream
    $2.29
  • Udon & Sushi
    $4.85
  • Fresh Burger
    $3.33
  • Soba Noodles Lunch
    $3.12
  • Bibimbap Lunch
    $3.47
  • Fried Rice
    $3.81
  • Vietnamese Dinner
    $6.58
  • Breakfast and Coffee for 2
    $6.58
  • Donut
    $1.73

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Seoul

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

  • Guided Street Food Tour at Namdaemun Market: $45
  • Seoul Night Run for Local-Favorite Korean BBQ Dinner: $50
  • EG Tour Gimpo Peace and Food Tour: $50
  • [Wine & K-BBQ] A Perfect Pairing Dinner in Sinchon: $51
  • Korean Grandma Cooking Class l Gimbap & Kimchi Pancake l Seoul: $52
  • Mangwon Market Food tour By Locals;Cheap Eats to Fancy Feast: $57
  • Kimchi Dishes Cooking Class with Wine Pairing: $61
  • Explore Seoul's Flavors on Group Cooking Class Adventure: $63
  • Gwangjang Market Netflix Food Tour: $64
  • Guided City Wall Sunset Hike with Korean Dinner: $67
  • Cooking Class in Seoul with Korean Grandma: $68
  • Namdaemun Market Food Tour: $69

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Delhi $17
    Seoul $25
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
    $9.12

Tours and Activities in Delhi

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

  • Delhi Old and New Full Or Half Day Tour: $3.75
  • Delhi Temple and Spiritual Sites Private Day Tour - 6 hours: $3.75
  • Old & New Delhi City Tour-Half Or Full Day with Options Available: $4.50
  • From 4-Day Private Golden Triangle Tour with Taj Sunrise: $4.72
  • Half day Old and New Delhi Tour on Iconic Landmarks: $5.00
  • Private Customized Tour Of Old/New Delhi Spiritual Sites: $5.00
  • Private New Delhi Local Sightseeing - Tour: $5.00
  • Full Day Old and New Delhi City tour: $5.00
  • Jaipur day Tour from Delhi : Private and All Inclusive: $5.00
  • Private Guided Full Day Tour Of Old And New Delhi: $5.00
  • Old Delhi Tour by Tuk-Tuk Street Food and Shopping Experience: $5.00
  • Private Half-Day & Full Day Tour of New Delhi & Old Delhi: $5.00

Typical Entertainment Prices in Seoul

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Seoul are as follows:


  • Palace Tickets
    $5.54
  • Movie Ticket
    $5.54
  • Kimchi Museum
    $2.08

Tours and Activities in Seoul

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

  • Seoul Ghost Tour: Self-Guided Haunted Walk: $5.85
  • Seoul Self-Guided Audio Tour: $6.00
  • Gyeongbokgung Palace Hanbok Rental Experience Hanboknam (내국인불가): $7.00
  • Gyeongbokgung Palace Hanbok Rental Experience in Seoul: $7.00
  • Gyeongbokgung Palace Web Guide and Room Escape Tour Ticket: $7.30
  • Alternative A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $7.99
  • Gwanghwamun Tour l 120 Minutes to Understand South Korea: $10
  • Undercity Core Techno Party Ticket: $11
  • Skip the Line: Figure Museum W Ticket (내국인 불가): $11
  • Bukchon Hanok Village Seoul Walking Tour with Audioguide: $12
  • Insadong Running Man Themed Activity Experience Center: $13
  • Elysian Gangchon Winter Ski + Eobi Ice Valley Day Tour fr Seoul: $14

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Delhi $7.60
    Seoul $12

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 Delhi: $34

Sample the Local Flavors in Seoul

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

  • Discover Makgeolli: Inside Seoul's Hidden Urban Brewery: $10
  • Seoul Pub Crawl by Absolute: $20
  • Pub Crawl: $25
  • The Seoul Pub Crawl [official]: $26
  • LGBTQ+ Pub Crawl and Drag Show with Local Drag Queen: $28
  • Soju Tasting at Distillery - story of 3 pigs: $44
  • Rice Wine Tasting with Sommelier - Finest Makgeolli (& Soju): $46
  • Soju Tasting at Distillery: $51
  • Premium Pub Crawl with Open Bottles: $57
  • Craft Makgeolli Brewery Tour & Tasting Experience: $67
  • Learn and Craft Makgeolli in a Traditional Brewery: $78
  • From Yeongdong Day Trip with Wine Tasting and Janggu: $91


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


Which is Bigger, Delhi or Seoul?

Delhi has a larger population, and is about 6% larger than the population of Seoul. When comparing the sizes of Delhi and Seoul, 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 Seoul?

Seoul 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 Seoul in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Delhi and Seoul. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Delhi year-round. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Seoul because of the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

It's very hot in Delhi this time of the year. Delhi is a little warmer than Seoul in the summer. The daily temperature in Delhi averages around 31°C (88°F) in July, and Seoul fluctuates around 26°C (78°F).

Delhi usually receives more sunshine than Seoul during summer. Delhi gets 166 hours of sunny skies, while Seoul receives 121 hours of full sun in the summer.

Seoul 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 Seoul. Delhi gets 170 mm (6.7 in) of rain, while Seoul receives 369 mm (14.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Delhi 31°C (88°F) 
    Seoul 26°C (78°F)

Should I visit Delhi or Seoul in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Delhi as well as Seoul. Delhi attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene are the main draw to Seoul this time of year.

In the autumn, Delhi is much warmer than Seoul. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Delhi in October average around 26°C (79°F), and Seoul averages at about 15°C (59°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Seoul. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Delhi this time of the year. In the autumn, Delhi often gets more sunshine than Seoul. Delhi gets 269 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Seoul receives 204 hours of full sun.

Delhi usually gets less rain in October than Seoul. Delhi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Seoul receives 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Delhi 26°C (79°F) 
    Seoul 15°C (59°F)

Should I visit Delhi or Seoul in the Winter?

Both Seoul 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, many travelers come to Seoul for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Seoul. In January, Delhi is generally much warmer than Seoul. Daily temperatures in Delhi average around 15°C (59°F), and Seoul fluctuates around -3°C (27°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Delhi. Delhi usually receives more sunshine than Seoul during winter. Delhi gets 215 hours of sunny skies, while Seoul receives 163 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Delhi usually receives less rain than Seoul. Delhi gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Seoul receives 23 mm (0.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Delhi 15°C (59°F) 
    Seoul -3°C (27°F)

Should I visit Delhi or Seoul in the Spring?

Both Seoul 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. Furthermore, many visitors come to Seoul in the spring for the activities around the city.

Delhi is much warmer than Seoul in the spring. The daily temperature in Delhi averages around 29°C (84°F) in April, and Seoul fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

In Seoul, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Delhi. In the spring, Delhi often gets more sunshine than Seoul. Delhi gets 261 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Seoul receives 205 hours of full sun.

Delhi usually gets less rain in April than Seoul. Delhi gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Seoul receives 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


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

Typical Weather for Seoul and Delhi

Delhi Seoul
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 15°C (59°F) 20 mm (0.8 in) -3°C (27°F) 23 mm (0.9 in)
Feb 17°C (63°F) 30 mm (1.2 in) -0°C (32°F) 25 mm (1 in)
Mar 22°C (72°F) 20 mm (0.8 in) 6°C (42°F) 47 mm (1.9 in)
Apr 29°C (84°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 13°C (55°F) 94 mm (3.7 in)
May 33°C (91°F) 30 mm (1.2 in) 18°C (65°F) 92 mm (3.6 in)
Jun 34°C (93°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 23°C (73°F) 134 mm (5.3 in)
Jul 31°C (88°F) 170 mm (6.7 in) 26°C (78°F) 369 mm (14.5 in)
Aug 30°C (86°F) 200 mm (7.9 in) 26°C (80°F) 294 mm (11.6 in)
Sep 30°C (86°F) 110 mm (4.3 in) 22°C (71°F) 169 mm (6.7 in)
Oct 26°C (79°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 15°C (59°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Nov 21°C (70°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 8°C (46°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
Dec 16°C (61°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 0°C (33°F) 22 mm (0.9 in)