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

Should you visit Delhi or Washington?

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

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

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.

Washington

Washington, DC is the capital city of the United States of America. It is also a city rich in history and culture. The city dates back to 1791 when the states of Maryland and Virginia donated the land to create the capital. In 1846, Congress returned the land that was ceded by Virginia and in 1871 it created a single municipal government with the remaining area. Today, Washington, DC has a population of over 600,000 people. The metropolitan area includes suburbs in Maryland and Virginia and has a population of about 5.8 million.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to India, The Best Budget Tours to India, The Best Wildlife Tours to United States of America, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Washington 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 Washington is $198. 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 Washington in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Delhi $23
    Washington $113
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Delhi $46
    Washington $226
Compare Hotels in Delhi and Washington

Looking for a hotel in Delhi or Washington? 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 Washington


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 Washington Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Delhi $5.29
    Washington $47
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
    $1.92
  • Subway
    $0.38
  • Uber Cab
    $0.96
  • Delhi Metro Smart Card
    $1.80
  • 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

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Washington

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Washington are as follows:


  • Metro Day Pass
    $9.00

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Washington

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

  • Airport Transfer DCA to/from Washington DC Downtown Area only: $147
  • Arrival Private Transfer: National Airport DCA to Washington in Business Car: $141
  • Arrival Private Transfer: National Airport DCA to Washington in Luxury SUV: $170
  • Arrival Transfer Dulles Airport IAD to Washington DC by Sedan: $106
  • Departure Private Transfer: Washington to Baltimore Airport BWI in Luxury SUV: $188
  • Departure Private Transfer: Washington to Dulles Airport IAD in Luxury Car: $211
  • Departure Private Transfer: Washington to Dulles Airport IAD in Luxury SUV: $157
  • Departure Private Transfer: Washington to Dulles Airport IAD in Luxury Van: $157
  • Departure Private Transfer: Washington to National Airport DCA in Business Car: $141
  • Departure Private Transfer: Washington to National Airport DCA in Luxury SUV: $170
  • Departure Transfer: Washington to Airport BWI by Business Car: $123
  • Private Airport Transfer: Washington to Baltimore Airport BWI in Luxury SUV: $188

Is it cheaper to fly into Delhi or Washington?

Prices for flights to both Washington 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
    Washington $38
Typical Food Prices in Delhi

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


  • McDonalds
    $3.51

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

Typical Food Prices in Washington

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Washington:


  • Water
    $2.00
  • Snacks on Monuments Tour
    $6.15

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Washington

For Washington, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • DC: Buffet Brunch, Lunch, or Dinner Cruise on the Spirit: $69
  • Washington DC Holiday Donut Adventure & Walking Food Tour: $70
  • DC: Gourmet Brunch, Lunch, or Dinner Cruise on the Odyssey: $74
  • Acquired Taste Food Tour in Georgetown: $85
  • Washington D.C.: Georgetown Guided Secret Food Tour: $98
  • Washington, DC: African American History Tour with Dinner: $108
  • Washington,DC: Union Market Private Food Tour: $125
  • Washington D.C.: Taste of Georgetown Walking Food Tour: $129
  • Washington DC: Christmas Eve Gourmet Brunch or Dinner Cruise: $140
  • Washington DC Premier Dinner Cruise: $144
  • Washington DC: Personalized & Private Food Tour with a Local: $152
  • Private Traditional Filipino Cooking Class Near Washington DC : $154

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Delhi $13
    Washington $24
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 Washington

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

  • Private Audio Guided Walking Tour in Washington: $5.45
  • Washington D.C.’s Tidal Basin: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
  • The Kennedy Homes of Georgetown: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
  • Scandals & Secrets on Embassy Row: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
  • DC's Presidents, Pubs, and Parties: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
  • The Kennedy Homes: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
  • Blossoming Friendship: A Self-Guided Audio Tour of Washington D.C.’s Tidal Basin: $5.99
  • Secrets on Embassy Row: A Self-Guided Audio Tour in Washington DC: $5.99
  • Washington, DC: Lincoln Assassination Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
  • Washington DC: National Mall Self Guided App Walking Tour: $6.50
  • Lincoln Memorial to the Cap Hill D.C. Smart Phone App/GPS Tour: $6.75
  • Washington DC Outdoor Escape Game Tour: FBI vs. Bank Robbers: $7.09

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Delhi $8.69
    Washington $19

Sample the Local Flavors in Washington

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Washington:

  • Epic Washington DC Bar Crawl: By Let’s Roam: $12
  • Washington DC: Ghosts Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $35
  • Small-Group History Tour Pub Crawl of Washington, D.C.: $59
  • Washington, D.C.: History Tour Pub Crawl: $59
  • DC: Guided Craft Brewery Tours with a Snack: $105
  • From Washington DC: Seneca Creek Region Wine Tour with Lunch: $175
  • Full-Day Private Virginia Wine Tour Experience from Washington : $242
  • Private Washington DC Virginia Winery Wine Tasting Tour -Spirited: $255


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Delhi and Washington, we can see that Washington is more expensive. And not only is Delhi much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Delhi is in Asia and Washington is in North America, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. 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 Washington would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Washington 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 Washington Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Delhi or Washington?

Delhi has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Washington. When comparing the sizes of Delhi and Washington, 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 Washington?

Washington 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 Washington in the Summer?

Both Washington 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, the summer months attract visitors to Washington because of the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

Delhi can become quite hot in the summer. In July, Delhi is generally a little warmer than Washington. Daily temperatures in Delhi average around 31°C (88°F), and Washington fluctuates around 79°F (26°C).

In Washington, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the summer, Delhi often gets less sunshine than Washington. Delhi gets 166 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Washington receives 278 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Delhi. Delhi usually gets more rain in July than Washington. Delhi gets 170 mm (6.7 in) of rain, while Washington receives 3.5 inches (88 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Delhi 31°C (88°F) 
    Washington 79°F (26°C)

Should I visit Delhi or Washington in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Delhi and Washington. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Delhi year-round. Furthermore, the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Washington this time of year.

Delhi is much warmer than Washington in the autumn. The daily temperature in Delhi averages around 26°C (79°F) in October, and Washington fluctuates around 60°F (15°C).

In Delhi, it's very sunny this time of the year. Delhi usually receives more sunshine than Washington during autumn. Delhi gets 269 hours of sunny skies, while Washington receives 197 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Delhi usually receives less rain than Washington. Delhi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Washington receives 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Delhi 26°C (79°F) 
    Washington 60°F (15°C)

Should I visit Delhi or Washington in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Delhi as well as Washington. Delhi attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, many travelers come to Washington for the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Washington. In the winter, Delhi is much warmer than Washington. Typically, the winter temperatures in Delhi in January average around 15°C (59°F), and Washington averages at about 35°F (1°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Delhi this time of the year. In the winter, Delhi often gets more sunshine than Washington. Delhi gets 215 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Washington receives 139 hours of full sun.

Delhi usually gets less rain in January than Washington. Delhi gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Washington receives 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Delhi 15°C (59°F) 
    Washington 35°F (1°C)

Should I visit Delhi or Washington in the Spring?

Both Washington 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, many visitors come to Washington in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

In April, Delhi is generally much warmer than Washington. Daily temperatures in Delhi average around 29°C (84°F), and Washington fluctuates around 56°F (14°C).

It's quite sunny in Washington. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Delhi. Delhi usually receives more sunshine than Washington during spring. Delhi gets 261 hours of sunny skies, while Washington receives 228 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Delhi usually receives less rain than Washington. Delhi gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Washington receives 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Delhi 29°C (84°F) 
    Washington 56°F (14°C)

Typical Weather for Washington and Delhi

Delhi Washington
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 15°C (59°F) 20 mm (0.8 in) 35°F (1°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm)
Feb 17°C (63°F) 30 mm (1.2 in) 37°F (3°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm)
Mar 22°C (72°F) 20 mm (0.8 in) 47°F (8°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm)
Apr 29°C (84°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 56°F (14°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm)
May 33°C (91°F) 30 mm (1.2 in) 66°F (19°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm)
Jun 34°C (93°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 75°F (24°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm)
Jul 31°C (88°F) 170 mm (6.7 in) 79°F (26°C) 3.5 inches (88 mm)
Aug 30°C (86°F) 200 mm (7.9 in) 78°F (26°C) 3.9 inches (98 mm)
Sep 30°C (86°F) 110 mm (4.3 in) 71°F (22°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm)
Oct 26°C (79°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 60°F (15°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm)
Nov 21°C (70°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 50°F (10°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm)
Dec 16°C (61°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 39°F (4°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm)