A Travel Price Comparison for India Dharamsala vs. Delhi for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Dharamsala or Delhi?

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

Should I visit Dharamsala or Delhi? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Where Should I go: Dharamsala or Delhi?

Dharamsala

With a name that literally means "a spiritual dwelling," Dharamsala roughly translates as a shelter or rest house for pilgrims and travelers. Home to the Dalai Lama and the Tibetan Government in Exile, Dharamsala is today a popular destination for foreigners on vacation, backpackers seeking the surrounding mountains, as well as students of Buddhism.

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.

Which place is cheaper, Delhi or Dharamsala?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Dharamsala is $36, while the average daily cost in Delhi is $45. 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 Dharamsala and Delhi in more detail.



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

Looking for a hotel in Dharamsala or Delhi? 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 Dharamsala


Hotels in Delhi


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: Dharamsala Hotel Prices and Delhi Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Dharamsala $5.16
    Delhi $5.31

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Dharamsala

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Dharamsala:

  • Dharamshala Airport Transfers : Budget Sedan and SUV Cabs: $35

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
    $1.93
  • Subway
    $0.39
  • Uber Cab
    $0.96
  • Delhi Metro Smart Card
    $1.81
  • Auto-rickshaw
    $1.20

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Delhi

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Delhi:

  • Delhi Airport Transfers & Shuttles: $9.19
  • Delhi Airport Transfers : Budget Sedan and SUV Cabs: $11
  • Private New Delhi Arrival Transfer Airport to Hotel/Accommodation: $12
  • From Jaipur Private Full Day Trip with Private Transfers: $13
  • Private Transfer Delhi Hotel to Airport: $14
  • New Delhi Airport to Hotel Transfer Private Shuttle Sedan & SUV: $14
  • Private Transfer Delhi Hotels To Delhi International Airport DEL Drop: $15
  • Delhi hotel to Delhi Airport transfer: $15
  • Delhi - Private arrival transfer from Airport to Hotel: $15
  • Delhi Airport to hotel private transfer: $16
  • Delhi Indira Gandhi International Airport-Departure Transfer: $16
  • Airport Pickup and Drop off | Airport Transfer | Private Transfer: $16

Is it cheaper to fly into Dharamsala or Delhi?

Prices for flights to both Delhi and Dharamsala 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
    Dharamsala $8.39
    Delhi $12

Typical Food prices in Delhi

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


  • McDonalds
    $3.53

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Delhi

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

  • Old Delhi Food Tour Safari - The Capital of Flavors: $7.60
  • Appetizing virtual cooking class from Delhi: $20
  • Lunch or dinner with local family: $21
  • The Legendary Delhi Belly Food Tour: $27
  • Food Tour to Old Delhi with a Local: $32
  • Online: Indian Food Cooking Class: $33
  • Owner Led Delhi Shopping Tour Including Lunch/Dinner in Multicuisine Restaurant : $34
  • Old Delhi Heritage Sightseeing | Walking Tour | Street Food Tour: $34
  • Delhi Kabul Cooking Class: $34
  • Cooking Demo + Lunch/Dinner and interaction with an Indian family @ Chez Anjali: $35
  • Indian Cooking and Dining experience. : $37
  • Connaught Place Street shopping & food tour in Delhi: $39

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Dharamsala $5.59
    Delhi $13

Tours and Activities in Dharamsala

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

  • Guided Kora Circuit & Walking Tour Around McLeod Ganj: $37
  • Hiking Day Tour to Triund from Dharamshala: $37
  • Dharamshala: Full Day Customizable City Sightseeing Tour: $38
  • Private 6 hrs Mcleodganj & Dharamshala City Tour: $87
  • Historical Tour, Kangra fort &Rock cut temple from Dharmasla: $98
  • Guided Andretta Artists' VIllage Tour: $98
  • Dharamshala Dalhousie Tour from Amritsar: $300

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:

  • Audio Guided Walking Tour of Qutub Minar & Mehrauli, Delhi: $4.27
  • Time Travel at Red Fort— A Safe Guided Experience: $4.32
  • Driving tours through beautiful India: $4.61
  • Skip the line Taj Mahal Guided Tour with optional add-ons: $4.75
  • Customize Tip Based Tour of Old and New Delhi: $5.00
  • Taj Mahal Agra Fort Private Tour By Car From Delhi-All Inclusive: $5.00
  • Private Jaipur Tour from Delhi by Car: $5.00
  • Hassle free Taj Mahal same day tour by private car- All Inclusive: $5.00
  • Audio Guided Tour Of Red Fort, Delhi on HopOn India App: $5.34
  • Learn To Cook Indian Food - Private Live Virtual Experience: $5.62
  • From Taj Mahal Day Tour By Superfast Train - All Inclusive: $6.00
  • Taj Mahal Agra Same Day Tour from Delhi By Private Car: $6.17

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Dharamsala $5.59
    Delhi $8.72

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: $22
  • Pub Crawl (3 Hours Guided Bar Hopping Tour): $27


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Dharamsala and Delhi, we can see that Delhi is more expensive. And not only is Dharamsala much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Dharamsala would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Dharamsala 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 Delhi would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Delhi than you might in Dharamsala.

Which is Bigger, Dharamsala or Delhi?

Delhi is bigger, and its population is about 559.3 times larger than the population of Dharamsala. When comparing the population of Dharamsala vs. Delhi, 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 and the activities that interest you.

Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.
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Dharamsala vs. Delhi Travel Comparison

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