A Travel Price Comparison for India Goa vs. Darjiling for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Goa or Darjiling?

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

Should I visit Goa or Darjiling? 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: Goa or Darjiling?

Goa

Goa is a small but important state located on the west coast of India known as a popular beach resort and vacation area.

A large Portuguese influence can be found in Goa in the form of architecture as well as the cuisine, as it was formerly a Portuguese colony. Because of Goa's Portuguese history, there is a distribution of religion among the people, making it quite different than other states in India. About sixty-five percent of the population is Hindu, while about twenty-four percent is Catholic. Goa is one of the most peaceful states in India, with a very low crime rate. The best time to visit Goa is between November and February, as this is when the weather is most comfortable.

This is a popular tourist destination both for the Indian population as well as for tourists from around the world. The warm climate, beautiful beaches, friendly people, fun activities, and cultural diversity make it a popular destination for many types of travelers.

Darjiling

What began as a cluster of villages grew to prominence in the 19th Century when the British first established a hill station here and eventually realized that the climate was well-suited for tea plantations. Darjeeling (or Darjiling) has since become known for its teas in addition to cultural diversity, stunning views, and trekking opportunities.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Mumbai, The Best 2-Week Tours from New Delhi, The Best 2-Week Tours from Mumbai, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to India.


Which place is cheaper, Darjiling or Goa?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Goa is $0.00, while the average daily cost in Darjiling is $35. 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 Goa and Darjiling in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Goa -
    Darjiling $13
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Goa $0.00
    Darjiling $26
Compare Hotels in Goa and Darjiling

Looking for a hotel in Goa or Darjiling? 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 Goa


Hotels in Darjiling


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: Darjiling Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Goa -
    Darjiling $7.47

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Goa

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

  • Mumbai to Goa Transfer: $190

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Darjiling

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

  • Private Transfers Darjeeling - Gangtok Drop: $122
  • Private Transfer from Gangtok to Bagdogra: $55
  • Private Transfer Darjeeling Hotels To Bagdogra Airport IXB Drop: $73

Is it cheaper to fly into Goa or Darjiling?

Prices for flights to both Darjiling and Goa 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
    Goa -
    Darjiling $14

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Goa -
    Darjiling $12

Tours and Activities in Darjiling

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

  • A Full Day Tour Of Darjeeling: $232
  • Best of Gangtok (Guided Halfday Sightseeing Tour by Car): $84
  • Colonial Heritage Walking Tour in Darjeeling: $30
  • Darjeeling City Tour with Uber: $65
  • Darjeeling Full-Day Sightseeing Tour with Guide & Transports: $183
  • Day Trip to Gangtok (Guided Private Sightseeing Experience from Darjeeling): $146
  • Day Trip to Kalimpong (Guided Private Sightseeing Experience from Darjeeling): $146
  • Day Trip to Kalimpong (Guided Private Sightseeing Experience from Gangtok): $146
  • Day Trip to Singalila (Guided Private Sightseeing Experience from Darjeeling): $256
  • Day_Trippers (Darjeeling Full Day Tour).: $109
  • Discover the Spiritual Trails of Gangtok (2 Hours Guided Walking Tour): $12
  • Excursion to Tea Estate Tour With Tea Processing Tour with Transportation: $61

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Goa -
    Darjiling $8.76


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

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Goa Expensive? and Is Darjiling Expensive?.


Which has a larger population, Goa or Darjiling?

Goa has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Darjiling. When comparing the sizes of Goa and Darjiling, 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.