Which place is cheaper, Dharamsala or Goa?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
Jump to 
Should you visit Goa or Dharamsala?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Goa or Dharamsala? 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 Dharamsala?
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.
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.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to India, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in India, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in India, and The Best 2-Week Tours in India.
-
Goa Prices
India PricesDharamsala Prices
India Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayGoa $0.00Dharamsala $41
The average daily cost (per person) in Goa is $0.00, while the average daily cost in Dharamsala is $41. 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 Dharamsala in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personGoa -Dharamsala $23
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomGoa $0.00Dharamsala $46
Compare Hotels in Goa and Dharamsala
Looking for a hotel in Goa or Dharamsala? 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.
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.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Goa -Dharamsala $5.07
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Dharamsala
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Dharamsala:
- Dharamshala Airport Transfers : Budget Sedan and SUV Cabs: $34
Is it cheaper to fly into Goa or Dharamsala?
Prices for flights to both Dharamsala 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 dayGoa -Dharamsala $14
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Goa -Dharamsala $5.49
Tours and Activities in Dharamsala
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Dharamsala are as follows:
- Best of Dharamshala with a local - Full Day Guided Tour: $126
- Best of Dharamshala with a local Half Day Tour by a AC Car: $79
- Cultural tour - Dharamshala & Mcleodganj for full day: $30
- Dal Lake & Kangra Fort Guided Day Tour From Dharamshala: $78
- Dharamshala Dalhousie Tour from Amritsar: $294
- Dharamshala Mcleodganj Tour: $47
- Dharamshala Street Food Crawl ( Guided Food Tasting Tour): $24
- Dharamshala: Monasteries and Nunneries Guided Tour: $56
- Guided Andretta Artists' VIllage Tour: $97
- Guided Kora Circuit & Walking Tour Around McLeod Ganj: $41
- Guided Tour : Tibetan's Child Charity & Monastery Visit: $50
- Hiking Day Tour to Triund from Dharamshala: $41
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayGoa -Dharamsala $5.49
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Goa and Dharamsala, we can see that Dharamsala 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 Dharamsala would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Dharamsala 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 Dharamsala Expensive?.
Which has a larger population, Goa or Dharamsala?
Goa has a larger population, and is about 60 times larger than the population of Dharamsala. When comparing the sizes of Goa and Dharamsala, 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.
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.