Which place is cheaper, Kolkata (Calcutta) or Goa?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Goa or Kolkata (Calcutta)?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Goa or Kolkata (Calcutta)? 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 Kolkata (Calcutta)?
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.
Kolkata (Calcutta)
Formerly known as Calcutta, Kolkata is the capital of West Bengal, India. Featuring colonial architecture, galleries, temples, and festivals, the city has flourished from its roots as an East India Company trading post in the 18th Century to a thriving metropolis. Today Kolkata is a diverse center of culture and bustling activity.
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.
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Goa Prices
India PricesKolkata (Calcutta) Prices
India Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayGoa $33Kolkata (Calcutta) $42
The average daily cost (per person) in Goa is $33, while the average daily cost in Kolkata (Calcutta) is $42. 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 Kolkata (Calcutta) in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personGoa $14Kolkata (Calcutta) $15
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomGoa $28Kolkata (Calcutta) $30
Compare Hotels in Goa and Kolkata (Calcutta)
Looking for a hotel in Goa or Kolkata (Calcutta)? 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: Kolkata (Calcutta) Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Goa $4.64Kolkata (Calcutta) $4.48
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kolkata (Calcutta)
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Kolkata (Calcutta):
- The Second City of Empire: A Kolkata Heritage Walking Tour with Private Transfer: $134
- Private Transfer from Kolkata to Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose (CCU) Airport: $63
- Kolkata Airport to Kolkata Hotels drop: Private Transfers: $32
- Kolkata - Arrival transfer from Airport to Hotel: $43
- Build Your Own: custom private tour of Kolkata with transfers: $74
- Airport Taxi: Round Trip Transfer Between Kolkata & Kolkata Airport CCU: $43
Is it cheaper to fly into Goa or Kolkata (Calcutta)?
Prices for flights to both Kolkata (Calcutta) 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
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Food Meals for one dayGoa $14Kolkata (Calcutta) $22
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Kolkata (Calcutta)
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Kolkata (Calcutta).
- Hooghly River Dinner Cruise: $39
- Bengali Nights Kolkata Food Tour with 13+ Tastings: $39
- Alleyway Food Tour: $40
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Goa $10Kolkata (Calcutta) $13
Tours and Activities in Goa
For Goa, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Agra: Taj Mahal & Agra Fort Skip-the-Line Tour-All Inclusive: $6.76
- Agra: Private Taj Mahal and Agra Local City Tour By Tuk-Tuk: $27
- Kerala:- 04 Days, Munnar, Periyar, Kumarakom & Boat Cruise: $514
Tours and Activities in Kolkata (Calcutta)
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Kolkata (Calcutta) are as follows:
- Audio Guided Tour of Pathuriaghata – Finding the Tagores, Kolkata: $6.12
- Calcutta Contrast Tour: $43
- Capturing the City of Joy; Full Day Kolkata Street Photography Tour: $85
- Chasing The Sun Experience Kolkata's Culture: $35
- Cultural Confluence of Kolkata - Culture Kaleidoscope Tour: $38
- Day Tour Of Kolkata: $24
- Explore Kolkata: Private 1-Day and 2-Day Tour Options: $93
- Festivals of Calcutta walking Tour : Durga Puja/ Diwali Kali Puja: $86
- Flower Market Colors and Ganges Ghat Experience: $30
- Full Day Kolkata City Tour: $110
- Full Day Pilgrimage Tour of Ganga Sagar from Kolkata: $100
- Full-Day Kolkata Sightseeing Private Tour with Tour Guide: $75
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayGoa $11Kolkata (Calcutta) $7.25
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Goa and Kolkata (Calcutta), we can see that Kolkata (Calcutta) 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 Kolkata (Calcutta) would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Kolkata (Calcutta) 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 Kolkata (Calcutta) Expensive?.
Which has a larger population, Goa or Kolkata (Calcutta)?
Kolkata (Calcutta) has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Goa. When comparing the sizes of Goa and Kolkata (Calcutta), 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.