Which place is cheaper, Agra or Haridwar?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Haridwar or Agra?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Haridwar and Agra. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.
Where Should I go: Haridwar or Agra?
Haridwar
A spiritual journey is not complete without a trip to Haridwar as it is the lands of legends and tales cleansed by the Holy Ganga and regarded as the Holiest places for washing of sins. Haridwar is located on the foothills of the Himalayas making the place a truly memorable experience. After making a Haridwar Darshan, you will find most of your answers regarding the unknown and uncertainties. Rishikesh is very close to Haridwar, for waking the adrenaline rush in you. One can plan out so many activities to do in Haridwar for a fun filling vacation.
Agra
In the north of India, in the state of Uttar Pradesh is the city of Agra. This land is home to great tales of emperors and majestic temples. It is the home to a magnificent past and the greatest symbol of love known to man, the Taj Mahal.
While this incredible structure is the main draw to this area, there is much more to see. Once the capital of the Mughal Empire, Agra can claim three different UNESCO World Heritage sites - the Taj Mahal, the Agra Fort and the abandoned city of Fatehpur Sikiri.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Photography Tours in India, The Best Religious Tours in India, The Best Yoga Tours and Retreats in India, and The Best Luxury Tours to India.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayHaridwar $31Agra $44
The average daily cost (per person) in Haridwar is $31, while the average daily cost in Agra is $44. 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 Haridwar and Agra in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personHaridwar $15Agra $16
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomHaridwar $30Agra $32
Compare Hotels in Haridwar and Agra
Looking for a hotel in Haridwar or Agra? 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: Haridwar Hotel Prices and Agra Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Haridwar $5.30Agra $10
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Haridwar
Also for Haridwar, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Dehradun- Transfers+Hotel+Sightseeing: $271
- Delhi To Haridwar Transfer: $75
- Private Transfer from Mussoorie to Delhi: $53
- Private Transfer from Rishikesh to Delhi: $47
- Private Transfer from Haridwar to Delhi: $44
- Affordable transfer from Haridwar to Delhi: $39
- Affordable transfer from Rishikesh to Delhi: $39
- Affordable Dehradun airport transfer to Rishikesh: $20
- Affordable transfer from Rishikesh to Dehradun Airport: $20
- Affordable Dehradun Airport Transfer.: $15
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Agra
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Agra:
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Tuk Tuk Ride$0.60
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Agra
Also for Agra, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Delhi: One-Way Private Transfer to/from Agra: $3,200
- Private transfer Agra to Varnashi: $230
- Private Transfer- Agra city to Delhi via Mathura: $193
- Transfer from Delhi to Jaipur with Tajmahal sight seeing: $187
- Private Transfer : Agra to Varanasi by Car: $180
- Private transfer from Agra to Varanasi by Car: $161
- Private Transfer from Agra to Varanasi by Car: $147
- Budget Transfer by Car from Agra to Varanasi Hotel: $146
- From Jaipur Transfer via Visiting Abhaneri: $144
- Agra to Delhi airport transfer by air-conditioned car: $130
- Private Transfer Agra to Varanasi by Car: $130
- A Taste of Agra for Foodies with Private Transfer: $130
Is it cheaper to fly into Haridwar or Agra?
Prices for flights to both Agra and Haridwar 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 dayHaridwar $10Agra $16
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Haridwar
For Haridwar, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Sattvic Traditional Cooking Classes, Rishikesh India: $35
- Rishikesh Half Day Street Food Tour: $45
Typical Food Prices in Agra
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Agra:
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Breakfast for Two$2.15
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Agra
For Agra, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Agra best Cooking class after Taj Mahal: $6.00
- Street Food Tour with Spice Market on Tuk-Tuk: $12
- Home Hosted Luch or dinner by Indian local Family: $18
- Agra Heritage Walk with Food Tour: $20
- Local Food Tour with Cooking Class in Home Agra Including Lunch or Dinner: $20
- Indian Food Private Cooking Class: $22
- Cooking Class and Dine with a Local Family: $23
- Old City Food Tour with Local Guide and Tastings: $23
- Indian Home Visit Cooking Demo: $25
- The Spirit of Agra - Old Market Walking and Food Tour: $26
- Cooking classes Tour Including Pickup And Dropping To Hotel: $28
- Cooking Workshop and Vegetarian Dinner in Agra with Family: $30
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Haridwar $9.16Agra $20
Tours and Activities in Haridwar
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Haridwar.
- 2 N / 3 D Mahavatar Babaji Cave Tour: $225
- Adventure camping at Mussoorie - 1n2d: $39
- Adventure camping at Mussoorie - 2n3d: $71
- Adventure trip in Chakrata : $37
- Caving Tour in Rishikesh - 6 Hrs.: $45
- Day tour Haridwar Rishikesh Ganges: $72
- Discovering Dehradun: A Full Day Guided Tour: $61
- Experience Spiritual Culture in Rishikesh with a local - A Unique Walking Tour: $14
- From Delhi: 2-Day Tour of Rishikesh and Haridwar: $337
- From Delhi: Same Day Haridwar Guided Tour: $94
- Guided Food Walking Tour in Rishikesh with a local - Best of Culture & History : $25
- Guided Haunted & Mysterious Walking Tour of Mussoorie: $13
Typical Entertainment Prices in Agra
For Agra, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
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Entry to the Red Fort for Two$7.18
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Taj Mahal for Two$18
Tours and Activities in Agra
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Agra.
- Agra City Tour With Guide: $43
- Agra Full day Sightseeing with Transports & Tour Guide: $37
- Agra Local Tour with Taj Mahal : $30
- Private 6 Hours: Agra Temples and Spiritual Sites Tour: $38
- Private Agra Local Sightseeing Tour: $47
- Private Full Day Sunrise Taj Mahal Tour With Agra Fort: $30
- Private Taj Mahal and Agra Fort Day Tour: $42
- Taj Mahal Sunrise & Agra Fort Private Tour - All Inclusive: $21
- 05-Hours Taj Mahal & Agra Day Tour by TUK TUK: $5.00
- 06 Hours Agra City Tour - Private: $85
- 08 Days Taj Mahal Tour With Hemis National Park: $552
- 1 Day Agra and 1 Day Jaipur Private Tour from Agra: $202
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayHaridwar $6.81Agra $9.63
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Haridwar and Agra, we can see that Agra is more expensive. And not only is Haridwar much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Haridwar would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Haridwar 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 Agra would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Agra than you might in Haridwar.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Haridwar Expensive? and Is Agra Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Haridwar or Agra?
Agra has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Haridwar. When comparing the sizes of Haridwar and Agra, 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.