Which place is cheaper, Agra or Haridwar?
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 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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Haridwar Prices
India PricesAgra Prices
India Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayHaridwar $33Agra $48
The average daily cost (per person) in Haridwar is $33, while the average daily cost in Agra is $48. 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 $13Agra $14
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomHaridwar $26Agra $28
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 $4.60Agra $8.96
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Haridwar
Also for Haridwar, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Dehradun- Transfers+Hotel+Sightseeing: $241
- Rishikesh: Mini Gartang Gali Guided Half-Day Trek with Transfers: $112
- Private Transfer from Rishikesh to Delhi: $42
- Private Transfer from Dehradun to Delhi: $41
- Private Transfer from Haridwar to Delhi: $39
- Affordable transfer from Haridwar to Delhi: $39
- Affordable transfer from Rishikesh to Delhi: $39
- Private Transfer from Dehradun Airport to Rishikesh: $35
- Affordable transfer from Rishikesh to Dehradun Airport: $20
- Affordable Dehradun airport transfer to Rishikesh: $20
- Dehradun Airport (DED): Private Transfer to Rishikesh: $17
- 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$0.52
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Agra
Also for Agra, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private transfer Agra to Varnashi: $246
- Budget Transfer by Car from Agra to Varanasi Hotel: $200
- 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 One Way Transfer From Agra To Udaipur: $150
- Transfer from Agra or Jaipur via Fatehpur Sikri & Stepwell: $140
- Agra Half-Day City Tour and Transfer to Delhi: $136
- Private Transfer Agra to Varanasi by Car: $130
- Agra to Delhi airport transfer by air-conditioned car: $130
- Agra to Delhi (one-way private transfer): $121
- Private Transfer To Jaipur From Agra Via Fatehpur Sikri And Abhaneri: $120
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 $15Agra $23
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Haridwar
For Haridwar, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Rishikesh: Sattvic Ayurvedic Cooking Class – Cook & Dine: $38
- Flavors of Haridwar A Sacred 7 Street Guided Food Tour: $40
- Rishikesh Half Day Street Food Tour: $49
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$1.87
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Agra
For Agra, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Agra Cooking Classes (Pick up and Drop available): $18
- Dine In Indian, home cooked food Agra Food tour My Magic Kitchen: $20
- Agra Heritage Walk with Food Tour: $20
- Agra's best cooking classes: $27
- Agra Street Food Tour and Sadar Bazar Walking Tour: $30
- Private Indian Cooking Demonstration and In-Home Meal Minutes from the Taj Mahal: $33
- Cooking Demonstration + Meals and interaction Workshop: $38
- Seth Gali Bazaar Walk with Lavish on table barbecue dinner: $38
- Story of Spices- A Food Tour of Agra: $40
- Dinner at Agra with local Indian family: $40
- Indian Cooking Class and Dine with a Local Family in Agra: $40
- Agra Food Tour - A walking buffet: $43
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Haridwar $7.95Agra $17
Tours and Activities in Haridwar
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Haridwar.
- 02 Days Rajasthan, Jodhpur with Bishnoi Village Guided Tour: $274
- 2-Days Haridwar and Rishikesh Tour By Car: $98
- 6D Char Dham Yatra Immersive VR Experience at Haridwar: $3.80
- Ashram Tour By Walk in Rishikesh (Private Tour): $12
- Blue City of Rajasthan, Jodhpur Guided Tour - 02 Days: $97
- Day tour Haridwar Rishikesh with evening Ganga Aarti: $53
- Discover Rishikesh: Day Tour Guided With Ganga Aarti Ceremony: $30
- Discovering Dehradun: A Full Day Guided Tour: $63
- Divine Excursion: Gurudwara & Temple Tour from Dehradun: $63
- From Kochi: 03-Day Periyar Wildlife & Mararikulam Beach Tour: $172
- From Rishikesh: 3-Day Mahavatar Babaji Cave & Dunagiri Tour: $270
- From Udaipur: Same Day Jodhpur Guided Tour with Lunch: $123
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$6.23
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Taj Mahal for Two$16
Tours and Activities in Agra
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Agra.
- "Taj Mahal Ticket & Guide: $14
- 06 Hours Agra City Tour - Private: $75
- 1 Day Agra and 1 Day Jaipur Private Tour from Agra: $202
- 1 Day Private Tour of Agra - Taj Mahal & More: $35
- 1 Day Taj Mahal Sunrise Tour from Agra with Fatehpur Sikri: $90
- 11-Hour Agra Day Tour : Sunrise and Sunset of Taj Mahal: $59
- 2 Day Golden Triangle Private Tour From Agra: $206
- 2 Day Vrindavan Temples and Myths Tour with a Local Guide: $54
- 2 Day: Jaipur Tour from Agra with 5 Star Hotel & Drop at Delhi: $216
- 2 Days Jaipur City Tour from Agra: $85
- 2 Days Private Taj Mahal Sunrise and Agra Overnight Tour: $119
- 2 Days Taj Mahal Agra Tour with Fatehpur Sikri From Delhi: $152
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayHaridwar $5.91Agra $8.35
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.