Which place is cheaper, Kolkata (Calcutta) or Haridwar?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Haridwar or Kolkata (Calcutta)?
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 Kolkata (Calcutta). 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 Kolkata (Calcutta)?
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.
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 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 $31Kolkata (Calcutta) $37
The average daily cost (per person) in Haridwar is $31, while the average daily cost in Kolkata (Calcutta) is $37. 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 Kolkata (Calcutta) in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personHaridwar $15Kolkata (Calcutta) $17
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomHaridwar $30Kolkata (Calcutta) $34
Compare Hotels in Haridwar and Kolkata (Calcutta)
Looking for a hotel in Haridwar 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: Haridwar Hotel Prices and Kolkata (Calcutta) Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Haridwar $5.30Kolkata (Calcutta) $5.11
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Haridwar
Also for Haridwar, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Affordable Dehradun Airport Transfer.: $15
- Affordable Dehradun airport transfer to Rishikesh: $20
- Affordable transfer from Rishikesh to Dehradun Airport: $20
- Private Transfer from Dehradun Airport to Rishikesh: $35
- Affordable transfer from Haridwar to Delhi: $39
- Affordable transfer from Dehradun to Delhi: $39
- Affordable transfer from Rishikesh to Delhi: $39
- Private Transfer from Haridwar to Delhi: $44
- Private Transfer from Dehradun to Delhi: $46
- Private Transfer from Rishikesh to Delhi: $47
- Private Transfer from Mussoorie to Delhi: $53
- Delhi To Haridwar Transfer: $75
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: $150
- Build Your Own: custom private tour of Kolkata with transfers: $69
- Private Transfer Kolkata Airport CCU To Kolkata Hotels Drop: $22
Is it cheaper to fly into Haridwar or Kolkata (Calcutta)?
Prices for flights to both Kolkata (Calcutta) 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 $10Kolkata (Calcutta) $14
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
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Kolkata (Calcutta)
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Kolkata (Calcutta).
- Bengali Nights Kolkata Food Tour with 13+ Tastings: $35
- Alleyway Food Tour: $42
- Dinner Cruise on Ganges Kolkata 3Hrs: $59
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Haridwar $9.16Kolkata (Calcutta) $15
Tours and Activities in Haridwar
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Haridwar.
- Guided Haunted & Mysterious Walking Tour of Mussoorie: $13
- Guided Night Walking Tour in Rishikesh - Explore the best nightlife with a local: $13
- Experience Spiritual Culture in Rishikesh with a local - A Unique Walking Tour: $14
- Private Walking Tour in Rishikesh: $18
- Rishikesh Private Sightseeing Day Tour : $19
- Guided Food Crawl Tour of Mussoorie with a local: $25
- Haridwar Tanga Tour: $29
- Adventure trip in Chakrata : $37
- Adventure camping at Mussoorie - 1n2d: $39
- Caving Tour in Rishikesh - 6 Hrs.: $45
- Rishikesh cultural sightseeing tour with Ganga Aarti: $45
- Private Kunjapuri Sunrise Tour: $49
Tours and Activities in Kolkata (Calcutta)
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Kolkata (Calcutta) are as follows:
- 02 Days Guided Private Tour of Kolkata : $225
- 2 days private tour of kolkata city and Bishnupur by car: $280
- Cultural Confluence of Kolkata - Culture Kaleidoscope Tour: $37
- Custom Private Guided Kolkata Sightseeing Trip w/ Optional Add ons: $147
- Downtown Kolkata Private Tour (By Air Conditioned Car): $213
- Experience Kolkata in 2 Days like never before - Private Tour: $147
- Explore Kolkata- Private Full Day Tour: $90
- Full Day City Tour Of Kolkata With Guide: $55
- Full Day Kolkata City Tour : $76
- Full Day Pilgrimage Tour of Ganga Sagar from Kolkata: $100
- Full Day Private Sightseeing Tour of Kolkata: $282
- Guided Kolkata Sightseeing Trip by Car, Walk & Sunset Cruise Excursion Trip: $110
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayHaridwar $6.81Kolkata (Calcutta) $8.27
Sample the Local Flavors in Kolkata (Calcutta)
Also in Kolkata (Calcutta), these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Pub Crawl Kolkata: $39
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Haridwar and Kolkata (Calcutta), we can see that Kolkata (Calcutta) 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 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 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 Kolkata (Calcutta) Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Haridwar or Kolkata (Calcutta)?
Kolkata (Calcutta) has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Haridwar. When comparing the sizes of Haridwar 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.