Which place is cheaper, Dharamsala or Jaipur?
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 Jaipur or Dharamsala?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Jaipur and Dharamsala can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.
Where Should I go: Jaipur or Dharamsala?
Jaipur
Jaipur, India, famously known as the Pink City, is the capital of Rajasthan and is often a highlight for many travelers to the area. Dating back to the eighteenth century, it is part of the Indian Golden Triangle which also includes Delhi and Agra. It's also a stopping off point for travelers venturing into the desert cities of Jodhpur and Jaisalmer. The city has a population of about 6.66 million people, making it the largest city in the state of Rajasthan and the tenth largest city in the country.
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 Budget Tours to India, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from New Delhi, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Mumbai, and The Best 2-Week Tours from New Delhi.
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Jaipur Prices
India PricesDharamsala Prices
India Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayJaipur $20Dharamsala $36
The average daily cost (per person) in Jaipur is $20, while the average daily cost in Dharamsala is $36. 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 Jaipur and Dharamsala in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personJaipur $10Dharamsala $20
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomJaipur $20Dharamsala $40
Compare Hotels in Jaipur and Dharamsala
Looking for a hotel in Jaipur 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: Jaipur Hotel Prices and Dharamsala Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Jaipur $1.28Dharamsala $4.51
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Jaipur
Also for Jaipur, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Jaipur Airport Private Arrival Transfers: $8.10
- Private Airport Transfer :- From Jaipur International Airport to Hotel: $10
- Private transfer Jaipur to Pushkar: $11
- Full-Day Guided City Tour with Hotel Transfers: $12
- Round trip airport Transfer Between Jaipur & Jaipur Airport JAI: $16
- One Way Transfer from Jaipur: $16
- Private Departure Transfer: Hotel to Jaipur International Airport: $18
- Private Transfer from Jaipur Airport JAI to Jaipur hotels: $19
- Private Transfer From Jaipur to New Delhi: $22
- Delhi, Agra & Private One-Way Transfer by Car: $26
- Private Transfer From Jaipur To Agra: $28
- Private Transfer from Jaipur to Delhi: $30
Is it cheaper to fly into Jaipur or Dharamsala?
Prices for flights to both Dharamsala and Jaipur 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 dayJaipur $7.66Dharamsala $13
Typical Food Prices in Jaipur
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Jaipur:
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Dinner$5.79
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Soda$0.11
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Jaipur
For Jaipur, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Food Tour in Jaipur: $14
- Jaipur Half-Day Evening Tour with Sunset and Dinner: $15
- Famous Masala Chowk Food Tour: $18
- Cooking Class in Jaipur with all Transport & Meals: $18
- cooking class demo with dinner: $20
- Food Tour and Eat like Locals: $20
- Jaipur Cooking Class and home cooked dinner with Indian family: $21
- Cooking Classes in Pink City: $21
- Private Cooking Lesson for Authentic Rajasthani Cuisine: $22
- Indian Cooking Class with Local Family in Jaipur: $22
- Food Tour With Guide: $22
- Pink City Cooking Class: $24
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Jaipur $3.35Dharamsala $4.89
Typical Entertainment Prices in Jaipur
For Jaipur, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
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Palace Entry for Two$1.05
Tours and Activities in Jaipur
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Jaipur.
- Pink City Local Shopping Tour: $3.20
- Jaipur Private Day Tour: City Palace, Amber Fort, Skip-the-Line: $3.51
- Private Jaipur City Tour with Amber Fort & Guide: $3.78
- Jaipur City Sightseeing with Private Car and Driver: $3.78
- Full Day Jaipur Sightseeing Tour by Private Car with Guide: $3.78
- Pink City Street Food and Local Market Tour: $4.00
- Jaipur Full-Day Private Tour by Car or Tuk-Tuk with Local Guide: $4.32
- Nahargarh Fort and Monkey Temple 4 Hour Tour: $4.32
- Private Full Day Jaipur Sightseeing Tour By Tuk Tuk: $4.57
- Jaipur Full-Day Private Tour By Car, Guide & Skip-the-Line Entry: $4.86
- Pinkcity Jaipur Private Day Tour: $5.00
- Private Full Day Jaipur History and Heritage Tour: $5.00
Tours and Activities in Dharamsala
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Dharamsala are as follows:
- Dharamshala Street Food Crawl ( Guided Food Tasting Tour): $27
- Dharamshala: 2-Day Guided Tour with Waterfall Hike: $208
- Dharamshala: Full-Day Sightseeing Tour with Lunch: $89
- Discover Dharamshala in a Day: Guided Tour with Hotel Pickup: $73
- Guided Cycling tour in Dharamshala: $26
- Guided Kora Circuit & Walking Tour Around McLeod Ganj: $36
- Hiking Day Tour to Triund from Dharamshala: $36
- Historical Tour, Kangra fort &Rock cut temple from Dharmasla: $99
- Private 2-Days McLeodGanj & Dharamshala Guided Tour: $90
- Private 6 hrs Mcleodganj & Dharamshala City Tour: $58
- The Spiritual Trails of Dharamshala(Guided Walking Tour): $14
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayJaipur $2.52Dharamsala $4.89
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Jaipur and Dharamsala, we can see that Dharamsala is more expensive. And not only is Jaipur much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Jaipur would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Jaipur 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 Jaipur.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Jaipur Expensive? and Is Dharamsala Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Jaipur or Dharamsala?
Jaipur has a larger population, and is about 140 times larger than the population of Dharamsala. When comparing the sizes of Jaipur 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.