A Travel Price Comparison for India Jaipur vs. Dharamsala for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

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.


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.

  • Jaipur Prices
    India Prices
    Dharamsala Prices
    India Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Jaipur $21
    Dharamsala $40

The average daily cost (per person) in Jaipur is $21, while the average daily cost in Dharamsala is $40. 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
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Jaipur $11
    Dharamsala $22
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Jaipur $22
    Dharamsala $44
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.

Hotels in Jaipur


Hotels in Dharamsala


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
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Jaipur $1.48
    Dharamsala $4.94

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Jaipur

Also for Jaipur, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Private Transfer Jaipur Airport JAI To Jaipur Hotels: $5.70
  • Private Jaipur Arrival Transfer - Airport to Hotel/Accommodation: $7.02
  • Private Airport Transfer :- From Jaipur International Airport to Hotel: $10
  • Jaipur Airport Transfer: $10
  • Private Train Station Transfer :- From Jaipur Train Station to Hotel: $10
  • Private Airport Transfer Between the City & Airport: $11
  • Private Airport Transfer To or From the City Hotel: $17
  • Private Transfer from Jaipur to Ajmer: $20
  • Private Arrival Transfer: Jaipur International Airport to Hotel: $20
  • Private Departure Transfer: Hotel to Jaipur International Airport: $20
  • Jaipur Airport Transfer (Jaipur Airport to Hotels and Homes) in Jaipur: $21
  • Amber fort Skip-the-Line E-tickets & guide Jaipur transfers: $23

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Dharamsala

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Dharamsala:

  • Dharamshala Airport Transfers : Budget Sedan and SUV Cabs: $33

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
  • Food Meals for one day
    Jaipur $7.92
    Dharamsala $14
Typical Food Prices in Jaipur

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Jaipur:


  • Dinner
    $6.34
  • Soda
    $0.12

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Jaipur

For Jaipur, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Cooking Classes in Pink City: $12
  • Culture walking and food tour with guide in Jaipur.: $14
  • Best Food Tour in Jaipur: $15
  • Best Food Tour in Jaipur: $15
  • Cooking class demo with dinner : $20
  • Food Tour and Eat like Locals : $20
  • cooking class demo with dinner: $20
  • Jaipur Full Day Tour with local family dinner: $21
  • Jaipur Cooking Class and home cooked dinner with Indian family: $21
  • vegetarian & non vegetarian Cooking class in Jaipur: $22
  • Indian Home Based Cooking Class by Storyboard: $23
  • Indian Cooking Class with Local Family in Jaipur: $23

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Jaipur $3.67
    Dharamsala $5.36
Typical Entertainment Prices in Jaipur

For Jaipur, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:


  • Palace Entry for Two
    $1.15

Tours and Activities in Jaipur

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Jaipur.

  • From Delhi : Private 3 Days Golden Triangle Tour by Car: $3.76
  • From Half-Day City Tour with Guide: $3.99
  • Private Guided Jaipur City Tour All Inclusive: $3.99
  • Same Day Taj Mahal tour from Jaipur: $4.00
  • Half-Day Guided Sightseeing Tour with Flower Market: $4.78
  • Private Guided Half Day Tour Jaipur : $5.00
  • Private Jaipur Tour from Delhi by Express Train: $5.00
  • Jaipur Full Day Tour with Private Guide : $5.00
  • Private Guided Same Day Jaipur Tour From Delhi By Car: $5.00
  • Skip the Line Taj Mahal and Agra Day Tour from Jaipur: $5.00
  • Private Guided Spritual Tour In Jaipur : $5.00
  • From Delhi: Private Taj Mahal & Agra Tour with 5* Meal by Car: $5.26

Tours and Activities in Dharamsala

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Dharamsala are as follows:

  • Best of Dharamshala with a local Half Day Tour by a AC Car: $77
  • Dharamshala Street Food Crawl ( Guided Food Tasting Tour): $24
  • Guided Kora Circuit & Walking Tour Around McLeod Ganj: $40
  • Hiking Day Tour to Triund from Dharamshala: $40
  • Historical Tour, Kangra fort &Rock cut temple from Dharmasla: $93
  • Mcleodganj Nature Trek (3 Hours Guided Walking Tour): $25
  • Private 6 hrs Mcleodganj & Dharamshala City Tour: $54
  • The Spiritual Trails of Dharamshala(Guided Walking Tour): $12

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Jaipur $2.62
    Dharamsala $5.36

Sample the Local Flavors in Jaipur

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Jaipur:

  • Pub Crawl Jaipur: $37


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.