Which place is cheaper, Kolkata (Calcutta) or Jaipur?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Jaipur or Kolkata (Calcutta)?
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 Kolkata (Calcutta) 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 Kolkata (Calcutta)?
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.
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 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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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayJaipur $19Kolkata (Calcutta) $37
The average daily cost (per person) in Jaipur is $19, 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 Jaipur and Kolkata (Calcutta) in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personJaipur $12Kolkata (Calcutta) $17
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomJaipur $24Kolkata (Calcutta) $34
Compare Hotels in Jaipur and Kolkata (Calcutta)
Looking for a hotel in Jaipur 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: Jaipur Hotel Prices and Kolkata (Calcutta) Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Jaipur $1.54Kolkata (Calcutta) $5.11
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: $9.00
- Private Jaipur Arrival Transfer - Airport to Hotel/Accommodation: $9.20
- Private Train Station Transfer :- From Jaipur Train Station to Hotel: $10
- One-Way Transfer Airport to Hotel: $12
- Jaipur/Delhi/Agra: Private One-Way Transfers: $12
- Jaipur Airport & Hotel Transfers/Pickup & Drop: $13
- Jaipur Airport Transfer: $14
- Private Transfer From Jaipur to Agra including Fatehpur Sikri: $15
- One Way Transfer from Jaipur : $18
- Round trip airport Transfer Between Jaipur & Jaipur Airport JAI: $18
- Private Departure Transfer: Hotel to Jaipur International Airport: $20
- Private Arrival Transfer: Jaipur International Airport to Hotel: $20
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 Jaipur or Kolkata (Calcutta)?
Prices for flights to both Kolkata (Calcutta) 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 $4.75Kolkata (Calcutta) $14
Typical Food Prices in Jaipur
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Jaipur:
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Dinner$6.58
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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:
- Jaipur Street food tour: $4.58
- Indian Cooking Class with Local Family in Jaipur: $9.80
- Culture walking and food tour with guide in Jaipur.: $14
- Dinner With Traditional Rajput Family (Its Not Just Only A Cooking Class) : $16
- Food Tour and Eat like Locals : $16
- cooking class demo with dinner: $20
- Jaipur Cooking Class and home cooked dinner with Indian family: $21
- Jaipur Full Day Tour with local family dinner: $21
- Traditional Dinner with Family including Transfers: $22
- Taste of Jaipur (2 Hour Guided Street Food Tour with Local): $24
- 3-Hour Jaipur Vegetarain Rajasthani Food Private Cooking Class with Meal: $24
- History Street Food Tour with Local Guide: $25
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.Jaipur $3.81Kolkata (Calcutta) $15
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$1.20
Tours and Activities in Jaipur
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Jaipur.
- All Inclusive Full Day Guided Jaipur City Tour: $4.50
- Private Taj Mahal Sunrise Tour from Jaipur by Car: $5.00
- From Half-Day City Tour with Guide: $5.88
- Private Shopping City Tour by Tuk Tuk: $6.00
- Private Shopping Tour by Tuk Tuk: $6.00
- From Private Half-Day City Tour with Guide: $6.50
- Full day Jaipur sightseeing tour by tuk tuk.: $6.53
- Jaipur customized Half Day Tour: $6.54
- Full-Day Private Sightseeing Tour by tuk tuk: $6.72
- Private Full-Day Jaipur Sightseeing Tour by Tuk-Tuk: $6.75
- Private Sightseeing Tour of Jaipur by Tuk-Tuk: $6.75
- Private Full-Day Jaipur sightseeing Tour by Tuk Tuk : $7.36
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 dayJaipur $2.72Kolkata (Calcutta) $8.27
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: $32
- Pub Crawl Walking Tour: $38
- Pub Crawl Jaipur: $39
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 Jaipur and Kolkata (Calcutta), we can see that Kolkata (Calcutta) 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 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 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 Kolkata (Calcutta) Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Jaipur or Kolkata (Calcutta)?
Kolkata (Calcutta) has a larger population, and is about 71% larger than the population of Jaipur. When comparing the sizes of Jaipur 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.