Which place is cheaper, Agra or Jaisalmer?
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 Jaisalmer or Agra?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Jaisalmer or Agra? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.
Where Should I go: Jaisalmer or Agra?
Jaisalmer
Jaisalmer is located in western part of the Rajasthan state of India. The city is known as the "Golden City" for its Sonar Qila, or 'Golden Fort'. This fort is different than other forts in India in that it is a living fort, meaning that it contains many hotels, homes, and shops for locals and visitors. The city is very close to the Thar Desert, to which excursions can be made.
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 Adventure Tours to India, The Best Sightseeing Tours in India, The Best Cultural Tours in India, and The Best Food and Culinary Tours in India.
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Jaisalmer Prices
India PricesAgra Prices
India Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayJaisalmer $41Agra $49
The average daily cost (per person) in Jaisalmer is $41, while the average daily cost in Agra is $49. 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 Jaisalmer and Agra in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personJaisalmer $12Agra $14
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomJaisalmer $24Agra $28
Compare Hotels in Jaisalmer and Agra
Looking for a hotel in Jaisalmer 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: Jaisalmer Hotel Prices and Agra Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Jaisalmer $11Agra $9.09
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Jaisalmer
Also for Jaisalmer, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer From Jaisalmer To Delhi: $197
- Private Transfer From Jaisalmer To Jaipur: $117
- 2-Night Camel Safari with Meals & Transfers: $96
- Transfer From Jaisalmer To Udaipur Via Ranakpur Jain Temple: $90
- Jaisalmer To Bikaner Private One Way Transfer: $64
- Private Transfer From Jaisalmer To Bikaner: $62
- From Bikaner : Private Transfer To Jaisalmer: $60
- From Jaisalmer : Private Transfer To Bikaner: $55
- From Jaisalmer : Transfer To Jodhpur Via Osian Temple: $48
- One Way Transfer From Jaisalmer To Jodhpur: $42
- One Way Jaisalmer To Jodhpur Transfer: $39
- Private Transfer from Jaisalmer to Jodhpur: $37
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$0.53
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Agra
Also for Agra, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Budget Transfer by Car from Agra to Varanasi Hotel: $200
- One-Way Transfers Agra to Delhi with Bird Park & fatehpur visits: $194
- Transfer from Delhi to Jaipur with Tajmahal sight seeing: $187
- Private Transfer : Agra to Varanasi by Car: $180
- Private Transfer- Agra city to Delhi via Mathura: $169
- Private transfer from Agra to Varanasi by Car: $161
- Private Transfer From Agra To Udaipur: $160
- 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
Is it cheaper to fly into Jaisalmer or Agra?
Prices for flights to both Agra and Jaisalmer 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 dayJaisalmer $20Agra $24
Typical Food Prices in Jaisalmer
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Jaisalmer:
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Dinner$4.21
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Jaisalmer
For Jaisalmer, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- off beat Desert safari with sunset and dinner: $10
- Jaisalmer Food Tour: Taste the Flavors of the Golden City!: $13
- Jodhpur Camel & Jeep Safari with Sunset, Folk Dance, Dinner: $25
- Dinner on the Dunes & Camel Safari: $25
- Jaisalmer Heritage & Cultural Walking & Street Food Tour: $25
- Camel Trails Sunset Safari with Dinner: $32
- Pleasant Sunset Safari With Dinner On Dunes (From 2:00 PM to Approx. 10:00 PM): $35
- Sunset Safari With Dinner: $37
- Cooking Class with Local Family & Rooftop Meal: $37
- Jeep Camel Ride, Musical Evening & Traditional Buffet Dinner: $37
- Shahi Half Day Sunset Camel ride & Cultural program & dinner: $38
- Blissful Half-Day Sunset Camel Safari, Musical Eve & Dinner: $38
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$1.90
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Agra
For Agra, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Agra's Tea demonstration & Food Tour: $15
- Agra Cooking Classes (Pick up and Drop available): $18
- Dine In Indian, home cooked food Agra Food tour My Magic Kitchen: $19
- 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
- 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.Jaisalmer $11Agra $17
Typical Entertainment Prices in Jaisalmer
For Jaisalmer, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
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Sam Sand Dunes for Two$3.16
Tours and Activities in Jaisalmer
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Jaisalmer.
- 2 Days Sharing Group Thar Desert Safari Adventure Tour: $8.60
- 2 Days-1 Night Camel Tour: $110
- 2 Night 3 Days Non Touristic Thar Desert & Camel Safari Adventure: $49
- 2 Nights 3 Days Nomadic Thar Desert Adventure Safari Tour: $105
- 2-Night Desert Experience with Luxury Camp from Jaisalmer: $222
- 3 Days Tour in Wild Desert Safari: $70
- 3 days Jaisalmer Private Tour with Desert Safari, Sightseeing and Accommodation: $178
- 4-day Jaisalmer And Jodhpur Combo Tour: $207
- 5 Days Udaipur Jodhpur & Jaisalmer Tour: $266
- Adventure & Campfire Overnight Desert Safari: $32
- Adventure non touristic camel safari: $33
- All-Inclusive Jaisalmer Full or Half Day Sightseeing Tour: $48
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$6.32
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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: $74
- 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: $69
- 2 Day Golden Triangle Private Tour From Agra: $205
- 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: $118
- 2 Days Taj Mahal Agra Tour with Fatehpur Sikri From Delhi: $151
- 2 Days Taj Mahal Private Tour and Hidden Gems: $48
- 2 Days: Private Agra City Tour: $52
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayJaisalmer $8.13Agra $8.48
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Jaisalmer and Agra, we can see that Agra is more expensive. And not only is Jaisalmer much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Jaisalmer would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Jaisalmer 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 Jaisalmer.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Jaisalmer Expensive? and Is Agra Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Jaisalmer or Agra?
Agra has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Jaisalmer. When comparing the sizes of Jaisalmer 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.