Which place is cheaper, Darjiling or Jaisalmer?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
Should you visit Jaisalmer or Darjiling?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Jaisalmer or Darjiling? 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 Darjiling?
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.
Darjiling
What began as a cluster of villages grew to prominence in the 19th Century when the British first established a hill station here and eventually realized that the climate was well-suited for tea plantations. Darjeeling (or Darjiling) has since become known for its teas in addition to cultural diversity, stunning views, and trekking opportunities.
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.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayJaisalmer $37Darjiling $35
The average daily cost (per person) in Jaisalmer is $37, while the average daily cost in Darjiling is $35. 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 Darjiling in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personJaisalmer $13Darjiling $13
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomJaisalmer $26Darjiling $26
Compare Hotels in Jaisalmer and Darjiling
Looking for a hotel in Jaisalmer or Darjiling? 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 Darjiling Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Jaisalmer $12Darjiling $7.48
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Jaisalmer
Also for Jaisalmer, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Jaipur to Jaisalmer Transfer: $170
- Private Transfers Jaisalmer To Bikaner Drop: $123
- Private Transfers Jaisalmer To Jodhpur Drop: $123
- Private transfer from Jaisalmer to Bikaner: $120
- Private Transfer From Jaisalmer To Ahmedabad: $117
- Private Transfer From Jaisalmer To Jaipur: $117
- Private Transfer From Jaisalmer To Jaipur: $117
- Private One Way Transfer From Jaisalmer To Pushkar: $94
- Transfer From Jaisalmer To Udaipur Via Ranakpur Jain Temple: $90
- Private Transfer From Jaisalmer To Pushkar: $85
- Private Transfer From Jaisalmer To Bikaner: $65
- Jaisalmer To Bikaner Private One Way Transfer: $64
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Darjiling
Also for Darjiling, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Rafting Journey at the Down on Teesta River's White Water with Private Transfer: $197
- Private Transfers Darjeeling - Gangtok Drop: $98
- Private Transfer from Gangtok to Bagdogra: $55
- Private Transfer Darjeeling Hotels To Bagdogra Airport IXB Drop: $49
Is it cheaper to fly into Jaisalmer or Darjiling?
Prices for flights to both Darjiling 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
-
Food Meals for one dayJaisalmer $13Darjiling $14
Typical Food Prices in Jaisalmer
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Jaisalmer:
-
Dinner$4.78
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Jaisalmer
For Jaisalmer, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Half Day SunSet Tour with Dinner: $26
- Jaisalmer Heritage Cultural Walking & Street Food Tour: $30
- Half Day Camel Safari Sunset with Dinner Tour (Non Touristic): $30
- Pleasant Sunset Safari With Dinner On Dunes (From 2:00 PM to Approx. 10:00 PM): $33
- Peaceful Non -Touristic Sunset Camel Safari With Dinner : $35
- Sunset Safari With Dinner: $37
- Half Day Desert Safari with Camel ride & dinner: $38
- Sun Set Safari with Dinner: $45
- 4×4 Jeep Safari And Camel Safari With Dinner On Sand dunes: $48
- DiNnER iN HeVeN /aT Golden Desert of Jaisalmer: $55
- Away from the Crowd Dinner on dunes/ In Non Touristic Desert: $55
- DiNnER !N G0LdEN DE$ERT 0F jASeLMeR: $55
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Jaisalmer $12Darjiling $12
Typical Entertainment Prices in Jaisalmer
For Jaisalmer, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
-
Sam Sand Dunes for Two$3.59
Tours and Activities in Jaisalmer
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Jaisalmer.
- Private Full-Day Tour of Jaisalmer with Guide: $33
- 1 Night Desert Experience Sleeping Under Star Near Jodhpur: $56
- 1 night 2 day thar desert experience & village lifestyle: $38
- 2 Days-1 Night Camel Tour: $102
- 2 Nights 3 Days Jaisalmer Tour & Non-Touristic Camel Safari: $209
- 2-Night Desert Experience with Luxury Camp from Jaisalmer: $211
- 3 Days Jaisalmer Private Tour: $180
- 3 Days Jaisalmer Tour From Jodhpur: $270
- 3-Day Private Tour of Jaisalmer with Desert Camp Experience: $173
- 4 - Days Jaisalmer And Jodhpur Combo Tour: $179
- 4 - Days Jaisalmer Sightseeing Tour: $167
- 4 - Days Jaisalmer Sightseeing Tour: $150
Tours and Activities in Darjiling
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Darjiling.
- 5-Day Private Tour of Gangtok and Darjeeling: $246
- A Full Day Tour Of Darjeeling: $232
- Best of Darjeeling (Guided Halfday Sightseeing Tour by Car): $82
- Best of Gangtok (Guided Halfday Sightseeing Tour by Car): $84
- Colonial Heritage Walking Tour in Darjeeling: $31
- Darjeeling City Tour with Uber: $65
- Darjeeling Full-Day Sightseeing Tour with Guide & Transports: $98
- Darjeeling Tea Garden Tour : $31
- Day Trip to Buddha Park (Guided Private Sightseeing Tour from Gangtok): $147
- Day Trip to Darjeeling (Guided Private Sightseeing Experience from Gangtok): $147
- Day Trip to Gangtok (Guided Private Sightseeing Experience from Darjeeling): $147
- Day Trip to Kalimpong (Guided Private Sightseeing Experience from Darjeeling): $147
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayJaisalmer $9.23Darjiling $8.77
When comparing the travel costs between Jaisalmer and Darjiling, we can see that Jaisalmer is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Asia, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Jaisalmer Expensive? and Is Darjiling Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Jaisalmer or Darjiling?
Darjiling has a larger population, and is about 83% larger than the population of Jaisalmer. When comparing the sizes of Jaisalmer and Darjiling, 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.