Which place is cheaper, Delhi or Jaisalmer?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Jaisalmer or Delhi?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Jaisalmer or Delhi? 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 Delhi?
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.
Delhi
Delhi is the largest city in northern India and is officially the country's capital. The city has a population of 11 million with the metropolitan population reaching over 16 million. The city is similar in landscape to the rest of its surrounding area. It is very flat with the river Yamuna flowing on the eastern side of the city. The Aravalii Hills are in the western portion of the city. The city's history dates back to the 6th century BC and it has served as a capital for various kingdoms and empires.
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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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayJaisalmer $37Delhi $45
The average daily cost (per person) in Jaisalmer is $37, while the average daily cost in Delhi is $45. 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 Delhi in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personJaisalmer $13Delhi $23
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomJaisalmer $26Delhi $46
Compare Hotels in Jaisalmer and Delhi
Looking for a hotel in Jaisalmer or Delhi? 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 Delhi Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Jaisalmer $12Delhi $5.28
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Jaisalmer
Also for Jaisalmer, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- From Bikaner : Private Transfer To Jaisalmer: $60
- From Jaisalmer : Private Transfer To Bikaner: $55
- From Jaisalmer : Private Transfer To Sam / Khuri Sand Dunes: $18
- From Jaisalmer : Transfer To Jodhpur Via Osian Temple: $43
- Jaipur to Jaisalmer Transfer: $170
- One Way Jaisalmer To Jodhpur Transfer: $44
- One Way Transfer From Jaisalmer To Jodhpur: $42
- One Way Transfer Service From Jaisalmer Airport To Hotel: $12
- One Way Transfer Service From Jaisalmer Hotel To Airport: $12
- Pokhran Airport transfer: $28
- Private One Way Transfer From Jaisalmer Airport To Jaisalmer Hotel: $12
- Private Transfer From Jaisalmer Airport To Jaisalmer Hotel: $10
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Delhi
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Delhi:
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Tuk Tuk Ride$0.12
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Taxi to Airport$1.91
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Subway$0.38
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Uber Cab$0.96
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Delhi Metro Smart Card$1.79
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Auto-rickshaw$1.20
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Delhi
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Delhi:
- 3-Days Delhi and Varanasi Tour by Express Train.Includes,Hotel Transfers.: $275
- Private transfer from Delhi Indira Gandhi Intl Airport to Delhi Hotels : $207
- 3-Days Amritsar tour from Delhi Includes Hotel,Train tickets & Transfers: $200
- A Delectable Meal At The Great Kebab Factory with Private Transfer: $197
- From Taj Mahal & Agra Private Day Trip with Transfers: $189
- Private Transfers Delhi To Dehradun Drop: $184
- Evening Delhi city tour with pickup transfer: $183
- 3-Day City Tour of Old and New Delhi with Airport Transfers: $180
- Private Sightseeing Tour to Agra with Transfer & Ticket Included : $179
- Private Transfer: Delhi to Rishikesh via Haridwar: $178
- From Taj Mahal & Agra Private Day Trip with Transfers: $169
- Private Transfer: Delhi to Agra via Vrindavan & Mathura: $166
Is it cheaper to fly into Jaisalmer or Delhi?
Prices for flights to both Delhi 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 $13Delhi $12
Typical Food Prices in Jaisalmer
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Jaisalmer:
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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
- Sunset Safari With Dinner: $37
- 8 Hours Private Tour in Thar Desert with Dinner: $42
- Half Day Desert Safari with Camel ride & dinner: $42
- 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
Typical Food Prices in Delhi
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Delhi:
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McDonalds$3.50
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Delhi
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Delhi.
- Old Delhi Street Food Tour- All Inclusive : $12
- Appetizing virtual cooking class from Delhi: $20
- Lunch or dinner with local family: $21
- Food Tour Old Delhi: $31
- Old Delhi Heritage Sightseeing | Walking Tour | Street Food Tour: $34
- Cooking Demo + Lunch/Dinner and interaction with an Indian family @ Chez Anjali: $35
- Old Delhi Food Tour: A Night Time Feast: $36
- Connaught Place Street shopping & food tour in Delhi: $39
- Discover Old 4-Hour Evening Walking Tour includes Guide & Dinner: $40
- Old Delhi Street Food Tour: $44
- Culinary Delights Of Delhi Half Day Food Tour: $48
- Veg and Non veg : Private Cooking Class in Delhi: $48
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Jaisalmer $12Delhi $13
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$3.59
Tours and Activities in Jaisalmer
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Jaisalmer.
- Temple Tour Of Jaisalmer Rajasthan: $6.14
- Jaisalmer Walking Tour: A Stroll Through Time and Culture: $12
- Explore Jaisalmer with Professional Tour Guide: $12
- Explore Jaisalmer at Night (2 Hour Guided Walking Tour): $12
- Colorful Markets of Jaisalmer (3 Hour Guided Tour): $12
- Heritage & Cultural Trails of Jaisalmer- Guided Walking Tour: $13
- Vibrant Markets of Jaisalmer (2 Hours Guided Walking Tour): $13
- Golden City Photography Guided Tour to Capture City Hues: $13
- Experience Jaisalmer at Night (2 Hour Guided Walking Tour): $13
- Heritage & Cultural Trails of Jaisalmer Guided Walking Tour: $13
- Jaisalmer Photography Tour for Instagram- 2 Hour Guided Tour: $14
- Explore Jaisalmer in Nightlights -2 Hour Guided Walking Tour: $14
Typical Entertainment Prices in Delhi
Here are a few typical costs in Delhi for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
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Red Fort$10
Tours and Activities in Delhi
Here are a few actual costs in Delhi for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- 3 Days Golden Triangle Tour from Delhi: $205
- 3 Days Private Delhi, Agra, Jaipur and Triangle Tour : $147
- 6 Hours: Delhi Temples and Spiritual Sites Tour: $45
- Delhi : Private Day Tour Of Tajmahal And Shopping At Agra: $100
- Delhi Agra and Jaipur 5 Days Golden Triangle Tour From New Delhi: $220
- Delhi All Inclusive Half day City Tour With Guide: $30
- Delhi Evening City Tour with Guide: $53
- Delhi a historic and Heritage 7 hours experience trip : $29
- Same Day Sunrise Taj Mahal Experience By Car : $75
- Explore Taj Mahal and Agra Fort - Private day tour from Delhi - All Inclusive: $97
- Full Day Agra Sightseeing Tour from Delhi by Car: $125
- Full Day Old And New Delhi City Tour- All Inclusive : $38
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayJaisalmer $9.23Delhi $8.67
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Jaisalmer and Delhi, we can see that Delhi 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 Delhi would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Delhi 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 Delhi Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Jaisalmer or Delhi?
Delhi has a larger population, and is about 160 times larger than the population of Jaisalmer. When comparing the sizes of Jaisalmer and Delhi, 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.