Which place is cheaper, Delhi 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 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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Jaisalmer Prices
India PricesDelhi Prices
India Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayJaisalmer $41Delhi $48
The average daily cost (per person) in Jaisalmer is $41, while the average daily cost in Delhi is $48. 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 $12Delhi $21
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomJaisalmer $24Delhi $42
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 $11Delhi $4.27
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Jaisalmer
Also for Jaisalmer, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- From Jaisalmer : Private Transfer To Bikaner: $55
- From Jaisalmer : Transfer To Jodhpur Via Osian Temple: $48
- Jaisalmer Airport Private Arrival Transfers: $8.03
- Jaisalmer To Bikaner Private One Way Transfer: $64
- 2-Night Camel Safari with Meals & Transfers: $55
- Bada Bagh Sunset Tour with Private Transfer: $50
- Jaiselmer to Bikaner drop Private Transfers Car service: $27
- One Way Jaisalmer To Jodhpur Transfer: $42
- One Way Transfer From Jaisalmer To Jodhpur: $42
- One Way Transfer Service From Jaisalmer Airport To Hotel: $11
- Private Jaiselmer Hotels to Jodhpur Drop – (To/From Transfers): $32
- Private One Way Transfer From Jaisalmer Hotel To Jaisalmer Airport: $12
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$0.10
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Taxi to Airport$1.67
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Subway$0.33
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Uber Cab$0.84
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Delhi Metro Smart Card$1.57
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Auto-rickshaw$1.04
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Delhi
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Delhi:
- Delhi to Jaipur transfer via Bharatpur and Ranthambore park visit: $300
- Exclusive Delhi airport VIP service & transfer to Agra: $255
- 3-Day City Tour of Old and New Delhi with Airport Transfers: $208
- Private Transfer: Delhi to Corbett National Park with Brunch: $199
- 3-Day Jaipur to Delhi Tour by Fast Train with Tickets & Transfers: $190
- Private Transfer Delhi To Varanasi: $190
- A Delectable Meal At The Great Kebab Factory with Private Transfer: $172
- Private Transfer: Delhi to Rishikesh via Haridwar: $165
- Private Transfer: Delhi to Agra via Vrindavan & Mathura: $145
- One-Way Private Transfer From Delhi To Pushkar: $144
- From Delhi Agra Taj Mahal Tour by Car with Transfers: $144
- From Taj Mahal Sunrise Tour & Transfer to Jaipur: $140
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 $20Delhi $18
Typical Food Prices in Jaisalmer
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Jaisalmer:
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Dinner$4.18
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Jaisalmer
For Jaisalmer, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Jaisalmer Food Tour: Taste the Flavors of the Golden City!: $14
- Authentic Desert Farm Visit and Cooking Class: $24
- Jaisalmer Heritage & Cultural Walking & Street Food Tour: $25
- Camel Trails Sunset Safari with Dinner: $29
- Jodhpur Camel & Jeep Safari with Sunset, Folk Dance, Dinner: $30
- Half-Day Camel Tour with Dinner: $34
- Pleasant Sunset Safari With Dinner On Dunes (From 2:00 PM to Approx. 10:00 PM): $35
- Dinner on the Dunes & Camel Safari: $36
- Sunset Safari With Dinner: $37
- Jeep Safari, Camel Ride, Dinner and Folk Dance: $42
- Half-Day Desert Safari with Camel Ride and Dinner: $45
- Thar Desert: Camel Ride, Sunset, and Dinner with Stargazing: $54
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$3.06
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Delhi
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Delhi.
- Old Delhi Food Tour: 8 Tastings & Tuk-Tuk Ride with Local Expert: $17
- Delhi Private Cooking Class: $25
- Old Delhi Food Tour Extravaganza!: $26
- Online: Indian Food Cooking Class: $29
- Old Delhi Street Food Tour – Explore Spices in Chandni Chowk: $30
- Old Delhi Food Tour with Pickup and Drop Off: $32
- Old Delhi Food Tour: Street Food, Rickshaw & Spice Market: $35
- Food Tour to Old Delhi with a Local: $38
- Old Delhi Street Food Tour: $39
- Chandni Chowk Delhi Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $39
- Old Delhi Night Food Tour - Kitchens & Local Stories: $40
- 4-Hour Old Delhi Evening Walking Tour with Local Dinner & Guide: $40
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Jaisalmer $11Delhi $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$3.13
Tours and Activities in Jaisalmer
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Jaisalmer.
- City Sightseeing with Experienced Guide: $3.16
- Agra: Skip-the-Line Taj Mahal Sunrise Tour w/Fatehpur Sikri: $4.50
- Temple Tour Of Jaisalmer Rajasthan: $5.36
- From Delhi: Taj Mahal Sunrise and Agra Fort Private Tour: $7.00
- Private Jaisalmer Fort & old city tour: $10
- Explore Jaisalmer at Night (2 Hour Guided Walking Tour): $11
- Colorful Markets of Jaisalmer (3 Hour Guided Tour): $11
- Jaisalmer Walking Tour: A Stroll Through Time and Culture: $11
- Heritage & Cultural Trails of Jaisalmer Guided Walking Tour: $11
- Experience Jaisalmer at Night (2 Hour Guided Walking Tour): $12
- 5.5 Hour City Walking Tour with a Guide: $12
- Cultural & Heritage Trails of Jaisalmer (2 Hours Guided Walking Tour): $12
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$9.09
Tours and Activities in Delhi
Here are a few actual costs in Delhi for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- “Old & New Delhi Discovery: Private Full-Day Guided Tour”: $59
- "Supporting Slum Artists: Guided Walking Tour": $40
- 02 Days Jaipur Tour By Car From Delhi: $140
- 02 Days Overnight Taj Mahal Tour From Delhi: $150
- 02 nights 03 Days Private Jaipur tour from Delhi: $280
- 04 Days Golden Triangle Tour of India: $199
- 1 Day Delhi Sightseeing Tour by Car Explore Iconic Landmarks: $80
- 1 Day Delhi and 1 Day Taj Mahal Tour by Car: $119
- 1 Day Jaipur Tour from Delhi: $211
- 1 Day tour to Agra from Delhi by Car with 5 Star Lunch: $103
- 1- Day Delhi And 1- Day Taj Mahal Agra Tour From Delhi: $102
- 1- Day Golden Triangle Tour to Agra Jaipur from Delhi: $160
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayJaisalmer $8.06Delhi $7.57
Sample the Local Flavors in Delhi
Also in Delhi, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Pub Crawl Delhi: $34
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.