Which place is cheaper, Mandalay or Jaisalmer?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Jaisalmer or Mandalay?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Jaisalmer or Mandalay? 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 Mandalay?
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.
Mandalay
Located in Myanmar (formerly known as Burma) on the banks of the Irawaddy River, Mandalay is the nation's second largest city behind Yangon. It is centered on the restored Royal Palace and has a large population of Buddhist monks who frequent the city's many temples and monasteries.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to India, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in India.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayJaisalmer $37Mandalay $15
The average daily cost (per person) in Jaisalmer is $37, while the average daily cost in Mandalay is $15. 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 Mandalay in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personJaisalmer $13Mandalay $8.65
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomJaisalmer $26Mandalay $17
Compare Hotels in Jaisalmer and Mandalay
Looking for a hotel in Jaisalmer or Mandalay? 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.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Jaisalmer $12Mandalay -
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
- Jaisalmer To Bikaner Private One Way Transfer: $64
- 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
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Mandalay
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Mandalay:
- Inle Lake Land transfer from Mandalay: $213
- Around Mandalay in 2 Day and Next Day to Transfer Bagan: $200
- Mandalay To Bagan Transfer Tour: $150
- Private Transfer Of Mandalay To Bagan: $150
- From Private Transfer to Bagan: $150
- Private Land Transfer : Mandalay to Bagan: $139
- Airport Transfer, Paleik Snake Pagoda, a little bit of Bagan and to AVA: $50
- Inle [Heho] Airport Private Transfer : $46
- Private Mandalay Airport Transfer: $27
Is it cheaper to fly into Jaisalmer or Mandalay?
Prices for flights to both Mandalay 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 $13Mandalay $5.95
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: $28
- 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: $42
- Sun Set Safari with Dinner: $45
- 4×4 Jeep Safari And Camel Safari With Dinner On Sand dunes: $48
- Away from the Crowd Dinner on dunes/ In Non Touristic Desert: $55
- DiNnER iN HeVeN /aT Golden Desert of Jaisalmer: $55
- DiNnER !N G0LdEN DE$ERT 0F jASeLMeR: $55
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Mandalay
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Mandalay.
- Myanmar traditional cooking class with local: $26
- Bamboo Bike Food Tour: $42
- Bicycle Food Tour in Mandalay: $45
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Jaisalmer $12Mandalay -
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
- Explore Jaisalmer with Professional Tour Guide: $12
- Explore Jaisalmer at Night (2 Hour Guided Walking Tour): $12
- Jaisalmer Walking Tour: A Stroll Through Time and Culture: $12
- Colorful Markets of Jaisalmer (3 Hour Guided Tour): $12
- Heritage & Cultural Trails of Jaisalmer- Guided Walking Tour: $13
- Experience Jaisalmer at Night (2 Hour Guided Walking Tour): $13
- Vibrant Markets of Jaisalmer (2 Hours Guided Walking Tour): $13
- Golden City Photography Guided Tour to Capture City Hues: $13
- Heritage & Cultural Trails of Jaisalmer Guided Walking Tour: $13
- Jaisalmer Heritage Trails (2 Hour Guided Walking Tour): $14
- Explore Jaisalmer in Nightlights -2 Hour Guided Walking Tour: $14
Tours and Activities in Mandalay
Here are a few actual costs in Mandalay for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- 1-night in Pyin Oo Lwin next day to Gokteik tour: $226
- Kayah Villages Full Day Tour (Pan Pet & Hta Nee La): $260
- 2 Days Private Tour in Mandalay: $176
- A Little Adventure Village Explore: $17
- Adventure Road Trip from Mandalay to Monywa – Bagan : $174
- Amarapura,Mingun,Sagaing,Innwa Sightseeing Tour: $85
- Ancient Capitals of Myanmar Tour: $106
- Around Mandalay Tour in 2 Days : $100
- Day Tour Of Mingun/Sagaing/Amarapura: $75
- Full Day Adventure: $153
- Half day to Mandalay city tour: $65
- Half-Day Private Tour to Mingun: $48
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayJaisalmer $9.23Mandalay -
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Jaisalmer and Mandalay, we can see that Jaisalmer is more expensive. And not only is Mandalay much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Mandalay would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Mandalay 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 Jaisalmer would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Jaisalmer than you might in Mandalay.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Jaisalmer Expensive? and Is Mandalay Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Jaisalmer or Mandalay?
Mandalay has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Jaisalmer. When comparing the sizes of Jaisalmer and Mandalay, 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.