Which place is cheaper, Himachal Pradesh or Jammu and Kashmir?
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 Jammu and Kashmir or Himachal Pradesh?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Jammu and Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.
Where Should I go: Jammu and Kashmir or Himachal Pradesh?
Jammu and Kashmir
Jammu and Kashmir is the northernmost state of India. It is a mountainous region of the northern Himalayas with sweeping valleys, stunning lakes, and snow-capped scenery dotted with temples. While the region has been known for a border dispute with Pakistan, the unrest has been quieting and tourism is beginning to make a comeback. The area typically draws trekkers, those hoping to visit sacred temples, and others looking to experience Himalayan culture.
Himachal Pradesh
With a name that translates to "abode of snow," Himachal Pradesh is a state in north-western India with opportunities for experiencing the Himalaya mountain range. Visitors come to the region to experience the mountain scenery, engage in Tibetan culture, and learn about the region's ancient past.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to India, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in India, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in India, and The Best 2-Week Tours in India.
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Jammu and Kashmir Prices
India PricesHimachal Pradesh Prices
India Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayJammu and Kashmir $32Himachal Pradesh $502
The average daily cost (per person) in Jammu and Kashmir is $32, while the average daily cost in Himachal Pradesh is $502. 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 Jammu and Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personJammu and Kashmir $14Himachal Pradesh $196
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomJammu and Kashmir $28Himachal Pradesh $392
Compare Hotels in Jammu and Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh
Looking for a hotel in Jammu and Kashmir or Himachal Pradesh? 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.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Jammu and Kashmir $3.44Himachal Pradesh $43
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Himachal Pradesh
Also for Himachal Pradesh, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Affordable Dehradun Airport Transfer.: $15
- Delhi hotels to Delhi Indira Gandhi Airport (DEL) - Departure Private Transfer: $19
- Affordable transfer from Rishikesh to Dehradun Airport: $20
- Affordable Dehradun airport transfer to Rishikesh: $20
- Private Transfer from Dehradun Airport to Rishikesh: $35
- Private Transfer from Chandigarh to Delhi: $37
- Affordable transfer from Rishikesh to Delhi: $39
- Private Transfer from Chandigarh City to Chandigarh (IXC) Airport: $40
- Private Transfer from Dehradun to Delhi: $44
- Private Transfer from Rishikesh to Delhi: $44
- Private Transfer from Mussoorie to Delhi: $50
- Private Transfer from Nainital to Delhi: $59
Is it cheaper to fly into Jammu and Kashmir or Himachal Pradesh?
Prices for flights to both Himachal Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir 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 dayJammu and Kashmir $11Himachal Pradesh $225
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Himachal Pradesh
For Himachal Pradesh, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Simple Sattvic Cooking Classes in Rishikesh - Cook & Eat ! : $50
- Rishikesh Half Day Street Food Tour: $53
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Jammu and Kashmir $15Himachal Pradesh $108
Tours and Activities in Jammu and Kashmir
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Jammu and Kashmir are as follows:
- Afroz Tour and Travels: $165
Tours and Activities in Himachal Pradesh
For Himachal Pradesh, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Tea Top Adventure Activities: $5.78
- Sightseeing around Mussoorie: $7.61
- Mussoorie Nature Walk Tour: $8.01
- Discover Colonial Trails of Shimla 2 Hours Guided Walking Tour: $12
- The Spiritual Trails of Dharamshala(2 Hours Guided Walking Tour): $12
- Heritage & Cultural 2 Hour Shimla Walking Tour : $12
- Nature Walk of Mussoorie (2 Hours Guided Walking Tour): $12
- Heritage & Cultural Walking Tour Nainital (2 Hours Guided Walking Tour): $12
- Nature Walk of Chandigarh( 2 Hours Walking Tour): $12
- Ashram Tour By Walk in Rishikesh (Private Tour): $12
- Nainital Walking Tour: $12
- Guided Night Walking Tour in Rishikesh - Explore the best nightlife with a local: $12
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayJammu and Kashmir $3.59Himachal Pradesh $21
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Jammu and Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh, we can see that Himachal Pradesh is more expensive. And not only is Jammu and Kashmir much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Jammu and Kashmir would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Jammu and Kashmir 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 Himachal Pradesh would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Himachal Pradesh than you might in Jammu and Kashmir.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Jammu and Kashmir Expensive? and Is Himachal Pradesh Expensive?.
Which has a larger population, Jammu and Kashmir or Himachal Pradesh?
Jammu and Kashmir has a larger population, and is about 57% larger than the population of Himachal Pradesh. When comparing the sizes of Jammu and Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh, 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.