Which place is cheaper, Kolkata (Calcutta) or Kanchanaburi?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Kanchanaburi or Kolkata (Calcutta)?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Kanchanaburi and Kolkata (Calcutta). We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.
Where Should I go: Kanchanaburi or Kolkata (Calcutta)?
Kanchanaburi
If the hustle and bustle of the big city of Bangkok is just getting to you, there's an easy escape. Kanchanaburi, Thailand is a city located at the meeting of Kwai Noi and Kwai Yai, and is ideal for backpackers looking to reflect and relax. With easily accessible waterfalls and national parks, you'll wonder why anyone ever leaves.
Kolkata (Calcutta)
Formerly known as Calcutta, Kolkata is the capital of West Bengal, India. Featuring colonial architecture, galleries, temples, and festivals, the city has flourished from its roots as an East India Company trading post in the 18th Century to a thriving metropolis. Today Kolkata is a diverse center of culture and bustling activity.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Wildlife Tours to Thailand, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Thailand, The Best 4-Week (1-Month) Tours in India, and The Best Bicycle Tours in India.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayKanchanaburi $42Kolkata (Calcutta) $37
The average daily cost (per person) in Kanchanaburi is $42, while the average daily cost in Kolkata (Calcutta) is $37. 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 Kanchanaburi and Kolkata (Calcutta) in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personKanchanaburi $19Kolkata (Calcutta) $17
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomKanchanaburi $38Kolkata (Calcutta) $34
Compare Hotels in Kanchanaburi and Kolkata (Calcutta)
Looking for a hotel in Kanchanaburi or Kolkata (Calcutta)? 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: Kanchanaburi Hotel Prices and Kolkata (Calcutta) Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Kanchanaburi $12Kolkata (Calcutta) $5.11
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kanchanaburi
Also for Kanchanaburi, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer from Ratchaburi to Suvarnabhumi (BKK) Airport: $90
- Private Transfer from Ratchaburi to Don Mueang (DMK) Airport: $98
- Private Airport Transfer : Bangkok to/from Kanchanaburi: $103
- Arrival Bangkok Airport Private Transfer : Hotel in Kanchanaburi: $116
- Private Transfer from Kanchanaburi to Suvarnabhumi (BKK) Airport: $163
- Private Transfer from Kanchanaburi to Don Mueang (DMK) Airport: $171
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kolkata (Calcutta)
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Kolkata (Calcutta):
- Private Transfer Kolkata Airport CCU To Kolkata Hotels Drop: $22
- Private Departure Transfer: Hotel to Kolkata Airport: $32
- Path of Knowledge: A Heritage Walking Tour of Kolkata with Private Transfer: $165
- Kolkata 8 Hour Private City Tour Including Hotel Transfers by Car: $86
- Build Your Own: custom private tour of Kolkata with transfers: $69
Is it cheaper to fly into Kanchanaburi or Kolkata (Calcutta)?
Prices for flights to both Kolkata (Calcutta) and Kanchanaburi 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 dayKanchanaburi $12Kolkata (Calcutta) $14
Typical Food Prices in Kanchanaburi
For Kanchanaburi, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
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Casual Lunch$4.09
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Kanchanaburi
For Kanchanaburi, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Thai Cooking Class: $34
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Kolkata (Calcutta)
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Kolkata (Calcutta).
- Bengali Nights Kolkata Food Tour with 13+ Tastings: $35
- Cooking experience in Authentic Bengali House with Lunch/Dinner: $41
- Alleyway Food Tour: $42
- Traditional Bengali Cooking Class in Kolkata in a Local Home: $64
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Kanchanaburi $9.10Kolkata (Calcutta) $15
Typical Entertainment Prices in Kanchanaburi
Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Kanchanaburi's activities, tours, and tickets:
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Entry Park TreeHouse$5.46
Tours and Activities in Kanchanaburi
For Kanchanaburi, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Discovery Bike Tour: $16
- Cycling to visit Local Experience and Learn Culture with Local expert: $28
- E-Scooter Tour in Kanchanaburi: $30
- Full Day Kanchanaburi River Kwai Experience: $84
- Bangkok: Erawan Waterfall, River Kwai & Death Railway Tour: $95
- Private Tour: Trekking Kanchanaburi Forest to Tham Than Lod: $108
- Erawan Waterfall & Train Tour from Kanchanaburi – Full Day: $110
- Erawan Waterfalls & Phra That Cave Tour : from Bangkok: $111
- Amazing Boat Trip River Kwai and Erawan Falls Full Day Tour: $116
- Private Tour: Kanchanaburi Local Thai Life and City Discovery: $139
- Kanchanaburi River Kwai & Hellfire Pass Private Tour: $144
- Bangkok: Kanchanaburi and Erawan Waterfall Private Tour: $149
Tours and Activities in Kolkata (Calcutta)
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Kolkata (Calcutta) are as follows:
- 02 Days Guided Private Tour of Kolkata : $225
- 2 days private tour of kolkata city and Bishnupur by car: $280
- Best of Kolkata (Guided Halfday Sightseeing Tour by Car): $82
- Chasing The Sun Experience Kolkata's Culture: $25
- Cultural Confluence of Kolkata - Culture Kaleidoscope Tour: $37
- Custom Private Guided Kolkata Sightseeing Trip w/ Optional Add ons: $148
- Explore Kolkata- Private Full Day Tour: $90
- Full Day City Tour Of Kolkata With Guide: $55
- Full Day Kolkata City Tour : $76
- Full Day Pilgrimage Tour of Ganga Sagar from Kolkata: $100
- Guided Kolkata Sightseeing Trip by Car, Walk & Sunset Cruise Excursion Trip: $111
- Half Day Tour to the Flower Market and Howrah Bridge in Kolkata: $85
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayKanchanaburi $8.03Kolkata (Calcutta) $8.27
Sample the Local Flavors in Kolkata (Calcutta)
Also in Kolkata (Calcutta), these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Pub Crawl Kolkata: $39
When comparing the travel costs between Kanchanaburi and Kolkata (Calcutta), we can see that Kanchanaburi 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 Kanchanaburi Expensive? and Is Kolkata (Calcutta) Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Kanchanaburi or Kolkata (Calcutta)?
Kolkata (Calcutta) has a larger population, and is about 70 times larger than the population of Kanchanaburi. When comparing the sizes of Kanchanaburi and Kolkata (Calcutta), 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.