Which place is cheaper, Dharamsala or Karnataka?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
Should you visit Karnataka or Dharamsala?
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 Karnataka and Dharamsala. 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: Karnataka or Dharamsala?
Karnataka
Karnataka is a state of southern India consisting of some of the country's most beautiful beaches along its coast and an inland area of mountains, valleys, and farmland. Visitors come to the region to experience the flavors and culture of south India, see its many ancient temples, and admire its natural features and wildlife.
Dharamsala
With a name that literally means "a spiritual dwelling," Dharamsala roughly translates as a shelter or rest house for pilgrims and travelers. Home to the Dalai Lama and the Tibetan Government in Exile, Dharamsala is today a popular destination for foreigners on vacation, backpackers seeking the surrounding mountains, as well as students of Buddhism.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in India, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in India, The Best 2-Week Tours in India, and The Best 4-Week (1-Month) Tours in India.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayKarnataka $33Dharamsala $35
The average daily cost (per person) in Karnataka is $33, while the average daily cost in Dharamsala is $35. 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 Karnataka and Dharamsala in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personKarnataka $15Dharamsala $23
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomKarnataka $30Dharamsala $46
Compare Hotels in Karnataka and Dharamsala
Looking for a hotel in Karnataka or Dharamsala? 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: Dharamsala Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Karnataka $4.89Dharamsala $5.13
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Dharamsala
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Dharamsala:
- Dharamshala Airport Transfers : Budget Sedan and SUV Cabs: $35
- Chandigarh to Dharamshala Transfer: $85
- Airport to Dharamshala transfer: $50
Is it cheaper to fly into Karnataka or Dharamsala?
Prices for flights to both Dharamsala and Karnataka 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
-
Food Meals for one dayKarnataka $11Dharamsala $8.34
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Dharamsala
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Dharamsala.
- Flavors of Dharamshala: 2-Hour Guided Street Food Tour: $26
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Karnataka $9.72Dharamsala $5.55
Tours and Activities in Karnataka
For Karnataka, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Treasures of Nandi : Biking Adventure: $197
Tours and Activities in Dharamsala
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Dharamsala are as follows:
- Best of Dharamshala with a local - Full Day Guided Tour: $127
- Best of Dharamshala with a local Half Day Tour by a AC Car: $80
- Cultural tour - Dharamshala & Mcleodganj for full day: $30
- Dharamshala Dalhousie Tour from Amritsar: $299
- Dharamshala Mcleodganj Tour: $48
- Dharamshala Street Food Crawl ( Guided Food Tasting Tour): $25
- Guided Andretta Artists' VIllage Tour: $98
- Guided Kora Circuit & Walking Tour Around McLeod Ganj: $42
- Hiking Day Tour to Triund from Dharamshala: $42
- Historical Tour, Kangra fort &Rock cut temple from Dharmasla: $98
- McLeodGanj Heritage Trails (2 Hour Guided Walking Tour): $18
- Mcleodganj Nature Trek (3 Hours Guided Walking Tour): $26
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayKarnataka $8.70Dharamsala $5.55
When comparing the travel costs between Karnataka and Dharamsala, we can see that Dharamsala 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 Karnataka Expensive? and Is Dharamsala Expensive?.
Which has a larger population, Karnataka or Dharamsala?
Karnataka has a larger population, and is about 2840 times larger than the population of Dharamsala. When comparing the sizes of Karnataka and Dharamsala, 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.