Which place is cheaper, Kolkata (Calcutta) or Karnataka?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Karnataka 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 Karnataka 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: Karnataka or Kolkata (Calcutta)?
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.
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 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.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayKarnataka $33Kolkata (Calcutta) $37
The average daily cost (per person) in Karnataka is $33, 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 Karnataka and Kolkata (Calcutta) in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personKarnataka $15Kolkata (Calcutta) $17
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomKarnataka $30Kolkata (Calcutta) $34
Compare Hotels in Karnataka and Kolkata (Calcutta)
Looking for a hotel in Karnataka 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: Kolkata (Calcutta) Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Karnataka $4.89Kolkata (Calcutta) $5.11
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 Karnataka or Kolkata (Calcutta)?
Prices for flights to both Kolkata (Calcutta) 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
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Food Meals for one dayKarnataka $11Kolkata (Calcutta) $14
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.Karnataka $9.72Kolkata (Calcutta) $15
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 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 dayKarnataka $8.70Kolkata (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 Karnataka and Kolkata (Calcutta), we can see that Kolkata (Calcutta) 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 Kolkata (Calcutta) Expensive?.
Which has a larger population, Karnataka or Kolkata (Calcutta)?
Karnataka has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Kolkata (Calcutta). When comparing the sizes of Karnataka 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.