Which place is cheaper, Cochin or Kerala?
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 Kerala or Cochin?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Kerala or Cochin, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.
Where Should I go: Kerala or Cochin?
Kerala
Palm trees, sandy beaches, and vibrant culture. You'll find all of these things in Kerala, India. Located in the south of the country, Kerala is known as one of the top ten paradises in the world.
This area is covered in a beautiful, natural ecosystem including backwaters, mountains, coconuts and spices. The heavy, yearlong rains provide lush and gorgeous vegetation, and earn the area a spot on the list of the wettest spots on earth.
Kerala is very different from the rest of India. For one, this area is the most literate and diverse area in in the country with churches, mosques, Hindu temples and even synagogues. This states' education and healthcare are far beyond the rest of the country- putting them on par with many Western areas of the world. However, even though this area is incredibly diverse and progressive, do not expect everyone to speak or understand English.
The best part is that this area is by far the safest in all of India. There is almost no incidence of tourists being cheated or taken for granted.
Cochin
Cochin is a large city in Kerala, India. It's a cosmopolitan commercial port city with a population of over two million and is a major tourist destination. The city has a diverse population that has migrated from elsewhere in Kerala, as well as the rest of India. The city continues to become more cosmopolitan with fashion shifting to western styles. There are also many large shopping malls as well as an enthusiasm for sports such as football (soccer) or cricket.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to India, The Best Budget Tours to India, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from New Delhi, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Mumbai.
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Kerala Prices
India PricesCochin Prices
India Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayKerala $458Cochin $40
The average daily cost (per person) in Kerala is $458, while the average daily cost in Cochin is $40. 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 Kerala and Cochin in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personKerala $253Cochin $13
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomKerala $506Cochin $26
Compare Hotels in Kerala and Cochin
Looking for a hotel in Kerala or Cochin? 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: Cochin Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Kerala $36Cochin $9.07
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kerala
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Kerala:
- Affordable Trivandrum Airport Transfer: $15
- Affordable transfer from Kochi to Munnar: $40
- Airport Transfer: Cochin Port Cruise Terminal to Cochin International Airport: $35
- Athirappilly Waterfalls Day Trip from Kochi with Transfers: $67
- Cochin - private arrival transfer from airport to hotel: $25
- Cochin - private departure transfer from hotel to airport: $39
- Cochin Airport One Way Transfer(Private): $13
- Kochi Airport (COK ) Private Transfer- to/from Kochi hotels: $6.44
- Kochi Airport Transfers : Budget Sedan and SUV Cabs: $18
- Kochi: Kathakali, Theyyam & Kalaripayattu Show with Transfers: $11
- Kovalam to Alleppey Private Transfer: $130
- Private 4-Day Tour in Kerala with Houseboat and Airport Transfers: $179
Is it cheaper to fly into Kerala or Cochin?
Prices for flights to both Cochin and Kerala 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 dayKerala $163Cochin $19
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Kerala
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Kerala.
- Enjoy the best Food tour in kochi with a local !: $19
- Kerala Traditional Village Cooking Class in Munnar: $19
- WE COOKS- Home Cooking Class in Munnar: $23
- Hands-on Authentic Keralite Cooking Class - Learn, Cook, Eat & Enjoy!: $35
- Cooking classes @ Aryavilla heritage, Varkala: $41
- Biryani Cooking class with House Chef: $54
- Biryani - Cooking Class in Fort Kochi: $54
- Kerala Muslim Cooking Class with a Riverfront View in Kochi: $69
- Private Traditional Home Cooking Class in Kochi with Archana: $70
- Kerala Cooking Class with Charming Freeda in her Kochi Home: $79
- Tour of Kochi with Lunch: Kathakali and Dinner With Evening Tour.: $110
- Kochi Over View: Kathakali, Dinner, Pick & Drop Included Tour: $130
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Kerala $77Cochin $8.94
Tours and Activities in Kerala
Here are a few actual costs in Kerala for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- 5 Days Luxury Kerala Tour with Houseboat Experience Private Tour: $4.30
- Best of 8-Day Private Tour with Hotel & Houseboat Stay: $5.37
- Tuk-Tuk Shopping Tour in Kochi – Spices,Crafts,Silks & Souvenirs: $6.00
- Kochi Sightseeing Tuk-Tuk Tour With Pickup From Cruise Ships: $7.09
- Local Kochi Sightseeing Tuk-Tuk Tour: $8.00
- Fort Kochi Tuk-Tuk Sightseeing Tour with Local Guide: $8.50
- Cruise Pickup Tuk Tuk Heritage Tour in Fort Kochi: $8.59
- Kochi Sightseeing Tuk-Tuk Tour: $8.59
- Fort Kochi Private Sightseeing Tuk Tuk Tour: $8.80
- Fort Kochi Local Sightseeing Tour: $9.00
- Half-Day Private Tuk Tuk Tour in Fort Kochi: $9.21
- Shikara Boat Tour Alleppey Backwater Fantastic Boat Cruise: $9.40
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayKerala $72Cochin $7.69
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Kerala and Cochin, we can see that Kerala is more expensive. And not only is Cochin much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Cochin would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Cochin 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 Kerala would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Kerala than you might in Cochin.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Kerala Expensive? and Is Cochin Expensive?.
Which has a larger population, Kerala or Cochin?
Kerala has a larger population, and is about 50 times larger than the population of Cochin. When comparing the sizes of Kerala and Cochin, 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.