Which place is cheaper, Dharamsala or Kerala?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
Should you visit Kerala or Dharamsala?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Kerala or Dharamsala, 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 Dharamsala?
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.
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 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.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayKerala $0.00Dharamsala $35
The average daily cost (per person) in Kerala is $0.00, 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 Kerala and Dharamsala in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personKerala -Dharamsala $23
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomKerala $0.00Dharamsala $46
Compare Hotels in Kerala and Dharamsala
Looking for a hotel in Kerala 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.Kerala -Dharamsala $5.13
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kerala
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Kerala:
- Affordable Trivandrum Airport Transfer: $15
- Kochi Airport Transfer: $15
- Kochi Airport Transfers : Budget Sedan and SUV Cabs: $18
- Private Transfer from Trivandrum Airport to City Hotel: $23
- Cochin - private arrival transfer from airport to hotel: $25
- Private Transfer from Trivandrum Airport to Kovalam Hotel: $33
- Private Transfer from Trivandrum (TRV) Airport to Trivandrum City: $35
- Private Transfer from Trivandrum City to Trivandrum (TRV) Airport: $35
- Airport Transfer: Cochin Port Cruise Terminal to Cochin International Airport: $35
- Cochin - private departure transfer from hotel to airport: $39
- Affordable transfer from Kochi to Munnar: $40
- Fort Kochi Hotels to Cochin Airport Private Transfer: $40
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Dharamsala
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Dharamsala:
- Airport to Dharamshala transfer: $50
- Chandigarh to Dharamshala Transfer: $85
- Dharamshala Airport Transfers : Budget Sedan and SUV Cabs: $35
Is it cheaper to fly into Kerala or Dharamsala?
Prices for flights to both Dharamsala 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
-
Food Meals for one dayKerala -Dharamsala $8.34
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
- Private candle light dinner: $22
- 4-Hour Private Cooking Class in Munnar: $26
- Cooking classes @ Aryavilla heritage, Varkala: $33
- Hands-on Authentic Keralite Cooking Class - Learn, Cook, Eat & Enjoy!: $35
- Get a Glimpse into a Traditional Nair Household during a Private Cooking Class: $45
- Kathakali Dance Show in Kochi with Dinner and Hotel Pick Up: $61
- Traditional Kerala Cooking Class in a Local Home in Kochi: $66
- Private Cooking Demonstration for Your Group in a Kochi Home: $75
- Kochi Over View & Kathakali & Dinner.Tour: $75
- Cooking experience in Kochi, a half day tour: $128
- Kathakali Classical Dance Performance with Dinner: $141
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.Kerala -Dharamsala $5.55
Tours and Activities in Kerala
Here are a few actual costs in Kerala for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Medium Hard Trekking (munnar valley Trekking & Tours ) : $8.61
- Fort Kochi Tuk Tuk Tour: $9.00
- Local and personalized Tours of Fort Kochi and Mattancherry by Tuk Tuk: $10
- Half day trekking (munnar valley Trekking & Tours ): $11
- Fort Kochi Local Sightseeing Tour: $12
- 3-4 hours Kochi Tuk-Tuk Tour with Pickup from Cruise Ships: $12
- Heritage & Cultural Walk of Trivandrum 2 Hour Guided Walking Tour: $12
- Kochi Stories Group Tour: $12
- Private Guided Kochi Tuk-Tuk Tours: $13
- Kochi Night Walk (2 Hours Guided Walking Tour): $13
- Heritage & Cultural Walk of Alleppey (Guided Walking Tour): $14
- Jewish Town Walk - Kochi (2 Hours Guided Walking Experience): $14
Tours and Activities in Dharamsala
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Dharamsala are as follows:
- The Spiritual Trails of Dharamshala(Guided Walking Tour): $13
- Walking the Spiritual Path (Guided 2-Hour Dharamshala Tour): $18
- McLeodGanj Heritage Trails (2 Hour Guided Walking Tour): $18
- Dharamshala Street Food Crawl ( Guided Food Tasting Tour): $25
- Mcleodganj Nature Trek (3 Hours Guided Walking Tour): $26
- Cultural tour - Dharamshala & Mcleodganj for full day: $30
- Guided Kora Circuit & Walking Tour Around McLeod Ganj: $42
- Hiking Day Tour to Triund from Dharamshala: $42
- Dharamshala Mcleodganj Tour: $48
- Best of Dharamshala with a local Half Day Tour by a AC Car: $80
- Private 6 hrs Mcleodganj & Dharamshala City Tour: $96
- Historical Tour, Kangra fort &Rock cut temple from Dharmasla: $98
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayKerala -Dharamsala $5.55
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Kerala and Dharamsala, we can see that Dharamsala is more expensive. And not only is Kerala much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Kerala would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Kerala 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 Dharamsala would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Dharamsala than you might in Kerala.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Kerala Expensive? and Is Dharamsala Expensive?.
Which has a larger population, Kerala or Dharamsala?
Kerala has a larger population, and is about 1630 times larger than the population of Dharamsala. When comparing the sizes of Kerala 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.