A Travel Price Comparison for India Kerala vs. Goa for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Kerala or Goa?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Kerala or Goa, 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 Goa?

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.

Goa

Goa is a small but important state located on the west coast of India known as a popular beach resort and vacation area.

A large Portuguese influence can be found in Goa in the form of architecture as well as the cuisine, as it was formerly a Portuguese colony. Because of Goa's Portuguese history, there is a distribution of religion among the people, making it quite different than other states in India. About sixty-five percent of the population is Hindu, while about twenty-four percent is Catholic. Goa is one of the most peaceful states in India, with a very low crime rate. The best time to visit Goa is between November and February, as this is when the weather is most comfortable.

This is a popular tourist destination both for the Indian population as well as for tourists from around the world. The warm climate, beautiful beaches, friendly people, fun activities, and cultural diversity make it a popular destination for many types of travelers.

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.


Which place is cheaper, Goa or Kerala?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in Kerala is $32, while the average daily cost in Goa is $36. 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 Goa in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Kerala $12
    Goa $15
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Kerala $24
    Goa $30
Compare Hotels in Kerala and Goa

Looking for a hotel in Kerala or Goa? 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.

Hotels in Kerala


Hotels in Goa


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.


Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Kerala $4.72
    Goa $5.02

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kerala

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Kerala:

  • Trivandrum Airport Transfer to Trivandrum Hotels: $30
  • Private Transfer: Cochin Airport (COK) to Munnar: $105
  • Private Transfer: Cochin Airport (COK) to Kochi Hotels: $32
  • Private Transfer: Cochin Airport (COK) to Fort Kochi/City Hotels: $20
  • Private Transfer: Cochin Airport (COK) to Cochin Port Cruise Ship Terminal: $45
  • Private Transfer from Trivandrum to Alleppey: Travel Guide: $191
  • Private Transfer from Trivandrum City to Trivandrum (TRV) Airport: $38
  • Private Transfer from Trivandrum (TRV) Airport to Trivandrum City: $38
  • Private Transfer from Kovalam to Alleppey: Hassle-Free Journey: $108
  • Private Transfer from Kochi City to Kochi (COK) Airport: $46
  • Private Transfer from Kochi (COK) Airport to Kochi City: $46
  • Private Transfer from Cochin to Munnar Hotel: Hassle-Free Ride: $118

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Goa

Also for Goa, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Pune to Goa transfer: $185

Is it cheaper to fly into Kerala or Goa?

Prices for flights to both Goa 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 day
    Kerala $14
    Goa $15

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: $21
  • Kerala Traditional Village Cooking Class in Munnar: $21
  • WE COOKS- Home Cooking Class in Munnar: $23
  • Biryani Cooking class with Chef firoz: $23
  • Biryani - Cooking Class in Fort Kochi: $23
  • Hands-on Authentic Keralite Cooking Class - Learn, Cook, Eat & Enjoy!: $35
  • Cooking classes @ Aryavilla heritage, Varkala: $37
  • Traditional Kerala Cooking Class in a Local Home in Kochi: $76
  • Private Authentic Kerala Cooking Class in a Local Home: $79
  • Tour of Kochi with Lunch: Kathakali and Dinner With Evening Tour.: $110
  • Kathakali Classical Dance Performance with Dinner: $124

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Kerala $9.25
    Goa $11

Tours and Activities in Kerala

Here are a few actual costs in Kerala for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Exclusive Kochi Tuk Tuk Tour Including Pickup from Cruise Ships: $14
  • Half Day Hiking in Munnar Trekking Tour: $14
  • Munnar Tea Trail Tour , Tea factory visit & Tea Tasting: $17
  • Sunrise Tour in Top Station, Munnar ( By Munnar Info): $62
  • Wild Elephant Anakulam & Waterfalls Tour(munnar valley Trekking): $58
  • "Day Trip to Varkala from Trivandrum (Guided Full Day City Tour)": $139
  • 05 Days Kerala Tour: $28
  • 1 Day Activity Adventure Trekking Kerala: $111
  • 12 Hours Private Munnar Tour from Kochi: $127
  • 2 Days in Cochin (Kochi) Private Tour: $250
  • 2 Nights Misty Munnar Sightseeing (Private Tour with Car) - Iris Holidays: $119
  • 2 Nights, 3 Days Kerala Backwaters & Beaches Tour: $313

Tours and Activities in Goa

For Goa, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Agra: Taj Mahal & Agra Fort Skip-the-Line Tour-All Inclusive: $6.83
  • Agra: Private Taj Mahal and Agra Local City Tour By Tuk-Tuk: $33

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Kerala $4.89
    Goa $12


When comparing the travel costs between Kerala and Goa, we can see that Goa 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 Kerala Expensive? and Is Goa Expensive?.


Which has a larger population, Kerala or Goa?

Kerala has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Goa. When comparing the sizes of Kerala and Goa, 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.