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.
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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.
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Kerala Prices
India PricesGoa Prices
India Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayKerala $32Goa $1,027
The average daily cost (per person) in Kerala is $32, while the average daily cost in Goa is $1,027. 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
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personKerala $12Goa $382
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomKerala $24Goa $764
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.
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
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Kerala $4.86Goa $258
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kerala
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Kerala:
- Trivandrum Airport Transfer to Trivandrum Hotels: $47
- Private Transfer:Fort Kochi to Munnar: $100
- Private Transfer: Cochin Airport (COK) to Munnar: $105
- Private Transfer: Cochin Airport (COK) to Kochi Hotels: $50
- Private Transfer: Cochin Airport (COK) to Fort Kochi/City Hotels: $20
- Private Transfer from Trivandrum to Alleppey: Travel Guide: $191
- Private Transfer from Trivandrum City to Trivandrum (TRV) Airport: $36
- Private Transfer from Trivandrum (TRV) Airport to Trivandrum City: $36
- Private Transfer from Kovalam to Alleppey: Hassle-Free Journey: $108
- Private Transfer from Kochi City to Kochi (COK) Airport: $43
- Private Transfer from Cochin to Munnar Hotel: Hassle-Free Ride: $118
- Private Transfer from Cochin to Marari: Relaxed & Convenient Ride: $83
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
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Food Meals for one dayKerala $15Goa $404
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 Hours Kerala Village Cooking Class in Munnar: $22
- WE COOKS- Home Cooking Class in Munnar: $23
- Cooking classes @ Aryavilla heritage, Varkala: $32
- Hands-on Authentic Keralite Cooking Class - Learn, Cook, Eat & Enjoy!: $35
- Dum Cooked Biryani - Cooking Class With Local Host: $60
- Traditional Kerala Cooking Class in a Local Home in Kochi: $76
- Private Authentic Kerala Cooking Class in a Local Home: $79
- Kathakali Classical Dance Performance with Dinner: $124
- Cooking experience in Kochi, a half day tour: $128
- Kochi Over View: Kathakali, Dinner, Pick & Drop Included Tour : $130
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Kerala $9.52Goa $387
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: $18
- Sunrise Tour in Top Station, Munnar ( By Munnar Info): $69
- Wild Elephant Anakulam & Waterfalls Tour(munnar valley Trekking): $60
- "Day Trip to Varkala from Trivandrum (Guided Full Day City Tour)": $144
- 12 Hours Private Munnar Tour from Kochi: $132
- 2 Days in Cochin (Kochi) Private Tour: $250
- 2 Nights Misty Munnar Sightseeing (Private Tour with Car) - Iris Holidays: $123
- 2-Hours Street Food Guided Tour of Thiruvananthapuram: $25
- 21hrs Aleppey Village and Canal Tour by Private Houseboat.: $163
- 3 Nights Private Tour with Exclusive Houseboat- Sanguine Holidays: $273
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayKerala $5.04Goa $213
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Kerala and Goa, we can see that Goa 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 Goa would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Goa 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 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.
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.