Which place is cheaper, Himachal Pradesh 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 Himachal Pradesh?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Kerala or Himachal Pradesh, 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 Himachal Pradesh?
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.
Himachal Pradesh
With a name that translates to "abode of snow," Himachal Pradesh is a state in north-western India with opportunities for experiencing the Himalaya mountain range. Visitors come to the region to experience the mountain scenery, engage in Tibetan culture, and learn about the region's ancient past.
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 PricesHimachal Pradesh Prices
India Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayKerala $461Himachal Pradesh $29
The average daily cost (per person) in Kerala is $461, while the average daily cost in Himachal Pradesh is $29. 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 Himachal Pradesh in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personKerala $254Himachal Pradesh $16
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomKerala $508Himachal Pradesh $32
Compare Hotels in Kerala and Himachal Pradesh
Looking for a hotel in Kerala or Himachal Pradesh? 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 $36Himachal Pradesh $3.37
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kerala
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Kerala:
- Theyyam and Kalaripayattu Show in Kochi with Transfer: $17
- Private Trivandrum Airport Transfer to City Hotels: $30
- Private Transfer: Trivandrum Airport (TRV) to Kovalam Hotels: $35
- Private Transfer: Cochin Airport (COK) to Munnar: $105
- 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: $45
- Private Transfer from Cochin to Munnar Hotel: Hassle-Free Ride: $118
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Himachal Pradesh
Also for Himachal Pradesh, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Affordable Chandigarh to Manali Transfer: $98
- Affordable Dehradun Airport Transfer.: $15
- Affordable Dehradun airport transfer to Rishikesh: $20
- Affordable transfer from Rishikesh to Dehradun Airport: $20
- Affordable transfer from Rishikesh to Delhi: $39
- Dehradun- Transfers+Hotel+Sightseeing: $241
- Delhi hotels to Delhi Indira Gandhi Airport (DEL) - Departure Private Transfer: $19
- From Delhi: One way Private Transfer Service to Agra: $139
- Private Transfer from Chandigarh City to Chandigarh (IXC) Airport: $40
- Private Transfer from Nainital to Delhi: $55
- Private Transfer from Rishikesh to Delhi: $41
- Rishikesh: Mini Gartang Gali Guided Half-Day Trek with Transfers: $111
Is it cheaper to fly into Kerala or Himachal Pradesh?
Prices for flights to both Himachal Pradesh 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 $163Himachal Pradesh $10
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: $19
- Kerala Traditional Village Cooking Class in Munnar: $19
- WE COOKS- Home Cooking Class in Munnar: $23
- Cooking classes @ Aryavilla heritage, Varkala: $34
- Hands-on Authentic Keralite Cooking Class - Learn, Cook, Eat & Enjoy!: $35
- Biryani - Cooking Class in Fort Kochi: $54
- Biryani Cooking class with House Chef: $54
- Kerala Muslim Cooking Class with a Riverfront View in Kochi: $69
- Private Traditional Home Cooking Class in Kochi with Archana: $70
- Group Kerala Cooking Demo & Home Dining Experience in Kochi: $75
- Authentic Kerala Syrian Christian Cooking Class in a Cochin Home: $79
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Himachal Pradesh
For Himachal Pradesh, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Rishikesh: Sattvic Cooking Class : Cook & Dine With Miss Anju: $45
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Kerala $77Himachal Pradesh $3.92
Tours and Activities in Kerala
Here are a few actual costs in Kerala for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- 1 Day Activity Adventure Trekking Kerala: $111
- 12 Hours Private Munnar Tour from Kochi: $118
- 2 Days in Cochin (Kochi) Private Tour: $250
- 2 Nights Misty Munnar Sightseeing (Private Tour with Car) - Iris Holidays: $111
- 2 Nights, 3 Days Kerala Backwaters & Beaches Tour: $310
- 21hrs Houseboat Tour through Alleppeys Serene Canals & Local Life: $178
- 3 Nights Private Deluxe Tour- Cochin/Munnar/Houseboat/Cochin: $258
- 3-4 hours Kochi Tuk-Tuk Tour with Pickup from Cruise Ships: $12
- 4 Days - Munnar, Alleppey Houseboat & Kochi sightseeing: $286
- 4 Days Best of Kerala Tour with Private Houseboat, Sightseeing & Car: $185
- 4 Days Private Kerala Tour -Kochi, Munnar, Thekkady with 3* Hotel: $193
- 4 Hour Private Tuk Tuk Tour in Kochi From Cruise terminal: $14
Tours and Activities in Himachal Pradesh
For Himachal Pradesh, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Tea Top Adventure Activities: $5.39
- Discover Colonial Trails of Shimla 2 Hours Guided Walking Tour: $11
- Heritage & Cultural 2 Hour Shimla Walking Tour: $12
- Nature Walk of Chandigarh( 2 Hours Walking Tour): $12
- Nainital Walking Tour: $12
- Heritage & Cultural Walking Tour Nainital (2 Hours Guided Walking Tour): $12
- Guided Night Walking Tour in Rishikesh - Explore the best nightlife with a local: $12
- Rishikesh Walking Tour: $12
- Chandigarh Walking Tour: $12
- Ashram Tour By Walk in Rishikesh (Private Tour): $12
- River Rafting Adventure In Rishikesh: $13
- hilloferry - a guided cycling tour: $13
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayKerala $73Himachal Pradesh $3.88
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Kerala and Himachal Pradesh, we can see that Kerala is more expensive. And not only is Himachal Pradesh much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Himachal Pradesh would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Himachal Pradesh 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 Himachal Pradesh.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Kerala Expensive? and Is Himachal Pradesh Expensive?.
Which has a larger population, Kerala or Himachal Pradesh?
Kerala has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Himachal Pradesh. When comparing the sizes of Kerala and Himachal Pradesh, 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.