Which place is cheaper, Karnataka or Kerala?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Kerala or Karnataka?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Kerala or Karnataka, 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 Karnataka?
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.
Karnataka
Karnataka is a state of southern India consisting of some of the country's most beautiful beaches along its coast and an inland area of mountains, valleys, and farmland. Visitors come to the region to experience the flavors and culture of south India, see its many ancient temples, and admire its natural features and wildlife.
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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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayKerala $0.00Karnataka $33
The average daily cost (per person) in Kerala is $0.00, while the average daily cost in Karnataka is $33. 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 Karnataka in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personKerala -Karnataka $15
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomKerala $0.00Karnataka $30
Compare Hotels in Kerala and Karnataka
Looking for a hotel in Kerala or Karnataka? 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 -Karnataka $4.89
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kerala
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Kerala:
- Trivandrum to Alleppey Private Transfer: $114
- 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 Fort Kochi/City Hotels: $20
- Private Transfer: Cochin Airport (COK) to Cochin Port Cruise Ship Terminal: $45
- Private Transfer from Trivandrum City to Trivandrum (TRV) Airport: $35
- Private Transfer from Trivandrum Airport to Varkala Hotel: $70
- Private Transfer from Trivandrum Airport to Kovalam Hotel: $33
- Private Transfer from Trivandrum Airport to City Hotel: $23
- Private Transfer from Trivandrum (TRV) Airport to Trivandrum City: $35
- Private Transfer from Kochi (COK) Airport to Kochi City: $42
Is it cheaper to fly into Kerala or Karnataka?
Prices for flights to both Karnataka 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 -Karnataka $11
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Kerala
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Kerala.
- 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
- Tyndis Fort Cochin Traditional Culinary Experience - Homely Food Tour in Kochi: $47
- 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
- Kathakali Classical Dance Performance with Dinner: $141
- Philipkutty's Farm Culinary Tour including Lunch and Cooking Demo: $284
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Kerala -Karnataka $9.72
Tours and Activities in Kerala
Here are a few actual costs in Kerala for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Full Day Cochin Tour (From City Hotel Only): $59
- Half Day Hiking in Munnar Trekking Tour: $15
- Wild Elephant Anakulam & Waterfalls Tour(munnar valley Trekking): $61
- "Day Trip to Varkala from Trivandrum (Guided Full Day City Tour)": $147
- 2 Days in Cochin (Kochi) Private Tour: $250
- 2 Nights Misty Munnar Sightseeing (Private Tour with Car) - Iris Holidays: $127
- 2-Hours Street Food Guided Tour of Thiruvananthapuram: $25
- 3-4 hours Kochi Tuk-Tuk Tour with Pickup from Cruise Ships: $12
- 4 Days Best of Kerala Tour with Private Houseboat, Sightseeing & Car: $212
- 4 Hours Private Village Life Experience in Kochi with Pickup: $69
- 5 Days Budget Kerala Tour Packages: $281
- Adventure Tuk Tuk Tour in kochi - A Private Guided Tour with Hotel Pick up : $14
Tours and Activities in Karnataka
For Karnataka, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Treasures of Nandi : Biking Adventure: $197
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayKerala -Karnataka $8.70
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Kerala and Karnataka, we can see that Karnataka 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 Karnataka would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Karnataka 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 Karnataka Expensive?.
Which has a larger population, Kerala or Karnataka?
Karnataka has a larger population, and is about 74% larger than the population of Kerala. When comparing the sizes of Kerala and Karnataka, 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.