Which place is cheaper, Agra or Kolkata (Calcutta)?
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 Kolkata (Calcutta) or Agra?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Kolkata (Calcutta) or Agra, 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: Kolkata (Calcutta) or Agra?
Kolkata (Calcutta)
Formerly known as Calcutta, Kolkata is the capital of West Bengal, India. Featuring colonial architecture, galleries, temples, and festivals, the city has flourished from its roots as an East India Company trading post in the 18th Century to a thriving metropolis. Today Kolkata is a diverse center of culture and bustling activity.
Agra
In the north of India, in the state of Uttar Pradesh is the city of Agra. This land is home to great tales of emperors and majestic temples. It is the home to a magnificent past and the greatest symbol of love known to man, the Taj Mahal.
While this incredible structure is the main draw to this area, there is much more to see. Once the capital of the Mughal Empire, Agra can claim three different UNESCO World Heritage sites - the Taj Mahal, the Agra Fort and the abandoned city of Fatehpur Sikiri.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 4-Week (1-Month) Tours in India, The Best Bicycle Tours in India, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in India, and The Best Adventure Tours to India.
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Kolkata (Calcutta) Prices
India PricesAgra Prices
India Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayKolkata (Calcutta) $41Agra $48
The average daily cost (per person) in Kolkata (Calcutta) is $41, while the average daily cost in Agra is $48. 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 Kolkata (Calcutta) and Agra in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personKolkata (Calcutta) $14Agra $14
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomKolkata (Calcutta) $28Agra $28
Compare Hotels in Kolkata (Calcutta) and Agra
Looking for a hotel in Kolkata (Calcutta) or Agra? 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: Kolkata (Calcutta) Hotel Prices and Agra Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Kolkata (Calcutta) $4.44Agra $8.96
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kolkata (Calcutta)
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Kolkata (Calcutta):
- Path of Knowledge: A Heritage Walking Tour of Kolkata with Private Transfer: $153
- Build Your Own: custom private tour of Kolkata with transfers: $74
- Private Transfer from Kolkata to Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose (CCU) Airport: $62
- Kolkata - Arrival transfer from Airport to Hotel: $43
- Kolkata Airport to Kolkata Hotels drop: Private Transfers: $32
- Private Departure Transfer: Hotel to Kolkata Airport: $23
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Agra
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Agra:
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Tuk Tuk Ride$0.52
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Agra
Also for Agra, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer from Agra railway station to Hotel In Agra: $5.50
- Delhi/Agra/Jaipur : One Way Private taxi Transfer: $7.78
- Agra Airport to Agra Hotels drop: Private Transfers: $8.11
- Private Transfer Agra to Delhi: $15
- From Elephant Rescue Center Visits by AC Vehicle transfers: $16
- Agra To Jaipur Private Transfer with Fatehpur Sikri Stop: $20
- Private Transfer Agra to Jaipur with Fatehpur Sikri OR Stepwell: $21
- Private Transfer From Agra to New Delhi: $22
- Delhi Agra Jaipur Transfer with Fatehpur Sikri & Stepwell: $22
- Mathura to Delhi private transfer: $28
- Vrindavan to Delhi private transfer: $28
- Sunrise Taj Mahal Guided Tour with Skip the Line & Transfers: $31
Is it cheaper to fly into Kolkata (Calcutta) or Agra?
Prices for flights to both Agra and Kolkata (Calcutta) 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 dayKolkata (Calcutta) $21Agra $23
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Kolkata (Calcutta)
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Kolkata (Calcutta).
- Cooking experience in Authentic Bengali House with Lunch/Dinner: $36
- Bengali Nights Kolkata Food Tour with 13+ Tastings: $39
- Alleyway Food Tour: $40
- Food Tour Delights of Kolkata with Aditya: $110
Typical Food Prices in Agra
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Agra:
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Breakfast for Two$1.87
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Agra
For Agra, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Agra Cooking Classes (Pick up and Drop available): $18
- Dine In Indian, home cooked food Agra Food tour My Magic Kitchen: $20
- Agra Heritage Walk with Food Tour: $20
- Agra's best cooking classes: $27
- Agra Street Food Tour and Sadar Bazar Walking Tour: $30
- Private Indian Cooking Demonstration and In-Home Meal Minutes from the Taj Mahal: $33
- Cooking Demonstration + Meals and interaction Workshop: $38
- Seth Gali Bazaar Walk with Lavish on table barbecue dinner: $38
- Story of Spices- A Food Tour of Agra: $40
- Dinner at Agra with local Indian family: $40
- Indian Cooking Class and Dine with a Local Family in Agra: $40
- Agra Food Tour - A walking buffet: $43
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Kolkata (Calcutta) $13Agra $17
Tours and Activities in Kolkata (Calcutta)
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Kolkata (Calcutta) are as follows:
- 2-Day Tour to The Taj Mahal, Agra from Kolkata with Both Side Commercial Flight: $254
- 2-Day Tour to The Taj Mahal, Agra from Kolkata with Both side Commercial Flights: $276
- Audio Guided Tour of Pathuriaghata – Finding the Tagores, Kolkata: $6.12
- Chasing The Sun Experience Kolkata's Culture: $35
- Cultural Confluence of Kolkata - Culture Kaleidoscope Tour: $38
- Discover Kolkata in 2 Days: Private Customised Sightseeing Tour: $175
- Explore Kolkata: Private 1-Day and 2-Day Tour Options: $119
- Full Day Kolkata City Tour: $110
- Full Day Pilgrimage Tour of Ganga Sagar from Kolkata: $100
- Gangasagar Pilgrimage Day Tour from Kolkata: $138
- Guided Kolkata Sightseeing Trip by Car, Walk & Sunset Cruise Excursion Trip: $97
- Hello Calcutta Walk Tour: $24
Typical Entertainment Prices in Agra
For Agra, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
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Entry to the Red Fort for Two$6.23
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Taj Mahal for Two$16
Tours and Activities in Agra
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Agra.
- Agra’s Hidden Gems & Flavors on a Thrilling Tuk-Tuk Tour 3-4 Hrs: $5.00
- Self-Guided Podcast Tour Agra Hidden Riverfront Paradises: $5.48
- Taj Mahal Sunset Tour with Shopping Experience All-Inclusive Agra: $6.00
- Private Tour personal Driver & Lauxry Car: $6.40
- Self Guided Podcast Tour Agra The Laborers Labyrinth: $6.85
- Private Taj Mahal Agra Heritage Tour with Optional Sunrise Visit: $7.00
- Skip-the-Line: Agra Fort Entrance Ticket with Guided Tour: $8.00
- Local Agra :Taj Mahal Sunrise / Sunset Private Tour by Car: $8.00
- Agra Private Shopping Tour with Local Expert Guide: $8.00
- Skip-the-Line Taj Mahal & Agra Fort Tour with Tickets: $8.00
- Shopping Tour in Agra with Local Tour Guide Include Marble Inlay Factory by Car: $9.75
- Taj Mahal Sunrise & Agra Fort Private Skip-the-Line Tour: $9.76
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayKolkata (Calcutta) $7.18Agra $8.35
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Kolkata (Calcutta) and Agra, we can see that Agra is more expensive. And not only is Kolkata (Calcutta) much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Kolkata (Calcutta) would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Kolkata (Calcutta) 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 Agra would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Agra than you might in Kolkata (Calcutta).
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Kolkata (Calcutta) Expensive? and Is Agra Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Kolkata (Calcutta) or Agra?
Kolkata (Calcutta) has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Agra. When comparing the sizes of Kolkata (Calcutta) and Agra, 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.