Which place is cheaper, Bangalore 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 Bangalore?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Kolkata (Calcutta) or Bangalore, 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 Bangalore?
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.
Bangalore
Bangalore is the capital city of the state of Karnataka, in India. It's also India's third largest city with a population of about 8.5 million. It's considered one of the most liveable cities in the country and was historically known for its many gardens and lush green spaces. Today those areas are all but gone, having given way to the growing population and sprawling metropolises. Bangalore is also the information technology hub of the country and is sometimes referred to as India's Silicon Valley.
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 PricesBangalore Prices
India Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayKolkata (Calcutta) $42Bangalore $47
The average daily cost (per person) in Kolkata (Calcutta) is $42, while the average daily cost in Bangalore is $47. 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 Bangalore in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personKolkata (Calcutta) $15Bangalore $17
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomKolkata (Calcutta) $30Bangalore $34
Compare Hotels in Kolkata (Calcutta) and Bangalore
Looking for a hotel in Kolkata (Calcutta) or Bangalore? 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.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Kolkata (Calcutta) $4.48Bangalore $8.51
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kolkata (Calcutta)
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Kolkata (Calcutta):
- Kolkata Airport to Kolkata Hotels drop: Private Transfers: $32
- Kolkata - Arrival transfer from Airport to Hotel: $43
- Departure transfer from Hotel to Airport in Kolkata: $44
- Build Your Own: custom private tour of Kolkata with transfers: $73
- Airport Taxi: Round Trip Transfer Between Kolkata & Kolkata Airport CCU: $43
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bangalore
Also for Bangalore, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Bangalore Airport (BLR) Private Transfer to Bangalore City/Hotels: $32
- Bengaluru Kempegowda Airport (BLR) to Bengaluru Arrival Transfer: $37
- Bengaluru to Bengaluru Airport (BLR) - Departure Private Transfer: $37
- Bengaluru Airport (BLR) to Bengaluru - Arrival Private Transfer: $41
- Bengaluru City to Bengaluru Kempegowda Airport (BLR)- Departure Private Transfer: $41
- Private Departure Transfer from City Hotel to Bengaluru Airport - 10PM to 6AM: $52
- Bangalore - private arrival transfer from airport to hotel: $58
- Wild Life Jeep Safari Tour at Bannerghatta with Private Transfer: $69
- Private Departure Transfer: Bangalore Hotels to Bengaluru International Airport: $75
- Private Arrival Transfer: Bengaluru International Airport to Bangalore Hotels: $84
- Private Transfer from Bangalore to Puttaparthi-Safe & Comfortable: $120
Is it cheaper to fly into Kolkata (Calcutta) or Bangalore?
Prices for flights to both Bangalore 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) $22Bangalore $19
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Kolkata (Calcutta)
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Kolkata (Calcutta).
- Hooghly River Dinner Cruise: $39
- Bengali Nights Kolkata Food Tour with 13+ Tastings: $39
- Alleyway Food Tour: $39
- Food Tour Delights of Kolkata with Aditya: $109
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Bangalore
For Bangalore, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Traditional Cooking Classes & Dinner with Chef Family: $44
- Anglo-Indian Cooking Class in Bangalore by Award-Winning Author: $54
- Discover Bangalore's Cuisine: Private Half-Day Cooking Experience: $60
- Private In-Home Cooking Demonstration and Meal in Bangalore: $68
- Private South Indian Cooking Class in Bangalore with a Local: $78
- Private Bengaluru Food Walking Tour with Dinner: $99
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Kolkata (Calcutta) $13Bangalore $9.61
Tours and Activities in Kolkata (Calcutta)
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Kolkata (Calcutta) are as follows:
- Audio Guided Tour of Pathuriaghata – Finding the Tagores, Kolkata: $6.12
- Calcutta Contrast Tour: $43
- Capturing the City of Joy; Full Day Kolkata Street Photography Tour: $85
- Chasing The Sun Experience Kolkata's Culture: $35
- Cultural Confluence of Kolkata - Culture Kaleidoscope Tour: $38
- Explore Kolkata: Private 1-Day and 2-Day Tour Options: $93
- Festivals of Calcutta walking Tour : Durga Puja/ Diwali Kali Puja: $85
- Flower Market Colors and Ganges Ghat Experience: $30
- 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: $96
- Hello Calcutta Walk Tour: $20
Tours and Activities in Bangalore
For Bangalore, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Bangalore Self-Guided City Walking Tour & Scavenger Hunt: $5.00
- From Delhi: Sunrise Taj Mahal, Baby Taj & Agra Fort Day Tour: $5.64
- Bangalore Basavanagudi Heritage Self Guided Walking Tour: $7.99
- Bangalore Heritage and Cultural Walking Tour: $12
- FLOWER and FRUIT market tour: $13
- Food Walk Tour Bangalore: $21
- From Delhi: Taj Mahal Sunrise, Agra Fort, and Baby Taj Tour: $24
- Bangalore Private Walking Tour Tipu Sultan Fort: $29
- Bangalore Private Tour: $35
- Authentic Shopping Experience in Bangalore for Souvenirs & Gifts: $37
- Lalbagh+Bull Temple+Tipu Palace+Market+Lunch=Bangalore City Tour: $37
- Hire a guide for full day Bangalore city tour with own transport: $37
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayKolkata (Calcutta) $7.25Bangalore $7.96
Sample the Local Flavors in Bangalore
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Bangalore:
- Pub Crawl Bangalore: $34
- Bangalore The original Pub crawl Tour: $50
- Hops and Stops Microbrewery Learning Trail in Bengaluru: $51
- Brews of Bengaluru- Pub Crawl: $95
- Bangalore Wine Trails: Grover Zampa Vineyard & Wine Tasting: $161
When comparing the travel costs between Kolkata (Calcutta) and Bangalore, we can see that Bangalore 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 Kolkata (Calcutta) Expensive? and Is Bangalore Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Kolkata (Calcutta) or Bangalore?
Bangalore has a larger population, and is about 10% larger than the population of Kolkata (Calcutta). When comparing the sizes of Kolkata (Calcutta) and Bangalore, 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.