Which place is cheaper, Bangalore or Kolkata (Calcutta)?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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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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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayKolkata (Calcutta) $37Bangalore $44
The average daily cost (per person) in Kolkata (Calcutta) is $37, while the average daily cost in Bangalore is $44. 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) $17Bangalore $20
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomKolkata (Calcutta) $34Bangalore $40
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) $5.10Bangalore $9.68
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kolkata (Calcutta)
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Kolkata (Calcutta):
- Private Transfer Kolkata Airport CCU To Kolkata Hotels Drop: $22
- Private Departure Transfer: Hotel to Kolkata Airport: $32
- Path of Knowledge: A Heritage Walking Tour of Kolkata with Private Transfer: $153
- Kolkata Airport to Hotel Transfer by Private Car: $43
- Build Your Own: custom private tour of Kolkata with transfers: $69
- Airport Transfer in Kolkata: $35
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bangalore
Also for Bangalore, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Affordable Bangalore Airport Transfer: $16
- Bangalore airport to Hotel Transfer: $18
- VIP Bangalore Airport Transfer: Comfort & Convenience: $24
- From City to Airport Private Transfer: $27
- Affordable Bangalore Airport Transfer: $28
- Bangalore - private arrival transfer from airport to hotel: $35
- Private One Way Transfer from Bangalore Airport to Bangalore: $39
- Bengaluru Kempegowda Airport BLR to Bengaluru Arrival Transfer: $40
- Bengaluru City to Bengaluru Kempegowda Airport (BLR)- Departure Private Transfer: $40
- One-Way Private City Transfer Mysore & Bangalore: $50
- All-Inclusive Taj Mahal and Agra Private Tour with Transfers: $52
- Bannerghatta Park Day Tour Safari with Private Transfer: $59
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) $14Bangalore $13
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Kolkata (Calcutta)
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Kolkata (Calcutta).
- Bengali Nights Kolkata Food Tour with 13+ Tastings: $35
- Alleyway Food Tour: $41
- Dinner Cruise on Ganges Kolkata 3Hrs: $61
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Bangalore
For Bangalore, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Street Food Tour in Bangalore: $16
- Bangalore : Street Food tour and Local Market Visit.: $17
- Pop-Up Dinner in Bangalore with Focus on Sustainable Food: $24
- Traditional Cooking Classes & Dinner with Family: $33
- Discover Bangalore's Cuisine: Private Half-Day Cooking Experience: $60
- Private South Indian Cooking Class in Bangalore with a Local: $62
- 3-Hour Private Cooking Lesson and Meal in a Bangalore Home: $74
- Private Cooking Classes on a Farm in Bangalore City: $85
- Private Bengaluru Food Walking Tour with Dinner: $99
- Cooking experience in Bangalore, a half day tour: $101
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Kolkata (Calcutta) $15Bangalore $11
Tours and Activities in Kolkata (Calcutta)
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Kolkata (Calcutta) are as follows:
- 02 Days Guided Private Tour of Kolkata : $225
- 2 days private tour of kolkata city and Bishnupur by car: $280
- All inclusive full day tour of kolkata: $104
- Audio Guided Tour of Pathuriaghata – Finding the Tagores, Kolkata: $6.12
- Capturing the City of Joy; Full Day Kolkata Street Photography Tour: $85
- Cultural Confluence of Kolkata - Culture Kaleidoscope Tour: $37
- Customized Full Day Tour of Kolkata With City Transportation: $73
- Day tour in Kolkata about Netaji, Rabindranath Tagore and a wealthy merchant: $107
- Downtown Kolkata Private Tour (By Air Conditioned Car): $213
- Experience Kolkata in 2 Days like never before - Private Tour: $146
- Explore Kolkata- Private Full Day Tour: $110
- Full Day City Tour Of Kolkata With Guide: $55
Tours and Activities in Bangalore
For Bangalore, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Bangalore Basavanagudi Heritage Self Guided Walking Tour: $8.53
- FLOWER and FRUIT market tour: $13
- Bangalore Night Walking Tour: $13
- Bangalore Walking Tour (2 Hours Guided Walking Tour): $13
- Bangalore Heritage and Cultural Walking Tour: $13
- Cubbon Park Heritage Walk: A self-guided tour of Bangalore's unique history: $15
- Walk on Tales of Bangalore (2 hours guided walking tour): $18
- Walk of Divinity Bangalore (2 hours guided walking tour): $18
- Bangalore Night Walking Tour (2 hours guided walking tour): $18
- Bangalore Private Tour: $35
- Tales of Bangalore a Walking Tour: $35
- Old City Walking Tour: $36
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayKolkata (Calcutta) $8.26Bangalore $9.06
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 tours: $29
- Pub Crawl Bangalore (3 Hours Guided Nightlife Experience): $35
- Pub Crawl Bangalore: $39
- Pub Crawl with Welcome Drinks, Games & Discounts: $48
- Bengaluru Pub Crawler - Nightlife Walking Tour: $89
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Kolkata (Calcutta) and Bangalore, we can see that Bangalore 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 Bangalore would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Bangalore 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 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.