Should I Visit Kolkata (Calcutta) or Bikaner for Vacation? Which is Better? Which is Cheaper? Which is More Expensive?

Should you visit Kolkata (Calcutta) or Bikaner?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Kolkata (Calcutta) or Bikaner, 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 Bikaner?

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.

Bikaner

Bikaner is located in the Rajasthan state in northwest India. This city is where the headquarters of Bikaner District and Division are located. The city was founded in 1486 by Rao Bika, and has a population of about 645,000 people.

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.

Which place is cheaper, Bikaner 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.

Kolkata (Calcutta) Prices
India Prices

Bikaner Prices
India Prices
Average Daily Cost Per person, per day

Kolkata (Calcutta) $46

Bikaner $58

The average daily cost (per person) in Kolkata (Calcutta) is $46, while the average daily cost in Bikaner is $58. 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 Bikaner in more detail.

Accommodation

Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person

Kolkata (Calcutta) $16

Bikaner $20
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room

Kolkata (Calcutta) $32

Bikaner $40

Compare Hotels in Kolkata (Calcutta) and Bikaner

Looking for a hotel in Kolkata (Calcutta) or Bikaner? 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 Bikaner Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation

Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.

Kolkata (Calcutta) $4.96

Bikaner $12

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kolkata (Calcutta)

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Kolkata (Calcutta):

Private Transfer from Kolkata to Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose (CCU) Airport: $57
Private Transfer Kolkata Airport CCU To Kolkata Hotels Drop: $18
Build Your Own: custom private tour of Kolkata with transfers: $69

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Bikaner

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Bikaner:

Tuk Tuk Ride

$0.23

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bikaner

Also for Bikaner, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

Private Transfer From Bikaner To Jodhpur: $48
One-Way Transfer: Jaipur/Pushker/Jodhpur/Bikaner: $52
Private Transfer From Bikaner To Jaisalmer: $60
Self Guided Bikaner City Tour With One Way Transfer To Jaipur : $108
Bikaner Heritage Walking Tour with Private Transfer: $136

Is it cheaper to fly into Kolkata (Calcutta) or Bikaner?

Prices for flights to both Bikaner 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

Food Meals for one day

Kolkata (Calcutta) $24

Bikaner $28

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: $47

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Bikaner

For Bikaner, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

Rajasthani Cooking Class in Bikaner: $150

Entertainment

Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.

Kolkata (Calcutta) $15

Bikaner $14

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
Best of Kolkata (Guided Halfday Sightseeing Tour by Car): $79
Chasing The Sun Experience Kolkata's Culture: $38
Cultural Confluence of Kolkata - Culture Kaleidoscope Tour: $36
Day Tour Of Kolkata: $24
Experience Kolkata in 2 Days like never before - Private Tour: $166
Explore Kolkata- Private Full Day Tour: $110
Guided Kolkata Sightseeing Trip by Car, Walk & Sunset Cruise Excursion Trip: $107
Hello Calcutta Walk Tour: $40
Heritage and Culture of Kolkata Private Tour: $65
Kolkata - Sounds and Sights - Private Full Day City Tour: $71

Tours and Activities in Bikaner

For Bikaner, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

Heritage & Cultural Trails of Bikaner (2 Hours Guided Walking Tour) : $13
Heritage & Cultural Trails of Bikaner (2 Hours Guided Walking Tour) : $13
Discover Bikaner in Nightlights (2 Hours Guided Walking Tour): $13
Bikaner 2 Hour Guided Street Food Tasting Tour: $24
Royal Trails of Bikaner (Guided Half Day City Tour): $71
Highlights of Bikaner, Guided Half-Day Car Tour: $79
Private Custom Tour: Bikaner Sightseeing with Guide: $86
A Private Guided Tour in Bikaner: $115
Bikaner Full Day Sightseeing with Bhandeshwari Jain Temple and Lunch: $118
Horse Carriage (Tonga) Tour In The Old City Of Bikaner : $124
Guided Sightseeing In Bikaner: $130
Bikaner Full Day Sightseeing with Junagarh Fort & Temples and Lunch: $148

Alcohol

Alcohol Drinks for one day

Kolkata (Calcutta) $8.02

Bikaner $12

How are these travel costs calculated?

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Kolkata (Calcutta) and Bikaner, we can see that Bikaner 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 Bikaner would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Bikaner 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 Bikaner Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Kolkata (Calcutta) or Bikaner?

Kolkata (Calcutta) has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Bikaner. When comparing the sizes of Kolkata (Calcutta) and Bikaner, 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.

A Travel Price Comparison for India Kolkata (Calcutta) vs. Bikaner for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Kolkata (Calcutta) or Bikaner?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Where Should I go: Kolkata (Calcutta) or Bikaner?

Kolkata (Calcutta)

Bikaner

Which place is cheaper, Bikaner or Kolkata (Calcutta)?

Accommodation

Compare Hotels in Kolkata (Calcutta) and Bikaner

Local Transportation

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kolkata (Calcutta)

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Bikaner

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bikaner

Is it cheaper to fly into Kolkata (Calcutta) or Bikaner?

Food

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Kolkata (Calcutta)

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Bikaner

Entertainment

Tours and Activities in Kolkata (Calcutta)

Tours and Activities in Bikaner

Alcohol

Which is Bigger, Kolkata (Calcutta) or Bikaner?

Related Articles for Kolkata (Calcutta)

Related Articles for Bikaner

A Travel Price Comparison for India Kolkata (Calcutta) vs. Bikaner for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Kolkata (Calcutta) or Bikaner?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Where Should I go: Kolkata (Calcutta) or Bikaner?

Kolkata (Calcutta)

Bikaner

Which place is cheaper, Bikaner or Kolkata (Calcutta)?

Accommodation

Compare Hotels in Kolkata (Calcutta) and Bikaner

Local Transportation

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kolkata (Calcutta)

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Bikaner

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bikaner

Is it cheaper to fly into Kolkata (Calcutta) or Bikaner?

Food

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Kolkata (Calcutta)

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Bikaner

Entertainment

Tours and Activities in Kolkata (Calcutta)

Tours and Activities in Bikaner

Alcohol

Which is Bigger, Kolkata (Calcutta) or Bikaner?

Related Articles for Kolkata (Calcutta)

Related Articles for Bikaner

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