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.
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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.
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Kolkata (Calcutta) Prices
India PricesBikaner Prices
India Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayKolkata (Calcutta) $45Bikaner $57
The average daily cost (per person) in Kolkata (Calcutta) is $45, while the average daily cost in Bikaner is $57. 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
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personKolkata (Calcutta) $16Bikaner $20
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomKolkata (Calcutta) $32Bikaner $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
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Kolkata (Calcutta) $4.85Bikaner $12
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kolkata (Calcutta)
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Kolkata (Calcutta):
- The Second City of Empire: A Kolkata Heritage Walking Tour with Private Transfer: $134
- Private Transfer from Kolkata to Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose (CCU) Airport: $65
- Private Departure Transfer: Hotel to Kolkata Airport: $23
- Path of Knowledge: A Heritage Walking Tour of Kolkata with Private Transfer: $153
- Kolkata Hotels to Kolkata Airport drop: Private Transfers: $35
- Kolkata Airport to Kolkata Hotels drop: Private Transfers: $35
- Departure transfer from Hotel to Airport in Kolkata: $23
- 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:
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Tuk Tuk Ride$0.23
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bikaner
Also for Bikaner, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Bikaner Hotels to Bikaner Airport drop: Private Transfers: $5.77
- Bikaner Airport to Bikaner Hotels drop: Private Transfers: $5.82
- One-Way Transfer: Jaipur/Pushker/Jodhpur/Bikaner: $46
- Private Transfer From Bikaner To Jodhpur: $48
- 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
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Food Meals for one dayKolkata (Calcutta) $23Bikaner $28
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: $26
- Bengali Nights Kolkata Food Tour with 13+ Tastings: $35
- Alleyway Food Tour: $46
- Food Tour Delights of Kolkata with Aditya: $118
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
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Kolkata (Calcutta) $14Bikaner $14
Tours and Activities in Kolkata (Calcutta)
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Kolkata (Calcutta) are as follows:
- 02 Days Private Kolkata Tour with Lunch : $179
- A Unique Experience of Kolkata Public Transport System: $98
- Capturing the City of Joy; Full Day Kolkata Street Photography Tour: $85
- Cultural Confluence of Kolkata - Culture Kaleidoscope Tour: $41
- Custom Private Kolkata Sightseeing with English speaking Guide: $75
- Durga Puja 2025 Tours -The Festival Enjoyed Close Up: $75
- Explore Kolkata- Private Full Day Tour: $99
- Full Day Pilgrimage Tour of Ganga Sagar from Kolkata: $100
- Gangasagar Pilgrimage Day Tour from Kolkata: $147
- Half Day Private Tour of Kolkata with a Local Companion: $69
- Hello Calcutta Walk Tour: $49
- Heritage Walking Tour of Kolkata: $70
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) : $12
- Heritage & Cultural Trails of Bikaner (2 Hours Guided Walking Tour) : $12
- Discover Bikaner in Nightlights (2 Hours Guided Walking Tour): $12
- Bikaner 2 Hour Guided Street Food Tasting Tour: $23
- Karni Mata Temple Half-Day Guided Tour: $50
- Full-Day Private Bikaner Sightseeing with English speaking Guide: $52
- Bikaner to Jaisalmer: Junagarh Fort & Rat Temple Tour: $58
- Royal Trails of Bikaner (Guided Half Day City Tour): $70
- Bikaner Full Day Sightseeing with Junagarh Fort & Temples: $74
- Highlights of Bikaner, Guided Half-Day Car Tour: $78
- Private Custom Tour: Bikaner Sightseeing with Guide: $86
- Full-Day Sightseeing Tour with Karni Mata Temple: $96
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayKolkata (Calcutta) $7.85Bikaner $11
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.
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.