A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Kolkata (Calcutta) vs. Matsue for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Kolkata (Calcutta) or Matsue?

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

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

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.

Matsue

Matsue, Japan is located on the scenic shores of Lake Shinji in the Shimane Prefecture. Matsue is the capital city of the prefecture and is known as the water city due to being located between Lake Shinji, Lake Nakaumi, and the Sea of Japan. This historically rich city is famous for being a laid back samurai village with stunning sunsets and traditional confectioneries.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 4-Week (1-Month) Tours in India, The Best Bicycle Tours in India, The Best Contiki Tours to Japan, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Japan.


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

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Kolkata (Calcutta) is $37, while the average daily cost in Matsue is $65. 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 Matsue in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Kolkata (Calcutta) $17
    Matsue $26
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Kolkata (Calcutta) $34
    Matsue $52
Compare Hotels in Kolkata (Calcutta) and Matsue

Looking for a hotel in Kolkata (Calcutta) or Matsue? 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.

Hotels in Kolkata (Calcutta)


Hotels in Matsue


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 Matsue Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Kolkata (Calcutta) $5.11
    Matsue $20

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kolkata (Calcutta)

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

  • Build Your Own: custom private tour of Kolkata with transfers: $69
  • Path of Knowledge: A Heritage Walking Tour of Kolkata with Private Transfer: $165
  • Private Transfer Kolkata Airport CCU To Kolkata Hotels Drop: $22

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Matsue

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Matsue:

  • Private Transfer from Sakaiminato Cruise Port to Osaka city : $131
  • Private Transfer from Sakaiminato Port to Osaka Int Airport KIX: $200

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

Prices for flights to both Matsue 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) $14
    Matsue $27

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
  • Cooking experience in Authentic Bengali House with Lunch/Dinner: $41
  • Alleyway Food Tour: $42
  • Traditional Bengali Cooking Class in Kolkata in a Local Home: $64

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Kolkata (Calcutta) $15
    Matsue $8.81

Tours and Activities in Kolkata (Calcutta)

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Kolkata (Calcutta) are as follows:

  • Kolkata Colonial Walk (2 Hours Guided Walking Tour): $13
  • Heritage & Cultural Walk of Kolkata (2 Hours Guided Walking Tour): $13
  • Kolkata Half Day Guided City Tour: $27
  • The Taste of Kolkata - Evening Food Walk Tour: $30
  • Magic Hour Tour: $37
  • Cultural Confluence of Kolkata - Culture Kaleidoscope Tour: $37
  • Kolkata's Flower Market - Hooghly's Flower Fest Tour: $37
  • Kolkata Slum Walking Tour: $41
  • Mesmerising Kolkata Private Customised Day Tour: $53
  • Kolkata Daily - A Private Tour - Explore • Engage • Enchant: $55
  • Full Day City Tour Of Kolkata With Guide: $55
  • Kolkata Heritage Tram Tour: $60

Tours and Activities in Matsue

Here are a few actual costs in Matsue for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Tour around Matsue Horikawa: $11
  • Private Kimono Elegant Experience in the Castle Town of Matsue: $36
  • An E-Bike cycling tour of Matsue that will add to your enjoyment of the city: $98

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Kolkata (Calcutta) $8.27
    Matsue $6.85

Sample the Local Flavors in Kolkata (Calcutta)

Also in Kolkata (Calcutta), these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Pub Crawl Kolkata: $39


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


Which is Bigger, Kolkata (Calcutta) or Matsue?

Kolkata (Calcutta) has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Matsue. When comparing the sizes of Kolkata (Calcutta) and Matsue, 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.

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