Should I Visit Leh or Goa for Vacation? Which is Better? Which is Cheaper? Which is More Expensive?

Should you visit Leh or Goa?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Leh and Goa. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Where Should I go: Leh or Goa?

Leh

Leh is a small town located in the Indus river valley at a crossroads of the old trading routes from Kashgar, Tibet, and Kashmir. Today, the town is best known for its Buddhist sites and nearby trekking areas. It is situated in northern India, amidst the mountainous Himalayan range.

Goa

Goa is a small but important state located on the west coast of India known as a popular beach resort and vacation area.

A large Portuguese influence can be found in Goa in the form of architecture as well as the cuisine, as it was formerly a Portuguese colony. Because of Goa's Portuguese history, there is a distribution of religion among the people, making it quite different than other states in India. About sixty-five percent of the population is Hindu, while about twenty-four percent is Catholic. Goa is one of the most peaceful states in India, with a very low crime rate. The best time to visit Goa is between November and February, as this is when the weather is most comfortable.

This is a popular tourist destination both for the Indian population as well as for tourists from around the world. The warm climate, beautiful beaches, friendly people, fun activities, and cultural diversity make it a popular destination for many types of travelers.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from New Delhi, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Mumbai, The Best 2-Week Tours from New Delhi, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Mumbai.

Which place is cheaper, Goa or Leh?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

Leh Prices
India Prices

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

Leh $47

Goa $0.00

The average daily cost (per person) in Leh is $47, while the average daily cost in Goa is $0.00. 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 Leh and Goa in more detail.

Accommodation

Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person

Leh $16

Goa -
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room

Leh $32

Goa $0.00

Compare Hotels in Leh and Goa

Looking for a hotel in Leh or Goa? 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: Leh Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation

Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.

Leh $7.62

Goa -

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Leh

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Leh:

Ladakh: 5-Day Family Tour with Accommodation & Transfers: $371

Is it cheaper to fly into Leh or Goa?

Prices for flights to both Goa and Leh 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

Leh $23

Goa -

Entertainment

Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.

Leh $14

Goa -

Tours and Activities in Leh

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Leh are as follows:

"Leh to Pangong Lake Sameday tour: A Day of Tranquil Wonders: $83
Airport Pickup with Shanti Stupa-Leh Palace & Monastery Tour: $29
Chadar Trek Frozen River Trekking Tour: $305
LADAKH TOUR: $638
Overnight Pangong Tour From Leh With Thiksey & Shey Palace: $116

Alcohol

Alcohol Drinks for one day

Leh $5.40

Goa -

How are these travel costs calculated?

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Leh and Goa, we can see that Leh is more expensive. And not only is Goa much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Goa would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Goa 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 Leh would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Leh than you might in Goa.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Leh Expensive? and Is Goa Expensive?.

Which has a larger population, Leh or Goa?

Goa has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Leh. When comparing the sizes of Leh and Goa, 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 Leh vs. Goa for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Leh or Goa?

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

Where Should I go: Leh or Goa?

Leh

Goa

Which place is cheaper, Goa or Leh?

Accommodation

Compare Hotels in Leh and Goa

Local Transportation

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Leh

Is it cheaper to fly into Leh or Goa?

Food

Entertainment

Tours and Activities in Leh

Alcohol

Which has a larger population, Leh or Goa?

Related Articles for Leh

Related Articles for Goa

A Travel Price Comparison for India Leh vs. Goa for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Leh or Goa?

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

Where Should I go: Leh or Goa?

Leh

Goa

Which place is cheaper, Goa or Leh?

Accommodation

Compare Hotels in Leh and Goa

Local Transportation

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Leh

Is it cheaper to fly into Leh or Goa?

Food

Entertainment

Tours and Activities in Leh

Alcohol

Which has a larger population, Leh or Goa?

Related Articles for Leh

Related Articles for Goa

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