Should I Visit Mysore or Chennai for Vacation? Which is Better? Which is Cheaper? Which is More Expensive?

Should you visit Mysore or Chennai?

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 Mysore and Chennai. 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: Mysore or Chennai?

Mysore

Also known as Mysuru, Mysore is the state of Karnataka's second biggest city behind Bangalore (also called Bengaluru) in southern India. Its landmark attraction is the Mysore Palace, though it also features memorable temples, markets, and a renowned annual festival in September-October.

Chennai

Formerly known as Madras from its colonial history, Chennai today is one of India's largest cities and capital of the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. It is located on the Bay of Bengal in southeastern India with an extensive stretch of sandy beaches, plenty of dining and shopping, a number of historic temples, monuments, and churches, plus amusement parks and more.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in India, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in India, The Best 2-Week Tours in India, and The Best 4-Week (1-Month) Tours in India.

Which place is cheaper, Chennai or Mysore?

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

Mysore Prices
India Prices

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

Mysore $41

Chennai $33

The average daily cost (per person) in Mysore is $41, while the average daily cost in Chennai is $33. 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 Mysore and Chennai in more detail.

Accommodation

Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person

Mysore $14

Chennai $15
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room

Mysore $28

Chennai $30

Compare Hotels in Mysore and Chennai

Looking for a hotel in Mysore or Chennai? 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: Mysore Hotel Prices and Chennai Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation

Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.

Mysore $7.70

Chennai $2.51

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Mysore

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

Private Transfer from Mysore to Bangalore Airport: $37

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Chennai

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

Private Transfer from Chennai to Vellore: Comfortable Travel: $94
Private Transfer from Chennai to Thiruvannamalai: Ultimate Guide: $130
Private Transfer from Chennai to Pondicherry: Comfortable Travel: $130
Private Transfer from Chennai City to Chennai (MAA) Airport: $36
Private Transfer from Chennai City Hotel to Chennai Airport: $30
Private Departure Transfer: Hotel to Chennai International Airport: $28
Private Arrival Transfer: Chennai International Airport to Hotel: $40
Private Arrival Transfer: Chennai Airport (MAA) to Pondicherry Hotels: $145
Full Day Tour to Kanchipuram and UNESCO's Mahabalipuram with Private Transfer: $234
Departure transfer: Chennai hotels to Chennai International Airport: $19
Departure Transfer from Chennai Hotels to Chennai airport: $20
Chennai International Airport to Hotel-Private Arrival transfer: $25

Is it cheaper to fly into Mysore or Chennai?

Prices for flights to both Chennai and Mysore 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

Mysore $19

Chennai $11

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Chennai

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

South Indian Cooking Class in Chennai with a Passionate Baker: $48
South Indian Vegetarian Cooking Class Near the Chennai airport: $62
Traditional Cooking Class in Chennai in a Local Home with Sundari: $74
Private Authentic Indian Cooking Class in Chennai with a Local: $76
Private Chennai Market Tour and Cooking Class with a Fun Local: $89
Authentic South Indian Cooking Class and Vegetarian Meal with a Local in Chennai: $122
Private South Indian Cooking Class and Market Visit in Chennai: $152
Food Trail In Sowcarpet With Transport And Dinner - Chennai: $200

Entertainment

Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.

Mysore $8.97

Chennai $2.67

Tours and Activities in Mysore

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

6-Hours Mysuru Cultural Tour with Guide and Transportation: $95
6-Hours Mysuru Cultural Tour with Guide and Transportation: $95
Bangalore - Full day private excursion tour to Mysore with lunch : $140
Bangalore to Mysore Royal Palace Full Day Tour: $120
Bangalore: Mysore Full-day Private Tour with Guide and Lunch: $114
Bangalore: Mysore Private Day Tour with Lunch & Entry Fees: $139
Bengaluru, Mysore, & Ooty: 6-Day Sightseeing Tour: $404
Day Trip to Brindavan Gardens & Srirangapatna (Guided Sightseeing Tour by Car): $128
Day Trip to Chikmagalur (Guided Sightseeing Tour by Car from Mysore): $141
Day Trip to Mysore (Guided Sightseeing tour from Bangalore): $133
Day Trip to Wayanad (Guided Private Sightseeing Experience from Mysore): $141
Full Day Private Guided Tour of Mysore: $58

Tours and Activities in Chennai

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Chennai.

Chennai Private Tour with Female Guide: $94
Sowcarpet Street Food Walking Tour in Chennai with guide: $45
"Enchanting Chennai – A Day Tour of the City's Best!": $175
A Private Day tour from Chennai to Gingee & Thiruvannamalai: $87
Agra Taj Tour from Chennai: $292
Auroville and Pondicherry Tour from Chennai: $134
Bicycle tour in Mahabalipuram with transport from Chennai,lunch & guide: $99
British Architecture Walk in Chennai by Wonder tours: $49
British Architecture Walk, an immersive walking tour in Chennai: $55
CHENNAI FULL DAY TOUR: $69
Chennai - Guided half day private city tour : $52
Chennai Cultural Walking Tour: $25

Alcohol

Alcohol Drinks for one day

Mysore $9.19

Chennai $2.97

How are these travel costs calculated?

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

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

Which is Bigger, Mysore or Chennai?

Chennai has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Mysore. When comparing the sizes of Mysore and Chennai, 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 Mysore vs. Chennai for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Mysore or Chennai?

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

Where Should I go: Mysore or Chennai?

Mysore

Chennai

Which place is cheaper, Chennai or Mysore?

Accommodation

Compare Hotels in Mysore and Chennai

Local Transportation

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Mysore

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Chennai

Is it cheaper to fly into Mysore or Chennai?

Food

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Chennai

Entertainment

Tours and Activities in Mysore

Tours and Activities in Chennai

Alcohol

Which is Bigger, Mysore or Chennai?

Related Articles for Mysore

Related Articles for Chennai

A Travel Price Comparison for India Mysore vs. Chennai for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Mysore or Chennai?

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

Where Should I go: Mysore or Chennai?

Mysore

Chennai

Which place is cheaper, Chennai or Mysore?

Accommodation

Compare Hotels in Mysore and Chennai

Local Transportation

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Mysore

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Chennai

Is it cheaper to fly into Mysore or Chennai?

Food

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Chennai

Entertainment

Tours and Activities in Mysore

Tours and Activities in Chennai

Alcohol

Which is Bigger, Mysore or Chennai?

Related Articles for Mysore

Related Articles for Chennai

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