Which place is cheaper, Varanasi or Paphos?
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 Paphos or Varanasi?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Paphos or Varanasi, 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: Paphos or Varanasi?
Paphos
Located on the southwestern tip of Cyprus, Paphos has many different archaeological sights and it is renowned as the birthplace of the Greek goddess Aphrodite. The town is situated between the coast and the Troodos Mountains and it has grown in recent years as a tourist destination. As such, the local government has made efforts to improve the quality of the tourism infrastructure including investing in hotels, restaurants and transportation. There is also a commercial center to the city as well as a newly built "promenade" that travels from the marina along a long coastal path. This route offers excellent views, especially during the morning or evening hours when the sun is low.
Varanasi
Known to be one of India's holiest cities, many come to Varanasi on a spiritual pilgrimage looking to bathe in the sacred waters of the Ganges River. Dating back to the 11th Century BC, it is also one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. Centuries old temples make up the backdrop, as many come and come again to perform their holy rights at the edge of the historic river.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Cyprus, The Best Tours for Seniors to Cyprus, The Best Bicycle Tours in India, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in India.
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Paphos Prices
Cyprus PricesVaranasi Prices
India Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayPaphos €125Varanasi €27
The average daily cost (per person) in Paphos is €125, while the average daily cost in Varanasi is €27. 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 Paphos and Varanasi in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personPaphos €48Varanasi €13
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomPaphos €96Varanasi €26
Compare Hotels in Paphos and Varanasi
Looking for a hotel in Paphos or Varanasi? 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: Paphos Hotel Prices and Varanasi Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Paphos €12Varanasi €3.82
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Paphos
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Paphos:
- Private Transfer from Paphos Airport (PFO) to Limassol Port: $57
- Choirokitia & Famagusta Guided Tour with Transfers: $80
- Blue Lagoon Boat Cruise with Bus Transfer: $30
- Paphos to Paphos Int Airport (PFO) - Departure Private Transfer: $42
- Paphos Blue Lagoon Cruise: Slide, Music & Hotel Transfer: $34
- Ocean Vision: Show & Dance Night with buffet, open bar & transfer: $92
- From Nicosia Sightseeing Tour with Hotel Transfer: $70
- CO2-Offset Private Transfer Paphos Airport PFO to Nicosia City: $202
- Blue Lagoon: 3 Hours Afternoon Cruise with transfer from Paphos: $45
- Blue Lagoon cruise: giant slide & Paphos hotel transfers: $34
- Adonis Baths Waterfall Morning Transfer: $45
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Varanasi
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Varanasi:
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Tuk Tuk Through Town€0.74
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Rickshaw Ride€0.46
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Varanasi
Also for Varanasi, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Delhi Private Arrival Transfer From New Delhi Airport To Hotel In Delhi: $34
- From Agra: Budget One Way Transfer Agra to Varanasi: $160
- From Agra: One-Way Private Transfer to Varanasi: $166
- Private Car Airport Transfer from Hotel in Delhi, Noida, Gurugram: $55
- Private Transfer: Varanasi Airport to Varanasi Hotel: $12
- Smooth transfer from Varanasi Airport to Hotel: $60
- Varanasi Airport to Varanasi Hotels drop: Private Transfers: $33
- Varanasi hotel to Bodhgaya hotel private transfer: $135
- Sarnath Tour with Guide & Car Including Hotel transfers: $70
Is it cheaper to fly into Paphos or Varanasi?
Prices for flights to both Varanasi and Paphos 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 dayPaphos €65Varanasi €9.54
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Paphos
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Paphos.
- From Sunset Drink at Aphrodite's Rock & Folk Dinner: $62
- Wave Dancer Fireworks, Buffet Dinner & Show Cruise: $73
- Cyprus: Cooking Class-Mousaka, Tzatziki & Greek Salad: $88
- Moussaka Cooking Class at a Wine Village Villa in Paphos: $220
Typical Food Prices in Varanasi
For Varanasi, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
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Dinner In Town€3.19
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Varanasi
For Varanasi, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Cooking Class with Sona: $39
- Private Food Tour with Ganga Aarti Ceremony: $42
- Varanasi Bliss: Private Food Tour, Boat Ride & Ganga Aarti: $62
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Paphos €12Varanasi €8.11
Tours and Activities in Paphos
Here are a few actual costs in Paphos for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- 100% Authentic Cypriot Experience Workshops, Wine and Cultural: $155
- 100% Cyprus - Tour to Troodos mountains and villages (From Paphos): $64
- 2 Hours Private Wellness Experience: $133
- Akamas Jeep Safari Tour from Paphos: $80
- Blue Lagoon (Akamas) Bus & Boat Tour with Water Slide From Paphos: $38
- Blue Lagoon Akamas Bus and Boat Tour with Water Slide from Paphos: $52
- Blue Lagoon Cruise with Sightseeing from Latchi Harbour: $29
- Blue Lagoon Cruise, Aphrodite's Grotto & Sea Caves from Paphos: $45
- Cruise and 4X4 Safari Tour at Akamas Peninsula from Aphrodite Hills: $107
- Cruise and 4X4 Safari Tour at Akamas Peninsula from Paphos: $107
- Cruise from Paphos Harbour to Blue Lagoon: All Inclusive: $93
- Cyprus Heritage Experience: $58
Typical Entertainment Prices in Varanasi
Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Varanasi's activities, tours, and tickets:
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Boat Ride€0.65
Tours and Activities in Varanasi
For Varanasi, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- From Delhi: Taj Mahal & Agra Tour by Gatimaan Express Train: $2.82
- From Delhi: Taj Mahal Sunrise, Baby Taj & Agra Fort Day Tour: $3.95
- Agra: Taj Mahal Tour with Professional photographer & Guide: $5.64
- Spiritual and Heritage Walking Tour in Varanasi: $11
- Varanasi Landmark Evening City Tour - Aarti, Boating & Witnessing the GOD: $11
- Sunrise in Banaras with Ganga Aarti (2 Hours Guided Walking Tour): $13
- Varanasi Pedal Rickshaw Tours: $13
- Private Yoga Experience in Varanasi: $15
- Varanasi Tuk Tuk Tour: $16
- Mysticism of Varanasi Tour with a local including free Guided Boat Ride: $17
- Sunrise in Varanasi Tour with a local with free Ganga Aarti and Boat Ride: $17
- Varanasi on Tuk Tuk (2 hours offbeat famous travel experience): $17
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayPaphos €9.98Varanasi €6.07
Sample the Local Flavors in Paphos
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Paphos:
- Wine tasting and winery tour at Fikardos Winery: $40
- Paphos Highlights Baths of Aphrodite's and Wine Tasting Tour: $56
- Scenic Troodos Mountains Tour with Wine Tasting from Paphos: $64
- Paphos - Troodos Mountains 4x4 Tour with Free Wine Tasting: $70
- Troodos Mountains Jeep Tour with Wine Tasting: $73
- Wine tasting on-board the Demetris Chara BBQboat BlueLagoon tours: $87
- Local Wineries Tour with Wine Tastings: $111
- Troodos Mountains Vino Venture: All Inclusive Full Day Wine Tour: $138
- Private Wine Tour with Tastings and Winery Visits: $762
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Paphos and Varanasi, we can see that Paphos is more expensive. And not only is Varanasi much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Paphos is in Europe and Varanasi is in Asia, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Varanasi would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Varanasi 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 Paphos would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Paphos than you might in Varanasi.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Paphos Expensive? and Is Varanasi Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Paphos or Varanasi?
Varanasi has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Paphos. When comparing the sizes of Paphos and Varanasi, 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.