A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Paphos vs. Varanasi for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

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.


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.

  • Paphos Prices
    Cyprus Prices
    Varanasi Prices
    India Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Paphos 125
    Varanasi 26

The average daily cost (per person) in Paphos is €125, while the average daily cost in Varanasi is €26. 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
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Paphos 48
    Varanasi 12
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Paphos 96
    Varanasi 24
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.

Hotels in Paphos


Hotels in Varanasi


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
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Paphos 12
    Varanasi 3.70

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Paphos

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Paphos:

  • Private Transfer from Paphos city hotels to Limassol Cruise Port: $58
  • Private Transfer from Paphos Airport (PFO) to Limassol Port: $58
  • Famous Blue Lagoon Sunset Cruise with transfer: $40
  • Blue Lagoon Boat Adventure with Bus Transfer: $34
  • Paphos Blue Lagoon Cruise: Water Slide & Hotel Transfer: $40
  • Ocean Vision: Show & Dance Night with buffet, open bar & transfer: $94
  • CO2-Offset Transfer from Paphos Airport to Limassol City by Van: $134
  • Blue Lagoon cruise: giant slide & Paphos hotel transfers: $35
  • Blue Lagoon Boat Adventure with Bus Transfer from Paphos: $37

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Varanasi

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Varanasi:


  • Tuk Tuk Through Town
    0.72
  • Rickshaw Ride
    0.45

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Varanasi

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

  • 3-hours Temple hopping with transfers: $35
  • 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 Departure Transfer from Varanasi Hotel to Airport: $28
  • Private Transfer Varanasi to Bodhgaya - One Way: $97
  • Private Transfer from Varanasi to Lal Bahadur Shastri (VNS) Airport: $45
  • Private Transfer: Varanasi Airport to Varanasi Hotel: $11
  • Smooth transfer from Varanasi Airport to Hotel: $60
  • Spiritual Varanasi - A Most Amazing Heritage Walk with Private Transfer: $99
  • Varanasi - Arrival transfer from airport to hotel: $32
  • Varanasi Hotels to Varanasi Airport drop: Private Transfers: $26

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
  • Food Meals for one day
    Paphos 65
    Varanasi 9.23

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: $67
  • Wave Dancer Fireworks, Buffet Dinner & Show Cruise: $78
  • Cyprus Food Tour: Old Town of Paphos, Cypriot Dishes and Drinks: $80
  • Moussaka Cooking Class at a Wine Village Villa in Paphos: $225

Typical Food Prices in Varanasi

For Varanasi, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Dinner In Town
    3.08

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: $29
  • 3-hour street food tour: $33
  • Half-Day Varanasi Village Tour with Cooking Class & Local Dining: $40
  • Private Food Tour with Ganga Aarti Ceremony: $42
  • Dashashwamedh Ganga Arati from balcony with Street Food Tour: $50
  • Varanasi Bliss: Private Food Tour, Boat Ride & Ganga Aarti: $62

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Paphos 12
    Varanasi 7.84

Tours and Activities in Paphos

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

  • 100% Cyprus - Tour to Troodos mountains and villages (From Paphos): $66
  • 2 Hours Private Wellness Experience: $136
  • Adonis waterfalls Buggy Adventure: $107
  • Akamas Jeep Safari Tour from Paphos: $78
  • Atlantis Turtle Watching Cruise & Snorkelling Adventure: $48
  • Blue Lagoon (Akamas) Bus & Boat Tour with Water Slide From Paphos: $42
  • Blue Lagoon Cruise with Sightseeing from Latchi Harbour: $30
  • Blue Lagoon Cruise, Aphrodite's Grotto & Sea Caves from Paphos: $43
  • CYPRUS: Private Luxury Picnic Experience: $125
  • Cruise and 4X4 Safari Tour at Akamas Peninsula from Aphrodite Hills: $110
  • Cruise and 4X4 Safari Tour at Akamas Peninsula from Paphos: $110
  • Cruise from Paphos Harbour to Blue Lagoon: All Inclusive: $90

Typical Entertainment Prices in Varanasi

Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Varanasi's activities, tours, and tickets:


  • Boat Ride
    0.63

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
  • 6D Panch Aarti VR Experience at Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple: $3.00
  • From Delhi: Taj Mahal Sunrise, Baby Taj & Agra Fort Day Tour: $3.95
  • Agra: Taj Mahal Tour with Professional photographer & Guide: $5.64
  • Cultural & Spiritual Trails of Old Town Varanasi Guided Walking Tour: $11
  • Spiritual Tour in Varanasi with a local- Experience true essence of spirituality: $11
  • Spiritual and Heritage Walking Tour in Varanasi: $11
  • Varanasi Landmark Evening City Tour - Aarti, Boating & Witnessing the GOD: $11
  • Cycle of Life, Death & Rebirth (2 Hours Guided Walking Tour): $12
  • Sunrise in Banaras with Ganga Aarti (2 Hours Guided Walking Tour): $13
  • Sunrise in Varanasi Tour with a local with free Ganga Aarti and Boat Ride: $17
  • Mysticism of Varanasi Tour with a local including free Guided Boat Ride: $17

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Paphos 9.98
    Varanasi 5.87

Sample the Local Flavors in Paphos

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Paphos:

  • From Troodos Mountains & Villages Free Wine Tasting: $62
  • Paphos - Troodos Mountains 4x4 Tour with Free Wine Tasting: $69
  • Troodos Mountains Jeep Tour with Wine Tasting: $74
  • Paphos Hills: Boutique Wine Tour & Scenic Escape - 4+ Guests: $132
  • Paphos Half Day-Free Wine Tasting- Max 7p Group -Full A/C: $572
  • Troodos Mountains -Free Wine Tasting- Max 7p Group -Full A/C: $572


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.