Which place is cheaper, Bali or Pondicherry?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Pondicherry or Bali?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Pondicherry and Bali can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.
Where Should I go: Pondicherry or Bali?
Pondicherry
Located on the eastern coast of India in the state of Tamil Nadu, Pondicherry has a long and interesting history of trade and war as the largest French colony in India. Today the French influence in the city remains, especially in the old quarters. This being said, Pondicherry very much embodies and east-meets-west culture.
Bali
Known as the "Island of the Gods," it's not difficult to see why the Gods would want to set up shop in Bali. With a beautifully diverse landscape of hills, mountains, coastlines, beaches, vibrant rice fields and volcanic hillsides, you'll easily go into sensory overload.
Bali is home to 4 million people who all hold true to a deeply spiritual and unique culture. With champion surfing, world class resorts and challenging hiking trails, this Indonesian island accommodates travelers from every walk of life. It's often called, "paradise on earth, " and no one disagrees.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Bicycle Tours in India, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in India, The Best Tours for Seniors to Indonesia, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Indonesia.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayPondicherry $33Bali $73
The average daily cost (per person) in Pondicherry is $33, while the average daily cost in Bali is $73. 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 Pondicherry and Bali in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personPondicherry $16Bali $42
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomPondicherry $32Bali $84
Compare Hotels in Pondicherry and Bali
Looking for a hotel in Pondicherry or Bali? 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: Pondicherry Hotel Prices and Bali Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Pondicherry $5.66Bali $9.03
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Bali
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Bali:
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Motorbike Rental$3.10
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bali
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Bali:
- West Beach Nusa Penida Tour with Speedboat Transfer from Sanur: $99
- Unforgettable Batur Volcano Hiking With Private Transfer: $85
- Ubud: Sky Bike and Jungle Swing Experience with Transfer: $63
- Traditional Balinese Massage with Hotel Transfer: $50
- Sanur Bali to/from Lembongan: Speedboat Transfer: $15
- Private transfer: Nusa Dua to Bali Airport (DPS): $15
- Private Departure Transfer: Hotel to Airport Jimbaran and Uluwatu: $16
- Private Arrival Transfer: Denpasar International Airport to Nusa Dua Area: $15
- Private Arrival Transfer: Bali Airport to Jimbaran and Uluwatu Hotel: $16
- Parasailing Adventure In Bali Including Return Transfer: $46
- Nusa Dua Departure transfer to Bali Airport International (DPS): $13
- Ngurah Rai Bali Airport Private Transfer: $16
Is it cheaper to fly into Pondicherry or Bali?
Prices for flights to both Bali and Pondicherry 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 dayPondicherry $11Bali $21
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Pondicherry
For Pondicherry, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Indian Cooking Class in Pondicherry: $28
- French-Creole Cooking Class in Pondicherry with a Local Family: $78
- South Indian Dinner With A Local Family In Pondicherry: $161
- Cooking class in Pondicherry (with Lunch or Dinner): $289
Typical Food Prices in Bali
Some typical examples of dining costs in Bali are as follows:
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Coffee$1.24
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Lunch for Two$14
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Bali Cafe for Two$27
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Lunch for Two$8.07
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Lunch for 2$8.93
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Dinner for 2$9.80
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Bali
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Bali.
- The Balinesia Lu'au - 'A Kampung Bali Experience & Dinner Show': $28
- Best Romantic Seafood Dinner at Jimbaran Beach Sunset : $29
- Romantic Seafood Dinner under sunset in the Beach: $30
- Uluwatu Temple Kecak And Dinner Half Day Private Guided Tour: $30
- Private Tour Uluwatu Sunset Kecak Dance and Dinner at Jimbaran: $31
- Bali Sunset and Dinner: Uluwatu, Tanah Lot and Jimbaran: $32
- Pirate Dinner Cruise with Shows, Games, and Music: $33
- From Ubud: Authentic Cooking Class in a Local Village: $35
- From Ubud: Balinese Cooking Class at an Organic Farm: $35
- Romantic Seafood Dinner at Jimbaran: $38
- Spice Garden, Jamu & Cooking Class in Bali Village: $45
- Seminyak: Balinese Cooking Class & Market Tour: $45
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Pondicherry $11Bali $11
Tours and Activities in Pondicherry
For Pondicherry, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Magical Pondicherry Markets Tour : $13
- Spiritual Walk Tour Pondicherry: $13
- Pondicherry Art Trails (2 Hours Guided Walking Tours): $13
- Auroville Guided Walking Tour: $14
- Heritage & Cultural Walking Tour of Pondicherry : $15
- The Unique Pondicherry City Bike Tour : $18
- Guided City Tour in Pondicherry with complimentary refreshments: $47
- The Best of A Private Sightseeing Tour: $47
- Sri Arunachaleswara Temple Tour From Pondicherry: $48
- Private Walking Tour in the French Quarter of Pondicherry: $57
- Best of the Pondicherry (Guided Full Day City Tour): $133
- Day Trip to Mahabalipuram (Curated Private Sightseeing Experience): $150
Typical Entertainment Prices in Bali
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Bali are as follows:
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Spa for Two$54
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Snorkelling Trip$12
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Cooking School$28
Tours and Activities in Bali
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Bali are as follows:
- ATV Rafting Jungle Swing Private Guided Tour : $63
- Bali Telaga Waja White Water Rafting Adventure : $47
- Lembongan Snorkeling and Island Tour: $80
- Nusa Penida Snorkeling Adventure (Private & All-Inclusive): $129
- Private Tour Bali Bird Park And Ubud Tour: $110
- Private Tours Tegenungan Waterfall Ubud Palace & Market: $80
- Sightseeing to Ulundanu temple, banyumala waterfall & Tanah lot: $57
- White Water Rafting Adventure at Telaga Waja River : $43
- (BCR Rafting) Rafting Adventure in Telaga Waja River 18km: $55
- 2 Day Tours Ubud Art Village, Dance And Other Tourist Attractions: $186
- 2 Days Private Tours : Watersport And Uluwatu Temple: $124
- 2-Hour Private Luxury Spa Experience Bali Aromatherapy Massage: $50
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayPondicherry $6.90Bali $3.20
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Pondicherry and Bali, we can see that Bali is more expensive. And not only is Pondicherry much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Pondicherry would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Pondicherry 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 Bali would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Bali than you might in Pondicherry.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Pondicherry Expensive? and Is Bali Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Pondicherry or Bali?
Bali has a larger population, and is about 78% larger than the population of Pondicherry. When comparing the sizes of Pondicherry and Bali, 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.