Which place is cheaper, Bangalore or Pondicherry?
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 Pondicherry or Bangalore?
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 Bangalore 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 Bangalore?
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.
Bangalore
Bangalore is the capital city of the state of Karnataka, in India. It's also India's third largest city with a population of about 8.5 million. It's considered one of the most liveable cities in the country and was historically known for its many gardens and lush green spaces. Today those areas are all but gone, having given way to the growing population and sprawling metropolises. Bangalore is also the information technology hub of the country and is sometimes referred to as India's Silicon Valley.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Bicycle Tours in India, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in India, The Best Adventure Tours to India, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in India.
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Pondicherry Prices
India PricesBangalore Prices
India Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayPondicherry $37Bangalore $47
The average daily cost (per person) in Pondicherry is $37, while the average daily cost in Bangalore is $47. 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 Bangalore in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personPondicherry $14Bangalore $18
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomPondicherry $28Bangalore $36
Compare Hotels in Pondicherry and Bangalore
Looking for a hotel in Pondicherry or Bangalore? 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.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Pondicherry $5.02Bangalore $8.60
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Pondicherry
Also for Pondicherry, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer: Pondicherry Hotels to Chennai Airport (MAA): $85
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bangalore
Also for Bangalore, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Wild Life Jeep Safari Tour at Bannerghatta with Private Transfer: $71
- Vineyard Tour to Beautiful Nandi Hills including Wine Tasting & Private Transfer: $238
- Private Departure Transfer: Bangalore Hotels to Bengaluru International Airport: $75
- Private Departure Transfer from City Hotel to Bengaluru Airport - 10PM to 6AM: $52
- Private Arrival Transfer: Bengaluru International Airport to Bangalore Hotels: $84
- Bengaluru to Bengaluru Airport (BLR) - Departure Private Transfer: $37
- Bengaluru Kempegowda Airport (BLR) to Bengaluru Arrival Transfer: $37
- Bengaluru City to Bengaluru Kempegowda Airport (BLR)- Departure Private Transfer: $41
- Bengaluru Airport (BLR) to Bengaluru Round-Trip Transfer: $75
- Bengaluru Airport (BLR) to Bengaluru - Arrival Private Transfer: $41
- Bangalore Airport (BLR) Private Transfer to Bangalore City/Hotels: $32
- Bangalore - private arrival transfer from airport to hotel: $58
Is it cheaper to fly into Pondicherry or Bangalore?
Prices for flights to both Bangalore 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 $17Bangalore $19
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: $99
- South Indian Dinner With A Local Family In Pondicherry: $141
- Cooking class in Pondicherry (with Lunch or Dinner): $268
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Bangalore
For Bangalore, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Pop-Up Dinner in Bangalore with Focus on Sustainable Food: $22
- Traditional Cooking Classes & Dinner with Chef Family: $45
- Traditional Gowda Cooking Class and Meal in a Bangalore Home: $59
- Discover Bangalore's Cuisine: Private Half-Day Cooking Experience: $60
- Private In-Home Cooking Demonstration and Meal in Bangalore: $68
- Private South Indian Cooking Class in Bangalore with a Local: $78
- Private Bengaluru Food Walking Tour with Dinner: $99
- Private Cooking and Dining Experience in Bengaluru: $100
- Cooking experience in Bangalore, a half day tour: $115
- Authentic Indian Cooking Class: $149
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Pondicherry $9.88Bangalore $9.71
Tours and Activities in Pondicherry
For Pondicherry, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Arikamedu Tour from Pondicherry to an Ancient Indo-Roman Port: $95
- Best of the Pondicherry (Guided Full Day City Tour): $118
- Cultural Day Tour of Pondicherry and Auroville: $231
- Cultural Day Tour of Pondicherry and Auroville with Lunch: $280
- Day Trip to Mahabalipuram (Curated Private Sightseeing Experience): $132
- Experience Hands on Pottery Workshop: $20
- From Pondicherry to Kanchipuram and Mahabalipuram Heritage Tour: $133
- From Day Tour to Mahabalipuram and Kanchipuram: $111
- Full Day Guided Tour of Pondicherry with lunch and hotel pickup: $115
- Guided City Tour in Pondicherry with complimentary refreshments: $47
- Heritage & Cultural Walking Tour of Pondicherry: $13
- Magical Pondicherry Markets Tour: $12
Tours and Activities in Bangalore
For Bangalore, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- (Mysuru) Mysore Day Out - A Royal Experience Private Tour from Bangalore: $125
- 2 day Motorcycle tour from Bangalore to Belur, Halebid & Shravanabelagola: $288
- 3 Days Taj Mahal Tour From Bengaluru to Agra: $64
- 8-Hour Custom Private Tour of Bengaluru: $150
- Art & Craft Tour of Bangalore: $98
- Authentic Shopping Experience in Bangalore for Souvenirs & Gifts: $38
- Bangalore Basavanagudi Heritage Self Guided Walking Tour: $7.99
- Bangalore City Tour (Lunch, Pick up & drop at hotel): $100
- Bangalore City Tour Full-Day Private: $204
- Bangalore Discovery: Full-Day Private Guided City Tour: $80
- Bangalore Explorer: 3-Day Tour of the Garden City: $259
- Bangalore Full Day Private City Tour: $58
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayPondicherry $6.11Bangalore $8.04
Sample the Local Flavors in Bangalore
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Bangalore:
- Pub Crawl Bangalore: $35
- Bengaluru Pub Crawler - Nightlife Walking Tour: $89
- Brews of Bengaluru- Pub Crawl: $95
- Bangalore Wine Trails: Grover Zampa Vineyard & Wine Tasting: $161
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Pondicherry and Bangalore, we can see that Bangalore 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 Bangalore would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Bangalore 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 Bangalore Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Pondicherry or Bangalore?
Bangalore has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Pondicherry. When comparing the sizes of Pondicherry and Bangalore, 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.