Which place is cheaper, Can Tho or Pondicherry?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
Should you visit Pondicherry or Can Tho?
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 Can Tho 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 Can Tho?
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.
Can Tho
Can Tho is the largest city of Vietnam's Mekong Delta, and is best known for its canal network of floating markets, restaurants, bars, and hotels, Buddhist pagodas, and the beauty of the delta, which is illuminated in the evenings.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Bicycle Tours in India, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in India, The Best Bicycle Tours in Vietnam, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Vietnam.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayPondicherry $33Can Tho $57
The average daily cost (per person) in Pondicherry is $33, while the average daily cost in Can Tho is $57. 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 Can Tho in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personPondicherry $16Can Tho $27
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomPondicherry $32Can Tho $54
Compare Hotels in Pondicherry and Can Tho
Looking for a hotel in Pondicherry or Can Tho? 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 Can Tho Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Pondicherry $5.66Can Tho $13
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Can Tho
Also for Can Tho, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer: Can Tho Airport to/from Can Tho City Center: $43
- Private Transfer: Can Tho Airport - Can Tho City Center: $40
- Private Transfer from Vinh Long to Tan Son Nhat (SGN) Airport: $105
- Private Transfer from Thanh Thoi to Tan Son Nhat (SGN) Airport: $106
- Private Transfer from Can Tho City to Tan Son Nhat (SGN) Airport: $112
- Private Transfer from Can Tho City to Can Tho (VCA) Airport: $25
- Private Transfer from Can Tho (VCA) Airport to Ho Chi Minh: $112
- Private Transfer from Can Tho (VCA) Airport to Can Tho City: $25
- PRIVATE CAR: Can Tho AIRPORT <=> CanTho Hotels (one way transfer): $30
Is it cheaper to fly into Pondicherry or Can Tho?
Prices for flights to both Can Tho 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
-
Food Meals for one dayPondicherry $11Can Tho $17
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 Can Tho
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Can Tho:
-
Restaurant Dinner (for Two)$5.19
-
Coconut$0.28
-
Mango$1.08
-
Hot Pot Dinner (for Two)$6.95
-
Two Vietnamese Iced Coffees$0.64
-
Casual Lunch (for One)$2.80
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Can Tho
For Can Tho, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Boat tour on Mekong river see the sunset, small canal, Vegan dinner, street food: $29
- Explore Can Tho City tour combine Local Food tour - in afternoon: $35
- Can Tho food tour designed by local chef: $38
- Street food tour back of the bike in Can Tho: $39
- Eco Cooking Class and Market Tour: $47
- Walking street food tour designed by local chef: $47
- Full-Day Experience in Mekong Cycling and Authentic Home Cooking: $60
- Can Tho Cooking Class - Motorbike trip in the countryside: $69
- 2 Days Tour in Can Tho with Boat Trip and Cooking Class : $139
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Pondicherry $11Can Tho $17
Tours and Activities in Pondicherry
For Pondicherry, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Sri Arunachaleswara Temple Tour From Pondicherry: $48
- Auroville Guided Walking Tour: $14
- Best of the Pondicherry (Guided Full Day City Tour): $133
- Cultural Day Tour of Pondicherry and Auroville: $262
- Day Trip to Mahabalipuram (Curated Private Sightseeing Experience): $150
- Guided City Tour in Pondicherry with complimentary refreshments: $47
- Heritage & Cultural Walking Tour of Pondicherry : $15
- Magical Pondicherry Markets Tour : $13
- Pondicherry Art Trails (2 Hours Guided Walking Tours): $13
- Pondicherry City Bicycle Tour: $170
- Private Walking Tour in the French Quarter of Pondicherry: $57
- Spiritual Walk Tour Pondicherry: $13
Typical Entertainment Prices in Can Tho
For Can Tho, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
-
Sunset Boat Ride$2.00
-
Half Day Floating Market Tour$8.39
Tours and Activities in Can Tho
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Can Tho.
- 'Cai Rang' Floating Market 2-Day Tour With Biking & Boating: $140
- 3-DAY CA MAU CAPE TOUR IN MEKONG DELTA FROM SAI GON: $166
- A unique tour of the floating market includes a cacao plantation.: $48
- An Giang Full Day tour visit Tra Su bird sanctuary From Can Tho: $155
- Bicycle Tour Through Peaceful Villages: $40
- Boat tour visit 3 pagodas, Ancient house, see sunset on mekong river: $59
- CASA Authentic Bicycle Tour: $89
- CASA Authentic Mekong Motorbike Tour: $89
- Cai Rang Floating Market One Day Private Tour from Ho Chi Minh City: $145
- Cai Rang Floating Market Tour -Amazing Can Tho : $45
- Can Tho Sunset Tour : $35
- Cycling in the village in Can Tho - countryside bike tour: $55
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayPondicherry $6.90Can Tho $6.59
Typical Alcohol Prices in Can Tho
Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Can Tho from other travelers:
-
Beer$3.20
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Pondicherry and Can Tho, we can see that Can Tho 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 Can Tho would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Can Tho 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 Can Tho Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Pondicherry or Can Tho?
Can Tho has a larger population, and is about 14% larger than the population of Pondicherry. When comparing the sizes of Pondicherry and Can Tho, 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.