Which place is cheaper, Hoi An or Pondicherry?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
Jump to 
Should you visit Pondicherry or Hoi An?
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 Hoi An 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 Hoi An?
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.
Hoi An
Located just south of the city of Da Nang, Hoi An is famous for it's beautiful old town. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Unfortunately, since its designation as a World Heritage Site in 1999, mass tourism has grown and the city has felt the growing pains. Most of the homes and shops in the old town are now used for commercial purposes. The city is still quaint, but the old town is lined with tailor shops, souvenir stores, and restaurants. Foreigners are required to purchase a ticket to enter the old town of Hoi An (120,000 VND, about $5).
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Bicycle Tours in India, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in India, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Vietnam, and The Best Historical Tours in Vietnam.
-
Pondicherry Prices
India PricesHoi An Prices
Vietnam Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayPondicherry $39Hoi An $51
The average daily cost (per person) in Pondicherry is $39, while the average daily cost in Hoi An is $51. 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 Hoi An in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personPondicherry $15Hoi An $20
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomPondicherry $30Hoi An $40
Compare Hotels in Pondicherry and Hoi An
Looking for a hotel in Pondicherry or Hoi An? 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 Hoi An Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Pondicherry $5.37Hoi An $18
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Hoi An
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Hoi An are as follows:
-
Taxi From Danang to Hoi An$8.34
-
Bus From Hoi An Bus Station to Town$0.57
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Hoi An
Also for Hoi An, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer To My Son Sanctuary From Hoi An or Da Nang: $22
- Private Transfer To My Son Sanctuary From Hoi An or Da Nang: $22
- My Son sanctuary and Marble mountain tours and transfer: $35
- My Son Sanctuary & Hai Van Pass Transfer Hoi An to/from Hue: $63
- Hue: Private Transfer to Hoi An via Top Sights: $25
- Hue to/from Hoi An Private Car Transfer via Golden Bridge: $20
- Hue Transfer to/from Hoi An by Private Car via Hai Van Pass: $17
- Hue Private Car with Driver for Customizable Trip & Transfer: $7.09
- Private Transfer to/from Hue via Scenic Stops: $16
- Private Transfer from/to Da Nang Airport: $17
- My Son Sanctuary Roundtrip Transfer from HoiAn hotel: $35
- Coconut Basket Boat Rides with Two-way Transfers: $12
Is it cheaper to fly into Pondicherry or Hoi An?
Prices for flights to both Hoi An 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 $18Hoi An $16
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: $141
- Cooking class in Pondicherry (with Lunch or Dinner): $268
Typical Food Prices in Hoi An
For Hoi An, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
-
Dinner at Bamboo Village (for Two)$13
-
Casual Lunch (for Two)$3.79
-
Casual Dinner (for Two)$7.58
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Hoi An
For Hoi An, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Hoi An Food Tour - Street Eats And Hoi An Hidden Gems: $2.00
- BASKET BOAT & FISHING CRAB & COOKING CLASS: $3.90
- COOKING CLASS & BASKET BOAT: $13
- Basket Boat Ride, Cooking Class by Hangcoconut: $17
- Market Tour - Cooking Class - Coconut Boat Riding: $17
- From Market Tour, Basket Boat Ride and Cooking Class: $17
- Da Nang/Market Tour, basket Boat Ride, Cooking Class: $18
- Hoi An Cooking Class - Traditional Chinese Dumpling: $18
- Hoi An : Traditional Cooking Class w Optional Lantern Making: $20
- Cooking Class, Crab Fishing-Basket Boat, Market Tour: $20
- Eat Like a Local – Hoi An Evening Food Tour: $22
- Hoi An : Vegetarian Cooking Class W Optional Coconut Village: $22
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Pondicherry $11Hoi An $12
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: $75
- Best of the Pondicherry (Guided Full Day City Tour): $125
- 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): $141
- From Day Tour to Mahabalipuram and Kanchipuram: $109
- 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 : $14
- Magical Pondicherry Markets Tour : $12
- Pondicherry Art Trails (2 Hours Guided Walking Tours): $13
- Pondicherry City Bicycle Tour: $157
Typical Entertainment Prices in Hoi An
Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Hoi An's activities, tours, and tickets:
-
Golf (for Two)$140
-
Short Boat Ride$1.52
Tours and Activities in Hoi An
For Hoi An, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- 3 Hours Hoi An Countryside Bicycle Tour: $35
- 3 hours Hoi An Countryside Motorbike Tour: $55
- Amazing Cham Island Snorkeling Tour From Hoi An or Da Nang: $45
- BUFFALO RIDING -BASKET BOAT & BIKE TOUR-HOI AN: $29
- Ba Na Hills and Golden Bridge Private Tour: $131
- Cam Thanh: Coconut Basket Boat and Enjoy Free Coconut Ticket: $4.12
- Cham Island Tour: Snorkeling & Spa from Da Nang/Hoi An: $32
- Cham Island: Experience Snorkeling and Lunch In A Day Tour: $69
- Cham Island: Small group Snorkeling Tour with Lunch: $85
- Cham Island: Snorkeling Tour: $53
- Cham Island: Underwater Walking & Snorkeling Tour: $77
- Coconut Jungle - Hoi An City Tour & Release Flower Lantern: $47
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayPondicherry $6.55Hoi An $8.59
Typical Alcohol Prices in Hoi An
Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Hoi An are as follows:
-
Bottle of Wine$9.10
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Pondicherry and Hoi An, we can see that Hoi An 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 Hoi An would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Hoi An 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 Hoi An Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Pondicherry or Hoi An?
Pondicherry has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Hoi An. When comparing the sizes of Pondicherry and Hoi An, 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.