Which place is cheaper, Bodh Gaya or Pune?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Pune or Bodh Gaya?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Pune or Bodh Gaya, 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: Pune or Bodh Gaya?
Pune
Located in Maharashtra, Pune is the state's second largest city and cultural capital. Not only is it a hub for museums, temples, beaches, and scenic overlooks, but it also has a thriving nightlife and general atmosphere due to the student population.
Bodh Gaya
Located in the state of Bihar in the northeast of India, Bodh Gaya is the most respected place and pilgrimage destination for Buddhists. Bodh Gaya is believed to be the site where Buddha Shakyamuni achieved enlightenment while meditating under the famous Bodhi tree.
Prince Gautama Siddartha was born in the sixth century, B.C. in what is modern-day Nepal. Siddartha lived a comfortable life of extravagance as he was born the son of King Suddhodana of the Sakya clan, but after witnessing human suffering, Siddartha decided to give up all of his possessions and embarked upon a quest to seek knowledge and the solution to such suffering. It is underneath a Pipal tree near the city of Gaya, that it is believed he began to meditate until he became enlightened. Today, a descendent of the original Bodhi Tree is located in the Mahabodhi Temple Complex in the city of Bodh Gaya.
Weather in Bodhgaya is generally warm throughout the year, with daytime highs in the 90s during summer and nighttime lows in the high 40s during winter. Because Bodhgaya is centered around religious sites, pack light layers and plan to dress modestly. Remember that you'll be expected to take shoes off at all temples, so sandals may be easier to wear and a good time-saver.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Cultural Tours in India, The Best Food and Culinary Tours in India, The Best Photography Tours in India, and The Best Religious Tours in India.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayPune $51Bodh Gaya $52
The average daily cost (per person) in Pune is $51, while the average daily cost in Bodh Gaya is $52. 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 Pune and Bodh Gaya in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personPune $23Bodh Gaya $22
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomPune $46Bodh Gaya $44
Compare Hotels in Pune and Bodh Gaya
Looking for a hotel in Pune or Bodh Gaya? 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: Pune Hotel Prices and Bodh Gaya Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Pune $13Bodh Gaya $23
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Pune
Also for Pune, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Simon Cabaret Show in Phuket including Return Transfer: $48
- Pune Airport Transfer: $30
- Private Transfer from Pune to Shirdi: $42
- Private Transfer from Pune (PNQ) Airport to Pune City: $37
- Mumbai-Pune Transfer: $68
- Affordable transfer from Pune to Mumbai Airport: $28
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bodh Gaya
Also for Bodh Gaya, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer from Bodhgaya Hotel to Gaya Airport: $13
- Private Transfer from Bodhgaya Airport: $13
- Affordable Bodh Gaya Airport Transfer: $15
Is it cheaper to fly into Pune or Bodh Gaya?
Prices for flights to both Bodh Gaya and Pune 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 dayPune $18Bodh Gaya $16
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Pune
For Pune, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Guided Street Food Tour with Cultural Charms of Pune: $21
- Traditional Cooking Classes & Dinner with Chef Family: $32
- Traditional Cooking Classes & Dinner with Chef Family: $33
- Coral Island, Promthep Cape & Sunset Dinner with Power Catamaran: $52
- Organic Thai cooking class: $67
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Pune $17Bodh Gaya $9.82
Tours and Activities in Pune
For Pune, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- 4-Hour Tour: Small-Group Culinary Walking Tour in Pune: $99
- Agra Taj Tour from Pune: $220
- Airport pickup-drop, Mumbai sightseeing and outstation: $40
- Best of Pune Sightseeing with Food Tasting Tour by Private Car: $88
- Cultural Walking Tour of Pune with Local Snacks: $23
- Day Trip to Mahabaleshwar-Panchgani (Guided Fullday Sightseeing Tour from Pune): $150
- Day Trip to Mahabaleshwar-Panchgani (Guided Fullday Tour): $143
- Day Trip to Pune Curated Private Tour Experience from Mumbai: $159
- Discovering A Half-Day Guided Tour of Best Sights: $46
- Experience Spiritual Culture in Pune with a local - 2 Hours: $17
- Experience Spiritual Culture in Pune with a local - A Unique 2 Hrs Walking Tour: $13
- Food Walk Tour Pune (2 Hours Guided Food Tasting Walk): $25
Tours and Activities in Bodh Gaya
For Bodh Gaya, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Bodhgaya Day Tour (Hotel Pickup): $34
- Bodhgaya and Gaya Pilgrimage Tour: $53
- Exclusive Guided Tour of Bodh Gaya: $227
- Excursion tour of Rajgir & Nalanda from Bodhgaya: $63
- From Varanasi: Private Same Day Bodhgaya Tour: $144
- Full Day Tour in Bodhgaya Hotel pick up: $32
- Full-Day Private Guided Bodhgaya Tour with Pick Up: $39
- Guided Virtual Tour of Bodhgaya: $27
- Private guided tour of Bodh Gaya over 2 days : $175
- Spiritual, Bodhgaya Tour (01 Night / 02 Days): $336
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayPune $15Bodh Gaya $5.64
Sample the Local Flavors in Pune
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Pune:
- Pub Crawl (3 Hours Guided Bar Hopping Tour): $37
- Pub Crawl (3 Hours Guided Bar Hopping Tour): $39
When comparing the travel costs between Pune and Bodh Gaya, we can see that Bodh Gaya is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Asia, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Pune Expensive? and Is Bodh Gaya Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Pune or Bodh Gaya?
Pune has a larger population, and is about 80 times larger than the population of Bodh Gaya. When comparing the sizes of Pune and Bodh Gaya, 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.