Which place is cheaper, Darjiling or Pune?
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 Pune or Darjiling?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Pune or Darjiling, 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 Darjiling?
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.
Darjiling
What began as a cluster of villages grew to prominence in the 19th Century when the British first established a hill station here and eventually realized that the climate was well-suited for tea plantations. Darjeeling (or Darjiling) has since become known for its teas in addition to cultural diversity, stunning views, and trekking opportunities.
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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Pune Prices
India PricesDarjiling Prices
India Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayPune $52Darjiling $40
The average daily cost (per person) in Pune is $52, while the average daily cost in Darjiling is $40. 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 Darjiling in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personPune $19Darjiling $11
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomPune $38Darjiling $22
Compare Hotels in Pune and Darjiling
Looking for a hotel in Pune or Darjiling? 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 Darjiling Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Pune $8.47Darjiling $6.59
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Pune
Also for Pune, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Mumbai-Pune Transfer: $70
- Pune Airport Transfer in Private Vehicle: $50
- Private Transfer from Pune (PNQ) Airport to Pune City: $39
- Pune Airport Transfer: $30
- Affordable transfer from Pune to Mumbai Airport: $28
- Private Transfer from Pune to your Accommodation in Mumbai: $23
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Darjiling
Also for Darjiling, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer from Gangtok to Bagdogra: $49
- Private Transfer Darjeeling Hotels To Bagdogra Airport IXB Drop: $65
Is it cheaper to fly into Pune or Darjiling?
Prices for flights to both Darjiling 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 $21Darjiling $21
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Pune
For Pune, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Pune:Food Walking Tour with Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Option: $19
- Traditional Cooking Classes & Dinner with Chef Family: $29
- Traditional Cooking Classes & Dinner with Chef Family: $46
- Cooking Secrets of Classes with Meal and Market Visit: $48
- Traditional Maharashtrian Breakfast Cooking Class: $48
- Authentic Indian Cooking Class with 3 dishes: $48
- Traditional Maharashtrian Cooking Class & Dinner: $127
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Pune $15Darjiling $11
Tours and Activities in Pune
For Pune, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- 2-Day Tour to The Taj Mahal and Agra from Pune with Both side Commercial Flights: $272
- 4-Hour Tour: Pune University Complex Cycling Private Tour: $139
- Best of Pune Private City Tour with Lunch and Transport: $120
- Best of Pune Private City Tour with Transport: $90
- Day Trip to Mahabaleshwar-Panchgani (Guided Fullday Sightseeing Tour from Pune): $133
- Day Trip to Mahabaleshwar-Panchgani (Guided Fullday Tour): $145
- Experience Spiritual Culture in Pune with a local - 2 Hours: $14
- Food Walk Tour Pune (2 Hours Guided Food Tasting Walk): $22
- Food walking tour in Pune to stimulate your taste buds: $50
- From 3-Day Guided Tour of Ajanta, Ellora & Aurangabad City: $125
- Full Day Cultural & Heritage Pune City Tour in Private Vehicle: $64
- Full Day Pune Tour: History, Temples & Local Flavor: $111
Tours and Activities in Darjiling
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Darjiling.
- A Full Day Tour Of Darjeeling: $208
- Best of Darjeeling (Guided Halfday Sightseeing Tour by Car): $73
- Best of Gangtok (Guided Halfday Sightseeing Tour by Car): $75
- Colonial Heritage Walking Tour in Darjeeling: $27
- Darjeeling & Gangtok tour: $253
- Darjeeling City Tour with Uber: $58
- Darjeeling Exquisite Estate Tour: $156
- Darjeeling Full-Day Sightseeing Tour with Guide & Transports: $163
- Day Trip to Buddha Park (Guided Private Sightseeing Tour from Gangtok): $131
- Day Trip to Darjeeling (Guided Private Sightseeing Experience from Gangtok): $131
- Day Trip to Gangtok (Guided Private Sightseeing Experience from Darjeeling): $131
- Day Trip to Kalimpong (Guided Private Sightseeing Experience from Darjeeling): $131
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayPune $13Darjiling $7.72
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Pune and Darjiling, we can see that Pune is more expensive. And not only is Darjiling much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Darjiling would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Darjiling 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 Pune would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Pune than you might in Darjiling.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Pune Expensive? and Is Darjiling Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Pune or Darjiling?
Pune has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Darjiling. When comparing the sizes of Pune and Darjiling, 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.