Which place is cheaper, Dharamsala or Rajasthan?
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 Rajasthan or Dharamsala?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Rajasthan or Dharamsala, 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: Rajasthan or Dharamsala?
Rajasthan
It's time to visit the world of harems and maharajahs, palaces and fortresses, incense and mysticism. Rajasthan is a state in the northwest of India full of history and magnificent forts – the best in the country. Known as the Land of Kings, Rajasthan really has something for everyone. With sand dunes, jungles, camel trains, wild tigers, glittering jewels, vibrant cultures and a calendar full of festivals, this area is a must-see spot in this bucket list country.
Dharamsala
With a name that literally means "a spiritual dwelling," Dharamsala roughly translates as a shelter or rest house for pilgrims and travelers. Home to the Dalai Lama and the Tibetan Government in Exile, Dharamsala is today a popular destination for foreigners on vacation, backpackers seeking the surrounding mountains, as well as students of Buddhism.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Mumbai, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to India, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in India, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in India.
-
Rajasthan Prices
India PricesDharamsala Prices
India Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayRajasthan $33Dharamsala $39
The average daily cost (per person) in Rajasthan is $33, while the average daily cost in Dharamsala is $39. 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 Rajasthan and Dharamsala in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personRajasthan $13Dharamsala $22
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomRajasthan $26Dharamsala $44
Compare Hotels in Rajasthan and Dharamsala
Looking for a hotel in Rajasthan or Dharamsala? 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: Dharamsala Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Rajasthan $5.74Dharamsala $4.86
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Rajasthan
Also for Rajasthan, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Bikaner Hotels to Bikaner Airport drop: Private Transfers: $5.77
- Bikaner Airport to Bikaner Hotels drop: Private Transfers: $5.82
- Jaisalmer Airport to Jaisalmer all Hotels drop: Private Transfers: $6.93
- Private Transfer From Jodhpur Hotel To Jodhpur Airport: $8.00
- Private Gypsy transfers to Ranthambore Fort and Ganesh Temple.: $8.73
- Jaipur Airport Transfer: $10
- Private Train Station Transfer :- From Jaipur Train Station to Hotel: $10
- Private One Way Transfer From Jaisalmer Airport To Jaisalmer Hotel: $12
- Private One Way Transfer From Jaisalmer Hotel To Jaisalmer Airport: $12
- Jaipur: Full-Day Guided City Tour with Hotel Transfers: $13
- Private Transfer From Jaisalmer Airport To Jaisalmer Hotel: $13
- Private Transfer From Jaisalmer Hotel To Jaisalmer Airport: $13
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Dharamsala
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Dharamsala:
- Dharamshala Airport Transfers : Budget Sedan and SUV Cabs: $33
Is it cheaper to fly into Rajasthan or Dharamsala?
Prices for flights to both Dharamsala and Rajasthan 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 dayRajasthan $15Dharamsala $14
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Rajasthan
For Rajasthan, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Jaipur Street food tour: $4.31
- chai and pakora cooking class: $12
- Cooking Class With Indian family : $15
- Feast on the Streets: Best Jaipur Food Tour: $15
- Cooking class and dinner with Rekha family with full meals: $16
- Food Tour and Eat like Locals : $16
- Durga Cooking Class: $16
- Jaipur Half-Day Evening Tour with Sunset and Dinner: $16
- Jaipur Half-Day tour: Bazaar & Street Food Tour by Car or Tuk-Tuk: $16
- Famous Masala Chowk Food Tour: $19
- Cooking class demo with dinner : $20
- Experience Indian Food Cooking Session At Local Family: $20
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Rajasthan $7.59Dharamsala $5.27
Tours and Activities in Rajasthan
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Rajasthan.
- Private Day Tour of Taj Mahal and Agra Fort From Delhi By Car - All Inclusive: $2.63
- Jaipur: Private Guided Full Day tour Of Jaipur: $4.50
- Private Full Day Jaipur Sightseeing Tour By Tuk Tuk: $4.86
- Jaipur Private Tuk Tuk Tour – Full-Day jaipur City Sightseeing : $4.88
- Private Guided Same Day Jaipur Tour From Delhi By Car: $5.00
- Jaipur: Private Full Day Jaipur City Tour with Pick-Up & Drop.: $5.00
- Same Day Taj Mahal tour from Jaipur: $5.00
- From Delhi : Taj Mahal Sunrise & Agra Fort Tour: $5.00
- Private Jaipur Tour from Delhi by Express Train: $5.00
- Private Guided Half Day Tour Jaipur : $5.00
- Jaipur Sightseeing by Tuk-Tuk or Car: $5.40
- Full Day Jaipur Sightseeing Tour by TukTuk : $5.54
Tours and Activities in Dharamsala
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Dharamsala are as follows:
- Best of Dharamshala with a local Half Day Tour by a AC Car: $89
- Dharamshala Street Food Crawl ( Guided Food Tasting Tour): $27
- Guided Kora Circuit & Walking Tour Around McLeod Ganj: $40
- Hiking Day Tour to Triund from Dharamshala: $40
- Historical Tour, Kangra fort &Rock cut temple from Dharmasla: $108
- McLeod Ganj: Triund Trek with Manu Adventures India: $20
- Mcleodganj Nature Trek (3 Hours Guided Walking Tour): $28
- Private 2-Days McLeodGanj & Dharamshala Guided Tour: $98
- Private 6 hrs Mcleodganj & Dharamshala City Tour: $64
- The Spiritual Trails of Dharamshala(Guided Walking Tour): $14
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayRajasthan $6.71Dharamsala $5.27
Sample the Local Flavors in Rajasthan
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Rajasthan:
- Pub Crawl Jaipur: $37
- Pub Crawl Udaipur: $37
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Rajasthan and Dharamsala, we can see that Dharamsala is more expensive. And not only is Rajasthan much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Rajasthan would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Rajasthan 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 Dharamsala would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Dharamsala than you might in Rajasthan.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Rajasthan Expensive? and Is Dharamsala Expensive?.
Which has a larger population, Rajasthan or Dharamsala?
Rajasthan has a larger population, and is about 3140 times larger than the population of Dharamsala. When comparing the sizes of Rajasthan and Dharamsala, 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.