Which place is cheaper, Kerala or Tamil Nadu?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Tamil Nadu or Kerala?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Tamil Nadu and Kerala can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Tamil Nadu or Kerala?
Tamil Nadu
Located in southern India, Tamil Nadu is a state best known for the capital city of Chennai which has beautiful beaches and historic colonial landmarks, as well as a significant number of Hindu temples which are prevalent throughout the region.
Kerala
Palm trees, sandy beaches, and vibrant culture. You'll find all of these things in Kerala, India. Located in the south of the country, Kerala is known as one of the top ten paradises in the world.
This area is covered in a beautiful, natural ecosystem including backwaters, mountains, coconuts and spices. The heavy, yearlong rains provide lush and gorgeous vegetation, and earn the area a spot on the list of the wettest spots on earth.
Kerala is very different from the rest of India. For one, this area is the most literate and diverse area in in the country with churches, mosques, Hindu temples and even synagogues. This states' education and healthcare are far beyond the rest of the country- putting them on par with many Western areas of the world. However, even though this area is incredibly diverse and progressive, do not expect everyone to speak or understand English.
The best part is that this area is by far the safest in all of India. There is almost no incidence of tourists being cheated or taken for granted.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Yoga Tours and Retreats in India, The Best Luxury Tours to India, The Best Budget Tours to India, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from New Delhi.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayTamil Nadu $18Kerala $0.00
The average daily cost (per person) in Tamil Nadu is $18, while the average daily cost in Kerala is $0.00. 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 Tamil Nadu and Kerala in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personTamil Nadu $8.84Kerala -
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomTamil Nadu $18Kerala $0.00
Compare Hotels in Tamil Nadu and Kerala
Looking for a hotel in Tamil Nadu or Kerala? 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.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Tamil Nadu $1.57Kerala -
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kerala
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Kerala:
- Trivandrum to Alleppey Private Transfer: $114
- Trivandrum Airport Transfer to Trivandrum Hotels: $47
- Private Transfer: Cochin Airport (COK) to Munnar: $105
- Private Transfer: Cochin Airport (COK) to Kochi Hotels: $50
- Private Transfer: Cochin Airport (COK) to Fort Kochi/City Hotels: $20
- Private Transfer from Trivandrum City to Trivandrum (TRV) Airport: $35
- Private Transfer from Trivandrum Airport to Kovalam Hotel: $33
- Private Transfer from Trivandrum (TRV) Airport to Trivandrum City: $35
- Private Transfer from Kochi (COK) Airport to Kochi City: $41
- Kochi Airport Transfers : Budget Sedan and SUV Cabs: $18
- Kochi Airport Transfer: $15
- Cochin - private departure transfer from hotel to airport: $39
Is it cheaper to fly into Tamil Nadu or Kerala?
Prices for flights to both Kerala and Tamil Nadu 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 dayTamil Nadu $4.93Kerala -
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Kerala
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Kerala.
- Private candle light dinner: $22
- 4-Hour Private Cooking Class in Munnar: $26
- Cooking classes @ Aryavilla heritage, Varkala: $33
- Hands-on Authentic Keralite Cooking Class - Learn, Cook, Eat & Enjoy!: $35
- Get a Glimpse into a Traditional Nair Household during a Private Cooking Class: $45
- Tyndis Fort Cochin Traditional Culinary Experience - Homely Food Tour in Kochi: $47
- Kathakali Dance Show in Kochi with Dinner and Hotel Pick Up: $61
- Traditional Kerala Cooking Class in a Local Home in Kochi: $66
- Private Cooking Demonstration for Your Group in a Kochi Home: $75
- Kochi Over View & Kathakali & Dinner.Tour: $75
- Cooking experience in Kochi, a half day tour: $128
- Kathakali Classical Dance Performance with Dinner: $141
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Tamil Nadu $2.54Kerala -
Tours and Activities in Kerala
Here are a few actual costs in Kerala for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Exclusive Kochi Tuk Tuk Tour Including Pickup from Cruise Ships: $14
- Full Day Cochin Tour (From City Hotel Only): $59
- Half Day Hiking in Munnar Trekking Tour: $15
- Wild Elephant Anakulam & Waterfalls Tour(munnar valley Trekking): $61
- "Day Trip to Varkala from Trivandrum (Guided Full Day City Tour)": $147
- 2 Nights Misty Munnar Sightseeing (Private Tour with Car) - Iris Holidays: $126
- 2-Hours Street Food Guided Tour of Thiruvananthapuram: $25
- 3-4 hours Kochi Tuk-Tuk Tour with Pickup from Cruise Ships: $12
- 4 Days Best of Kerala Tour with Private Houseboat, Sightseeing & Car: $211
- 4 Hours Private Village Life Experience in Kochi with Pickup: $69
- 5 Days Budget Kerala Tour Packages: $280
- A private guided day tour in kochi: $150
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayTamil Nadu $2.88Kerala -
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Tamil Nadu and Kerala, we can see that Tamil Nadu is more expensive. And not only is Kerala much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Kerala would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Kerala 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 Tamil Nadu would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Tamil Nadu than you might in Kerala.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Tamil Nadu Expensive? and Is Kerala Expensive?.
Which has a larger population, Tamil Nadu or Kerala?
Tamil Nadu has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Kerala. When comparing the sizes of Tamil Nadu and Kerala, 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.