Which place is cheaper, Kolkata (Calcutta) or Tamil Nadu?
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 Tamil Nadu or Kolkata (Calcutta)?
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 Kolkata (Calcutta) can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Tamil Nadu or Kolkata (Calcutta)?
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.
Kolkata (Calcutta)
Formerly known as Calcutta, Kolkata is the capital of West Bengal, India. Featuring colonial architecture, galleries, temples, and festivals, the city has flourished from its roots as an East India Company trading post in the 18th Century to a thriving metropolis. Today Kolkata is a diverse center of culture and bustling activity.
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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Tamil Nadu Prices
India PricesKolkata (Calcutta) Prices
India Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayTamil Nadu $19Kolkata (Calcutta) $42
The average daily cost (per person) in Tamil Nadu is $19, while the average daily cost in Kolkata (Calcutta) is $42. 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 Kolkata (Calcutta) in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personTamil Nadu $7.78Kolkata (Calcutta) $15
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomTamil Nadu $16Kolkata (Calcutta) $30
Compare Hotels in Tamil Nadu and Kolkata (Calcutta)
Looking for a hotel in Tamil Nadu or Kolkata (Calcutta)? 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: Kolkata (Calcutta) Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Tamil Nadu $1.38Kolkata (Calcutta) $4.50
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kolkata (Calcutta)
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Kolkata (Calcutta):
- The Second City of Empire: A Kolkata Heritage Walking Tour with Private Transfer: $134
- Private Transfer from Kolkata to Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose (CCU) Airport: $64
- Private Departure Transfer: Hotel to Kolkata Airport: $23
- Kolkata Airport to Kolkata Hotels drop: Private Transfers: $32
- Kolkata - Arrival transfer from Airport to Hotel: $43
- Departure transfer from Hotel to Airport in Kolkata: $44
- Build Your Own: custom private tour of Kolkata with transfers: $74
Is it cheaper to fly into Tamil Nadu or Kolkata (Calcutta)?
Prices for flights to both Kolkata (Calcutta) 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 $7.16Kolkata (Calcutta) $22
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Kolkata (Calcutta)
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Kolkata (Calcutta).
- Hooghly River Dinner Cruise: $39
- Bengali Nights Kolkata Food Tour with 13+ Tastings: $39
- Alleyway Food Tour: $40
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Tamil Nadu $2.23Kolkata (Calcutta) $13
Tours and Activities in Kolkata (Calcutta)
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Kolkata (Calcutta) are as follows:
- 2 days private tour of kolkata city and Bishnupur by car: $280
- Audio Guided Tour of Pathuriaghata – Finding the Tagores, Kolkata: $6.12
- Calcutta Contrast Tour: $43
- Capturing the City of Joy; Full Day Kolkata Street Photography Tour: $85
- Chasing The Sun Experience Kolkata's Culture: $35
- Cultural Confluence of Kolkata - Culture Kaleidoscope Tour: $38
- Explore Kolkata- Private Tour with Lunch: $119
- Flower Market Colors and Ganges Ghat Experience: $30
- Full Day Pilgrimage Tour of Ganga Sagar from Kolkata: $100
- Gangasagar Pilgrimage Day Tour from Kolkata: $138
- Guided Kolkata Sightseeing Trip by Car, Walk & Sunset Cruise Excursion Trip: $97
- Hello Calcutta Walk Tour: $39
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayTamil Nadu $2.53Kolkata (Calcutta) $7.28
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Tamil Nadu and Kolkata (Calcutta), we can see that Kolkata (Calcutta) is more expensive. And not only is Tamil Nadu much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Tamil Nadu would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Tamil Nadu 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 Kolkata (Calcutta) would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Kolkata (Calcutta) than you might in Tamil Nadu.
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 Kolkata (Calcutta) Expensive?.
Which has a larger population, Tamil Nadu or Kolkata (Calcutta)?
Tamil Nadu has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Kolkata (Calcutta). When comparing the sizes of Tamil Nadu and Kolkata (Calcutta), 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.