Which place is cheaper, Jaisalmer or Udaipur?
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 Udaipur or Jaisalmer?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Udaipur and Jaisalmer. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.
Where Should I go: Udaipur or Jaisalmer?
Udaipur
Udaipur, also known as the "Venice of the East," is becoming increasingly popular as an Indian wedding destination as well as with travelers searching for a romantic and picturesque city, rich with history, scenic areas, and palaces.
The "City of Lakes" is located in south of Rajasthan. There are a total of ten lakes in the lake system, which are connected and sustain water for drinking, irrigation and industrial use, which contributes to another reason for Udaipur's booming tourism: alcohol.
Udaipur has ideal climate and available water to support a liquor plant while a number of other Indian states ban the consumption of liquor altogether. Many local tourists, such as those from the neighboring dry state of Gujarat on the west, visit Udaipur specifically for this reason, especially considering that Gujarati alcohol prices are much higher and liquor must be purchased through the black market. It's no wonder why Udaipur is the destination for celebrations and vacation.
Udaipur has tropical weather and three main seasons, which are summer, monsoon, and winter. Winter, which takes place between September to March, is the most pleasant time to visit for sunny and warm days and cool nights.
Udaipur was also made famous in the James Bond film Octopussy. Several local hotels show the film nightly.
Jaisalmer
Jaisalmer is located in western part of the Rajasthan state of India. The city is known as the "Golden City" for its Sonar Qila, or 'Golden Fort'. This fort is different than other forts in India in that it is a living fort, meaning that it contains many hotels, homes, and shops for locals and visitors. The city is very close to the Thar Desert, to which excursions can be made.
For some great organized tour ideas, see Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in India, The Best Adventure Tours to India, The Best Sightseeing Tours in India, and The Best Cultural Tours in India.
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Udaipur Prices
India PricesJaisalmer Prices
India Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayUdaipur $36Jaisalmer $41
The average daily cost (per person) in Udaipur is $36, while the average daily cost in Jaisalmer is $41. 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 Udaipur and Jaisalmer in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personUdaipur $14Jaisalmer $12
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomUdaipur $28Jaisalmer $24
Compare Hotels in Udaipur and Jaisalmer
Looking for a hotel in Udaipur or Jaisalmer? 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: Udaipur Hotel Prices and Jaisalmer Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Udaipur $6.22Jaisalmer $11
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Udaipur
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Udaipur:
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Tuk Tuk Ride$0.42
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Udaipur
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Udaipur:
- One Way Udaipur To Delhi Transfer: $162
- Private One Way Transfer From Udaipur To Delhi: $157
- Jagmandir Island And Sunset Boat Ride On Lake Pichola, Udaipur Without Transfers: $134
- Private Transfer From Udaipur to Jaipur: $125
- Private Transfer From Udaipur To Ranthambore: $119
- One Way Transfer From Udaipur To Jodhpur With Kumbhalgarh Fort: $113
- Dilwara Temples & Mount Abu: Private Day Trip with Transfer: $110
- Udaipur, The City of Lakes - A Heritage Walk with private transfers: $105
- Private Transfer From Udaipur To Jaisalmer Via Ranakpur Jain Temple: $101
- Smooth Departure Transfer by Car from Udaipur to Ahmadabad: $100
- Kumbhalgarh Fort & Ranakpur Tour With One Way Transfer From Udaipur To Jodhpur: $99
- Private Udaipur Hotels to Jodhpur Drop – (To/From Transfers): $98
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Jaisalmer
Also for Jaisalmer, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- From Bikaner : Private Transfer To Jaisalmer: $60
- From Jaisalmer : Private Transfer To Bikaner: $55
- From Jaisalmer : Transfer To Jodhpur Via Osian Temple: $48
- Jaisalmer Airport Private Arrival Transfers: $8.19
- Jaisalmer To Bikaner Private One Way Transfer: $64
- Jaisalmer to Jodhpur Private Transfer with Door to Door AC Car: $58
- 2-Night Camel Safari with Meals & Transfers: $96
- Jaiselmer to Bikaner drop Private Transfers Car service: $27
- One Way Jaisalmer To Jodhpur Transfer: $39
- One Way Transfer From Jaisalmer To Jodhpur: $42
- One Way Transfer Service From Jaisalmer Airport To Hotel: $11
- Private Jaiselmer Hotels to Jodhpur Drop – (To/From Transfers): $33
Is it cheaper to fly into Udaipur or Jaisalmer?
Prices for flights to both Jaisalmer and Udaipur 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 dayUdaipur $17Jaisalmer $20
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Udaipur
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Udaipur.
- Durga Cooking Class: $15
- Durga Cooking Class: $16
- Heritage Walking & Food Tour: $16
- Indian Cooking Class - Art, Antiques & Storytelling: $16
- Old city Tuk Tuk Ride & Food Tour with Female guide: $19
- Diwali Celebration Experience with Dinner & Rituals: $20
- Breakfast Street Food Tour with Local Guide: $20
- Private Cooking Experience with pick up & drop off: $26
- Authentic Home Cooking Class at Honey’s Kitchen: $26
- Old city Tuk Tuk Ride & Food Tour with Female guide: $26
- Guided Street Food Tour with Tastings: $27
- Home-Style Vegetarian Rajasthani Cooking Class & Meal in Udaipur: $30
Typical Food Prices in Jaisalmer
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Jaisalmer:
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Dinner$4.21
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Jaisalmer
For Jaisalmer, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- off beat Desert safari with sunset and dinner: $10
- Jaisalmer Food Tour: Taste the Flavors of the Golden City!: $13
- Cooking Class With Indian family: $15
- Authentic Desert Farm Visit and Cooking Class: $25
- Jodhpur Camel & Jeep Safari with Sunset, Folk Dance, Dinner: $25
- Dinner on the Dunes & Camel Safari: $25
- Jaisalmer Heritage & Cultural Walking & Street Food Tour: $25
- Camel Trails Sunset Safari with Dinner: $32
- Pleasant Sunset Safari With Dinner On Dunes (From 2:00 PM to Approx. 10:00 PM): $35
- Sunset Safari With Dinner: $37
- Cooking Class with Local Family & Rooftop Meal: $37
- Jeep Camel Ride, Musical Evening & Traditional Buffet Dinner: $37
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Udaipur $6.31Jaisalmer $11
Typical Entertainment Prices in Udaipur
Here are a few typical costs in Udaipur for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
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Palace Entrance Fee$1.05
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Lake Boat Tour$2.11
Tours and Activities in Udaipur
Here are a few actual costs in Udaipur for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- 11 Days Exotic Rajasthan Tour: $414
- 2 Day Udaipur Private Tour by Car with Multilingual Guide: $44
- 2-Day Udaipur Highlights Tour with Palaces, Lakes & Culture: $100
- 3 Days Private Udaipur Tour: $130
- 3 Night 4 Days Udaipur And Jodhpur Tour: $135
- 3-Day Udaipur to Jodhpur Tour via Kumbhalgarh & Ranakpur: $120
- 4 Night 5 Days Udaipur And Jodhpur Tour: $155
- 7 - Days Jaisalmer, Jodhpur and Udaipur Tour: $661
- A Day Tour of Ranakpur Temple & Kumbhalgarh Fort from Udaipur: $55
- A Private Day Tour To Nathdwara, Eklingi and Haldighati From Udaipur: $60
- All Inclusive Udaipur City Sightseeing Tour with City Palace: $43
- Arawali Hiking Experience: $40
Typical Entertainment Prices in Jaisalmer
For Jaisalmer, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
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Sam Sand Dunes for Two$3.16
Tours and Activities in Jaisalmer
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Jaisalmer.
- City Sightseeing with Experienced Guide: $2.96
- Guided City Tour with Desert Safari: $4.23
- Billions of Stars Experience with Thar Desert & Camel Safari: $5.29
- Temple Tour Of Jaisalmer Rajasthan: $5.46
- Sam Sand Dunes Sunset Tour with Camel Ride: $8.00
- 2 Days Sharing Group Thar Desert Safari Adventure Tour: $8.60
- Jaisalmer Fort Guided Tour with Entry Ticket: $9.52
- Nomadic Non Touristic Overnight Thar Desert & Camel Safari: $9.52
- Private Jaisalmer Fort & old city tour: $10
- Explore Jaisalmer at Night (2 Hour Guided Walking Tour): $11
- Colorful Markets of Jaisalmer (3 Hour Guided Tour): $11
- 2-Day Thar Desert Experience: $11
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayUdaipur $7.85Jaisalmer $8.13
When comparing the travel costs between Udaipur and Jaisalmer, we can see that Jaisalmer 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 Udaipur Expensive? and Is Jaisalmer Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Udaipur or Jaisalmer?
Udaipur has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Jaisalmer. When comparing the sizes of Udaipur and Jaisalmer, 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.