Which place is cheaper, Amritsar or Varanasi?
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 Varanasi or Amritsar?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Varanasi and Amritsar can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.
Where Should I go: Varanasi or Amritsar?
Varanasi
Known to be one of India's holiest cities, many come to Varanasi on a spiritual pilgrimage looking to bathe in the sacred waters of the Ganges River. Dating back to the 11th Century BC, it is also one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. Centuries old temples make up the backdrop, as many come and come again to perform their holy rights at the edge of the historic river.
Amritsar
Amritsar is a holy city of the Sikh religion, named "holy pool of nectar" for the pool around the base of the Golden Temple complex. This complex is the city's main attraction, bringing pilgrims from all over to bathe in the waters of the sacred pool and visit the sacred temple.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Bicycle Tours in India, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in India, The Best Adventure Tours to India, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in India.
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Varanasi Prices
India PricesAmritsar Prices
India Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayVaranasi $31Amritsar $59
The average daily cost (per person) in Varanasi is $31, while the average daily cost in Amritsar is $59. 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 Varanasi and Amritsar in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personVaranasi $14Amritsar $20
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomVaranasi $28Amritsar $40
Compare Hotels in Varanasi and Amritsar
Looking for a hotel in Varanasi or Amritsar? 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: Varanasi Hotel Prices and Amritsar Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Varanasi $4.34Amritsar $14
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Varanasi
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Varanasi:
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Tuk Tuk Through Town$0.84
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Rickshaw Ride$0.52
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Varanasi
Also for Varanasi, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Delhi Private Arrival Transfer From New Delhi Airport To Hotel In Delhi: $34
- From Agra: Budget One Way Transfer Agra to Varanasi: $160
- From Agra: One-Way Private Transfer to Varanasi: $166
- Private Car Airport Transfer from Hotel in Delhi, Noida, Gurugram: $55
- Private Departure Transfer from Varanasi Hotel to Airport: $28
- Private Transfer from Lal Bahadur Shastri (VNS) Airport to Varanasi: $44
- Private Transfer from Varanasi to Lal Bahadur Shastri (VNS) Airport: $44
- Private transfer from Varanasi to Allahabad: $67
- Varanasi - Arrival transfer from airport to hotel: $32
- Sarnath Tour with Guide & Car Including Hotel transfers: $69
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Amritsar
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Amritsar:
- Private Transfer from Amritsar to Amritsar Raja Sansi (ATQ) Airport: $38
- Amritsar to Dharamshala Tour (One Way Transfer): $78
Is it cheaper to fly into Varanasi or Amritsar?
Prices for flights to both Amritsar and Varanasi 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 dayVaranasi $11Amritsar $28
Typical Food Prices in Varanasi
For Varanasi, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
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Dinner In Town$3.62
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Varanasi
For Varanasi, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Cooking Class with Sona: $29
- 3-hour street food tour: $33
- Private Food Tour with Ganga Aarti Ceremony: $42
- Varanasi Bliss: Private Food Tour, Boat Ride & Ganga Aarti: $62
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Amritsar
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Amritsar.
- Agra: Guided Street Food Tour w/ Private Transportation: $20
- Amritsar Food Tour: $28
- Wagah Border Retreat Ceremony With Traditional Dinner: $45
- Private Farm-Fresh Punjabi Cooking Class in Amritsar: $136
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Varanasi $9.20Amritsar $13
Typical Entertainment Prices in Varanasi
Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Varanasi's activities, tours, and tickets:
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Boat Ride$0.73
Tours and Activities in Varanasi
For Varanasi, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- From Delhi: Taj Mahal & Agra Tour by Gatimaan Express Train: $2.82
- 6D Panch Aarti VR Experience at Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple: $2.98
- From Delhi: Taj Mahal Sunrise, Baby Taj & Agra Fort Day Tour: $3.95
- Agra: Taj Mahal Tour with Professional photographer & Guide: $5.64
- Spiritual and Heritage Walking Tour in Varanasi: $11
- Cultural & Spiritual Trails of Old Town Varanasi Guided Walking Tour: $11
- Spiritual Tour in Varanasi with a local- Experience true essence of spirituality: $11
- Varanasi Landmark Evening City Tour - Aarti, Boating & Witnessing the GOD: $11
- Cycle of Life, Death & Rebirth (2 Hours Guided Walking Tour): $12
- Sunrise in Banaras with Ganga Aarti (2 Hours Guided Walking Tour): $13
- Varanasi Pedal Rickshaw Tours: $13
- Private Yoga Experience in Varanasi: $15
Tours and Activities in Amritsar
Here are a few actual costs in Amritsar for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- 2 Days Tour! City Tour , Village Tour, Food n Heritage Walk Tour: $106
- A Day Trip of Amritsar Golden City from Delhi with Flight Tickets: $59
- Agra : Taj Mahal & Mausoleum Tour With Skip-the-Line Entry: $6.76
- Agra: Agra Fort and Baby Taj Private Tour with Pickup & Drop: $15
- Amritsar - Half day City tour (In & Around Golden Temple): $37
- Amritsar 1 Day Guided Tour-Golden Temple, Jalliawala Bagh, Wagah: $47
- Amritsar 1 Day Sightseeing with Wagah Border: $31
- Amritsar 1 Day Tour, Golden Temple with Wagah Border: $29
- Amritsar 1 Day Tour: Golden Temple, Jalianwala Bagh, Wagah Border: $48
- Amritsar City Tour: $204
- Amritsar City Tour ( EXCLUDING WAGAH BORDER): $48
- Amritsar City Tour ( Including Wagah Border Ceremony): $54
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayVaranasi $6.89Amritsar $12
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Varanasi and Amritsar, we can see that Amritsar is more expensive. And not only is Varanasi much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Varanasi would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Varanasi 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 Amritsar would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Amritsar than you might in Varanasi.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Varanasi Expensive? and Is Amritsar Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Varanasi or Amritsar?
Varanasi has a larger population, and is about 7% larger than the population of Amritsar. When comparing the sizes of Varanasi and Amritsar, 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.