Which place is cheaper, Bagan or Varanasi?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Varanasi and Bagan 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.
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.
Located in central Myanmar (formerly Burma), Bagan is an ancient city best known as the home to the largest and densest concentration of Buddhist temples, pagodas, stupas, and ruins in the world with many dating from the 11th and 12th centuries.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Bicycle Tours in India, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in India.
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
The average daily cost (per person) in Varanasi is $30, while the average daily cost in Bagan is $30. 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 Bagan in more detail.
Looking for a hotel in Varanasi or Bagan? 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.
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Varanasi:
Also for Varanasi, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Bagan:
Prices for flights to both Bagan 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.
For Varanasi, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
For Varanasi, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Bagan.
Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Varanasi's activities, tours, and tickets:
For Varanasi, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
Here are a few actual costs in Bagan for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
When comparing the travel costs between Varanasi and Bagan, we can see that Varanasi 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 Varanasi Expensive? and Is Bagan Expensive?.
Varanasi has a larger population, and is about 3880 times larger than the population of Bagan. When comparing the sizes of Varanasi and Bagan, 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.