A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Varanasi vs. Berlin for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Varanasi or Berlin?

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 Berlin 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 Berlin?

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.

Berlin

Berlin is the capital and largest city in Germany. As such, travelers can expect typical European prices for everything from hotels to food to sights and attractions. While it's possible to experience this city on a cheaper budget, don't expect to get much without paying a decent amount.

With a population of about 4.5 million, Berlin is a very international city that is well known for its high level of tolerance, an eclectic nightlife, an artistic vibe and many historical sights. There are museums, palaces and landmarks spread throughout the city. Despite having a significant amount of damage during the last few years of World War II, Berlin has been rebuilt with an interesting diversity of architecture styles. This is particularly true after the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989. Architecture in the city represents many different historical periods ranging from medieval buildings through modern, glass structures.

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 Germany, and The Best Cultural Tours in Germany.


Which place is cheaper, Berlin or Varanasi?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in Varanasi is $31, while the average daily cost in Berlin is $200. 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 Berlin in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Varanasi $14
    Berlin $73
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Varanasi $28
    Berlin $146
Compare Hotels in Varanasi and Berlin

Looking for a hotel in Varanasi or Berlin? 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.

Hotels in Varanasi


Hotels in Berlin


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 Berlin Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Varanasi $4.33
    Berlin $20
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Varanasi

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Varanasi:


  • Tuk Tuk Through Town
    $0.84
  • Rickshaw Ride
    $0.52

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Varanasi

Also for Varanasi, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • From Agra: One-Way Private Transfer to Varanasi: $166
  • From Agra: Budget One Way Transfer Agra to Varanasi: $160
  • Sarnath Tour with Guide & Car Including Hotel transfers: $69
  • Private transfer from Varanasi to Allahabad: $67
  • Smooth transfer from Varanasi Airport to Hotel: $60
  • Private Car Airport Transfer from Hotel in Delhi, Noida, Gurugram: $55
  • Private Transfer from Lal Bahadur Shastri (VNS) Airport to Varanasi: $45
  • Private Transfer from Varanasi to Lal Bahadur Shastri (VNS) Airport: $45
  • Delhi Private Arrival Transfer From New Delhi Airport To Hotel In Delhi: $34
  • Varanasi - Arrival transfer from airport to hotel: $32
  • Private Departure Transfer from Varanasi Hotel to Airport: $28
  • Varanasi Hotels to Varanasi Airport drop: Private Transfers: $26

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Berlin

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Berlin:


  • Short Trip Metro Ticket
    $1.60
  • Bahn Ticket
    $3.42
  • Short Taxi Ride
    $23

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Berlin

Also for Berlin, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Vienna: Private transfer Berlin to Vienna: $797
  • Transfer from Brandenburg Airport to Berlin City Center: $75
  • Transfer from Berlin City Center to Berlin Brandenburg Airport: $75
  • Skip-the-line Charlottenburg Palace Private Tour & Transfers: $244
  • Private arrival OR departure transfer from/to airport of Berlin: $177
  • Private Transfers from to Berlin Airport BER: $106
  • Private Transfer: Brandenburg Airport BER to Berlin in Sedan Car: $110
  • Private Transfer: Brandenburg Airport BER to Berlin by Luxury Van: $122
  • Private Transfer: Brandenburg Airport BER to Berlin by Luxury Car: $122
  • Private Transfer: Berlin to Brandenburg Airport BER in Sedan Car: $110
  • Private Transfer: Berlin to Brandenburg Airport BER in Luxury Van: $121
  • Private Transfer: Berlin to Brandenburg Airport BER in Luxury Car: $121

Is it cheaper to fly into Varanasi or Berlin?

Prices for flights to both Berlin 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
  • Food Meals for one day
    Varanasi $11
    Berlin $102
Typical Food Prices in Varanasi

For Varanasi, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • 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
  • Half-Day Varanasi Village Tour with Cooking Class & Local Dining: $40
  • Private Food Tour with Ganga Aarti Ceremony: $42
  • Dashashwamedh Ganga Arati from balcony with Street Food Tour: $50
  • Varanasi Bliss: Private Food Tour, Boat Ride & Ganga Aarti: $62

Typical Food Prices in Berlin

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Berlin:


  • Sandwich and Coffee To Go
    $5.70
  • Turkish Sandwich
    $2.28
  • Currywurst
    $2.28
  • 2 Pho Noodles
    $10
  • Restaurant Dinner and Beers (for 2)
    $68
  • Mauer Park (2)
    $13
  • Coffees at Impala
    $8.90

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Berlin

For Berlin, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • International Dinner and Drinks Evening in Berlin: $7.27
  • English Stand-Up Comedy Show with Free Pizza and Free Shots: $17
  • English Comedy Show with Pizza and Shots in Central Berlin: $20
  • Hard Rock Cafe Berlin with Set Menu for Lunch or Dinner: $33
  • English Comedy Show with Pizza and Shots in Central Berlin: $33
  • Mitte Culinary Food Tour: $51
  • Kreuzberg Culinary – The Food Tour: $57
  • Berlin Food Tour: Taste the Best with a Full Meal & Beer: $67
  • Guided Street Food Tour with Tastings: $74
  • Disco - Acrobatics Dinner and Dance - Variety Theater in Berlin: $80
  • Candlelight dinner for two – Italian night in Berlin: $81
  • Kreuzberg Food Tour – Five Courses in Wrangelkiez: $87

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Varanasi $9.20
    Berlin $25
Typical Entertainment Prices in Varanasi

Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Varanasi's activities, tours, and tickets:


  • 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:

  • 08 Hours : Private - Full Day City Tour Of Delhi: $53
  • 08 Hours : Private Full Day City Tour of Jaipur: $90
  • 11 - Hours Agra Tour: Sunrise and Sunset of Taj Mahal from Delhi.: $100
  • 2 Day Private Bodhgaya Tour From Varanasi: $189
  • 2 Day Private Mystical Varanasi Tour: $43
  • 2 Day Varanasi Day Tour with Boating and English Speaking Guide: $300
  • 2 Days Enlightening Bodhgaya Tour from Varanasi: $189
  • 2 Days Varanasi tour package for first timers: $135
  • 2-Day Private Varanasi Tour Including Sunrise & Sunset Boat Ride: $188
  • 3 Days Admirable Tour in Varanasi with private tour guided: $119
  • 3 Days Private Enchanting Varanasi Tour: $109
  • 3 Hour Private Sunrise Boat Tour in Varnavasi: $155

Typical Entertainment Prices in Berlin

For Berlin, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:


  • Berlin Zoo (2)
    $22

Tours and Activities in Berlin

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Berlin.

  • "Rock around the Clock" - The Fifties Special Ticket: $58
  • 2-H Fabulous Berlin Historical Guided Fat Tire Tour: $76
  • 2-H Segway Sightseeing Tour Berlin: $58
  • 2-Hour Luxurious Private VIP - Berlin Fat Tire Tour: $99
  • 2.5-Hour Berlin Wall and Memorial Sites Walking Tour: $25
  • 5h Berlin private Tour with Guide, Chauffeur & Photographer: $640
  • 5h Potsdam private tour with Guide, Chauffeur & Photographer: $652
  • AXE THROWING EXPERIENCE IN BERLIN: $29
  • Adventures in Berlin Historical Tour: $41
  • Albert Einstein in Berlin Private Guided Tour: $179
  • All-in-One Berlin Highlights on Foot: Private Walking Tour: $218
  • Alternative Berlin & Street Art Tour: $23

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Varanasi $6.88
    Berlin $19

Typical Alcohol Prices in Berlin

Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Berlin from other travelers:


  • Drinks at a Show
    $16

Sample the Local Flavors in Berlin

Also in Berlin, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Alternative Pub Crawl, Bars, Beats & Insider Stories: $11
  • Pub Crawl & Party with Free Shots & VIP Club Access: $12
  • Ludwig's Original Pub Crawl with VIP Club Entry: $17
  • Original Pub Crawl Berlin: $19
  • Berliner Berg Brewery Tour with Beer Tasting: $19
  • Cirque du Burlesque Berlin show ticket: $21
  • Pub Crawl with Shots and VIP Club Entry: $22
  • Alternative Berlin Pub Crawl: $23
  • Vagabund Brauerei Beer Tasting & Guided Brewery Tour: $29
  • Sip Up Comedy - Stand Up Comedy with Wine Tasting: $31
  • Ludwig's Queer Pub Crawl with VIP Club Entry: $34
  • Wine on Canvas - Paint Workshop and Wine Tasting: $47


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Varanasi and Berlin, we can see that Berlin is more expensive. And not only is Varanasi much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Varanasi is in Asia and Berlin is in Europe, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. 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 Berlin would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Berlin 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 Berlin Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Varanasi or Berlin?

Berlin has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Varanasi. When comparing the sizes of Varanasi and Berlin, 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.