Should I Visit Varanasi or Chennai for Vacation? Which is Better? Which is Cheaper? Which is More Expensive?

Should you visit Varanasi or Chennai?

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 Chennai 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 Chennai?

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.

Chennai

Formerly known as Madras from its colonial history, Chennai today is one of India's largest cities and capital of the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. It is located on the Bay of Bengal in southeastern India with an extensive stretch of sandy beaches, plenty of dining and shopping, a number of historic temples, monuments, and churches, plus amusement parks and more.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Photography Tours in India, The Best Religious Tours in India, The Best Yoga Tours and Retreats in India, and The Best Luxury Tours to India.

Which place is cheaper, Chennai or Varanasi?

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

Varanasi Prices
India Prices

Chennai Prices
India Prices
Average Daily Cost Per person, per day

Varanasi $34

Chennai $33

The average daily cost (per person) in Varanasi is $34, while the average daily cost in Chennai is $33. 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 Chennai in more detail.

Accommodation

Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person

Varanasi $16

Chennai $15
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room

Varanasi $32

Chennai $30

Compare Hotels in Varanasi and Chennai

Looking for a hotel in Varanasi or Chennai? 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 Chennai Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation

Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.

Varanasi $4.80

Chennai $2.53

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Varanasi

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

Tuk Tuk Through Town

$0.93
Rickshaw Ride

$0.58

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: $170
From Agra: Budget One Way Transfer Agra to Varanasi: $164
Varanasi hotel to Bodhgaya hotel private transfer: $135
Private Transfer Varanasi to Bodhgaya - One Way: $107
Private transfer from Varanasi to Allahabad: $67
Airport Pickup/Drop Transfer Service: $58
Private Car Airport Transfer from Hotel in Delhi, Noida, Gurugram: $55
Private Varanasi Heritage Walk with Hotel Transfer: $45
Private Transfer from Lal Bahadur Shastri (VNS) Airport to Varanasi: $40
Private Transfer from Varanasi to Lal Bahadur Shastri (VNS) Airport: $40
Delhi Private Arrival Transfer From New Delhi Airport To Hotel In Delhi: $34
Varanasi Airport to hotel private transfer: $18

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Chennai

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

Private Transfer from Chennai to Vellore: Comfortable Travel: $94
Private Transfer from Chennai to Thiruvannamalai: Ultimate Guide: $130
Private Transfer from Chennai to Pondicherry: Comfortable Travel: $130
Private Transfer from Chennai City to Chennai (MAA) Airport: $36
Private Transfer from Chennai City Hotel to Chennai Airport: $30
Private Arrival Transfer: Chennai Airport (MAA) to Pondicherry Hotels: $145
Full Day Tour to Kanchipuram and UNESCO's Mahabalipuram with Private Transfer: $234
Departure transfer: Chennai hotels to Chennai International Airport: $19
Departure Transfer from Chennai Hotels to Chennai airport: $20
Chennai International Airport to Hotel-Private Arrival transfer: $25
Chennai Airport to Hotel Transfer: $13
Chennai Airport Transfers : Budget Sedan and SUV Cabs: $15

Is it cheaper to fly into Varanasi or Chennai?

Prices for flights to both Chennai 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 $12

Chennai $11

Typical Food Prices in Varanasi

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

Dinner In Town

$4.00

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Varanasi

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

Food Tour: Highlights Tour with Tasting &Sunset in Varanasi: $15
Tests of Best Varanasi Local Food Tour With Tourist Guide: $17
Night Boat Ride, Aarti Ceremony and Dinner: $17
Varanasi Food Tour with Monu: $22
Varanasi Food Tour with Monu : $30
Varanasi Cooking Classes with Indu and Shobha: $32
3-hour street food tour: $33
3-hour street food tour: $33
Varanasi Cooking Classes with Indu and Shobha: $40
Yoga, Ayurveda, and Cooking Class with Boat Ride: $42
Private Food Tour with Ganga Aarti Ceremony: $42
Private Food Tour with Ganga Aarti Ceremony: $44

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Chennai

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

Private Vegetarian South Indian Cooking Class in Chennai : $48
South Indian Cooking Class in Chennai with a Passionate Baker: $48
South Indian Vegetarian Cooking Class Near the Chennai airport: $62
Private Authentic Indian Cooking Class in Chennai with a Local: $76
Private Chennai Market Tour and Cooking Class with a Fun Local: $89
Authentic South Indian Cooking Class and Vegetarian Meal with a Local in Chennai: $122
Private South Indian Cooking Class and Market Visit in Chennai: $152
Food Trail In Sowcarpet With Transport And Dinner - Chennai: $200

Entertainment

Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.

Varanasi $10

Chennai $2.68

Typical Entertainment Prices in Varanasi

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

Boat Ride

$0.81

Tours and Activities in Varanasi

For Varanasi, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

Varanasi Experience 01 Night -02 Days Tour: $85
08 Hours : Private - Full Day City Tour Of Delhi : $53
08 Hours : Private Full Day City Tour of Jaipur : $90
1 Day Ayodhya Tour from Varanasi: $79
11 Days Spiritual Buddhist Circuit Tour: $1,328
2 Day Varanasi Day Tour with Boating and English Speaking Guide: $300
2 Days & 1 Night Exclusive Tour Package of Varanasi: $224
2 Days Enlightening Bodhgaya Tour from Varanasi: $189
2 Days Spiritual Varanasi Tour With Transport and Guide: $180
2 Days Varanasi tour package for first timers: $200
2 Night 3 Days Spiritual Varanasi with Cruise Ride: $254
3 Days Admirable Tour in Varanasi with private tour guided: $106

Tours and Activities in Chennai

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

Chennai Private Tour with Female Guide: $95
Chennai to Temple Trail: Srikalahasti & Sri Venkateswara Tour: $89
Sowcarpet Street Food Walking Tour in Chennai with guide: $45
"Enchanting Chennai – A Day Tour of the City's Best!": $175
A Private Day tour from Chennai to Gingee & Thiruvannamalai: $88
Agra Taj Tour from Chennai: $292
Auroville and Pondicherry Tour from Chennai: $134
Bicycle tour in Mahabalipuram with transport from Chennai,lunch & guide: $94
Big Fat Indian Wedding, shopping & bazaar walking tour in Chennai: $60
Birds & Beyond: Chennai to Pulicat Bird Sanctuary Day Tour: $135
British Architecture Walk in Chennai by Wonder tours: $49
British Architecture Walk, an immersive walking tour in Chennai: $55

Alcohol

Alcohol Drinks for one day

Varanasi $7.62

Chennai $2.98

How are these travel costs calculated?

When comparing the travel costs between Varanasi and Chennai, 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 Chennai Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Varanasi or Chennai?

Chennai has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Varanasi. When comparing the sizes of Varanasi and Chennai, 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.

A Travel Price Comparison for India Varanasi vs. Chennai for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Varanasi or Chennai?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Where Should I go: Varanasi or Chennai?

Varanasi

Chennai

Which place is cheaper, Chennai or Varanasi?

Accommodation

Compare Hotels in Varanasi and Chennai

Local Transportation

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Varanasi

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Varanasi

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Chennai

Is it cheaper to fly into Varanasi or Chennai?

Food

Typical Food Prices in Varanasi

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Varanasi

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Chennai

Entertainment

Typical Entertainment Prices in Varanasi

Tours and Activities in Varanasi

Tours and Activities in Chennai

Alcohol

Which is Bigger, Varanasi or Chennai?

Related Articles for Varanasi

Related Articles for Chennai

A Travel Price Comparison for India Varanasi vs. Chennai for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Varanasi or Chennai?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Where Should I go: Varanasi or Chennai?

Varanasi

Chennai

Which place is cheaper, Chennai or Varanasi?

Accommodation

Compare Hotels in Varanasi and Chennai

Local Transportation

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Varanasi

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Varanasi

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Chennai

Is it cheaper to fly into Varanasi or Chennai?

Food

Typical Food Prices in Varanasi

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Varanasi

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Chennai

Entertainment

Typical Entertainment Prices in Varanasi

Tours and Activities in Varanasi

Tours and Activities in Chennai

Alcohol

Which is Bigger, Varanasi or Chennai?

Related Articles for Varanasi

Related Articles for Chennai

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