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

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Should you visit Varanasi or Delhi?

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 Delhi 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 Delhi?

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.

Delhi

Delhi is the largest city in northern India and is officially the country's capital. The city has a population of 11 million with the metropolitan population reaching over 16 million. The city is similar in landscape to the rest of its surrounding area. It is very flat with the river Yamuna flowing on the eastern side of the city. The Aravalii Hills are in the western portion of the city. The city's history dates back to the 6th century BC and it has served as a capital for various kingdoms and empires.

Which place is cheaper, Delhi or Varanasi?

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 Delhi is $45. 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 Delhi in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Varanasi $16
    Delhi $23
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Varanasi $32
    Delhi $46
Compare Hotels in Varanasi and Delhi

Looking for a hotel in Varanasi or Delhi? 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 Delhi


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 Delhi Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Varanasi $4.96
    Delhi $5.30
Typical Local Transportation prices in Varanasi

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


  • Tuk Tuk Through Town
    $0.96
  • Rickshaw Ride
    $0.60

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Varanasi

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

  • 3-hours Temple hopping with transfers: $34
  • Delhi Private Arrival Transfer From New Delhi Airport To Hotel In Delhi: $34
  • From Agra: Agra to Varanasi One Way Transfer: $177
  • From Agra: Budget One Way Transfer Agra to Varanasi: $171
  • From Varanasi Airport Transfer: $36
  • Private Departure Transfer from Varanasi Hotel to Airport: $28
  • Private Departure Transfer to Airport from Hotel in Delhi By Car: $34
  • Private Transfer Varanasi Airport (VNS) To Varanasi Hotels Drop: $12
  • Private Transfer Varanasi to Bodhgaya - One Way: $112
  • Private Transfer from Lal Bahadur Shastri (VNS) Airport to Varanasi: $42
  • Private Transfer from Varanasi to Lal Bahadur Shastri (VNS) Airport: $42
  • Private Transfer: Varanasi Airport to Varanasi Hotel: $13

Typical Local Transportation prices in Delhi

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


  • Tuk Tuk Ride
    $0.12
  • Taxi to Airport
    $1.92
  • Subway
    $0.38
  • Uber Cab
    $0.96
  • Delhi Metro Smart Card
    $1.80
  • Auto-rickshaw
    $1.20

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Delhi

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Delhi:

  • Walk through Old Delhi's Colorful Chandni Chowk with Private Transfer: $100
  • Visit to Rail Museum or Dolls Museum with India Gate (private hotel transfers): $29
  • UNESCO'S Agra & Jaipur- A Three Night Exploration From Delhi By Private Transfer: $740
  • Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer service in Delhi HTL-APT (DEL): $22
  • Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer service in Delhi APT-HTL (DEL): $22
  • Transfer from New Delhi to Agra by Private car: $60
  • Transfer from New Delhi to Agra by Private car: $100
  • Transfer from Delhi to Agra by private Car: $57
  • Transfer Delhi to Agra by AC car with Taj Mahal & Agra Fort Visit: $80
  • Tour To Swaminarayan Akshardham Guide & Delhi Transfers: $37
  • Stroll through Old Delhi's Chandni Chowk with Private Transfer: $100
  • Spiritual Haridwar &Rishikesh-3 Day 2 Night Visit From Delhi By Private Transfer: $576

Is it cheaper to fly into Varanasi or Delhi?

Prices for flights to both Delhi 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 $7.16
    Delhi $12
Typical Food prices in Varanasi

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


  • Dinner In Town
    $4.14

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Varanasi

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

  • Tests of Best Varanasi Local Food Tour With Tourist Guide: $18
  • Varanasi Food Tour: $30
  • Cooking Classes in Varanasi for 2 Hours: $30
  • From Street food tour with Evening Ganga Aarti: $42
  • Private Evening Rooftop Dinner: $44
  • 3-hour Shopping and Street Food Tour on a tuk-tuk ride: $46
  • Evening Dinner with Private Transfer: $50
  • Afternoon tour of Varanasi with Boat ride over Ganges & Dinner on a tuk-tuk : $59
  • Night Boat Ride, Aarati Ceremony and Dinner: $62
  • Private Evening Street Food Tour: $63
  • India: Evening Ganga Aarti With Dinner and Private Transfer: $65
  • Private Evening Handicraft Market Tour with Dinner: $71

Typical Food prices in Delhi

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Delhi:


  • McDonalds
    $3.52

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Delhi

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Delhi.

  • Old Delhi Food Tour Safari - The Capital of Flavors: $7.73
  • Delhi food tour-culinary delights of Min 2pax: $10
  • Appetizing virtual cooking class from Delhi: $20
  • Lunch or dinner with local family: $21
  • The Legendary Delhi Belly Food Tour: $27
  • Old Delhi Food Tour Extravaganza!: $30
  • Food Tour to Old Delhi with a Local: $32
  • Online: Indian Food Cooking Class: $33
  • Owner Led Delhi Shopping Tour Including Lunch/Dinner in Multicuisine Restaurant : $34
  • Old Delhi Heritage Sightseeing | Walking Tour | Street Food Tour: $34
  • Cooking Demo + Lunch/Dinner and interaction with an Indian family @ Chez Anjali: $35
  • Chandni Chowk Delhi Food Tour with 13+ Tastings: $35

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Varanasi $11
    Delhi $13
Typical Entertainment prices in Varanasi

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


  • Boat Ride
    $0.84

Tours and Activities in Varanasi

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

  • Audio Guided Walk/Tour of Banaras Gullys & Ghats, Varanasi on HopOn India App: $5.34
  • Sarnath Audio Tour on HopOn India App – Land of Buddha's First Sermon, Varanasi: $6.12
  • Audio Guided Walking Tour of Banaras Ghats, Varanasi: $6.12
  • Varanasi Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $6.90
  • Varanasi Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $7.02
  • Spiritual and Heritage Walking Tour in Varanasi: $8.62
  • Ghats of Varanasi Morning Walking Tour: $9.82
  • Varanasi Walking and Heritage Tour: $12
  • Varanasi Walking Tour : $12
  • Spiritual Tour in Varanasi with a local- Experience true essence of spirituality: $12
  • Temple Walk Tour Varanasi: $12
  • Travel With Monu- Tour Guide in Varanasi: $12

Typical Entertainment prices in Delhi

Here are a few typical costs in Delhi for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:


  • Red Fort
    $10

Tours and Activities in Delhi

Here are a few actual costs in Delhi for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • 2 Days Agra Tour From Delhi with Fatehpur Sikri & bird Sanctuary: $130
  • 2-Day Agra Taj Mahal Overnight Tour from Delhi: $199
  • 3 Day Golden Triangle Tour from Delhi: $132
  • 3 Days Golden Triangle Tour from Delhi: $259
  • 3 Days Private Delhi, Agra, Jaipur and Triangle Tour : $148
  • 3Day Private Luxury Golden Triangle Tour to Agra and Jaipur From New Delhi: $299
  • 4 Nights and 5 Days Golden Triangle Tours of India: $750
  • 5 Days Private Golden Triangle Tour by Car : $430
  • 5 Star Luxury Sunrise and Sunset 6 Day tour Delhi ,Agra ,Jaipur: $768
  • 5-Days Delhi Agra Jaipur Tour(Golden Triangle Tour): $399
  • 5-Days Golden Triangle Tour : Delhi Agra and Jaipur: $533
  • 6 Hours: Delhi Temples and Spiritual Sites Tour: $45

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Varanasi $7.88
    Delhi $8.70

Sample the Local Flavors in Delhi

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

  • Pub Crawl Delhi: $22
  • Pub Crawl (3 Hours Guided Bar Hopping Tour): $28

How are these travel costs calculated?

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Varanasi and Delhi, we can see that Delhi 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 Delhi would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Delhi than you might in Varanasi.

Which is Bigger, Varanasi or Delhi?

Delhi is bigger, and its population is about 9.4 times larger than the population of Varanasi. When comparing the population of Varanasi vs. Delhi, 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 and the activities 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.
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Varanasi vs. Delhi Travel Comparison

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