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

Should you visit Varanasi or Havana?

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 Havana 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 Havana?

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.

Havana

The city of Havana is at the top of most peoples' bucket list - mostly because of the allure of a forbidden land. Before the Communist revolution, Cuba was a popular tourist destination. Since it has reopened in the 1990s, it has drawn tourists from all over the world (except the US).

This capital city is a land trapped in the past. With 50 years of neglect, when you step off the plane, prepare to step back in time. A trip to Havana is meant for those with truly open minds - and when they arrive they'll be swept away.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Bicycle Tours in India, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in India.


Which place is cheaper, Havana 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
    Havana Prices
    Cuba Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Varanasi $31
    Havana $74

The average daily cost (per person) in Varanasi is $31, while the average daily cost in Havana is $74. 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 Havana in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Varanasi $14
    Havana $42
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Varanasi $28
    Havana $84
Compare Hotels in Varanasi and Havana

Looking for a hotel in Varanasi or Havana? 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 Havana


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.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Varanasi $4.33
    Havana $19
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:

  • 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: $45
  • Private Transfer from Varanasi to Lal Bahadur Shastri (VNS) Airport: $45
  • Private transfer from Varanasi to Allahabad: $67
  • Smooth transfer from Varanasi Airport to Hotel: $60
  • Varanasi - Arrival transfer from airport to hotel: $32
  • Varanasi Hotels to Varanasi Airport drop: Private Transfers: $26
  • Sarnath Tour with Guide & Car Including Hotel transfers: $69

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Havana

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


  • Short Taxi Ride
    $0.68

Is it cheaper to fly into Varanasi or Havana?

Prices for flights to both Havana 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
    Havana $18
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 Havana

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


  • Pizza
    $0.03

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Varanasi $9.20
    Havana $11
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:

  • From Delhi: Taj Mahal & Agra Tour by Gatimaan Express Train: $2.82
  • 6D Panch Aarti VR Experience at Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple: $3.00
  • From Delhi: Taj Mahal Sunrise, Baby Taj & Agra Fort Day Tour: $3.95
  • Agra: Taj Mahal Tour with Professional photographer & Guide: $5.64
  • Temple Walk Tour Varanasi: $11
  • Cultural & Spiritual Trails of Old Town Varanasi Guided Walking Tour: $11
  • Spiritual and Heritage Walking Tour in Varanasi: $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
  • Mysticism of Varanasi Tour with a local including free Guided Boat Ride: $17
  • Sunrise in Varanasi Tour with a local with free Ganga Aarti and Boat Ride: $17

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Varanasi $6.88
    Havana $5.76

Typical Alcohol Prices in Havana

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Havana:


  • Mojito
    $0.15


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Varanasi and Havana, we can see that Havana 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 Havana is in Caribbean Islands, 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 Havana would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Havana 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 Havana Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Varanasi or Havana?

Havana has a larger population, and is about 86% larger than the population of Varanasi. When comparing the sizes of Varanasi and Havana, 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.