Which place is cheaper, Himachal Pradesh or Varanasi?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Varanasi or Himachal Pradesh?
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 Himachal Pradesh 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 Himachal Pradesh?
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.
Himachal Pradesh
With a name that translates to "abode of snow," Himachal Pradesh is a state in north-western India with opportunities for experiencing the Himalaya mountain range. Visitors come to the region to experience the mountain scenery, engage in Tibetan culture, and learn about the region's ancient past.
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 India, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in India.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayVaranasi $30Himachal Pradesh $28
The average daily cost (per person) in Varanasi is $30, while the average daily cost in Himachal Pradesh is $28. 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 Himachal Pradesh in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personVaranasi $16Himachal Pradesh $18
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomVaranasi $32Himachal Pradesh $36
Compare Hotels in Varanasi and Himachal Pradesh
Looking for a hotel in Varanasi or Himachal Pradesh? 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.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Varanasi $4.94Himachal Pradesh $3.83
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Varanasi
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Varanasi:
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Tuk Tuk Through Town$0.96
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Rickshaw Ride$0.60
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Varanasi
Also for Varanasi, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Varanasi hotel to Bodhgaya hotel private transfer: $135
- Varanasi Airport: Transfer to/from Varanasi Hotels & Airport: $18
- Varanasi Airport to hotel private transfer: $18
- Varanasi Airport Transfer: $14
- Varanasi Airport Transfer: $30
- Varanasi Airport : Transfer To Hotel / To Airport: $12
- Spiritual Varanasi - A Most Amazing Heritage Walk with Private Transfer: $108
- Private Varanasi Heritage Walk with Hotel Transfer: $28
- Private Transfer: Varanasi Station to Hotel: $12
- Private Transfer from Lal Bahadur Shastri (VNS) Airport to Varanasi: $41
- Private Transfer Varanasi Airport (VNS) To Varanasi Hotels Drop: $12
- Private Departure Transfer to Airport from Hotel in Delhi By Car: $34
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Himachal Pradesh
Also for Himachal Pradesh, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Shimla Thermal Resorts to Delhi Airport DEL -Departure Transfer: $92
- Private Transfer from Rishikesh to Delhi: $47
- Private Transfer from Nainital to Delhi: $62
- Private Transfer from Mussoorie to Delhi: $53
- Private Transfer from Dehradun to Delhi: $46
- Private Transfer from Dehradun Airport to Rishikesh: $35
- Private Transfer from Chandigarh to Delhi: $39
- Private Transfer from Chandigarh City to Chandigarh (IXC) Airport: $37
- From Delhi: One way Private Transfer Service to Agra: $64
- Delhi to Indira Gandhi Airport (DEL) - Departure Private Transfer: $67
- Chandigarh Airport IXC to Manali Resorts - Round-Trip Transfer: $54
- Chandigarh Airport (IXC) to Manali Resorts - Arrival Transfer: $27
Is it cheaper to fly into Varanasi or Himachal Pradesh?
Prices for flights to both Himachal Pradesh 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
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Food Meals for one dayVaranasi $7.14Himachal Pradesh $7.08
Typical Food Prices in Varanasi
For Varanasi, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
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Dinner In Town$4.13
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
- Taste of Varanasi (2 Hour Guided Street Food Tour): $22
- Private Evening Rooftop Dinner: $44
- Cooking Classes in Varanasi for 2 Hours: $50
- 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
- Night Boat Ride, Aarti Ceremony and Dinner: $100
- Evening Arti Boat Tour with Dinner: $142
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Himachal Pradesh
For Himachal Pradesh, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Sattvic Traditional Cooking Classes, Rishikesh India: $35
- Rishikesh Half Day Street Food Tour: $45
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Varanasi $10Himachal Pradesh $4.45
Typical Entertainment Prices in Varanasi
Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Varanasi's activities, tours, and tickets:
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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:
- Varanasi Experience 01 Night -02 Days Tour: $85
- 01 Day Private Taj Mahal Tour (Delhi- Agra - Delhi): $140
- 08 Hours : Private - Full Day City Tour Of Delhi : $53
- 08 Hours : Private Full Day City Tour of Jaipur : $120
- 1 Day Ayodhya Tour from Varanasi Airport: $82
- 11 - Hours Agra Tour: Sunrise and Sunset of Taj Mahal from Delhi.: $97
- 12 Days Buddhist Tour From The Birth To Death: $1,439
- 2 Day Private Bodhgaya Tour From Varanasi: $189
- 2 Days & 1 Night Exclusive Tour Package of Varanasi: $224
- 2 Days : Varanasi Private Guided Tour With Airport Pickup: $162
- 2 Days Enlightening Bodhgaya Tour from Varanasi: $189
- 2 Days Enlightening Bodhgaya Tour from Varanasi: $132
Tours and Activities in Himachal Pradesh
For Himachal Pradesh, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Private 3-Day Tour from Dehradun to Mussoorie Hill Station: $277
- 2 Day The Hipster Chandigarh Experience: $106
- 2-Days Private tour to Shimla: $95
- Adventure camping at Mussoorie - 1n2d: $39
- Adventure camping at Mussoorie - 2n3d: $71
- Adventure trip in Chakrata : $37
- Best of the Chandigarh (Guided Full Day City Tour): $131
- Caving Tour in Rishikesh - 6 Hrs.: $45
- Chandigarh Museum Tour with Tuk Tuk ride: $25
- Chandigarh Nightlife Tour with shopping and food tasting: $25
- Chandigarh Private Full Day Tour : $65
- Chandigarh Walking Tour : $14
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayVaranasi $7.85Himachal Pradesh $4.41
When comparing the travel costs between Varanasi and Himachal Pradesh, 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 Himachal Pradesh Expensive?.
Which has a larger population, Varanasi or Himachal Pradesh?
Himachal Pradesh has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Varanasi. When comparing the sizes of Varanasi and Himachal Pradesh, 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.
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.