Which place is cheaper, Himachal Pradesh or Varanasi?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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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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Varanasi Prices
India PricesHimachal Pradesh Prices
India Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayVaranasi $31Himachal Pradesh $458
The average daily cost (per person) in Varanasi is $31, while the average daily cost in Himachal Pradesh is $458. 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 $14Himachal Pradesh $180
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomVaranasi $28Himachal Pradesh $360
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 $4.32Himachal Pradesh $40
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$0.84
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Rickshaw Ride$0.52
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Varanasi
Also for Varanasi, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Sarnath Tour with Guide & Car Including Hotel transfers: $69
- Varanasi hotel to Bodhgaya hotel private transfer: $135
- Spiritual Varanasi - A Most Amazing Heritage Walk with Private Transfer: $99
- Private transfer from Varanasi to Allahabad: $67
- Private Transfer: Varanasi Station to Hotel: $10
- Private Transfer: Varanasi Airport to Varanasi Hotel: $11
- Private Car Airport Transfer from Hotel in Delhi, Noida, Gurugram: $55
- From Agra: One-Way Private Transfer to Varanasi: $166
- From Agra: Budget One Way Transfer Agra to Varanasi: $160
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Himachal Pradesh
Also for Himachal Pradesh, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Taxi Guided Tours from Chandigarh to Punjab with Transfers: $54
- Shimla Thermal Resorts to Delhi Airport DEL -Departure Transfer: $231
- Rishikesh: Mini Gartang Gali Guided Half-Day Trek with Transfers: $111
- Private Transfer from Rishikesh to Delhi: $41
- Private Transfer from Nainital to Delhi: $55
- Private Transfer from Dehradun Airport to Rishikesh: $35
- From Delhi: One way Private Transfer Service to Agra: $139
- Dehradun- Transfers+Hotel+Sightseeing: $241
- Dehradun to Rishikesh ArirportTransfers+Hotel+Sightseeing: $241
- Dehradun Airport (DED): Private Transfer to Rishikesh: $17
- Chandigarh Airport (IXC) to Manali Resorts - Arrival Transfer: $61
- Affordable transfer from Rishikesh to Delhi: $39
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 $11Himachal Pradesh $203
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$3.60
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
- 3-hour street food tour: $33
- 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
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:
- Rishikesh: Sattvic Ayurvedic Cooking Class – Cook & Dine: $45
- Rishikesh Half Day Street Food Tour: $49
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Varanasi $9.17Himachal Pradesh $100
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$0.73
Tours and Activities in Varanasi
For Varanasi, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- 03 Day Spiritual Tour: Kashi Vishwanath,Ganga Aarti Sarnath”: $268
- 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 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 Days Spiritual Tour in Varanasi: $290
- 3 Days Varanasi Tour package: $229
- 3 Hour Walking Tour of Buddhism in Sarnath: $32
Tours and Activities in Himachal Pradesh
For Himachal Pradesh, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- 3 Day Village Homestay Experience with Local Guide from Shimla: $107
- 3 Days Luxury Himachal Tour : Ex-Delhi to Jibhi & Tirthan Valley: $161
- 5 Days Golden Triangle Luxury Private Tour with Guide: $267
- Adventure Activity ATV RIDE 2.25 Kms RZR 570: $38
- Adventure Tour ATV Ride 3 Kms - RZR 570: $48
- All Inclusive 2-Days McLeodGanj & Dharamshala Guided Tour: $123
- Ashram Tour By Walk in Rishikesh (Private Tour): $12
- Best Taj Mahal Tour From Delhi: $60
- Best of the Chandigarh (Guided Full Day City Tour): $114
- Chandigarh Museum Tour with Tuk Tuk ride: $21
- Chandigarh Nightlife Tour with shopping and food tasting: $21
- Chandigarh Private Full Day Tour: $98
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayVaranasi $6.86Himachal Pradesh $19
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Varanasi and Himachal Pradesh, we can see that Himachal Pradesh 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 Himachal Pradesh would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Himachal Pradesh 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 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.