Should you visit Varanasi or Jaipur?
Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel cost comparison between Varanasi and Jaipur can help. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.
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.
Jaipur
Jaipur, India, famously known as the Pink City, is the capital of Rajasthan and is often a highlight for many travelers to the area. Dating back to the eighteenth century, it is part of the Indian Golden Triangle which also includes Delhi and Agra. It's also a stopping off point for travelers venturing into the desert cities of Jodhpur and Jaisalmer. The city has a population of about 6.66 million people, making it the largest city in the state of Rajasthan and the tenth largest city in the country.
Which city is cheaper, Jaipur or Varanasi?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
The average daily cost (per person) in Varanasi is $27, while the average daily cost in Jaipur is $17. 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 city. Below is a breakdown of travel costs for Varanasi and Jaipur in more detail.
Accommodation
Travelers usually pay around $30 for a double occupancy room in Varanasi If you want to be in a premiere location or have high end amenities, you can expect to pay a bit more.
Travelers usually pay around $20 for a double occupancy room in Jaipur If you want to be in a premiere location or have high end amenities, you can expect to pay a bit more.
Food
On average, meal and food prices in Varanasi cost around $6.41 per person, per day. While this price can vary widely by location, the type of restaurant, and the amount of food ordered, a typical meal often costs around $2.56.
In Jaipur travelers spend around $4.26 a day on food. You can save money by choosing casual restaurants or food stalls, or you can spend plenty more by dining in nicer restaurants at every meal.
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Food
Meals for one day
Varanasi $6.41
Jaipur $4.26
Typical Food prices in Varanasi
For Varanasi, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Varanasi
For Varanasi, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
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Food Tour of Benares - the Food Specialties of Kashi / Varanasi / the Ghats:
$36
-
Indian Cooking Classes with Local Chef in Varanasi:
$37
-
From Street food tour with Evening Ganga Aarti:
$40
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Street food tour with Evening Ganga Aarti:
$43
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3-hour Home Cooking Food tour with a local Family:
$43
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Afternoon tour of Varanasi with Evening Boat ride & Dinner:
$43
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From Varanasi:3-hour home cooking tour with a local family:
$43
-
3-hour Shopping and Street Food Tour on a tuk-tuk ride:
$43
-
3-hour Shopping and Street Food Tour on a tuk-tuk ride:
$44
-
5:hours Private Evening Aarti With Rooftop Dinner:
$62
-
Enchanting Cooking temple & village tour:
$82
Typical Food prices in Jaipur
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Jaipur:
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Jaipur
For Jaipur, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
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Jaipur Street food tour:
$5.16
-
2 Hours Private Cooking Classes of Masala Chai Tea and Pakoras:
$11
-
Samosa & Masala Chai Cooking Class:
$12
-
Dinner With Traditional Rajput Family (Its Not Just Only A Cooking Class):
$15
-
Authentic Indian Vegetarian Lunch / Dinner Buffet:
$17
-
Cooking Classes in Jaipur:
$20
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Jaipur Cooking Class and home cooked dinner with Indian family:
$21
-
Rajasthani Cooking Classes and Lunch/Dinner:
$21
-
Cooking Class in Jaipur with all Transport & Meals.:
$21
-
Food Tour in Jaipur:
$21
-
Jaipur Full Day Tour with local family dinner:
$21
-
3-Hour Jaipur Rajasthani Food Private Cooking Class with Meal:
$22
Local Transportation
Varanasi's transportation costs can vary by the type of transport chosen by visitors. Naturally, taxis and private drivers cost much more than public transportation options. On average, visitors spend $4.44 per person, per day on transportation in Varanasi.
Jaipur's transportation costs can vary by the type of transport chosen by visitors. Naturally, taxis and private drivers cost much more than public transportation options. On average, visitors spend $1.38 per person, per day on transportation in Jaipur.
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
$1.07
-
Rickshaw Ride
$0.67
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
-
Echoes of Varanasi, India (Private Tour, Transfers & Guide):
$128
-
Private Transfer Varanasi to Bodhgaya - One Way:
$127
-
From Day tour to Rajdari and Devdari Waterfalls with transfers:
$87
-
Spiritual Varanasi - A Most Amazing Heritage Walk with Private Transfer:
$70
-
Private Arrival Transfer: Lal Bahadur Shastri Airport (VNS) To Varanasi Location:
$55
-
Private Transfer : Varanasi Hotel to Varanasi Airport:
$53
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Private Transfer: Varanasi Airport (VNS) to Varanasi Hotel:
$48
-
Private Transfer from Varanasi to Lal Bahadur Shastri (VNS) Airport:
$47
-
Private Transfer: Varanasi Airport (VNS) to Varanasi Hotel:
$47
-
From Temple hopping with transfers:
$43
-
From Day tour To Sarnath With Transfers:
$43
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Jaipur
Also for Jaipur, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
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private transfer from jaipur airport to hotel drop in jaipur:
$10
-
Transfer from Jaipur to Delhi with Tajmahal sight seeing:
$187
-
Sanganer - A Visit to an Artisan Community with Private Transfer:
$100
-
Samode Town Excursion- A Visit to a Unique Rajasthan town with private transfers:
$213
-
Ranthambore Tiger Safari Tickets With Optional Transfers:
$86
-
Professional Tie and Dye Class in Jaipur with Private Transfers:
$163
-
Private transfer: Jaipur to Udaipur enroute Trip to Chittorgarh Fort with lunch:
$267
-
Private transfer: Jaipur to Udaipur enroute Trip to Chittorgarh Fort:
$236
-
Private transfer: Jaipur to Jodhpur via Ajmer:
$166
-
Private transfer - Jaipur to Udaipur via Chittorgarh Fort with lunch:
$279
-
Private transfer - Jaipur to Udaipur via Chittorgarh Fort:
$247
-
Private transfer - Jaipur to Agra via Fatehpur Sikri with lunch:
$231
Is it cheaper to fly into Varanasi or Jaipur?
Prices for flights to both Jaipur 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.
Entertainment
Sightseeing, admission tickets, things to do, and other entertainment expenses in Varanasi can vary widely by price. On average, visitors spend around $9.42 per person, per day on entertainment and sightseeing here.
Sightseeing, admission tickets, things to do, and other entertainment expenses in Jaipur can vary widely by price. On average, visitors spend around $3.42 per person, per day on entertainment and sightseeing here.
Typical Entertainment prices in Varanasi
Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Varanasi's activities, tours, and tickets:
Tours and Activities in Varanasi
For Varanasi, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
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01 Day Private Taj Mahal Tour (Delhi- Agra - Delhi):
$94
-
08 Hours : Private - Full Day City Tour Of Delhi:
$50
-
08 Hours : Private Full Day City Tour of Jaipur:
$50
-
11 - Hours Agra Tour: Sunrise and Sunset of Taj Mahal from Delhi.:
$91
-
2 Day Private Bodhgaya Tour From Varanasi:
$189
-
2 Days Bodhgaya Tour from Varanasi:
$170
-
2 Days Enlightening Bodhgaya Tour from Varanasi:
$180
-
2 Days Enlightening Bodhgaya Tour from Varanasi:
$189
-
2 Days Varanasi Tour:
$149
-
2 Days Varanasi Tour With Sarnath:
$331
-
2 Days Varanasi private tour:
$133
-
2 Days Varanasi tour package for first timers:
$148
Typical Entertainment prices in Jaipur
For Jaipur, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
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Palace Entry for Two
$1.34
Tours and Activities in Jaipur
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Jaipur.
-
03 Days Private Wildlife Ranthambore Tiger Tour from Jaipur:
$309
-
1 Day Jaipur Tour:
$40
-
1 Day tour for Jaipur sightseeing:
$34
-
1-Night Private Tour to Ranthambhore Tiger Safari from Jaipur:
$661
-
1-Night Private Tour to The Taj Mahal and Agra from Jaipur by Car:
$248
-
10-Days Private Tour of Rajasthan from Jaipur:
$360
-
2 D Taj Mahal, Agra Fort, Fatehpur Sikri, Abhaneri Step Well's Tour From Jaipur:
$139
-
2 Day Golden Triangle Private Tour to Taj Mahal, Agra & Jaipur from Delhi by Car:
$306
-
2 Day Golden Triangle Tour to Agra and Delhi From Jaipur:
$250
-
2 Day Jaipur Travel Package + Entry Tickets:
$154
-
2 Days Agra Tour From Jaipur With Drop Off at New Delhi, Agra or Jaipur:
$141
-
2 Days Bundi Privete Tour from Jaipur with Pottery and Crafts (Theekarda)Village:
$107
Alcohol
Typically, people visiting Varanasi spend on average $7.05 on alcoholic beverages per person, per day.
Alcoholic beverages can often be a significant portion of a traveler's budget, and the costs can vary greatly from person to person. In Jaipur, the average amount that a visitor spends on alcoholic beverages per day is $2.44.
Sample the Local Flavors in Jaipur
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Jaipur:
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Pub Crawl Jaipur:
$21
-
Pub Crawl Jaipur:
$25
-
Nightlife of Jaipur - Pub Crawl:
$25
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Varanasi and Jaipur, we can see that Varanasi is more expensive. And not only is Jaipur much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Jaipur would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Jaipur 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 Varanasi would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Varanasi than you might in Jaipur.
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