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

Should you visit Varanasi or Jammu and Kashmir?

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 Jammu and Kashmir 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 Jammu and Kashmir?

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.

Jammu and Kashmir

Jammu and Kashmir is the northernmost state of India. It is a mountainous region of the northern Himalayas with sweeping valleys, stunning lakes, and snow-capped scenery dotted with temples. While the region has been known for a border dispute with Pakistan, the unrest has been quieting and tourism is beginning to make a comeback. The area typically draws trekkers, those hoping to visit sacred temples, and others looking to experience Himalayan culture.

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.


Which place is cheaper, Jammu and Kashmir 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 Jammu and Kashmir is $29. 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 Jammu and Kashmir in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Varanasi $16
    Jammu and Kashmir $15
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Varanasi $32
    Jammu and Kashmir $30
Compare Hotels in Varanasi and Jammu and Kashmir

Looking for a hotel in Varanasi or Jammu and Kashmir? 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 Jammu and Kashmir


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 $4.94
    Jammu and Kashmir $3.63
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:

  • Private Transfer: Varanasi Station to Hotel: $12
  • Varanasi Airport : Transfer To Hotel / To Airport: $12
  • Private Transfer Varanasi Airport (VNS) To Varanasi Hotels Drop: $12
  • Varanasi Airport Transfer: $14
  • Varanasi Airport to hotel private transfer: $18
  • Varanasi Airport: Transfer to/from Varanasi Hotels & Airport: $18
  • Private Varanasi Heritage Walk with Hotel Transfer: $28
  • Varanasi Airport Transfer: $30
  • Delhi Private Arrival Transfer From New Delhi Airport To Hotel In Delhi: $34
  • From Varanasi Airport Transfer: $36
  • Private transfer from Varanasi to Allahabad: $67
  • Spiritual Varanasi - A Most Amazing Heritage Walk with Private Transfer: $108

Is it cheaper to fly into Varanasi or Jammu and Kashmir?

Prices for flights to both Jammu and Kashmir 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 $7.14
    Jammu and Kashmir $7.01
Typical Food Prices in Varanasi

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


  • 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
  • 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
  • Night Boat Ride, Aarti Ceremony and Dinner: $100

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Varanasi $10
    Jammu and Kashmir $15
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:

  • Varanasi Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $6.59
  • Sarnath Audio Tour on HopOn India App – Land of Buddha's First Sermon, Varanasi: $7.66
  • Spiritual and Heritage Walking Tour in Varanasi: $8.61
  • Varanasi's Spiritual & heritage walking tour: $11
  • Varanasi:- Morning Varanasi Short Tour with Boat Ride: $11
  • Temple Walk Tour Varanasi: $12
  • Spiritual Tour in Varanasi with a local- Experience true essence of spirituality: $12
  • Varanasi Walking Tour : $12
  • Cycle of Life, Death & Rebirth (2 Hours Guided Walking Tour): $13
  • Vibrant Markets of Varanasi (2 Hours Guided Walking Tour): $13
  • Heritage Kashi Photography Tour (2 Hours guided walk): $13
  • Varanasi Heritage Trails (2 Hour Guided Walking Tour): $13

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Varanasi $7.85
    Jammu and Kashmir $3.78


When comparing the travel costs between Varanasi and Jammu and Kashmir, 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 Jammu and Kashmir Expensive?.


Which has a larger population, Varanasi or Jammu and Kashmir?

Jammu and Kashmir has a larger population, and is about 9 times larger than the population of Varanasi. When comparing the sizes of Varanasi and Jammu and Kashmir, 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.