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

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Should you visit Varanasi or London?

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 London 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 London?

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.

London

The capital of the United Kingdom is a thriving multicultural metropolis. Steeped in iconic landmarks, world-class museums and royal parks, London is energetic, majestic, ambitious and one of the world's greatest cities. London is a cultural and fashion capital, a great place to go out, an amazing place to eat and one of those cities that is constantly changing with new and exciting things sprouting up almost every day. History and tradition greet you at every turn in the UK's capital. London is also a city with an edgy underbelly, delighting in neon pink dive bars, cheeky graffiti and mind-blowing street food. When you need a break from the action, pop into a pub or relax in one of the city's many parks. Blow through the city on a double-decker bus, and take a pinch-me-I'm-in-London walk through the West End. As one of the most visited cities in the world, London is busy, vibrant and very tourist friendly. The only problem with London is that it's very expensive; it can eat away at your budget if you aren't careful. Luckily, there are also tons of free or cheap things to do in London that can fill your time.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Bicycle Tours in India, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in India, The Best Coach Bus Tours in United Kingdom, and The Best Adventure Tours to United Kingdom.


Which place is cheaper, London 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
    London Prices
    UK Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Varanasi $31
    London $287

The average daily cost (per person) in Varanasi is $31, while the average daily cost in London is $287. 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 London in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Varanasi $14
    London $166
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Varanasi $28
    London $332
Compare Hotels in Varanasi and London

Looking for a hotel in Varanasi or London? 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 London


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 $4.38
    London $34
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Varanasi

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


  • Tuk Tuk Through Town
    $0.85
  • Rickshaw Ride
    $0.53

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Varanasi

Also for Varanasi, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • From Agra: One-Way Private Transfer to Varanasi: $166
  • From Agra: Budget One Way Transfer Agra to Varanasi: $160
  • Sunrise Boat Tour and Heritage Walk with transfers: $72
  • Sarnath Tour with Guide & Car Including Hotel transfers: $70
  • Smooth transfer from Varanasi Airport to Hotel: $60
  • Private Car Airport Transfer from Hotel in Delhi, Noida, Gurugram: $55
  • Delhi Private Arrival Transfer From New Delhi Airport To Hotel In Delhi: $34
  • Varanasi - Arrival transfer from airport to hotel: $32
  • Private Transfer: Varanasi Airport to Varanasi Hotel: $12

Typical Local Transportation Prices in London

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


  • Taxi Ride
    $19
  • Heathrow Express
    $24
  • Luggage Storage
    $11
  • London Map
    $1.71
  • Oyster Card
    $47
  • Train to Gatwick Airport (2)
    $29
  • Oyster Card
    $36

Hired Cars and Shuttles in London

Also for London, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Windsor Castle to/from Central London | Private Transfers: $74
  • Warner Bros. Studios to Central London - Private Transfers: $153
  • Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer in London HTL-APT (STN,LCY): $120
  • Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer in London HTL - APT (LGW,STN): $162
  • Transfer to/from London Gatwick Airport to Dover Cruise Port: $487
  • Transfer to/ from London Heathrow Airport to Central London: $221
  • Transfer to/ from Dover Cruise port to Central London: $504
  • Transfer to the Cruise ports from your London accommodation: $107
  • Transfer from Luton Airport to London or London to Luton Airport: $196
  • Transfer from Heathrow Airport to London or London to Heathrow: $171
  • Transfer from Heathrow Airport to London hotel on private car: $121
  • Transfer from Heathrow Airport to London: $161

Is it cheaper to fly into Varanasi or London?

Prices for flights to both London 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
    London $79
Typical Food Prices in Varanasi

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


  • Dinner In Town
    $3.66

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
  • Varanasi Bliss: Private Food Tour, Boat Ride & Ganga Aarti: $62

Typical Food Prices in London

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to London:


  • Lunch at Starbucks
    $17
  • Tea
    $7.94
  • Afternoon Tea at Fortnum & Mason
    $52
  • Morning Tea
    $8.40
  • Pastry
    $6.62
  • Sushi Dinner for One
    $24

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in London

For London, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • London Food Tour of Soho & Covent Garden: $19
  • Hard Rock Cafe Piccadilly Circus with Set Menu for Lunch or Dinner: $43
  • Italian Pizza Dinner & Comedy Show Experience, Covent Garden: $70
  • French Cuisine Dinner & Comedy Show Experience, Covent Garden: $86
  • Peruvian Fusion Dinner & Comedy Show Experience, Covent Garden: $87
  • Authentic Japanese Cooking Class in North London Home: $92
  • 2 Hour Soho and Chinatown Food Tour with 4 Tastings in London: $101
  • The Original Soho and Chinatown Food Tour with Authentic Dishes: $101
  • London Soho & Covent Garden Full Meal Food Tour by Do Eat Better: $103
  • London Foodie Adventure with Sherpa Food Tour: $109
  • Private South Indian Home Cooking Class in London with a Local: $109
  • Japanese Izakaya Dinner & Comedy Show Experience, Covent Garden: $114

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Varanasi $9.30
    London $43
Typical Entertainment Prices in Varanasi

Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Varanasi's activities, tours, and tickets:


  • Boat Ride
    $0.74

Tours and Activities in Varanasi

For Varanasi, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • 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 Day Private Mystical Varanasi Tour: $43
  • 2 Day Varanasi Day Tour with Boating and English Speaking Guide: $300
  • 2 Days Enlightening 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: $121
  • 3 Days Private Enchanting Varanasi Tour: $109
  • 3 Days Spiritual Tour in Varanasi: $293

Typical Entertainment Prices in London

For London, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:


  • Two Tickets to a Concert
    $110
  • London Symphony Orchestra
    $46
  • London Pass
    $62
  • Comedy Show
    $11

Tours and Activities in London

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for London.

  • 'Cutty Sark' Entrance Ticket: $26
  • 10 Craft Beer Tasting Experience: $47
  • 2 Day London Hop-On Hop-Off River Thames Sightseeing Pass: $62
  • 2 Hours Rock and Roll Historical Walking Tour in London: $66
  • 2 hour Walking Tour in Greenwich UNESCO World Heritage in London: $27
  • 2-Hour Private London Photoshoot - Full Experience: $268
  • 3 Hour Private Downton Abbey London Locations Walking Tour: $255
  • 3-Hour Historic Pub Experience in London: $79
  • 3-Hour Private London Photography Tour of famous Landmarks: $171
  • 3-Hour Private Tour of East London Graffiti & Street Art: $245
  • 30 Major London Attractions Walking Tour With Photos: $67
  • 4-Hour London Main Attractions and Tourist Sights Tour: $200

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Varanasi $6.96
    London $20

Sample the Local Flavors in London

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in London:

  • 1 Big Night Out Weekday Pub Crawl: $25
  • The Jack the Ripper Pub Tour - Taverns and Dark Tales: $27
  • London Pub Crawl: $28
  • The Great East London Pub Crawl!: $34
  • London PUB CRAWL Shots Pints & Good Times: $34
  • The Great British Pub Walking Tour: London: $39
  • Sipsmith Distillery Tour and Complimentary Tasting: $40
  • Historic London Pub Tour: $54
  • Pub Crawl and Sing along London Experience: $79
  • London Historical Pub Tour with Pilgrims and Pirates: $79
  • Soho Rock and Roll Pub Tour: $79
  • Historic Pub Crawl in Wapping: $87

How are these travel costs calculated?

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


Which is Bigger, Varanasi or London?

London has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Varanasi. When comparing the sizes of Varanasi and London, 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.
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