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 $286

The average daily cost (per person) in Varanasi is $31, while the average daily cost in London is $286. 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 $165
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Varanasi $28
    London $330
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 and London Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Varanasi $4.29
    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
    $0.83
  • Rickshaw Ride
    $0.52

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
  • Varanasi hotel to Bodhgaya hotel private transfer: $135
  • Sunrise Boat Tour and Heritage Walk with transfers: $79
  • Sarnath Tour with Guide & Car Including transfers: $77
  • Sarnath Tour with Guide & Car Including Hotel transfers: $68
  • Private transfer from Varanasi to Allahabad: $67
  • Airport Pickup/Drop Transfer Service: $53
  • 3-hours Temple hopping with transfers: $35
  • Private Departure Transfer from Varanasi Hotel to Airport: $28
  • Varanasi Airport : Transfer To Hotel / To Airport: $21
  • Varanasi Airport Transfer: $14

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
    $1.70
  • 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. Studio Tour London The Making of Harry Potter with return transfers: $133
  • Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer service in London HTL-APT (LHR): $141
  • Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer service in London APT-HTL (LHR): $141
  • 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 or from London Luton Airport to Central London: $216
  • Transfer from Luton Airport to London or London to Luton Airport: $196
  • Transfer from London to Gatwick Airport: $183
  • Transfer from London City Center to London Airport (LCY): $61
  • Transfer from Heathrow Airport to London or London to Heathrow: $160

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
    $3.58

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Varanasi

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

  • Food Tour: Highlights Tour with Tasting &Sunset in Varanasi: $14
  • Cooking Class with Sona: $29
  • Night Boat Ride, Aarti Ceremony and Dinner: $29
  • Ganga Aarti with Street Food Tour of Varanasi: $40
  • Varanasi Cooking Classes with Shobha: $40
  • Private Food Tour with Ganga Aarti Ceremony: $42
  • Traditional Indian Cooking Class with Dinner: $42
  • Private Street Food Tour with 8+ Tastings & Pickup: $44
  • Private Food Tour with Ganga Aarti Ceremony: $44
  • Dashashwamedh Ganga Arati from balcony with Street Food Tour: $50
  • Indian Cooking Class with Hotel Pickup: $52
  • 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
    $7.93
  • Afternoon Tea at Fortnum & Mason
    $52
  • Morning Tea
    $8.39
  • Pastry
    $6.61
  • 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:

  • Hard Rock Cafe London Old Park Lane with Set Menu for Lunch or Dinner: $41
  • Hard Rock Cafe Piccadilly Circus with Set Menu for Lunch or Dinner: $43
  • London Sweet Treats Food Tour: Choose Your Own Sweet Treats & Tea: $48
  • London Festive Thames Cruise with Festive Afternoon Tea or Dinner: $74
  • London Borough Market Holiday Food Tour: Sweet Treats & Tea Tour: $89
  • London Borough Market Sweet Treats, Donuts, & Tea Food Tour: $89
  • London Dinner Cruise on the Thames River: $93
  • British Historic Pub Food Tour, Beers and Pies: $93
  • London Bridge & Borough Market Food Tour with 7 Must-Do Tastings: $99
  • East London Indian Food Tour with 8+ Authentic Food Tastings: $99
  • The Original Soho and Chinatown Food Tour with Authentic Dishes: $102
  • Devour Borough Market & Leadenhall Food Tour with Wine: $105

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Varanasi $9.11
    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
    $0.73

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
  • 2 Day Private Bodhgaya Tour From Varanasi: $189
  • 2 Days Varanasi City Tour with Evening Aarti and Boat Ride: $100
  • 2 Days Varanasi tour package for first timers: $135
  • 2 Night 3 Days Spiritual Varanasi with Cruise Ride: $233
  • 2-Day Varanasi Experience – Temples, Ghats & Ganga Aarti: $140
  • 2-Day Varanasi Heritage & Tradition Guided Tour: $156
  • 2-Day Experience Sunrise Boat Ride & Evening Aarti: $317
  • 3 Day Varanasi Ganga Aarti Tour with Sarnath Buddhist Temple: $144
  • 3 Days Admirable Tour in Varanasi with private tour guided: $117
  • 3 Days Private Enchanting Varanasi Tour: $120

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
    $109
  • London Symphony Orchestra
    $45
  • London Pass
    $62
  • Comedy Show
    $11

Tours and Activities in London

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

  • 10 Craft Beer Tasting Experience: $47
  • 1h Express Walking Tour Big Ben to Buckingham Palace: $27
  • 2 Day London Hop-On Hop-Off River Thames Sightseeing Pass: $62
  • 2 Hour Guided Walking Tour at British Museum: $101
  • 2 Hours London Guided Walking Tour: $35
  • 2 Hours Rock and Roll Historical Walking Tour in London: $66
  • 2 hour British Museum Highlights Private Guided Tour: $255
  • 2 hour Walking Tour in Greenwich UNESCO World Heritage in London: $27
  • 2-Hour Jack the Ripper Small Group Walking Tour in London: $34
  • 2-Hour Private London Photoshoot - Full Experience: $269
  • 3 Hour Private Downton Abbey London Locations Walking Tour: $255
  • 3 Locks Brewing Company Tour and Tasting Experience in Camden: $34

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Varanasi $6.81
    London $20

Sample the Local Flavors in London

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

  • An Epic Bar Crawl in London United Kingdom: $15
  • Historic Pub Walking Tour of London: $19
  • The Original Shoreditch Pub Crawl: $34
  • Pub Crawl of Central London: $34
  • Sipsmith Distillery Tour and Complimentary Tasting: $40
  • The Great British Pub Walking Tour: London: $43
  • Potter Pub Tour for Muggles: London: $43
  • Beer Babe Bar Crawl in London: $51
  • Wine Tasting London Bus Tour: $56
  • London Historical Pub Tour with Pilgrims and Pirates: $79
  • London Historical Pub Tour with Pilgrims and Pirates: $81
  • Amy Winehouse Camden Pub Tour with beer: $94

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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