Which place is cheaper, Udaipur or Varanasi?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Varanasi or Udaipur?
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 Udaipur 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 Udaipur?
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.
Udaipur
Udaipur, also known as the "Venice of the East," is becoming increasingly popular as an Indian wedding destination as well as with travelers searching for a romantic and picturesque city, rich with history, scenic areas, and palaces.
The "City of Lakes" is located in south of Rajasthan. There are a total of ten lakes in the lake system, which are connected and sustain water for drinking, irrigation and industrial use, which contributes to another reason for Udaipur's booming tourism: alcohol.
Udaipur has ideal climate and available water to support a liquor plant while a number of other Indian states ban the consumption of liquor altogether. Many local tourists, such as those from the neighboring dry state of Gujarat on the west, visit Udaipur specifically for this reason, especially considering that Gujarati alcohol prices are much higher and liquor must be purchased through the black market. It's no wonder why Udaipur is the destination for celebrations and vacation.
Udaipur has tropical weather and three main seasons, which are summer, monsoon, and winter. Winter, which takes place between September to March, is the most pleasant time to visit for sunny and warm days and cool nights.
Udaipur was also made famous in the James Bond film Octopussy. Several local hotels show the film nightly.
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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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayVaranasi $30Udaipur $33
The average daily cost (per person) in Varanasi is $30, while the average daily cost in Udaipur is $33. 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 Udaipur in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personVaranasi $16Udaipur $16
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomVaranasi $32Udaipur $32
Compare Hotels in Varanasi and Udaipur
Looking for a hotel in Varanasi or Udaipur? 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 and Udaipur Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Varanasi $4.94Udaipur $6.98
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$0.96
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Rickshaw Ride$0.60
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Varanasi
Also for Varanasi, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Delhi Private Arrival Transfer From New Delhi Airport To Hotel In Delhi: $34
- From Agra: Agra to Varanasi One Way Transfer: $177
- From Agra: Budget One Way Transfer Agra to Varanasi: $170
- From Varanasi Airport Transfer: $36
- Private Departure Transfer to Airport from Hotel in Delhi By Car: $34
- Private Transfer Varanasi Airport (VNS) To Varanasi Hotels Drop: $12
- Private Transfer from Lal Bahadur Shastri (VNS) Airport to Varanasi: $41
- Private Transfer: Varanasi Station to Hotel: $12
- Private Varanasi Heritage Walk with Hotel Transfer: $28
- Spiritual Varanasi - A Most Amazing Heritage Walk with Private Transfer: $108
- Varanasi Airport : Transfer To Hotel / To Airport: $12
- Varanasi Airport Transfer: $14
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Udaipur
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Udaipur:
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Tuk Tuk Ride$0.48
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Udaipur
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Udaipur:
- Private Transfer From Hotel To Airport: $11
- Private Transfer From Airport to Hotel: $14
- Udaipur, The City of Lakes - A Heritage Walk with private transfers: $122
- Udaipur to jodhpur one Way Transfer: $52
- Udaipur to Ahmedabad private transfers: $38
- Udaipur To Pushkar Private One Way Transfer: $60
- Udaipur Full Day Custom Tour with Transfers: $85
- Udaipur City Tour With Next Day Jodhpur Transfer: $72
- Udaipur Airport to Hotel or Vice Versa Transfer: $24
- Udaipur Airport Transfer: $30
- Udaipur Airport Pick up Transfer: $12
- Udaipur Airport : Private Transfer to/from Udaipur Hotels: $6.00
Is it cheaper to fly into Varanasi or Udaipur?
Prices for flights to both Udaipur 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 $7.14Udaipur $11
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$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
- Private Evening Rooftop Dinner: $44
- Cooking Classes in Varanasi for 2 Hours: $50
- 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
- Evening Arti Boat Tour with Dinner: $142
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Udaipur
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Udaipur.
- Private Traditional Dinner with an Indian Family in Udaipur: $9.00
- 4-Hour Indian Food Cooking Class with full Meals: $12
- Durga Cooking Class: $17
- mamta cooking class awarded by tripadvisor : $23
- Guided Street Food Tour with Tastings: $25
- Culinary Adventure: Make Pizza, Sip Wine At Royal Repast: $39
- Secret Cooking Session with the bheel Tribe: $44
- 3 Hours Indian Cooking Session at Local Home (Udaipur): $50
- Jodhpur, Osian camel ride &Dinner At Dhani (country side): $60
- Jodhpur to Osian camel safari / Dinner At Dhani: $60
- Evening Cooking Session and Dinner with an Indian Family: $72
- Night Heritage walk - " Travel with Chinmay " - Roof Top Dinner : $75
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Varanasi $10Udaipur $10
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$0.84
Tours and Activities in Varanasi
For Varanasi, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Audio Guided Walking Tour of Banaras Ghats, Varanasi: $6.12
- 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: $8.59
- Varanasi's Spiritual & heritage walking tour: $11
- Varanasi:- Morning Varanasi Short Tour with Boat Ride: $11
- Ghats of Varanasi Morning Walking Tour: $12
- Varanasi Walking Tour : $12
- Spiritual Tour in Varanasi with a local- Experience true essence of spirituality: $12
- Heritage Kashi Photography Tour (2 Hours guided walk): $13
- Cycle of Life, Death & Rebirth (2 Hours Guided Walking Tour): $13
- Vibrant Markets of Varanasi (2 Hours Guided Walking Tour): $13
Typical Entertainment Prices in Udaipur
Here are a few typical costs in Udaipur for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
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Palace Entrance Fee$1.20
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Lake Boat Tour$2.39
Tours and Activities in Udaipur
Here are a few actual costs in Udaipur for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- 3 Days Private Udaipur City Tour With Kumbhalgarh Fort & Ranakpur Jain Temple : $125
- 3 Days Private Udaipur Highlights Tour: $90
- 3 Days Private Udaipur Tour: $110
- 3 Night 4 Days Udaipur And Jodhpur Tour By Car & Driver: $180
- 4 Night 5 Days Udaipur And Jodhpur Tour: $155
- 4 Night 5 Days Udaipur And Jodhpur Tour By Car & Driver: $162
- 6 - Days Udaipur and Mount Abu Tour: $300
- 7 - Days Jaisalmer, Jodhpur and Udaipur Tour: $246
- 7 - Days Jaisalmer, Jodhpur and Udaipur Tour: $360
- 7 Days Rajasthan Triangle Tour (Jaipur-Jodhpur-Udaipur): $480
- 8 Days Jaipur, Jodhpur and Udaipur City Tour: $420
- 8-Days Udaipur, Jodhpur and Jaisalmer Tour.: $480
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayVaranasi $7.85Udaipur $8.92
Sample the Local Flavors in Udaipur
Also in Udaipur, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Pub Crawl Uaipur (3 Hours Guided Nightlife Experience): $20
- Pub Crawl Udaipur (3 Hours Guided Nightlife Experience): $35
- 3-Hour Pub Crawl: $38
- Pub Crawl Udaipur: $39
When comparing the travel costs between Varanasi and Udaipur, we can see that Udaipur 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 Udaipur Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Varanasi or Udaipur?
Varanasi has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Udaipur. When comparing the sizes of Varanasi and Udaipur, 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.