Is Cochin expensive to visit?
Cochin is a quaint locale that appeals to a variety of visitors, each with different travel styles, spending patterns, and budget needs. Visitors can find a range of options for accommodation from high-end luxury hotels to mid-range places to budget-friendly hostels.
Although Cochin can be quite pricey if you let it be, you can cut costs by looking for discounts and coupons.
On average, budget travelers spend $18 (₨1,532) per day, mid-range travelers spend $45 (₨3,809) per day, and luxury travelers spend around $109 (₨9,232) per day. These costs are calculated from the expenses of previous travelers to Cochin.
Within Asia, Cochin is a reasonably affordable destination compared to other places. It is in the top 25% of cities in Asia for its affordability. You can find more affordable cities such as Mandalay, but there are also more expensive cities, such as Similan Islands.
For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is Cochin Expensive?
How much money do I need for a trip to Cochin?
The average Cochin trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Cochin travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Cochin cost?
Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget
When planning your trip to Cochin, it's important to be realistic about your travel budget. While some people assume they can travel very cheaply, most people aren't comfortable on an extreme shoestring budget. Consider what you enjoy most on vacation and how you like to travel. Do you perfer to stay in resorts, hotels, or hostels? Do you enjoy sightseeing and dining out? These factors will affect your overall budget and travel plans.
Who Exactly is a Budget Traveler?
You may believe you're traveling on a budget, but unless you're ready to give up some conveniences, you'll likely spend much more than the $18 daily average that backpackers get away with.
Younger budget travelers often stick to this low budget by staying in dorms, eating inexpensive meals, taking public transportation, and focusing on free activities and sights.
Fortunately, Cochin features plenty of hostels, including The Hosteller Fort Kochi, Kochill, and goSTOPS Kochi - Rooms & Dorms. At hostels like these, you can find cheap dorm beds and a vibrant social atmosphere, though amenities are often scarce.
Is Your Travel Style Average?
For couples or families traveling for enjoyment, opting for a mid-range hotel, dining at popular restaurants, and exploring major museums and attractions with entry fees is likely. When visiting Cochin, most people will want to check out the major attractions, museums, and iconic landmarks. Remember, many activities do come with costs. So, you should realistically expect your daily budget to be around $45 per person, per day.
In Cochin, you'll find a broad range of hotels and vacation rentals. If traveling with companions, you can share accommodations with a partner, friend, or your children, helping to cut costs. Families will want to look for hotels and restaurants that are kid-friendly. Malabar House is a fantastic option for families, and Tissa's Inn is also a great pick. Explore more family and couple-oriented hotels in our hotel guide for Cochin here.
Seeking a Stylish Getaway from the Daily Routine?
If you're used to premier amenities and elevated service, prepare to spend about $109 per day. Choosing comfortable hotels, dining at award-winning establishments, indulging in extravagant excursions, and relying on taxis or private drivers to explore the destination will demand a higher price range.
Accommodation Budget in Cochin
The cost of hotels in Cochin can be surprisingly wide-ranging. Some hotels charge a lot more because they offer extra luxury and amenities. Prices are also much higher during peak season. Off-season rooms average $33, but the demand in peak season pushes that average to around $62. Budget hotels range from $16 to $129, and hostels provide a cheaper option, especially in dorms. Booking early, traveling off-season, or finding special deals can help save money.
Calculated from travelers like you
The average price paid in Cochin for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $29 (₨2,486). For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $14 (₨1,243) per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.
Looking for a hotel in Cochin? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.
The most affordable highest rated hotels in Cochin include:
- Malabar House starting at $238
- Old Harbour Hotel starting at $127
- The Dunes Cochin starting at $34
- Tea Bungalow starting at $60
- Bright Heritage starting at $18
Choosing to travel in the shoulder or low season and avoiding will help you save on lodging costs and escape the tourist rush.
Food Budget in Cochin
Cuisine is one of the main reasons people travel, so don't miss out on the local fare.
Calculated from travelers like you
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While restaurant and meal prices in Cochin can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Cochin is $21 (₨1,774) per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.
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Food2
Meals for one day
$21
₨1,774
When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Cochin is around $21 (₨1774) per person, with previous travelers spending from $8 to $49. Generally, breakfast and lunch cost less than dinner, but this will depend on the type of restaurant and what you order.
Typical meal prices in Cochin are as follows:
- Breakfast: $2 to $6
- Lunch: $3 to $8
- Dinner: $6 to $15
- Coffee: $2
- Fast Food or Street Food: $3
Cochin has become a melting pot of cuisines from around the world and you'll find everything including Arabic, Chinese, Portuguese, French, English, Dutch, and Russian flavors. Because Cochin is a coastal town, seafood is excellent and fresh. Prawns, squid, and shrimp are incorporated into many of the dishes. Popular local specialties include Meen Molagitta Curry, which is a smoked fish served with coconut milk, and Kurukku Kalan, a yogurt curry dish made with bananas and served with rice. It's possible to buy fresh fish at Fort Kochi beach and have one of the nearby food stalls cook it for you.
For budget food, head to thattukadas, which are streetside food vendors that offer hot food for a cheap price. There are usually benches or chairs nearby where you can sit. There are also some Indian fast food chains that are affordable. These include KR Hot Chicken, Potpurri, The Oven, and Krispy Chicken.
Several hotels include breakfast with your stay, while others charge separately for it. The cost and quality can vary significantly depending on the hotel. Knowing this in advance can guide your budget decisions. It could be worth it for the tasty buffet available at the hotel, or you may wish to find a cheaper option at a local bakery or cafe.
Pack a water bottle to save on drinks. It's also a way to help protect the environment.
If you're considering a tour, double-check which meals are included in the package. There may be instances where you'll have to pay for your own meals, potentially stretching your budget.
Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Cochin
Calculated from travelers like you
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Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Cochin typically cost an average of $9.91 (₨854) per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.
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Entertainment1
Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
$9.91
₨854
Popular sights around Cochin include the Chinese Fishing Nets, Hill Palace Museum, Santacruz Basilica, VOC Gate, Bastion Bungalow, Jew Street and Paradesi Synagogue, the Dutch Palace, and Chendamangalam Palace Fort among many others. Popular museums include the Museum of Kerala History, Pareekshith Thampuran Durbar Hall Art Gallery, the Indian Naval Maritime Museum, Indo-Portuguese Museum, and the Kerala Folklore Museum.
One fun place to explore is Broadway Market, between Marine Drive and MG Road. Here you'll find vendors selling everything from cloth, to spices, or random souvenirs. It's the city's oldest shopping area and it's fun to get lost here.
The people of Cochin love sports and there are some great sporting venues that you can visit. Football is particularly popular, as is cricket. Cochin International Stadium and Rajiv Gandhi Indoor Statium both have facilities where you can play or watch.
There are many festivals held in Cochin throughout the year. Popular festivals include Cochin Carnival, Onam Festival, Shiva Temple Festival, the Fireworks Festival of Maradu Kottaram Devi Temple, Thripunithura Vrishikolsavam, and Chendamangalam Matta Chanda.
Cochin, India
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.