Delhi is an exciting destination known for its beauty, culture, food, and exciting activities. In this travel cost guide, we'll cover everything you need to know to plan your travel budget and have an amazing trip without spending too much. This guide includes average trip costs from previous travelers, typical hotel prices, food and dining costs, entertainment and sightseeing prices, and information about transportation.
How much does it cost to travel to Delhi?
A typical traveler spends $53 (₨4,626) per day on a trip to Delhi. This is the average daily price for a vacation in Delhi based on the expenses of other visitors.
Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:
- $20 (₨1,734) on meals
- $4.64 (₨409) on local transportation
- $45 (₨3,960) on hotels
A one-week trip to Delhi for two people costs, on average, $735 (₨64,764). This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
All of these average travel prices have been collected from other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.
-
One Week
Per person
$368
₨32,382
-
2 Weeks
Per person
$735
₨64,764
-
One Month
Per person
$1,575
₨138,780
-
One Week
For a couple
$735
₨64,764
-
2 Weeks
For a couple
$1,470
₨129,528
-
One Month
For a couple
$3,151
₨277,560
How much does a one week, two week, or one month trip to Delhi cost?
A one week trip to Delhi usually costs around $368 (₨32,382) for one person and $735 (₨64,764) for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
A two week trip to Delhi on average costs around $735 (₨64,764) for one person and $1,470 (₨129,528) for two people. This cost includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
Please note, prices can vary based on your travel style, speed, and other variables. If you're traveling as a family of three or four people, the price per person often goes down because kid's tickets are cheaper and hotel rooms can be shared. If you travel slower over a longer period of time then your daily budget will also go down. Two people traveling together for one month in Delhi will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.
A one month trip to Delhi on average costs around $1,575 (₨138,780) for one person and $3,151 (₨277,560) for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.
Is Delhi expensive to visit?
In Delhi, budget travelers spend $20 (₨1,775) per day on average, mid-range travelers spend $52 (₨4,626) per day, and luxury travelers spend around $141 (₨12,461) per day. These costs are calculated from the reported expenses of previous travelers to Delhi.
Delhi is a smaller destination that attracts a range of visitors, each with distinct travel styles, spending habits, and budgetary requirements. Visitors can find a range of options for accommodation from high-end luxury hotels to mid-range places to budget-friendly hostels.
Delhi can be very expensive if you want it to be, but there are ways to cut down on your costs, like looking for discounts and coupons.
Within Asia, Delhi 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 Luang Prabang, 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 Delhi Expensive?
Humayun's Tomb, Delhi, India
How much money do I need for a trip to Delhi?
The average Delhi trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Delhi travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Delhi cost?
Delhi on a Budget
|
Category
|
Budget
|
Mid-Range
|
Luxury
|
Accommodation1
For 1 person in double occupancy
|
$9
(₨759)
|
$22
(₨1,980)
|
$61
(₨5,354)
|
|
Local Transportation1
|
$2
(₨158)
|
$5
(₨409)
|
$12
(₨1,081)
|
|
Food2
|
$8
(₨685)
|
$20
(₨1,734)
|
$50
(₨4,385)
|
|
Entertainment1
|
$6
(₨548)
|
$19
(₨1,652)
|
$65
(₨5,699)
|
|
Alcohol2
|
$2-5
(₨138-414)
|
$4-12
(₨362-1,087)
|
$11-34
(₨994-2,983)
|
Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget
When planning your trip to Delhi, it's important to have realistic expectations about your budget. Many believe they can travel on a shoestring, but that often leads to either uncomfortable travel experiences or some surprisingly high expenses. Consider your vacation style. Do you enjoy staying in hostels, resorts, regular hotels, or vacation rentals? Are attractions and dining experiences a priority? These factors will affect how much you spend and your itinerary.
The Truth on Budget Travel
You might think that you're a budget traveler. But unless you're willing to eliminate a lot of comforts from your trip, prepare to spend a lot more than the daily average of $20 that backpackers often get by on.
Young backpackers often get away with this shoestring budget, but it usually involves staying in hostel dorms, eating at the cheapest restaurants or fast food places, taking public transit or walking, and only visiting free attractions.
Do You Identify as an Average Traveler?
Couples and families on a fun trip will likely choose a mid-range hotel, enjoy meals at popular dining spots, and visit significant museums and attractions that have entry fees. Most guests in Delhi will want to take in the essential attractions, museums, sights, and landmarks. After all, most activities are not free. So, it's realistic to expect your actual daily budget to be about $52 per person, per day.
Delhi offers a diverse selection of hotels and vacation rentals. If you're traveling with companions, you can share a hotel room with a partner, friend, or your kids, making it easier on your wallet. Families should look for hotels and restaurants that are family-friendly. Thikana Delhi is an excellent option for kids, and 76 Friends Colony is another fantastic choice. For more family and couple-friendly accommodations, check out our hotel guide for Delhi here.
Dreaming of a Stylish Getaway?
If you're looking for an all encompassing trip with every amenity and a higher level of service, then prepare yourself for a price tag closer to $141 per day. To stay in a nicer hotel, eat at award winning restaurants, splurge on extravagant excursions, and take taxis or private drivers to get around the destination, you'll need to be prepared for a more "luxury" set of prices. Also, higher-end tours are common with luxury travelers, such as Private Golden Triangle Tour Delhi Agra Jaipur - offered by Viator.
Accommodation Budget in Delhi
The hotel prices in Delhi might surprise you. Some places charge much more for added luxury and amenities, especially during peak season. In the off-season, a room averages $27, but during peak season, expect to pay around $50. Prices vary from $12 to $119, but hostels are often cheaper. Booking in advance and traveling during the low season can help save you money.
Calculated from travelers like you
The average price paid in Delhi for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $45 (₨3,960). For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $22 (₨1,980) per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.
Looking for a hotel in Delhi? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.
The most affordable highest rated hotels in Delhi include:
- Hotel Regent Grand starting at $52
- The Manor New Delhi starting at $37
- Hotel Grand Park-Inn starting at $26
- Hotel Jewel Palace starting at $15
- Hotel Anand Lok Inn starting at $14
By avoiding the peak season and traveling in the low or shoulder seasons, you will be rewarded with lower accommodation prices and fewer crowds.
Transportation Budget in Delhi
Calculated from travelers like you
-
On average, past travelers have spent $4.64 (₨409) per person, per day, on local transportation in Delhi. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Delhi is significantly more than public transportation.
-
Transportation1
Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
$4.64
₨409
You're likely to begin or end your trip in Delhi as the city has the area's largest airport, the Indira Gandhi International Airport. Security is tight after terrorist attacks in the country, so even if you have purchased an e-ticket, you will be required to have a printed copy of the document so that you can enter the airport. These rules are taken quite seriously.
You have many options to travel around Delhi. There's a good metro system that is relatively smooth and efficient, but it can get very crowded, particularly during peak hours. Do keep an eye on your belongings as pickpockets are abundant. It is best not to carry valuables in your pockets when you travel by metro. Other options to navigate the city include rickshaws, buses, and taxis. The bus system might seem overwhelming at first but if you have access to a good map it's a great way to reach most points around the city.
It's best to approach travel in Delhi as an adventure. The traffic is horrible and chaotic and trips may take significantly longer than you expect. If you plan to take a taxi or rickshaw, negotiating the price in advance is a must, and drivers may quote a starting price that is ten times the going rate.
Some of the standard transportation options and hotel transfers include:
- Private New Delhi Arrival Transfer Airport to Hotel/Accommodation for $17 details
- Private Round Trip Airport Transfer New Delhi Arrival & Departure for $23 details
- From Taj Mahal & Agra Private Day Trip with Transfers for $9 details
How much does it cost to go to Delhi? Naturally, it depends on the dates. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all airlines.
The price of renting a car in Delhi will depends on dates, the type of car, the location, and your age. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all car rental companies.
Listed below are some transit expenses in Delhi, taken from reports by other travelers. These costs offer a snapshot of transportation prices in the city to give you an idea of what to expect. Keep in mind that your costs may differ, especially if you opt for more expensive options like taxis, which typically cost more than public transportation.
-
Tuk Tuk Ride
₨10
-
Taxi to Airport
₨160
-
Subway
₨32
-
Uber Cab
₨80
-
Delhi Metro Smart Card
₨150
-
Auto-rickshaw
₨100
Food Budget in Delhi
Cuisine often serves as a primary motivation for travel, so make sure to indulge in the local dishes.
Calculated from travelers like you
-
While restaurant and meal prices in Delhi can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Delhi is $20 (₨1,734) per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.
-
Food2
Meals for one day
$20
₨1,734
When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Delhi is around $20 (₨1734) per person, with previous travelers spending from $8 to $50. 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 Delhi are as follows:
- Breakfast: $2 to $6
- Lunch: $3 to $8
- Dinner: $6 to $14
- Coffee: $2
- Fast Food or Street Food: $3
Food in Delhi is excellent. There are restaurants for all budgets. Street food is ubiquitous and delicious. Do make sure you find a place that prepares the food fresh and uses good hygiene practices. There are great restaurants in the Bengali Market near Connaught Place. This area is particularly known for its chaat. Chaat is a North Indian street snack that is comparable to tapas. They typically involve a deep fried pastry shell that is filled with potatoes or lentils among other things.
If you're looking for a break from Indian food, there are plenty of international restaurants around Delhi. Prices and food quality may vary. There are also a wide range of fast food restaurants including McDonalds, KFC, Subway, and Pizza Hut. These can typically be found within shopping malls.
Many accommodations feature breakfast in their rates, while some may charge additional fees for it. The cost and quality can vary significantly from one hotel to another. Knowing this information ahead of time helps you decide if you need to spend extra money. A tasty hotel buffet could be worth the expense, or a nearby bakery or cafe might offer a more affordable choice.
Pack a water bottle to save on drinks. It's also a way to help protect the environment.
When planning a tour, don't forget to look into which meals are covered. You may be responsible for some of your own food, which could impact your budget significantly.
If you're looking to experience the culinary culture in Delhi, taking a food tour or cooking class is a terrific way to do it. After all, cuisine is one of the reasons why so many people visit. Some of the best food-related activities here include:
- Evening Food Tour for $40 details
- Half Day Private Old Delhi Heritage Walking Street Food Tour for $50 details
- Old Delhi Street Food Tour With Spice Market On Tuk Tuk for $60 details
Food and meal prices in Delhi, based on real travelers' reported expenses, are shown below. These typical costs can give you a sense of the overall price range for meals. However, your individual expenses might be different depending on your dining habits, restaurant choices, and specific orders.
Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Delhi
Calculated from travelers like you
-
Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Delhi typically cost an average of $19 (₨1,652) 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.
-
Entertainment1
Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
$19
₨1,652
There are countless sights around the city. Some of the most famous include the Red Fort, Humayun's tomb, and Qutub complex. Museums in Delhi include Kiran Nadar Museum of Art, Gandhi Smriti, the International Dolls Museum, the National Museum, the National Railway Museum, Nehru Memorial Museum, the Tibet House, and the National Handicrafts and Handlooms Museum. Monuments in Delhi include Rajpath, the India Gate, Jantar Mantar, Raj Ghat, Purana Qila, Tughlaqabad Fort, and Azaad Hind Gram. There are also countless temples and religious sights spread throughout the city.
Just walking around Delhi can be an experience in and of itself. There are interesting neighborhoods that are worth exploring and the city's colors, sights, and scents all make for an adventure.
One of the best experiences in Delhi is to visit the numerous shopping areas around town. These can be a great place to buy a souvenir from India. Head to the Chatta Chowk, or covered market, Connaught Place, Paharganj market, Rajouri Garden Market, or Lajpat Nagar which all offer unique experiences. Also make sure you sample a variety of different restaurants and street food stalls throughout town. Soaking up as much of India's culture as you can is really the best way to experience the city.
A nice way to explore destinations in Delhi is with local tours that last just a few hours. This way you can see as much as possible in an efficient way with knowledgable guides. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:
- Private Sunrise Taj Mahal & Agra Tour from Delhi by Luxury Car for $35 details
- Same day Private tour cab pickup from Delhi Agra for $60 details
- 3-Days Private Luxury Golden Triangle Tour Delhi, Agra and Jaipur for $180 details
Below are a few common prices for sightseeing and activity entry fees in Delhi, all of which are based on the reports of previous travelers. These figures should give you a rough estimate of what you can expect to pay. Keep in mind, though, your costs will vary depending on the activities you choose and whether you take advantage of free or budget-friendly options.
Nightlife Budget in Delhi
Calculated from travelers like you
-
The average person spends about $8.23 (₨725) on nightlife and alcoholic beverages in Delhi per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.
-
Alcohol2
Drinks for one day
$8.23
₨725
Nightlife is a blast when traveling, but scaling back on drinks can really help stretch your travel budget.
Nightlife activities and tasting tours are popular in Delhi. A few favorites from other travelers include:
- Pub Crawl (3 Hours Guided Bar Hopping Tour) for $30 details
Travel cost data last updated: Aug 10, 2025
Traveling in Delhi
Textile Market, Delhi, India
Delhi is the largest city in northern India and is officially the country's capital. The city has a population of 11 million with the metropolitan population reaching over 16 million. The city is similar in landscape to the rest of its surrounding area. It is very flat with the river Yamuna flowing on the eastern side of the city. The Aravalii Hills are in the western portion of the city. The city's history dates back to the 6th century BC and it has served as a capital for various kingdoms and empires.
The climate in the area is quite extreme, making it difficult to determine the best time to visit the area. The weather can be unbearably hot between April and June. The monsoon rains hit the city between July and September so the roads can be flooded and traffic congestion impossible to navigate. It gets surprisingly cold in December and January and fog can be extreme. Most people generally agree the best time to visit the city is either between February and March or October and November when weather is at its most pleasant.
Neighborhoods & Around
Delhi is a large and sprawling city. It can be divided into the six districts: South Delhi, East Delhi, North Delhi, West Delhi, Central Delhi, and Old Delhi. Central Delhi is where you'll find Connaught Place and Khan Market. Old Delhi was the capital during the Mughal period and has the Kashmere Gate, Chandni Chowk, and Chawri Bazaar.
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We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works.
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.