Kolkata (Calcutta) 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 Kolkata (Calcutta)?
You should plan to spend around $47 (₨3,977) per day on your vacation in Kolkata (Calcutta). This is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors.
Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:
- $24 (₨2,054) on meals
- $5.06 (₨427) on local transportation
- $33 (₨2,786) on hotels
A one week trip to Kolkata (Calcutta) for two people costs, on average, $660 (₨55,678). 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
$330
₨27,839
-
2 Weeks
Per person
$660
₨55,678
-
One Month
Per person
$1,414
₨119,310
-
One Week
For a couple
$660
₨55,678
-
2 Weeks
For a couple
$1,320
₨111,356
-
One Month
For a couple
$2,828
₨238,620
How much does a one week, two week, or one month trip to Kolkata (Calcutta) cost?
A one week trip to Kolkata (Calcutta) usually costs around $330 (₨27,839) for one person and $660 (₨55,678) for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
A two week trip to Kolkata (Calcutta) on average costs around $660 (₨55,678) for one person and $1,320 (₨111,356) 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 Kolkata (Calcutta) will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.
A one month trip to Kolkata (Calcutta) on average costs around $1,414 (₨119,310) for one person and $2,828 (₨238,620) for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.
Is Kolkata (Calcutta) expensive to visit?
Kolkata (Calcutta) is a charming destination that draws in visitors with an array of travel preferences, spending habits, and budgetary choices. Visitors can find a range of options for accommodation from high-end luxury hotels to mid-range places to budget-friendly hostels.
You can find Kolkata (Calcutta) to be very expensive if you're not careful, but methods like looking for discounts and coupons can help you save money.
On average, budget travelers spend $21 (₨1,727) per day, mid-range travelers spend $47 (₨3,977) per day, and luxury travelers spend around $93 (₨7,820) per day. These costs are calculated from the expenses of previous travelers to Kolkata (Calcutta).
Within Asia, Kolkata (Calcutta) 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 Kolkata (Calcutta) Expensive?
How much money do I need for a trip to Kolkata (Calcutta)?
The average Kolkata (Calcutta) trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Kolkata (Calcutta) travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Kolkata (Calcutta) cost?
Kolkata (Calcutta) on a Budget
|
Category
|
Budget
|
Mid-Range
|
Luxury
|
Accommodation 1
For 1 person in double occupancy
|
$7
(₨609)
|
$17
(₨1,393)
|
$32
(₨2,667)
|
|
Local Transportation 1
|
$2
(₨185)
|
$5
(₨427)
|
$10
(₨851)
|
|
Food 2
|
$10
(₨885)
|
$24
(₨2,054)
|
$49
(₨4,126)
|
|
Entertainment 1
|
$6
(₨547)
|
$15
(₨1,250)
|
$28
(₨2,389)
|
|
Alcohol 2
|
$2-5
(₨152-457)
|
$4-12
(₨346-1,037)
|
$8-23
(₨646-1,939)
|
Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget
When planning your trip to Kolkata (Calcutta), 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.
Who are Budget Travelers?
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 $21 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.
Could You Be an Average Traveler?
As a couple or family looking for fun, you're likely to choose a mid-range hotel, dine at popular restaurants, and explore the major museums and attractions with entry fees. It's a common desire for visitors to Kolkata (Calcutta) to experience the major attractions, museums, sights, and landmarks. After all, most activities do cost money. Therefore, it's sensible to expect your daily budget to be approximately $47 per person, per day.
Dreaming of a Stylish Getaway?
For those wanting a high-end experience complete with every luxury and high-quality service, expect to spend about $93 each day. To enjoy nicer accommodations, award-winning dining, extravagant adventures, and convenient transport like taxis or private chauffeurs in the destination, prepare for a pricier experience. Also, higher-end tours are common with luxury travelers, such as Private Half-Day Kolkata Tour - offered by Viator.
Accommodation Budget in Kolkata (Calcutta)
The price of hotels in Kolkata (Calcutta) can be quite surprising. Higher-end hotels offer more luxury and amenities, but with much higher price tags, especially during peak season. Off-season averages are around $34, while peak season averages can reach $63. Prices range from $18 to $112, but hostels are usually cheaper. Traveling during the low season and booking early are good ways to save money.
Calculated from travelers like you
The average price paid in Kolkata (Calcutta) for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $33 (₨2,786). For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $17 (₨1,393) per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.
Looking for a hotel in Kolkata (Calcutta)? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.
The most affordable highest rated hotels in Kolkata (Calcutta) include:
- De Sovrani starting at $40
- Indismart Hotel starting at $42
- Hotel 233 Park Street starting at $32
- Tiger Inn starting at $19
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 Kolkata (Calcutta)
In Kolkata (Calcutta), the public transit system is not very good.
Calculated from travelers like you
-
On average, past travelers have spent $5.06 (₨427) per person, per day, on local transportation in Kolkata (Calcutta). The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Kolkata (Calcutta) is significantly more than public transportation.
-
Transportation1
Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
$5.06
₨427
Some of the standard hotel transfers and transport options include:
- Build Your Own: custom private tour of Kolkata with transfers for $69 details
- Private Transfer Kolkata Airport CCU To Kolkata Hotels Drop for $18 details
- The Second City of Empire: A Kolkata Heritage Walking Tour with Private Transfer for $134 details
How much does it cost to go to Kolkata (Calcutta)? 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 Kolkata (Calcutta) 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.
Food Budget in Kolkata (Calcutta)
Food is a major reason many people explore new destinations, so don't skip the chance to try local delicacies.
Calculated from travelers like you
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While restaurant and meal prices in Kolkata (Calcutta) can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Kolkata (Calcutta) is $24 (₨2,054) per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.
-
Food2
Meals for one day
$24
₨2,054
When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Kolkata (Calcutta) is around $24 (₨2054) per person, with previous travelers spending from $11 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 Kolkata (Calcutta) are as follows:
- Breakfast: $2 to $7
- Lunch: $4 to $10
- Dinner: $7 to $17
- Coffee: $2
- Fast Food or Street Food: $4
While the cuisine of Kolkata is as diverse as its population, native dishes of the area are a result of Bengali cooking. Traditionally, Bengali meals are composed of multiple courses which consist of a starter (small portion made from bitter vegetables or herbs), shak (leafy vegetables), dal (more substantial dish, usually with potatoes or rice), main course (fish), additional main course (meat), chutney (usually tangy and sweet, made from items like tomatoes, mangos, pineapple, tamarind, papaya, etc.), and dessert (usually doi, a kind of yogurt). Mughali Paratha (a kind of flatbread stuffed with minced meat) is a Kolkata specialty, as are snack foods like 'chops,' a sort of deep fried ball stuffed with beets and vegetables. Bengali sweets like rasagolla (cheese balls dipped in sugary syrup) and mishti doi (sweetened yogurt) are also renowned. Throughout the city there are plenty of restaurants serving Indian cuisine as well as vendors selling tasty street food. Kolkata is also home to Indian Chinese food, in addition to many great options for Thai, Indonesian, and Japanese flavors.
Countless hotels provide breakfast as part of your stay, but some will add it as an additional fee. The price and quality can change based on the hotel. Being informed ahead of time can aid in deciding whether to budget extra funds. You might enjoy the delightful buffet offered at the hotel, or perhaps a more economical option would be a nearby bakery or cafe.
Choose to carry a water bottle instead of buying drinks all day. It's a good choice for the environment.
When planning your tour, don't forget to check what meals are included. You might have to pay for some of your own food, which could add to your expenses.
Taking a food tour or cooking class is a great way to experience the culture in Kolkata (Calcutta). After all, cuisine is one of the reasons why so many people visit. A few of the best culinary activities here include:
- Alleyway Food Tour for $55 details
- Bengali Nights Kolkata Food Tour with 13+ Tastings for $35 details
- Dinner Cruise on Ganges Kolkata 3Hrs for $61 details
Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Kolkata (Calcutta)
Calculated from travelers like you
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Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Kolkata (Calcutta) typically cost an average of $15 (₨1,250) 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.
$15
₨1,250
As far as sights go, the city of Kolkata is a mix of colonial roots with local heritage. Some odes to the British colony include the impressive Fort William citadel built in 1773 and the imposing Victoria Memorial fashioned in white marble, which houses a collection of artifacts related to the British Raj and other periods of Indian history. For more insight into the city's past, visit the Indian Museum to see galleries devoted to showcasing a collection of archaeology and art as well as items under the fields of geology, zoology, and botany.
Speaking to local heritage are the temples situated in Kolkata. One such place is the Dakshineswar Kali Temple, dedicated to the Hindu goddess of destruction, Kali. There are also twelve smaller temples in the courtyard dedicated to Shiva, Radha, and Krishna. Though fairly recent in construction, the Birla Temple is also an impressive sight to admire.
Other attractions include the Eden Gardens (located in the Maidan District), South Park Street Cemetery (first opened in 1767), St Paul's Cathedral (constructed between 1839 and 1847), and Mother House (headquarters of the Missionaries of Charity, founded by Mother Teresa, whose tomb is on site).
In addition to exploring the sights above, there are plenty of sightseeing tours available for those seeking a more guided experience. Other activities include scoping the city out on foot, taking a boat cruise on the Hooghly River, going to the cinema, or enjoying a festival, amongst other things. Shopping, too, is common with a number of popular malls and markets throughout the city. Chowringee is the main marketplace of Kolkata, and a favorite with locals. Others include Maidan Market for cheap sports items, Chandni Market for all small electronical gadgets and parts, and New Market for all kinds of clothing, toys, and collectibles.
Local tours that last a few hours can be a great way to explore Kolkata (Calcutta). 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:
- Magic Hour Tour for $55 details
- Kolkata's Flower Market - Hooghly's Flower Fest Tour for $36 details
- Experience Kolkata in 2 Days like never before - Private Tour for $170 details
Nightlife Budget in Kolkata (Calcutta)
Calculated from travelers like you
-
The average person spends about $8.19 (₨691) on nightlife and alcoholic beverages in Kolkata (Calcutta) per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.
-
Alcohol2
Drinks for one day
$8.19
₨691
Sure, nightlife is part of the adventure, but cutting down on cocktails can make a surprising difference in your travel budget.
Traveling in Kolkata (Calcutta)
Kolkata, India
Formerly known as Calcutta, Kolkata is the capital of West Bengal, India. Featuring colonial architecture, galleries, temples, and festivals, the city has flourished from its roots as an East India Company trading post in the 18th Century to a thriving metropolis. Today Kolkata is a diverse center of culture and bustling activity.
Neighborhoods & Around
Some of the more frequented districts of Kolkata include South Kolkata, the Colonial District, Maidan, North Kolkata, East Kolkata, as well as Howrah and Hooghly. South Kolkata is mostly residential with classier neighborhoods and many of the city's big malls like South City, Quest, Acropolis, and Forum. The Colonial District is where all the heritage buildings of that era remain, including structures like Raj Bhavan (Governor's House), Bidhan Sabha (State Assembly Building), Kolkata Municipal Corporation Building, and St John's Church(oldest in Kolkata). This area is also a hub for rickshaws, street food vendors, and shops. Maidan, at the heart of the city, consists mainly of lush open parkland, home to gardens, monuments, and other historic structures. Park Street is the major attraction here which hosts a number of upmarket lounges, restaurants, bars, shops, and colonial buildings. North Kolkata makes up the older part of the city with narrow lanes and century-old architecture, while East Kolkata encompasses a developed area of malls, hotels, theme parks, and housing estates. Howrah and the urban part of Hooghly, though technically separate from Kolkata, are also examples of city life thriving with history and culture.
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.