Is Kolkata (Calcutta) Expensive?

Is Kolkata (Calcutta) expensive to visit?

While Kolkata (Calcutta) is a popular destination, it is also very affordable and not expensive to visit. The average daily cost is just $37. This is actually one of the main reasons why it's so popular with tourists. When compared to other cities in Asia, many travelers find it to be a reasonably affordable destination. It's in the top 25% of destinations in Asia for its affordability, and our cost analysis found it to be comparable to Koh Tao and Leh.

Kolkata, India

How expensive is Kolkata (Calcutta)?

On average, visitors spend about $37 per day when visiting Kolkata (Calcutta) (U.S. Dollars). Two travelers together would spend an average of $74 per day. Prices vary dramatically by travel style and length of trip, but if you stay at moderately priced hotels, eat at affordable restaurants, and use public transportation when possible, you can expect to stay close to this budget. See more travel costs for Kolkata (Calcutta) here.

How expensive is a weekend trip (three days) to Kolkata (Calcutta)?

A weekend trip to Kolkata (Calcutta) costs about $112 per person on average, based on the previous expenses of other travelers. This includes accommodation, sightseeting activities, transportation, food, and nightlife. For two people, a weekend trip costs $223.

How expensive is a one week (7-day) trip to Kolkata (Calcutta)?

Based on the travel expenses of others, a one week trip to Kolkata (Calcutta) costs around $260 on average, per person. This includes food, sightseeing, local transportation, accommodation, and nightlife. For two people, a one week trip costs $521.

Is it expensive to backpack in Kolkata (Calcutta)?

Kolkata (Calcutta) is often overlooked by backpackers, as there is a very limited selection of hostels. Because there aren't any hostels and few other amenities that cater to backpackers, prices might be higher than you'd expect. This is particularly true for solo travelers who many have to pay the full cost for a hotel room. To save money, look for budget hotels in convenient locations.

Are hotels expensive in Kolkata (Calcutta)?

Considering our analysis of hotel prices in Kolkata (Calcutta), it becomes apparent that they are somewhat more affordable in comparison to hotels in other cities. On average, you can expect to spend around $34 per night for a hotel room. The city is home to approximately 10 five-star hotels, presenting an average rate of $65 per night. For a balanced choice catering to both comfort and cost-effectiveness, three-star hotels provide an average rate of $45 per night, while two-star hotels offer an even more budget-friendly alternative at $22 per night.

How expensive are sightseeing activities in Kolkata (Calcutta)?

Activities and things to do in Kolkata (Calcutta) can vary in price depending on the type of activity, length, and location. Below are a number of popular activities to give you an idea of what to expect when visiting. Generally, previous travelers have spent $15 per day on sightseeing activities and things to do when visiting, which is more than the country's average of $10.

• Magic Hour Tour: $37
• Kolkata's Flower Market - Hooghly's Flower Fest Tour: $37
• Experience Kolkata in 2 Days like never before - Private Tour: $147
• Kolkata tour in private car with guide & lunch for immersive cultural experience: $105
• 02 Days Guided Private Tour of Kolkata : $225
• Full Day Pilgrimage Tour of Ganga Sagar from Kolkata: $100
• Private : Full Day Sightseeing Tour of Kolkata: $213
• Heritage and Culture of Kolkata Private Tour: $65

Is food expensive in Kolkata (Calcutta)?

Food in Kolkata (Calcutta) can vary in price depending on the restaurant and food options available. Generally, other travelers have spent $14 on food per person per day, which is more than the country's average of $10. To save money, eat at less expensive restaurants, try street food, or cook your own meals when possible.

• Alleyway Food Tour: $42
• Bengali Nights Kolkata Food Tour with 13+ Tastings: $35
• Dinner Cruise on Ganges Kolkata 3Hrs: $59

Is transportation expensive in Kolkata (Calcutta)?

The prices of local transportation in Kolkata (Calcutta) can vary by the type of transit used. Other travelers have spent an average of $5 on local transportation per person per day, which is less than the country's average of $7. To save money, take public transit whenever possible, as it will almost always be cheaper than a taxi or private driver.

More for Kolkata (Calcutta)

If you're planning a trip to Kolkata (Calcutta), India, check out these other informative travel guides.

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.