Travel Costs in India
All figures are approximate estimates in USD for comparison.
- Budget / day
- $25
- Mid-range / day
- $75
- Luxury / day
- $300
- Budget meal
- $2
- Coffee
- $2
- Local transport
- $0.5
- Budget hotel
- $10
- Mid-range hotel
- $45
Overview
India remains one of the most affordable destinations in the world for international travelers, with food, local transport, and budget accommodation costing a fraction of Western prices. Mid-range and luxury costs vary significantly by city, with Mumbai, Delhi, and Bengaluru being noticeably more expensive than smaller towns and rural areas. The biggest cost drivers for travelers are international flights, upscale hotels, and alcohol, which is heavily taxed in many states.
Notes
Use app-based ride services like Ola or Uber instead of negotiating with auto-rickshaws, and opt for AC sleeper trains on overnight routes to save on both accommodation and transport simultaneously.