A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Bangalore vs. Lijiang for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Bangalore or Lijiang?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Bangalore and Lijiang can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: Bangalore or Lijiang?

Bangalore

Bangalore is the capital city of the state of Karnataka, in India. It's also India's third largest city with a population of about 8.5 million. It's considered one of the most liveable cities in the country and was historically known for its many gardens and lush green spaces. Today those areas are all but gone, having given way to the growing population and sprawling metropolises. Bangalore is also the information technology hub of the country and is sometimes referred to as India's Silicon Valley.

Lijiang

Lijiang is a city in Southwestern China with a history of rule under the Mu family during the Ming and Qing dynasties. It played a key role along the Ancient Southern Silk Road, which started from Burma, crossed Lijiang, Shangri-La County, Tibet, journeyed through Iran, the Fertile Crescent, and ultimately to the Mediterranean Sea. The area was once a center for trade, politics, culture, and education, which is still evident in the rich culture seen today. Lijiang has also been the home of centuries to the Naxi people who still inhabit the area.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Yoga Tours and Retreats in India, The Best Luxury Tours to India, The Best 2-Week Tours from Beijing, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to China.


Which place is cheaper, Lijiang or Bangalore?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

  • Bangalore Prices
    India Prices
    Lijiang Prices
    China Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Bangalore $51
    Lijiang $55

The average daily cost (per person) in Bangalore is $51, while the average daily cost in Lijiang is $55. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Bangalore and Lijiang in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Bangalore $19
    Lijiang $16
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Bangalore $38
    Lijiang $32
Compare Hotels in Bangalore and Lijiang

Looking for a hotel in Bangalore or Lijiang? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Bangalore


Hotels in Lijiang


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Bangalore $9.20
    Lijiang $5.67

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Lijiang

Also for Lijiang, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Private Transfer from Lijiang/Shuhe hotel to Dali and Stops at Shaxi Old Town: $160
  • Private Transfer from Lijiang to Shangri-La and Stops at Tiger Leaping Gorge: $159
  • Ethnic Costume Photoshoot with Hotel Transfers: $131
  • Lijiang Sanyi International Airport Chauffeur Service,Lijiang Airport Transfer: $57

Is it cheaper to fly into Bangalore or Lijiang?

Prices for flights to both Lijiang and Bangalore change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Bangalore $21
    Lijiang $30

Typical Food Prices in Lijiang

For Lijiang, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Lunch for Two
    $4.21

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Lijiang

For Lijiang, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Lijiang Naxi Cuisine Cooking Class & Market Visit: $59

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Bangalore $10
    Lijiang $20

Tours and Activities in Bangalore

For Bangalore, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • From Delhi: Sunrise Taj Mahal, Baby Taj & Agra Fort Day Tour: $5.64
  • From Delhi: Taj Mahal Sunrise, Agra Fort, and Baby Taj Tour: $24
  • Taj Mahal and Agra Private Tour with free Airport pickup: $57

Tours and Activities in Lijiang

For Lijiang, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • 1 Day Jade Dragon Snow Mountain and Baisha Village Private Tour: $245
  • 1 Day Private Tour to Shaxi Ancient Town from Lijiang or Dali: $165
  • 1 Day Tiger Teaping Gorge Private Tour from Lijiang or Shangri-La: $170
  • 1-Day Old Town Tour in Lijiang: $166
  • 1-Day Private Tour to Lijiang Highlights: $297
  • 2 Days Tiger Leaping Gorge Hiking Tour by public coach: $189
  • 3days Dali Lijiang highlights tour start from Kunming: $700
  • 4 Hour Private Lijiang City Highlights Walking Tour: $72
  • 7-Day Yunnan Culture & Nature Tour: $1,008
  • All Inclusive Private Day Tour to Shaxi Ancient Town from Lijiang: $221
  • Biking tour&guide visit Lijiang baisha village market park: $50
  • Country Biking tour to lashi lake Lamaism temple baisha village from Lijiang: $180

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Bangalore $8.61
    Lijiang $7.98


When comparing the travel costs between Bangalore and Lijiang, we can see that Lijiang is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Asia, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Bangalore Expensive? and Is Lijiang Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Bangalore or Lijiang?

Bangalore has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Lijiang. When comparing the sizes of Bangalore and Lijiang, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.