A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Beirut vs. Varanasi for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Beirut or Varanasi?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Beirut and Varanasi. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Where Should I go: Beirut or Varanasi?

Beirut

Some travelers are seeking the hustle, bustle and posh atmosphere that only comes from a big city. Those travelers should have Beirut, Lebanon at the top of their list. The capital city is jam packed with 2.1 million people that are constantly on the go. As the commercial and financial hub of Lebanon, this city is fast-paced, fashion conscious and always ready for a night on the town.

Varanasi

Known to be one of India's holiest cities, many come to Varanasi on a spiritual pilgrimage looking to bathe in the sacred waters of the Ganges River. Dating back to the 11th Century BC, it is also one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. Centuries old temples make up the backdrop, as many come and come again to perform their holy rights at the edge of the historic river.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Bicycle Tours in India, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in India.


Which place is cheaper, Varanasi or Beirut?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Beirut is $2.77, while the average daily cost in Varanasi is $33. 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 Beirut and Varanasi in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Beirut $1.26
    Varanasi $15
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Beirut $2.52
    Varanasi $30
Compare Hotels in Beirut and Varanasi

Looking for a hotel in Beirut or Varanasi? 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 Beirut


Hotels in Varanasi


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.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Beirut Hotel Prices and Varanasi Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Beirut $0.44
    Varanasi $4.69

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Beirut

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

  • Private Transfer from Rafic Hariri (BEY) Airport to Beirut: $50
  • Private Transfer from Beirut to Rafic Hariri (BEY) Airport: $50
  • Private Transfer from Beirut Hotels to the Beirut Airport: $10
  • Private Departure Transfer: Hotel to Beirut International Airport: $18
  • Private Departure Transfer: From your hotel in Beirut to Airport: $10
  • Private Arrival Transfer: Beirut International Airport to Hotel: $18
  • Departure Transfer:From Hotel To Beirut-Rafic Hariri International Airport (BEY): $10
  • Beirut Arrival Airport Transfer Pickup: $11
  • Beirut Airport Transfer in a Limousine: $200
  • BEY Airport to Hotel, Private Arrival Transfer: $10
  • Airport Departure Transfer From Your Beirut Hotel: $10
  • Airport Arrival Transfer to Your Beirut Hotel: $10

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Varanasi

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Varanasi:


  • Tuk Tuk Through Town
    $0.91
  • Rickshaw Ride
    $0.57

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Varanasi

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

  • Varanasi hotel to Bodhgaya hotel private transfer: $135
  • Varanasi Hotels to Varanasi Airport drop: Private Transfers: $23
  • Varanasi Airport to Varanasi Hotels drop: Private Transfers: $23
  • Varanasi Airport Transfer: $14
  • Varanasi - Arrival transfer from airport to hotel: $24
  • Private Transfer: Varanasi Airport to Varanasi Hotel: $12
  • Private Transfer from Lal Bahadur Shastri (VNS) Airport to Varanasi: $45
  • Private Departure Transfer from Varanasi Hotel to Airport: $28
  • Private Car Airport Transfer from Hotel in Delhi, Noida, Gurugram: $55
  • From Agra: One-Way Private Transfer to Varanasi: $166
  • From Agra: Budget One Way Transfer Agra to Varanasi: $160
  • Delhi Private Arrival Transfer From New Delhi Airport To Hotel In Delhi: $34

Is it cheaper to fly into Beirut or Varanasi?

Prices for flights to both Varanasi and Beirut 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
    Beirut $1.23
    Varanasi $12

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Beirut

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

  • Authentic Lebanese Virtual Cooking Class Live from Lebanon: $35
  • Motorbike Tour in Beirut with Local Street Food Dinner: $50
  • Private Lebanese Home Cooking Class in Byblos with a Local Family: $86

Typical Food Prices in Varanasi

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


  • Dinner In Town
    $3.92

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Varanasi

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

  • Tests of Best Varanasi Local Food Tour With Tourist Guide: $17
  • 3-hour street food tour: $33
  • Cooking Class with Sona: $42
  • Private Food Tour with Ganga Aarti Ceremony: $42
  • Ultimate 2 Days in Varanasi - Fully Guided Tour - Rooftop Dinner on Ganges: $121

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Beirut $0.26
    Varanasi $9.96

Tours and Activities in Beirut

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

  • 3 days tour package : Jeita grotto-Byblos-Baalbek & Beirut tour: $295
  • ATV (2 Seat) Full Day Off-Road Tour & Scenic Adventure: $150
  • Ancient Wonders: Baalbek, Anjar & Chateau Ksara Tour with Lunch: $55
  • Anjar baalback & Ksara tour: $130
  • Baalbek, Anjar and Ksara Guided Full-Day Tour from Beirut: $90
  • Baatara Gorge Waterfall, Jeita Grotto and Byblos Tour: $170
  • Beirut : Must-See Attractions Walking Tour With Guide: $74
  • Beirut : Private Custom Walking Tour With A Guide (Private tour): $37
  • Beirut City Tour with Street Food : $90
  • Beirut Downtown, Corniche and National Museum Tour: $85
  • Beirut Private Walking Tour with a Local: $35
  • Beirut Walking Tour: $170

Typical Entertainment Prices in Varanasi

Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Varanasi's activities, tours, and tickets:


  • Boat Ride
    $0.79

Tours and Activities in Varanasi

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

  • Varanasi Experience 01 Night -02 Days Tour: $85
  • 03 Day Spiritual Tour: Kashi Vishwanath,Ganga Aarti Sarnath”: $289
  • 08 Hours : Private - Full Day City Tour Of Delhi : $53
  • 08 Hours : Private Full Day City Tour of Jaipur : $90
  • 11 - Hours Agra Tour: Sunrise and Sunset of Taj Mahal from Delhi.: $100
  • 2 Day Private Bodhgaya Tour From Varanasi: $189
  • 2 Day Private Mystical Varanasi Tour: $46
  • 2 Day Varanasi Day Tour with Boating and English Speaking Guide: $300
  • 2 Days Varanasi tour package for first timers: $150
  • 3 Days Admirable Tour in Varanasi with private tour guided: $104
  • 3 Days Private Enchanting Varanasi Tour: $109
  • 3 Days Private Varanasi Tour Package: $172

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Beirut $0.23
    Varanasi $7.45

Sample the Local Flavors in Beirut

Also in Beirut, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Private Wine Tasting Day Tour from Beirut: $50
  • Uncorking Splendor: A Journey Through Private Wine Tasting Tours: $60
  • Byblos & Chateau Musar: History and Wine Tour: $65
  • Private Full-Day Wine Tasting Tour with Lunch from Beirut: $82
  • Wine Tasting and Culture : $100
  • Full-Day Private Wine Tasting Tour: $104
  • PRIVATE Wine Tour in Central Bekaa Valley: $113
  • Wine Tasting Tour: $160
  • Half-Day Private Chateau Musar and Ixsir Wine Tour from Beirut: $186


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Beirut and Varanasi, we can see that Varanasi is more expensive. And not only is Beirut much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Beirut is in Middle East and Varanasi is in Asia, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Beirut would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Beirut and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Varanasi would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Varanasi than you might in Beirut.

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


Which is Bigger, Beirut or Varanasi?

Beirut has a larger population, and is about 65% larger than the population of Varanasi. When comparing the sizes of Beirut and Varanasi, 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.