Which place is cheaper, Agra or Chennai?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Chennai or Agra?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Chennai or Agra? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.
Where Should I go: Chennai or Agra?
Chennai
Formerly known as Madras from its colonial history, Chennai today is one of India's largest cities and capital of the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. It is located on the Bay of Bengal in southeastern India with an extensive stretch of sandy beaches, plenty of dining and shopping, a number of historic temples, monuments, and churches, plus amusement parks and more.
Agra
In the north of India, in the state of Uttar Pradesh is the city of Agra. This land is home to great tales of emperors and majestic temples. It is the home to a magnificent past and the greatest symbol of love known to man, the Taj Mahal.
While this incredible structure is the main draw to this area, there is much more to see. Once the capital of the Mughal Empire, Agra can claim three different UNESCO World Heritage sites - the Taj Mahal, the Agra Fort and the abandoned city of Fatehpur Sikiri.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to India, The Best Sightseeing Tours in India, The Best Cultural Tours in India, and The Best Food and Culinary Tours in India.
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Chennai Prices
India PricesAgra Prices
India Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayChennai $32Agra $53
The average daily cost (per person) in Chennai is $32, while the average daily cost in Agra is $53. 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 Chennai and Agra in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personChennai $15Agra $15
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomChennai $30Agra $30
Compare Hotels in Chennai and Agra
Looking for a hotel in Chennai or Agra? 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.
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: Chennai Hotel Prices and Agra Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Chennai $2.47Agra $9.80
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Chennai
Also for Chennai, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- 12-Day Guided Tour to Kochi with Transfers: $1,167
- Full Day Tour to Kanchipuram and UNESCO's Mahabalipuram with Private Transfer: $234
- Private Transfer from Chennai to Vellore: Comfortable Travel: $156
- Private Transfer from Chennai to Thiruvannamalai: Ultimate Guide: $130
- Private Transfer from Chennai to Pondicherry: Comfortable Travel: $130
- Private Arrival Transfer: Chennai Airport (MAA) to Pondicherry Hotels: $108
- Private Transfer from Chennai City to Chennai (MAA) Airport: $41
- Bangalore - private departure transfer from Hotel to Airport : $35
- Private Transfer from Chennai City Hotel to Chennai Airport: $30
- Chennai International Airport to Hotel-Private Arrival transfer: $30
- Private Departure Transfer: Hotel to Chennai International Airport: $27
- Affordable Chennai Airport Transfer: $24
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Agra
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Agra:
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Tuk Tuk Ride$0.57
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Agra
Also for Agra, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private transfer Agra to Varnashi: $246
- Private transfer Agra to Varnashi: $230
- Munnar: Hill Station Tour with Guide and Transfers: $225
- One-Way Transfers Agra to Delhi with Bird Park & fatehpur visits: $208
- Budget Transfer by Car from Agra to Varanasi Hotel: $200
- From Private Kannauj Perfume Tour w/Transfers & Lunch: $197
- Transfer from Delhi to Jaipur with Tajmahal sight seeing: $187
- Private Transfer- Agra city to Delhi via Mathura: $169
- Private transfer from Agra to Varanasi by Car: $161
- Private One Way Transfer From Agra To Udaipur: $150
- Agra to Delhi airport transfer by air-conditioned car: $130
- Private Transfer Agra to Varanasi by Car: $130
Is it cheaper to fly into Chennai or Agra?
Prices for flights to both Agra and Chennai 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
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Food Meals for one dayChennai $11Agra $26
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Chennai
For Chennai, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Ayurvedic or South Indian Cooking Class in Chennai with an Author: $30
- South Indian Cooking Class in Chennai with a Passionate Baker: $48
- South Indian Vegetarian Cooking Class in Chennai with Meena: $54
- South Indian Vegetarian Cooking Class Near the Chennai airport: $62
- Private Authentic Indian Cooking Class in Chennai with a Local: $76
- Traditional Indian Art, Craft and Cooking Tour: $76
- Traditional Cooking Class in Chennai in a Local Home with Sundari: $78
- Private tour to learn Traditional Indian Art, craft & Cooking: $80
- Private Chennai Market Tour and Cooking Class with a Fun Local: $89
- Authentic South Indian Cooking Class and Vegetarian Meal with a Local in Chennai: $122
- Private Market Tour and South Indian Cooking Class in Chennai: $152
- Food Trail In Sowcarpet With Transport And Dinner - Chennai: $200
Typical Food Prices in Agra
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Agra:
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Breakfast for Two$2.04
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Agra
For Agra, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Cooking class with taj: $5.64
- Old Agra Market & Street Food Tour by Tuk-Tuk: $15
- Street Food Tour with Spice Market on Tuk-Tuk Ride: $18
- Agra Cooking Classes (Pick up and Drop available): $18
- Local Food Tour with Cooking Class in Home Agra: $20
- Dine In Indian, home cooked food Agra Food tour My Magic Kitchen: $21
- Indian Food Private Cooking Class: $21
- Old City & Street Food Tour in Car, Tuk Tuk or Bike: $21
- AI Cooking Class and Much More in a Local Family Home: $27
- Jaisalmer: Thar Desert Camel Safari with Dinner: $28
- Cooking Workshop and Vegetarian Dinner in Agra with Family: $28
- Private Indian Cooking Demonstration and In-Home Meal Minutes from the Taj Mahal: $33
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Chennai $2.63Agra $19
Tours and Activities in Chennai
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Chennai.
- British Buildings & the Story of Chennai walking tour with guide: $90
- Chennai to Temple Trail: Srikalahasti & Sri Venkateswara Tour: $103
- Sowcarpet Street Food Walking Tour in Chennai with guide: $45
- 2 Day Royal Enfield Motorcycle tour from Chennai to Pondicherry & Mahabalipuram: $267
- 7-Day Spiritual Tamil Nadu Private Tour from Chennai: $586
- A Private Day tour from Chennai to Gingee & Thiruvannamalai: $96
- Agra Taj Tour from Chennai: $292
- Agra: Taj Mahal Skip-the-Line & Guided Private 3 Hours Tour: $4.51
- Auroville and Pondicherry Tour from Chennai: $134
- Best Of Chennai- Classic Tour on Royal Enfield Motorcycle: $160
- Big Fat Indian Wedding, shopping & bazaar walking tour in Chennai: $60
- Birds & Beyond: Chennai to Pulicat Bird Sanctuary Day Tour: $135
Typical Entertainment Prices in Agra
For Agra, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
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Entry to the Red Fort for Two$6.81
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Taj Mahal for Two$17
Tours and Activities in Agra
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Agra.
- Private 6 Hours: Agra Temples and Spiritual Sites Tour: $38
- Private Agra Tour to TajMahal from Delhi by Car: $27
- Skip-the-Line Private Tour to Taj Mahal and Agra Fort: $5.78
- Taj Mahal Skip the Line Guided Tour with Optional Add ons: $5.78
- Taj Mahal Sunrise & Agra Fort Private Tour with Add-ons: $20
- "Skip-the-Line Taj Mahal Tour With Guide": $15
- "Taj Mahal Sunrise Tour From Delhi": $105
- 05-Hours Taj Mahal & Agra Day Tour by TUK TUK: $5.00
- 1 Day Agra and 1 Day Jaipur Private Tour from Agra: $202
- 1 Day Private Tour of Agra - Taj Mahal & More: $35
- 11 Hour Taj Mahal Sunrise and Sunset Day Tour: $20
- 2 Days Jaipur City Tour from Agra: $85
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayChennai $2.92Agra $9.14
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Chennai and Agra, we can see that Agra is more expensive. And not only is Chennai much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Chennai would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Chennai 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 Agra would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Agra than you might in Chennai.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Chennai Expensive? and Is Agra Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Chennai or Agra?
Chennai has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Agra. When comparing the sizes of Chennai and Agra, 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.
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.