Which place is cheaper, Hyderabad 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 Hyderabad?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Chennai or Hyderabad? 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 Hyderabad?
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.
Hyderabad
Hyderabad, located in Southern India, is the capital of the state of Telangana. It is a city rich with history and tradition as well as booming in the technology industry, hosting the India headquarters for both Microsoft and Google. In addition to many upscale restaurants and shops, Hyderabad is also home to important historic sites and beautiful landmarks.
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 PricesHyderabad Prices
India Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayChennai $32Hyderabad $59
The average daily cost (per person) in Chennai is $32, while the average daily cost in Hyderabad is $59. 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 Hyderabad in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personChennai $15Hyderabad $20
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomChennai $30Hyderabad $40
Compare Hotels in Chennai and Hyderabad
Looking for a hotel in Chennai or Hyderabad? 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 Hyderabad Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Chennai $2.47Hyderabad $12
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
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Hyderabad
Also for Hyderabad, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer Round Trip Downtown to Hyderabad Airport: $143
- Full Day Ramoji Film City Tour with Lunch and Transfers: $115
- Discover Guided Group Tour with Lunch & Transfers: $104
- 6-hours Golconda Fort & Qutub Shahi Tombs Tour with transfer: $97
- Hyderabad Airport (HYD) to Hyderabad Round-Trip Transfer: $83
- Private Transfer from Rajiv Gandhi (HYD) Airport to Hyderabad: $68
- Hyderabad to Hyderabad Airport (HYD) Departure Private Transfer: $42
- Airport Transfer to/from Hotel: $30
Is it cheaper to fly into Chennai or Hyderabad?
Prices for flights to both Hyderabad 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 $11Hyderabad $29
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
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Hyderabad
For Hyderabad, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Hyderabad Evening Tour with Boat Ride, Laser Show & Dinner: $99
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Chennai $2.63Hyderabad $15
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
Tours and Activities in Hyderabad
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Hyderabad.
- 2 Days - Taj Mahal Tour From Hyderabad: $442
- All Inclusive Hyderabad Full & Half Day Tour: $41
- Best of Hyderabad (Guided Halfday City Sightseeing Tour): $88
- Cult Immersions 2 - Charminar & Chowmahallah Palace Private Tour : $70
- Cult Immersions 3 - Golkonda Fort & Qutb Shahi Tombs Tour 4 hrs: $50
- Cult Immersions 5 - Enchanting Hyderabad Full Day Private Tour: $75
- Day Tour Taj Mahal From Hyderabad: $179
- Day Tour on Textile Art to Creative Bee Dye Farm, Hyderabad: $75
- Day Trip to Bidar (Guided Private Tour by Car from Hyderabad: $151
- Day Trip to Srisailam (Guided Private Tour from Hyderabad): $158
- Day Trip to Warangal (Guided Private Experience by Car from Hyderabad): $139
- Exclusive Private Full-Day Tour of Hyderabad City: $64
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayChennai $2.92Hyderabad $11
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Chennai and Hyderabad, we can see that Hyderabad 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 Hyderabad would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Hyderabad 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 Hyderabad Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Chennai or Hyderabad?
Chennai has a larger population, and is about 20% larger than the population of Hyderabad. When comparing the sizes of Chennai and Hyderabad, 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.