A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Chennai vs. Kanazawa for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Chennai or Kanazawa?

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

Should I visit Chennai or Kanazawa? 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 Kanazawa?

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.

Kanazawa

An important city of the Edo-period, Kanazawa is a well preserved city from a time when samurai, merchants, geisha, and lords made up the core of its culture. Though it is often overlooked by foreigners, the city is a gem of Japanese tourism with a number of preserved historic districts, temples, regional handicrafts, art museums, and some of the best food to be had in Japan.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to India, The Best Sightseeing Tours in India, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Japan, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Japan.


Which place is cheaper, Kanazawa or Chennai?

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

  • Chennai Prices
    India Prices
    Kanazawa Prices
    Japan Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Chennai $32
    Kanazawa $131

The average daily cost (per person) in Chennai is $32, while the average daily cost in Kanazawa is $131. 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 Kanazawa in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Chennai $15
    Kanazawa $66
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Chennai $30
    Kanazawa $132
Compare Hotels in Chennai and Kanazawa

Looking for a hotel in Chennai or Kanazawa? 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 Chennai


Hotels in Kanazawa


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 Kanazawa Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Chennai $2.47
    Kanazawa $9.66

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

Is it cheaper to fly into Chennai or Kanazawa?

Prices for flights to both Kanazawa 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
  • Food Meals for one day
    Chennai $11
    Kanazawa $58

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 Kanazawa

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

  • Authentic Japanese Cooking and Sushi-Making Lesson: $101
  • traditional Japanese & sushi cooking classes: $103
  • Fishing Experience with Gyotaku and Cooking: $423
  • Geisha Performance with Dinner and Drinks: $1,217

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Chennai $2.63
    Kanazawa $10

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 Kanazawa

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Kanazawa.

  • 1 Day Tour from Kanazawa Tedori Gorge White Road and Shirakawa Go: $212
  • 1-Day Shirakawago & Takayama Tour (Round Trip from Kanazawa): $219
  • Amaharashi Coast & Shokawa Cruise from Kanazawa: $211
  • Colors of City Tour with Kenrokuen and Kaga Yuzen: $68
  • Day Tour from Kanazawa OR Toyama: Snow Wall and Mysterious Valley: $265
  • Discover Kanazawa with a Local: Private & Custom Tour: $90
  • Exclusive Kannon in Temple Tour in Kanazawa: $138
  • Explore Kanazawa Half Day Private Tour with Local Guide : $103
  • Explore Kanazawa with Sushi Making Experience: $207
  • From Kanazawa/Toyama: Snow Wall & Mysterious Valley Day Tour: $243
  • From Kurobe Gorge & Unazuki Onsen Full-Day Tour: $239
  • From Tateyama Mountain Tour with Waterfall & Hike: $270

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Chennai $2.92
    Kanazawa $13

Sample the Local Flavors in Kanazawa

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Kanazawa:

  • Kanazawa Historic Brewery: Fermentation Tour, Tasting, Lunch: $81


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Chennai and Kanazawa, we can see that Kanazawa 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 Kanazawa would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Kanazawa 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 Kanazawa Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Chennai or Kanazawa?

Chennai has a larger population, and is about 9 times larger than the population of Kanazawa. When comparing the sizes of Chennai and Kanazawa, 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.

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