Which place is cheaper, Kerala 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 Kerala?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Chennai or Kerala? 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 Kerala?
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.
Kerala
Palm trees, sandy beaches, and vibrant culture. You'll find all of these things in Kerala, India. Located in the south of the country, Kerala is known as one of the top ten paradises in the world.
This area is covered in a beautiful, natural ecosystem including backwaters, mountains, coconuts and spices. The heavy, yearlong rains provide lush and gorgeous vegetation, and earn the area a spot on the list of the wettest spots on earth.
Kerala is very different from the rest of India. For one, this area is the most literate and diverse area in in the country with churches, mosques, Hindu temples and even synagogues. This states' education and healthcare are far beyond the rest of the country- putting them on par with many Western areas of the world. However, even though this area is incredibly diverse and progressive, do not expect everyone to speak or understand English.
The best part is that this area is by far the safest in all of India. There is almost no incidence of tourists being cheated or taken for granted.
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 PricesKerala Prices
India Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayChennai $32Kerala $32
The average daily cost (per person) in Chennai is $32, while the average daily cost in Kerala is $32. 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 Kerala in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personChennai $15Kerala $12
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomChennai $30Kerala $24
Compare Hotels in Chennai and Kerala
Looking for a hotel in Chennai or Kerala? 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.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Chennai $2.47Kerala $4.72
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Chennai
Also for Chennai, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Affordable Chennai Airport Transfer: $24
- Bangalore - private departure transfer from Hotel to Airport : $35
- Chennai - Private Arrival Transfer - From Airport to Hotel: $20
- Chennai - Private Departure Transfer from Hotel to Airport : $19
- Chennai Airport (MAA) Private Transfer to Chennai City/Hotels: $22
- Chennai Airport to Hotel Transfer: $13
- Chennai International Airport to Hotel-Private Arrival transfer: $30
- 12-Day Guided Tour to Kochi with Transfers: $1,167
- Departure Transfer from Chennai Hotels to Chennai airport: $20
- Departure transfer: Chennai hotels to Chennai International Airport: $19
- Full Day Tour to Kanchipuram and UNESCO's Mahabalipuram with Private Transfer: $234
- Private Arrival Transfer: Chennai Airport (MAA) to Pondicherry Hotels: $108
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kerala
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Kerala:
- Private 4-Day Tour in Kerala with Houseboat and Airport Transfers: $193
- Private Transfer from Trivandrum to Alleppey: Travel Guide: $191
- Private Transfer from Cochin to Isha Foundation Coimbatore: $170
- Kovalam to Alleppey Private Transfer: $130
- Private Transfer from Cochin to Munnar Hotel: Hassle-Free Ride: $118
- Private Transfer from Kovalam to Alleppey: Hassle-Free Journey: $108
- Private Transfer: Cochin Airport (COK) to Munnar: $105
- Private Transfer from Cochin to Marari: Relaxed & Convenient Ride: $83
- Cochin to Vagamon Transfer: $80
- Private Transfer from Cochin to Alleppey or Kumarakom Hotel: $79
- Airport to Hotel Transfers Kochi: $68
- Private Transfer from Cochin to Cherai: Hassle-Free Travel: $48
Is it cheaper to fly into Chennai or Kerala?
Prices for flights to both Kerala 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 $11Kerala $14
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 Kerala
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Kerala.
- Enjoy the best Food tour in kochi with a local !: $19
- Private candle light dinner: $21
- Kerala Traditional Village Cooking Class in Munnar: $21
- WE COOKS- Home Cooking Class in Munnar: $23
- Biryani Cooking class with Chef firoz: $23
- Biryani - Cooking Class in Fort Kochi: $23
- Hands-on Authentic Keralite Cooking Class - Learn, Cook, Eat & Enjoy!: $35
- Cooking classes @ Aryavilla heritage, Varkala: $37
- Traditional Kerala Cooking Class in a Local Home in Kochi: $76
- Private Authentic Kerala Cooking Class in a Local Home: $79
- Tour of Kochi with Lunch: Kathakali and Dinner With Evening Tour.: $110
- Kathakali Classical Dance Performance with Dinner: $124
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Chennai $2.63Kerala $9.25
Tours and Activities in Chennai
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Chennai.
- Agra: Taj Mahal Skip-the-Line & Guided Private 3 Hours Tour: $4.51
- Taj Mahal & Agra Fort Tour from Delhi by Car – Fast Entry: $4.51
- Private Night Walking Tour Chennai: $12
- Walk and Explore Chennai City: Guided Tour by Foot: $13
- Explore Chennai City in Nightlights: Guided Tour by Foot: $13
- Spiritual Stories of Guided Tour through Holy Sites: $13
- Exploring Chennai Bustling Markets: Guided Tour by Foot: $13
- Chennai Heritage & Cultural Walk (2 Hours Guided Walking Tour): $14
- Chennai Walking Tour ( 2 hours guided tour): $14
- Night Walking Tour of Chennai: $18
- Magical Markets Guided Walking Tour: $19
- Chennai Walk of Divinity (2 Hours Guided Walking Tour): $19
Tours and Activities in Kerala
Here are a few actual costs in Kerala for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Exclusive Kochi Tuk Tuk Tour Including Pickup from Cruise Ships: $14
- Half Day Hiking in Munnar Trekking Tour: $14
- Munnar Tea Trail Tour , Tea factory visit & Tea Tasting: $17
- Sunrise Tour in Top Station, Munnar ( By Munnar Info): $62
- Wild Elephant Anakulam & Waterfalls Tour(munnar valley Trekking): $58
- "Day Trip to Varkala from Trivandrum (Guided Full Day City Tour)": $139
- 05 Days Kerala Tour: $28
- 1 Day Activity Adventure Trekking Kerala: $111
- 12 Hours Private Munnar Tour from Kochi: $127
- 2 Days in Cochin (Kochi) Private Tour: $250
- 2 Nights Misty Munnar Sightseeing (Private Tour with Car) - Iris Holidays: $119
- 2 Nights, 3 Days Kerala Backwaters & Beaches Tour: $310
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayChennai $2.92Kerala $4.89
When comparing the travel costs between Chennai and Kerala, we can see that Chennai 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 Chennai Expensive? and Is Kerala Expensive?.
Which has a larger population, Chennai or Kerala?
Kerala has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Chennai. When comparing the sizes of Chennai and Kerala, 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.