A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Delhi vs. Seoul for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Delhi or Seoul?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Delhi or Seoul, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Where Should I go: Delhi or Seoul?

Delhi

Delhi is the largest city in northern India and is officially the country's capital. The city has a population of 11 million with the metropolitan population reaching over 16 million. The city is similar in landscape to the rest of its surrounding area. It is very flat with the river Yamuna flowing on the eastern side of the city. The Aravalii Hills are in the western portion of the city. The city's history dates back to the 6th century BC and it has served as a capital for various kingdoms and empires.

Seoul

With a population of more than 11 million, Seoul is easily the largest city in South Korea. It is also the financial, political, and cultural capital of the country and has much to offer open minded travelers. It is often overlooked by travelers who instead head to Tokyo or Shanghai, but Seoul has a wide range of cultural experiences, food options, and historical sights. Seoul is a city of contrasts with ancient traditions, flashy technology, religious temples and a modern youth culture. It is also more affordable than many of the other Asian metropolis' to which it is often compared. If you're looking for an interesting and different experience that is a little off the tourist trail, Seoul can definitely offer that opportunity.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to India, The Best Budget Tours to India, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to South Korea, and The Best Adventure Tours to South Korea.


Which place is cheaper, Seoul or Delhi?

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 Delhi is $53, while the average daily cost in Seoul is $128. 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 Delhi and Seoul in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Delhi $22
    Seoul $54
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Delhi $44
    Seoul $108
Compare Hotels in Delhi and Seoul

Looking for a hotel in Delhi or Seoul? 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 Delhi


Hotels in Seoul


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: Delhi Hotel Prices and Seoul Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Delhi $4.64
    Seoul $15
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Delhi

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Delhi:


  • Tuk Tuk Ride
    $0.11
  • Taxi to Airport
    $1.82
  • Subway
    $0.36
  • Uber Cab
    $0.91
  • Delhi Metro Smart Card
    $1.70
  • Auto-rickshaw
    $1.14

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Delhi

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Delhi:

  • From Taj Mahal & and Agra Private Day Tour With Transfers: $5.00
  • One Way Transfer From New Delhi To Agra Stress Free: $7.00
  • From Taj Mahal & Agra Private Day Trip with Transfers: $9.24
  • From Delhi : Sunrise Taj Mahal and Agra Fort with Jaipur Transfer: $11
  • From Taj Mahal & Agra Private Day Trip with Transfers: $15
  • Delhi, Jaipur or Agra: Private One-Way Transfer: $15
  • Delhi - Private arrival transfer from Airport to Hotel: $15
  • Delhi Private Airport Transfer: $15
  • New Delhi Airport to Hotel Transfer Private Shuttle Sedan & SUV: $16
  • Delhi Airport: Private Transfer to / From New Delhi: $16
  • Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer service in Delhi HTL-APT (DEL): $16
  • Private New Delhi Arrival Transfer Airport to Hotel/Accommodation: $17

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Seoul

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Seoul:


  • Subway Card
    $3.58
  • Short Taxi Ride
    $5.01
  • Metro Ride
    $0.97
  • Seoul City Pass Plus
    $7.16

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Seoul

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Seoul:

  • From Round-Trip Transfer to Dae Jang Geum Park: $50
  • Incheon Airport (ICN) Transfer to Seoul/Suwon/Seongnam/Yongin: $68
  • Incheon Airport transfer directly to Seoul city: $113
  • Incheon International Airport (ICN): Private Seoul Transfer: $95
  • Premium Seoul Airport Transfer: Affordable & Convenience: $105
  • Private Airport Transfer * Incheon Airport <-> Seoul (1-5 people): $99
  • Private Airport Transfer - Incheon Airport ⇔ Seoul (Up to 7 or 11 people): $130
  • Private Airport Transfer : Gimpo airport to/from Seoul (1~7pax): $89
  • Private Airport Transfer : Incheon to/from Seoul (up to 7 pax): $98
  • Private Airport Transfer From Incheon Airport To Seoul(up to 12): $190
  • Private Airport Transfer Gimpo Intl Airport (GMP) to Seoul City: $83
  • Private Airport Transfer: Gimpo Airport to Seoul City (1-12 pax): $167

Is it cheaper to fly into Delhi or Seoul?

Prices for flights to both Seoul and Delhi 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
    Delhi $20
    Seoul $51
Typical Food Prices in Delhi

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Delhi:


  • McDonalds
    $3.33

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Delhi

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Delhi.

  • Old Delhi Food Tour Safari - The Capital of Flavors: $8.22
  • Old Delhi Food Tour Extravaganza!: $28
  • IWT eating/walking tour&certified cooking workshop: $34
  • Traditional Indian Cooking Class with Family Experience: $39
  • Evening Food Tour: $40
  • Discover Old 4-Hour Evening Walking Tour includes Guide & Dinner: $40
  • The Great Indian Food Tour: Old Delhi Food and Heritage Walk: $43
  • Chandni Chowk Old Delhi Food Tour with Spice Market: $45
  • Indian Cooking Class in Authentic Indian Home - (Learn 6 Things): $46
  • Private Half-Day Old Delhi Traditional Food Tour : $46
  • Half Day Private Old Delhi Heritage Walking Street Food Tour : $50
  • Half Day Private Old Delhi Street Food Tour With Hotel Transfer : $50

Typical Food Prices in Seoul

Some typical examples of dining costs in Seoul are as follows:


  • Rice with Kimchi & Bacon
    $4.30
  • Waffle
    $0.72
  • Dippin' Dots
    $1.43
  • Chicken Fried Rice
    $3.94
  • Chicken Stick
    $1.43
  • Drinking Yoghurt & Mi Chew
    $1.36
  • Lunch Buffet
    $4.30
  • Donut
    $0.72
  • Mushroom Burger
    $3.72
  • Green Tea Ice Cream
    $2.36
  • Udon & Sushi
    $5.01
  • Fresh Burger
    $3.44
  • Soba Noodles Lunch
    $3.22
  • Bibimbap Lunch
    $3.58
  • Fried Rice
    $3.94
  • Vietnamese Dinner
    $6.80
  • Breakfast and Coffee for 2
    $6.80
  • Donut
    $1.79

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Seoul

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Seoul.

  • Guided Street Food Tour at Namdaemun Market: $45
  • Seoul Night Run for Local-Favorite Korean BBQ Dinner: $50
  • [Wine & K-BBQ] A Perfect Pairing Dinner in Sinchon: $51
  • Wine & K-BBQ: A Perfect Pairing Dinner: $53
  • Mangwon Market Food tour By Locals; Cheap Eats to Fancy Feast: $53
  • Mangwon Market Food tour By Locals;Cheap Eats to Fancy Feast: $57
  • Kimchi Dishes Cooking Class with Wine Pairing: $61
  • Gwangjang Market Netflix Food Tour: $64
  • Namdaemun Market Food Tour: $65
  • Seoul by Night: Palaces, Market & Street Food Tour (Vegan Option): $65
  • Guided City Wall Sunset Hike with Korean Dinner: $67
  • Cooking Class in Seoul with Korean Grandma: $68

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Delhi $19
    Seoul $26
Typical Entertainment Prices in Delhi

Here are a few typical costs in Delhi for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:


  • Red Fort
    $9.88

Tours and Activities in Delhi

Here are a few actual costs in Delhi for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Sunrise Taj Mahal Tour From Delhi : $1.40
  • Old and New Delhi City Tour - Half or Full Day Options Available : $2.31
  • Jaipur day Tour from Delhi : Private and All Inclusive: $2.50
  • Taj Mahal Sunrise & Agra Tour From Delhi by Car - All Inclusive : $2.60
  • Sunrise Taj Mahal, Agra Fort & Baby Taj Tour from Delhi by Car: $2.75
  • Taj Mahal, Agra Fort & Baby Taj All Inclusive Car Tour from Delhi: $3.75
  • Jaipur Private City Tour From Delhi: $4.00
  • Private Full-Day Taj Mahal and Agra Fort Tour from New Delhi: $4.04
  • Taj Mahal & Agra Private Tour By Car with 5 Star Lunch: $4.04
  • Same Day Taj Mahal, Agra Fort & Baby Taj Tour From Delhi By Car : $4.04
  • Lodhi Garden A Self Guided Walking Tour: $4.04
  • Hauz Khas Village: A Self Guided Walking Tour: $4.04

Typical Entertainment Prices in Seoul

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Seoul are as follows:


  • Palace Tickets
    $5.73
  • Movie Ticket
    $5.73
  • Kimchi Museum
    $2.15

Tours and Activities in Seoul

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Seoul are as follows:

  • K-Culture Adventure in Seoul Self-Guided Walking Tour : $3.58
  • Gyeongbokgung Palace Hanbok Rental Experience in Seoul: $7.00
  • Seoul Changdeokgung Palace Hanbok Experience Hanboknam (내국인불가): $7.10
  • Alternative A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $7.99
  • Gwanghwamun Tour l 120 Minutes to Understand South Korea: $10
  • [Seoul] Football Faentasium Admission Ticket (내국인 불가): $10
  • Gwanghwamun Tour about Korean Society and Local Mindset: $11
  • Street Hustle Adventure in Seoul: $11
  • SPAREX Jjimjilbang Sauna Dongmyo branch Admission Ticket(내국인불가): $11
  • Skip the Line: Figure Museum W Ticket (내국인 불가): $11
  • Dynamic Maze Discount Ticket Insa-dong(내국인불가): $12
  • Seoul Job Experience Theme Park Ticket for Kid (내국인 불가): $13

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Delhi $8.23
    Seoul $12

Sample the Local Flavors in Delhi

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

  • Pub Crawl (3 Hours Guided Bar Hopping Tour): $30

Sample the Local Flavors in Seoul

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

  • Pub Crawl: $25
  • The Seoul Pub Crawl [official]: $26
  • LGBTQ+ Pub Crawl and Drag Show with Local Drag Queen: $28
  • Rice Wine Tasting with Sommelier - Finest Makgeolli (& Soju): $42
  • Rice Wine Tasting with Sommelier - Finest Makgeolli (& Soju): $46
  • Soju Tasting at Distillery: $51
  • Premium Pub Crawl with Open Bottles: $57
  • Chunpoong Makgeolli Brewery Tour: $59
  • Korean Craft Makgeolli Brewery Tour & Tasting Experience: $60
  • Craft Makgeolli Brewery Tour & Tasting Experience: $67
  • Itaewon Premium Pub Crawl with Open Bottles: $73
  • Learn and Craft Makgeolli in a Traditional Brewery: $78


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Delhi and Seoul, we can see that Seoul is more expensive. And not only is Delhi much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Delhi would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Delhi 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 Seoul would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Seoul than you might in Delhi.

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


Which is Bigger, Delhi or Seoul?

Delhi has a larger population, and is about 6% larger than the population of Seoul. When comparing the sizes of Delhi and Seoul, 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.


When is the best time to visit Delhi or Seoul?

Seoul has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Delhi experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Delhi or Seoul in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Delhi and Seoul. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Delhi year-round. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Seoul because of the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

It's very hot in Delhi this time of the year. Delhi is a little warmer than Seoul in the summer. The daily temperature in Delhi averages around 31°C (88°F) in July, and Seoul fluctuates around 26°C (78°F).

Delhi usually receives more sunshine than Seoul during summer. Delhi gets 166 hours of sunny skies, while Seoul receives 121 hours of full sun in the summer.

Seoul receives a lot of rain in the summer. Delhi gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Delhi usually receives less rain than Seoul. Delhi gets 170 mm (6.7 in) of rain, while Seoul receives 369 mm (14.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Delhi 31°C (88°F) 
    Seoul 26°C (78°F)

Should I visit Delhi or Seoul in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Delhi as well as Seoul. Delhi attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene are the main draw to Seoul this time of year.

In the autumn, Delhi is much warmer than Seoul. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Delhi in October average around 26°C (79°F), and Seoul averages at about 15°C (59°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Seoul. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Delhi this time of the year. In the autumn, Delhi often gets more sunshine than Seoul. Delhi gets 269 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Seoul receives 204 hours of full sun.

Delhi usually gets less rain in October than Seoul. Delhi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Seoul receives 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Delhi 26°C (79°F) 
    Seoul 15°C (59°F)

Should I visit Delhi or Seoul in the Winter?

Both Seoul and Delhi are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Delhi throughout the year. Also, many travelers come to Seoul for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Seoul. In January, Delhi is generally much warmer than Seoul. Daily temperatures in Delhi average around 15°C (59°F), and Seoul fluctuates around -3°C (27°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Delhi. Delhi usually receives more sunshine than Seoul during winter. Delhi gets 215 hours of sunny skies, while Seoul receives 163 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Delhi usually receives less rain than Seoul. Delhi gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Seoul receives 23 mm (0.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Delhi 15°C (59°F) 
    Seoul -3°C (27°F)

Should I visit Delhi or Seoul in the Spring?

Both Seoul and Delhi during the spring are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Delhi because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Furthermore, many visitors come to Seoul in the spring for the activities around the city.

Delhi is much warmer than Seoul in the spring. The daily temperature in Delhi averages around 29°C (84°F) in April, and Seoul fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

In Seoul, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Delhi. In the spring, Delhi often gets more sunshine than Seoul. Delhi gets 261 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Seoul receives 205 hours of full sun.

Delhi usually gets less rain in April than Seoul. Delhi gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Seoul receives 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Delhi 29°C (84°F) 
    Seoul 13°C (55°F)

Typical Weather for Seoul and Delhi

Delhi Seoul
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 15°C (59°F) 20 mm (0.8 in) -3°C (27°F) 23 mm (0.9 in)
Feb 17°C (63°F) 30 mm (1.2 in) -0°C (32°F) 25 mm (1 in)
Mar 22°C (72°F) 20 mm (0.8 in) 6°C (42°F) 47 mm (1.9 in)
Apr 29°C (84°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 13°C (55°F) 94 mm (3.7 in)
May 33°C (91°F) 30 mm (1.2 in) 18°C (65°F) 92 mm (3.6 in)
Jun 34°C (93°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 23°C (73°F) 134 mm (5.3 in)
Jul 31°C (88°F) 170 mm (6.7 in) 26°C (78°F) 369 mm (14.5 in)
Aug 30°C (86°F) 200 mm (7.9 in) 26°C (80°F) 294 mm (11.6 in)
Sep 30°C (86°F) 110 mm (4.3 in) 22°C (71°F) 169 mm (6.7 in)
Oct 26°C (79°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 15°C (59°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Nov 21°C (70°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 8°C (46°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
Dec 16°C (61°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 0°C (33°F) 22 mm (0.9 in)