Which place is cheaper, Siem Reap or Jaisalmer?
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 Jaisalmer or Siem Reap?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Jaisalmer or Siem Reap? 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: Jaisalmer or Siem Reap?
Jaisalmer
Jaisalmer is located in western part of the Rajasthan state of India. The city is known as the "Golden City" for its Sonar Qila, or 'Golden Fort'. This fort is different than other forts in India in that it is a living fort, meaning that it contains many hotels, homes, and shops for locals and visitors. The city is very close to the Thar Desert, to which excursions can be made.
Siem Reap
Located in northern Cambodia, Siem Reap is the closest town to Cambodia's famous Angkor Wat. It is a comfortable and laid back town and most visitors use it as a base to explore the country's most visited destination. Although Siem Reap was once a quaint village, it has continued to grow and change to meet the needs of the many tourists who visit every year. Siem Reap has become a very touristy town with easy access to restaurants, hotels, and shops. It also has a large expatriate community and the western influences are unavoidable. Although prices remain quite low, they are higher than you might find elsewhere in Cambodia.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to India, The Best Sightseeing Tours in India, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Phnom Penh, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Siem Reap.
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Jaisalmer Prices
India PricesSiem Reap Prices
Cambodia Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayJaisalmer $44Siem Reap $94
The average daily cost (per person) in Jaisalmer is $44, while the average daily cost in Siem Reap is $94. 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 Jaisalmer and Siem Reap in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personJaisalmer $13Siem Reap $51
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomJaisalmer $26Siem Reap $102
Compare Hotels in Jaisalmer and Siem Reap
Looking for a hotel in Jaisalmer or Siem Reap? 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: Jaisalmer Hotel Prices and Siem Reap Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Jaisalmer $11Siem Reap $8.79
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Jaisalmer
Also for Jaisalmer, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- From Jaisalmer : Private Transfer To Bikaner: $55
- From Jaisalmer : Transfer To Jodhpur Via Osian Temple: $48
- 2-Night Camel Safari with Meals & Transfers: $55
- Bada Bagh Sunset Tour with Private Transfer: $50
- Jaiselmer to any Bikaner Hotels drops Private transfers: $29
- One Way Jaisalmer To Jodhpur Transfer: $42
- One Way Transfer From Jaisalmer To Jodhpur: $42
- One Way Transfer Service From Jaisalmer Airport To Hotel: $11
- Private One Way Transfer From Jaisalmer Hotel To Jaisalmer Airport: $12
- Private Transfer From Jaisalmer Airport To Jaisalmer Hotel: $13
- Private Transfer From Jaisalmer Hotel To Jaisalmer Airport: $13
- Private Transfer From Jaisalmer To Agra: $181
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Siem Reap
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Siem Reap:
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Tuk Tuk Ride$13
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Bike Rentals$1.93
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Siem Reap
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Siem Reap:
- From Private Transfer to Mondulkiri: $395
- Private Taxi transfer from Siem Reap to Koh Chang: $368
- Taxi Transfer Siem Reap to Kratie - English Speaking Driver: $360
- Private Taxi transfer from Siem Reap to Pattaya: $285
- Private Taxi transfer from Siem Reap to Bangkok: $258
- 3-Day Easy Angkor Tour with Airport Transfers: $249
- Siem Reap to Kampot Taxi, Private Car Transfer & Vice Versa: $235
- Transfer Siem Reap to Sihanoukville Safe Private Taxi Driver: $224
- Private Taxi Transfer to/from Battambang: $190
- Private Transfer Siem Reap to Phnom Penh: $145
- Private Transfer to/from Sihanoukville: $137
- Private Transfer Cross Boarder to/from Siem Reap - Koh Chang: $127
Is it cheaper to fly into Jaisalmer or Siem Reap?
Prices for flights to both Siem Reap and Jaisalmer 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 dayJaisalmer $22Siem Reap $28
Typical Food Prices in Jaisalmer
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Jaisalmer:
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Dinner$4.54
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Jaisalmer
For Jaisalmer, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Jaisalmer Food Tour: Taste the Flavors of the Golden City!: $14
- Jaisalmer Heritage & Cultural Walking & Street Food Tour: $25
- Camel Trails Sunset Safari with Dinner: $29
- Half day, non touristic sand dune ,camel safari with dinner : $29
- Jodhpur Camel & Jeep Safari with Sunset, Folk Dance, Dinner: $30
- Half-Day Camel Tour with Dinner: $34
- Pleasant Sunset Safari With Dinner On Dunes (From 2:00 PM to Approx. 10:00 PM): $35
- Dinner on the Dunes & Camel Safari: $36
- Sunset Safari With Dinner: $37
- Camel Safari Campfire Dinner and Stargazing : $40
- Jeep Safari, Camel Ride, Dinner and Folk Dance: $42
- Half-Day Desert Safari with Camel Ride and Dinner: $45
Typical Food Prices in Siem Reap
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Siem Reap:
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Breakfast for Two$5.59
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Siem Reap
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Siem Reap.
- A Spectacular Show with Optional Dinner: $18
- Apsara Dance Show with Dinner by Tuk-Tuk Roundtrip Transfer: $19
- Apsara Performance with Dinner include Pick up & Drop off: $22
- Apsara Performance Including Buffet Dinner & Hotel Pick up: $22
- Buffet Dinner Apsara Show with hotel transfers: $22
- Apsara Dance Show and Dinner with Hotel Pickup: $22
- Apsara Show Including Dinner & Hotel Pickup: $23
- Dinner and Traditional Show with Hotel Transfer: $24
- Apsara Dance Show with Buffet Dinner & Tuk-Tuk...: $26
- A Night To Remember: Apsara Dance Show with Buffet Dinner: $27
- Dinner Show Apsara Dance, Pickup round trip included: $27
- Apsara Theatre Performance include Dinner & hotel pick up: $29
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Jaisalmer $12Siem Reap $30
Typical Entertainment Prices in Jaisalmer
For Jaisalmer, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
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Sam Sand Dunes for Two$3.41
Tours and Activities in Jaisalmer
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Jaisalmer.
- City Sightseeing with Experienced Guide: $3.16
- Agra: Skip-the-Line Taj Mahal Sunrise Tour w/Fatehpur Sikri: $4.50
- Temple Tour Of Jaisalmer Rajasthan: $5.78
- From Delhi: Taj Mahal Sunrise and Agra Fort Private Tour: $7.00
- Explore Jaisalmer at Night (2 Hour Guided Walking Tour): $11
- Colorful Markets of Jaisalmer (3 Hour Guided Tour): $11
- Jaisalmer Walking Tour: A Stroll Through Time and Culture: $11
- 5.5 Hour City Walking Tour with a Guide: $12
- Heritage & Cultural Trails of Jaisalmer Guided Walking Tour: $12
- Heritage & Cultural Trails of Jaisalmer- Guided Walking Tour: $14
- Vibrant Markets of Jaisalmer (2 Hours Guided Walking Tour): $14
- Experience Jaisalmer at Night (2 Hour Guided Walking Tour): $14
Typical Entertainment Prices in Siem Reap
Here are a few typical costs in Siem Reap for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
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Angkor Tour Guide$8.24
Tours and Activities in Siem Reap
Here are a few actual costs in Siem Reap for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- 03 Hours Countryside tours: $88
- 1 Day Private of Angkor Wat Tour with Tuk Tuk: $15
- 1-Day Angkor Wat Private Tour with Spanish Tour Guide.: $125
- 1-Day private Angkor Temple Tour from Siem Reap: $27
- 2 Day Angkor Wat Private Tour: $245
- 2 Day Cambodia Private Guided Tour in Angkor Temples: $119
- 2-Day Angkor Tour with Sunrise, Sunset & Banteay Srei temple: $160
- 2-Day Angkor Wat With Small, Big Circuit & Banteay Srei Tour: $123
- 2-Days Angkor & Banteay Srei & Kulen Mountian Waterfall Tour: $126
- 2-Days Angkor Sunrise & Banteay Srei Tour: $105
- 2-Days Angkor Wat with Sunrise and Sunset-Siem Reap Tour: $46
- 3 Day Siem Reap Tour Phnom Penh Shooting Experience Video: $128
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayJaisalmer $8.76Siem Reap $11
Sample the Local Flavors in Siem Reap
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Siem Reap:
- Mad Monkey Siem Reap Pub Crawl: $12
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Jaisalmer and Siem Reap, we can see that Siem Reap is more expensive. And not only is Jaisalmer much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Jaisalmer would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Jaisalmer 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 Siem Reap would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Siem Reap than you might in Jaisalmer.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Jaisalmer Expensive? and Is Siem Reap Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Jaisalmer or Siem Reap?
Siem Reap has a larger population, and is about 26% larger than the population of Jaisalmer. When comparing the sizes of Jaisalmer and Siem Reap, 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.