Which place is cheaper, Nikko or Kolkata (Calcutta)?
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 Kolkata (Calcutta) or Nikko?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Kolkata (Calcutta) or Nikko, 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: Kolkata (Calcutta) or Nikko?
Kolkata (Calcutta)
Formerly known as Calcutta, Kolkata is the capital of West Bengal, India. Featuring colonial architecture, galleries, temples, and festivals, the city has flourished from its roots as an East India Company trading post in the 18th Century to a thriving metropolis. Today Kolkata is a diverse center of culture and bustling activity.
Nikko
Nikko is a small Japanese city located in the mountains north of Tokyo. It is well-known for the site of Toshogu, a famed Shinto shrine established in 1617, in memory of Tokugawa Ieyasu who was the founding ruler of the Edo Period. The town is situated just outside of Nikko National Park which offers scenic mountain landscapes, lakes, waterfalls, hot springs, wild monkeys, and hiking trails.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 4-Week (1-Month) Tours in India, The Best Bicycle Tours in India, The Best 10-Day Tours in Japan, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Japan.
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Kolkata (Calcutta) Prices
India PricesNikko Prices
Japan Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayKolkata (Calcutta) $45Nikko $108
The average daily cost (per person) in Kolkata (Calcutta) is $45, while the average daily cost in Nikko is $108. 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 Kolkata (Calcutta) and Nikko in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personKolkata (Calcutta) $16Nikko $48
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomKolkata (Calcutta) $32Nikko $96
Compare Hotels in Kolkata (Calcutta) and Nikko
Looking for a hotel in Kolkata (Calcutta) or Nikko? 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: Kolkata (Calcutta) Hotel Prices and Nikko Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Kolkata (Calcutta) $4.85Nikko -
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kolkata (Calcutta)
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Kolkata (Calcutta):
- Path of Knowledge: A Heritage Walking Tour of Kolkata with Private Transfer: $153
- The Second City of Empire: A Kolkata Heritage Walking Tour with Private Transfer: $134
- Build Your Own: custom private tour of Kolkata with transfers: $69
- Private Transfer from Kolkata to Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose (CCU) Airport: $65
- Kolkata Hotels to Kolkata Airport drop: Private Transfers: $35
- Kolkata Airport to Kolkata Hotels drop: Private Transfers: $35
- Departure transfer from Hotel to Airport in Kolkata: $23
- Private Departure Transfer: Hotel to Kolkata Airport: $23
Is it cheaper to fly into Kolkata (Calcutta) or Nikko?
Prices for flights to both Nikko and Kolkata (Calcutta) 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 dayKolkata (Calcutta) $23Nikko $55
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Kolkata (Calcutta)
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Kolkata (Calcutta).
- Hooghly River Dinner Cruise: $26
- Bengali Nights Kolkata Food Tour with 13+ Tastings: $35
- Alleyway Food Tour: $46
- Food Tour Delights of Kolkata with Aditya: $118
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Kolkata (Calcutta) $14Nikko $22
Tours and Activities in Kolkata (Calcutta)
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Kolkata (Calcutta) are as follows:
- 02 Days Private Kolkata Tour with Lunch : $179
- A Unique Experience of Kolkata Public Transport System: $98
- Capturing the City of Joy; Full Day Kolkata Street Photography Tour: $85
- Cultural Confluence of Kolkata - Culture Kaleidoscope Tour: $41
- Custom Private Kolkata Sightseeing with English speaking Guide: $75
- Durga Puja 2025 Tours -The Festival Enjoyed Close Up: $75
- Explore Kolkata- Private Full Day Tour: $99
- Full Day Pilgrimage Tour of Ganga Sagar from Kolkata: $100
- Gangasagar Pilgrimage Day Tour from Kolkata: $147
- Half Day Private Tour of Kolkata with a Local Companion: $69
- Hello Calcutta Walk Tour: $49
- Heritage Walking Tour of Kolkata: $70
Tours and Activities in Nikko
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Nikko.
- Senjogahara Nature Guide Tour in Nikko: $31
- Edo Wonderland Nikko Edomura Admission Ticket: $50
- Oku-Nikko 3-hour Cycling Tour (Half-day) – No lunch: $66
- Nikko Early Morning Tour with English-Speaking Guide: $73
- Bike and Hike on Mt Hangetsu with Outdoor Matcha Experience: $83
- World Heritage Nikko Walking Tour Toshogu and Kanmangafuchi: $90
- Visit the Unexplored Regions of Lake Chuzenji-Scenic Trekking and Rafting Tour: $97
- Hidden Canyoning Adventure in Nikko　: $104
- Bask in the beauty of winter Nikko in this unforgettable ice climbing experience: $116
- Oku-Nikko 5-hour Cycling Tour (Full-day) – Lunch included: $124
- Nikko Full-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide: $152
- Nikko Private Customizable Half Day Tour: $166
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayKolkata (Calcutta) $7.85Nikko $15
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Kolkata (Calcutta) and Nikko, we can see that Nikko is more expensive. And not only is Kolkata (Calcutta) much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Kolkata (Calcutta) would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Kolkata (Calcutta) 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 Nikko would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Nikko than you might in Kolkata (Calcutta).
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Kolkata (Calcutta) Expensive? and Is Nikko Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Kolkata (Calcutta) or Nikko?
Kolkata (Calcutta) has a larger population, and is about 290 times larger than the population of Nikko. When comparing the sizes of Kolkata (Calcutta) and Nikko, 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.