Which place is cheaper, Railay Beach 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 Railay Beach?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Kolkata (Calcutta) or Railay Beach, 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 Railay Beach?
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.
Railay Beach
If you're looking to scale great heights and add more achievements to your list during your vacation, consider a trip to the peninsula of Rai Leh, or more commonly Railay Bay or Railay Beach, in the Krabi region of Thailand. This swimming and rock climbing hotspot is known for its towering limestone peaks and gorgeous surrounding scenery.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 4-Week (1-Month) Tours in India, The Best Bicycle Tours in India, The Best Budget Tours to Thailand, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Thailand.
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Kolkata (Calcutta) Prices
India PricesRailay Beach Prices
Thailand Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayKolkata (Calcutta) $45Railay Beach $139
The average daily cost (per person) in Kolkata (Calcutta) is $45, while the average daily cost in Railay Beach is $139. 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 Railay Beach in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personKolkata (Calcutta) $16Railay Beach $73
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomKolkata (Calcutta) $32Railay Beach $146
Compare Hotels in Kolkata (Calcutta) and Railay Beach
Looking for a hotel in Kolkata (Calcutta) or Railay Beach? 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.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Kolkata (Calcutta) $4.85Railay Beach $29
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kolkata (Calcutta)
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Kolkata (Calcutta):
- Departure transfer from Hotel to Airport in Kolkata: $23
- Private Departure Transfer: Hotel to Kolkata Airport: $23
- Kolkata Hotels to Kolkata Airport drop: Private Transfers: $35
- Kolkata Airport to Kolkata Hotels drop: Private Transfers: $35
- Private Transfer from Kolkata to Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose (CCU) Airport: $65
- Build Your Own: custom private tour of Kolkata with transfers: $69
- The Second City of Empire: A Kolkata Heritage Walking Tour with Private Transfer: $134
- Path of Knowledge: A Heritage Walking Tour of Kolkata with Private Transfer: $153
Is it cheaper to fly into Kolkata (Calcutta) or Railay Beach?
Prices for flights to both Railay Beach 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) $23Railay Beach $43
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
Typical Food Prices in Railay Beach
Some typical examples of dining costs in Railay Beach are as follows:
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Casual Lunch (for Two)$6.28
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Pizza$5.34
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Kolkata (Calcutta) $14Railay Beach $26
Tours and Activities in Kolkata (Calcutta)
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Kolkata (Calcutta) are as follows:
- Walking Tour of Kolkata Heritage and Food: $14
- Walk Through Tales ( Heritage Tour ) : $35
- Hooghly River Evening Cruise: $37
- Cultural Confluence of Kolkata - Culture Kaleidoscope Tour: $41
- Kolkata 3-Hour Tour of Kumortuli - The Goddess Beckons: $41
- Photography Tour of Mesmerizing Markets of Kolkata: $41
- Heritage sightseeing tours(Walking tours): $41
- Kolkata's Flower Market - Hooghly's Flower Fest Tour: $41
- Kolkata Midtown Madness- A Street Food & Nightlife Tour : $44
- Kolkata Private Half Day City Tour To Majestic Temples: $45
- Magic Hour Tour: $46
- Private Calcutta Tour: $49
Typical Entertainment Prices in Railay Beach
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Railay Beach are as follows:
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Rock Climbing (for Two)$22
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayKolkata (Calcutta) $7.85Railay Beach $17
Typical Alcohol Prices in Railay Beach
Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Railay Beach are as follows:
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Beer$1.88
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Kolkata (Calcutta) and Railay Beach, we can see that Railay Beach 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 Railay Beach would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Railay Beach 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 Railay Beach Expensive?.
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.