A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Krabi vs. Varanasi for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Krabi or Varanasi?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Krabi and Varanasi can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: Krabi or Varanasi?

Krabi

Krabi is both a large town and region in southern Thailand. While the region is covered in beaches, if you're more interested in immersion in Thai culture than the salty ocean, consider a trip to "Krabi Town". Pronounced "Grabee," this small, but bustling city is just up the river from the coast, and is the gateway to the beaches in the surrounding Province of Krabi (where you'll find famous places such as Railay, Ao Nang, Haad Yao, and plenty of others). Krabi Town is full of hotels, agencies, and western restaurants, but if you look hard enough, you'll easily see the energy and life of Thailand. While there are no beaches in the town itself, there is plenty of Thai culture to experience. There's a good chance you'll be passing through on your way to one of the famous beaches, so take advantage of your brief time here.

Varanasi

Known to be one of India's holiest cities, many come to Varanasi on a spiritual pilgrimage looking to bathe in the sacred waters of the Ganges River. Dating back to the 11th Century BC, it is also one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. Centuries old temples make up the backdrop, as many come and come again to perform their holy rights at the edge of the historic river.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in Thailand, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Thailand, The Best Bicycle Tours in India, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in India.


Which place is cheaper, Varanasi or Krabi?

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 Krabi is $74, while the average daily cost in Varanasi is $33. 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 Krabi and Varanasi in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Krabi $42
    Varanasi $15
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Krabi $84
    Varanasi $30
Compare Hotels in Krabi and Varanasi

Looking for a hotel in Krabi or Varanasi? 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 Krabi


Hotels in Varanasi


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: Krabi Hotel Prices and Varanasi Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Krabi $4.37
    Varanasi $4.69
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Krabi

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Krabi are as follows:


  • Scooter Rental
    $9.42
  • Short Tuk-Tuk Ride
    $3.14
  • 2 Bottles of Gasoline
    $2.51
  • Longboat Taxi from Town
    $6.28

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Krabi

Also for Krabi, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • VAN PHUKET AIRPORT Transfer to PHUKET TOWN (SHA Plus): $44
  • VAN PHUKET AIRPORT TRANSFER to TRI TRANG BEACH: $38
  • VAN PHUKET AIRPORT TRANSFER to SURIN BEACH: $32
  • VAN PHUKET AIRPORT TRANSFER to ROYAL YACHT HAVEN: $32
  • VAN PHUKET AIRPORT TRANSFER to RASSADA PIER: $41
  • VAN PHUKET AIRPORT TRANSFER to PATONG BEACH: $47
  • VAN PHUKET AIRPORT TRANSFER to MAI KHAO BEACH: $32
  • VAN PHUKET AIRPORT TRANSFER to KRABI AIRPORT: $123
  • VAN PHUKET AIRPORT TRANSFER to KATA BEACH: $44
  • VAN PHUKET AIRPORT TRANSFER to CHALONG PIER: $44
  • VAN PHUKET AIRPORT TRANSFER to BANGTAO BEACH: $28
  • Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer service in Krabi HTL-APT (KBV): $15

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Varanasi

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Varanasi:


  • Tuk Tuk Through Town
    $0.91
  • Rickshaw Ride
    $0.57

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Varanasi

Also for Varanasi, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Varanasi hotel to Bodhgaya hotel private transfer: $135
  • Varanasi Hotels to Varanasi Airport drop: Private Transfers: $23
  • Varanasi Airport to Varanasi Hotels drop: Private Transfers: $23
  • Varanasi Airport Transfer: $14
  • Varanasi - Arrival transfer from airport to hotel: $24
  • Private Transfer: Varanasi Airport to Varanasi Hotel: $12
  • Private Transfer from Lal Bahadur Shastri (VNS) Airport to Varanasi: $45
  • Private Departure Transfer from Varanasi Hotel to Airport: $28
  • Private Car Airport Transfer from Hotel in Delhi, Noida, Gurugram: $55
  • From Agra: One-Way Private Transfer to Varanasi: $166
  • From Agra: Budget One Way Transfer Agra to Varanasi: $160
  • Delhi Private Arrival Transfer From New Delhi Airport To Hotel In Delhi: $34

Is it cheaper to fly into Krabi or Varanasi?

Prices for flights to both Varanasi and Krabi 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
    Krabi $25
    Varanasi $12
Typical Food Prices in Krabi

For Krabi, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Casual Lunch (for Two)
    $7.85
  • Drinks on the Beach
    $7.54
  • Sit Down Dinner (for Two)
    $19
  • Nice Dinner (for Two)
    $35
  • Mango Shake
    $1.57
  • Pad Thai
    $3.14
  • Fruit from the Market
    $1.88
  • Pancakes
    $3.14
  • Coffee & Cake
    $2.36

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Krabi

For Krabi, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Krabi 7 Islands Sunset Cruise with Buffet Dinner: $37
  • 7 Islands Sunset Tour with Buffet Dinner & Night Snorkeling: $38
  • Krabi 7 Island Sunset & BBQ Dinner (Join Tour): $44
  • Krabi 7 Islands Snorkeling, Sunset Dinner & Plankton Night : $45
  • Authentic Thai Cooking Class in Ao Nang: $46
  • Traditional Thai Cooking Class with Smart Cook: $46
  • Krabi Thai Cooking Class at Ya Cookery School: $48
  • Krabi Morning and Evening Food Tours with Market Visits: $51
  • Half Day Thai Cooking Class in Ao Nang, Krabi: $51
  • Thai Charm Cooking School Krabi: $51
  • Kayaking and BBQ Dinner On The Beach Ao Thalane From Krabi: $53
  • Krabi 7 Island Sunset Tour by Speed Boat with BBQ Dinner : $53

Typical Food Prices in Varanasi

For Varanasi, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Dinner In Town
    $3.92

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Varanasi

For Varanasi, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Tests of Best Varanasi Local Food Tour With Tourist Guide: $17
  • 3-hour street food tour: $33
  • Cooking Class with Sona: $42
  • Private Food Tour with Ganga Aarti Ceremony: $42
  • Ultimate 2 Days in Varanasi - Fully Guided Tour - Rooftop Dinner on Ganges: $121

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Krabi $12
    Varanasi $9.96
Typical Entertainment Prices in Krabi

Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Krabi's activities, tours, and tickets:


  • Thai-English Book
    $10
  • Thai Massages (for Two)
    $25
  • Bikini & Sarong
    $19
  • Yoga Class (1 Hour)
    $14
  • Backgammon Set (travel size)
    $7.85
  • Kayak Trip (for Two)
    $60

Tours and Activities in Krabi

For Krabi, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Tiger Cave and Emerald Pool Jungle Tour from Krabi: $73
  • 2-Hour Clear Kayak Illuminated Night Tour in Krabi: $69
  • 2-Hour The best of Krabi Private Walking Tour : $174
  • 4 Island Early Bird Tour by Longtail Boat from Krabi: $47
  • 4 Island tour by SPEEDBOAT from Krabi + Lunch + Hotel Pick Up and Drop Off: $32
  • 4 Islands Day Tour from Krabi: $24
  • 4 Islands Full-day Tour from Krabi with Tub, Chicken, Poda Island & Phra Nang: $62
  • 4 Islands Longtail Boat Tour in Krabi with Lunch : $33
  • 4 Islands Snorkeling Tour by Longtail Boat from Krabi with Walk on Tombolo: $34
  • 5 km Rafting, ATV & Zipline Tour From Krabi: $61
  • 7 Islands Sunset tour by Speed boat : $49
  • 7km White Water Rafting Adventure Tour From Krabi: $51

Typical Entertainment Prices in Varanasi

Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Varanasi's activities, tours, and tickets:


  • Boat Ride
    $0.79

Tours and Activities in Varanasi

For Varanasi, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Varanasi Experience 01 Night -02 Days Tour: $85
  • 03 Day Spiritual Tour: Kashi Vishwanath,Ganga Aarti Sarnath”: $289
  • 08 Hours : Private - Full Day City Tour Of Delhi : $53
  • 08 Hours : Private Full Day City Tour of Jaipur : $90
  • 11 - Hours Agra Tour: Sunrise and Sunset of Taj Mahal from Delhi.: $100
  • 2 Day Private Bodhgaya Tour From Varanasi: $189
  • 2 Day Private Mystical Varanasi Tour: $46
  • 2 Day Varanasi Day Tour with Boating and English Speaking Guide: $300
  • 2 Days Varanasi tour package for first timers: $150
  • 3 Days Admirable Tour in Varanasi with private tour guided: $104
  • 3 Days Private Enchanting Varanasi Tour: $109
  • 3 Days Private Varanasi Tour Package: $172

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Krabi $5.00
    Varanasi $7.45
Typical Alcohol Prices in Krabi

Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Krabi are as follows:


  • Beer
    $2.83
  • Cocktails (for Two)
    $9.42


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

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


Which is Bigger, Krabi or Varanasi?

Varanasi has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Krabi. When comparing the sizes of Krabi and Varanasi, 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.