Which place is cheaper, Kao-hsiung or Varanasi?
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 Varanasi or Kao-hsiung?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Varanasi and Kao-hsiung can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.
Where Should I go: Varanasi or Kao-hsiung?
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.
Kao-hsiung
Kaohsiung is the second-most populated city and also the largest port city in the country, located in the south of Taiwan. Compared to Taipei, the lifestyle in Kaohsiung is laid-back and noticeably slower, populated with friendly locals. However, with Taipei in the spotlight, Kaohsiung is often overlooked, though it offers so much in the way of art and culture, history, and delicious food.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Bicycle Tours in India, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in India, The Best Historical Tours in Taiwan, and The Best Adventure Tours to Taiwan.
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Varanasi Prices
India PricesKao-hsiung Prices
Taiwan Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayVaranasi $33Kao-hsiung $134
The average daily cost (per person) in Varanasi is $33, while the average daily cost in Kao-hsiung is $134. 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 Varanasi and Kao-hsiung in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personVaranasi $15Kao-hsiung $60
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomVaranasi $30Kao-hsiung $120
Compare Hotels in Varanasi and Kao-hsiung
Looking for a hotel in Varanasi or Kao-hsiung? 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: Varanasi Hotel Prices and Kao-hsiung Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Varanasi $4.69Kao-hsiung $12
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Varanasi
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Varanasi:
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Tuk Tuk Through Town$0.91
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Rickshaw Ride$0.57
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Varanasi
Also for Varanasi, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer: Varanasi Airport to Varanasi Hotel: $12
- Varanasi Airport Transfer: $14
- Varanasi Hotels to Varanasi Airport drop: Private Transfers: $23
- Varanasi Airport to Varanasi Hotels drop: Private Transfers: $23
- Varanasi - Arrival transfer from airport to hotel: $24
- Private Departure Transfer from Varanasi Hotel to Airport: $28
- Delhi Private Arrival Transfer From New Delhi Airport To Hotel In Delhi: $34
- 3-hours Temple hopping with transfers: $35
- Private Transfer from Lal Bahadur Shastri (VNS) Airport to Varanasi: $45
- Varanasi hotel to Bodhgaya hotel private transfer: $135
- From Agra: Budget One Way Transfer Agra to Varanasi: $160
- From Agra: One-Way Private Transfer to Varanasi: $166
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kao-hsiung
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Kao-hsiung:
- Private Transfer from Kaohsiung Airport to Kenting: $138
- Private Transfer from Kaohsiung Airport (KHH) to Kaohsiung Port : $75
- Private Kaohsiung Airport to Taitung Resorts Arrival Transfer: $192
- Kaohsiung Airport Chauffeur service , Kaohsiung Airport Transfer : $50
- Kaohsiung Airport -> Kaohsiung Hotel Private Transfer (Large room for luggage) : $35
- Kaohsiung Airport (KHH) to Guanziling Resorts - Arrival Transfer: $134
- Guanziling Resorts to Kaohsiung Airport KHH Departure Transfer: $134
Is it cheaper to fly into Varanasi or Kao-hsiung?
Prices for flights to both Kao-hsiung and Varanasi 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 dayVaranasi $12Kao-hsiung $59
Typical Food Prices in Varanasi
For Varanasi, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
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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
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Kao-hsiung
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Kao-hsiung.
- Sunset Dinner on Monkey Mountain : $100
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Varanasi $9.96Kao-hsiung $22
Typical Entertainment Prices in Varanasi
Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Varanasi's activities, tours, and tickets:
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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:
- From Delhi: Taj Mahal & Agra Tour by Gatimaan Express Train: $2.82
- From Delhi: Taj Mahal Sunrise, Baby Taj & Agra Fort Day Tour: $3.95
- Agra: Taj Mahal Tour with Professional photographer & Guide: $5.64
- Spiritual Tour in Varanasi with a local- Experience true essence of spirituality: $12
- Cultural & Spiritual Trails of Old Town Varanasi Guided Walking Tour: $12
- Spiritual and Heritage Walking Tour in Varanasi: $12
- Temple Walk Tour Varanasi: $12
- Sunrise in Banaras with Ganga Aarti (2 Hours Guided Walking Tour): $14
- Mysticism of Varanasi Tour with a local including free Guided Boat Ride: $18
- Sunrise in Varanasi Tour with a local with free Ganga Aarti and Boat Ride: $18
- Marigold Boat Tour in Varanasi: $19
- Same Day Taj Mahal, Agra Fort & Baby Taj Tour from Delhi by Cab: $20
Tours and Activities in Kao-hsiung
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Kao-hsiung are as follows:
- 1 day tour - Kaohsiung: $200
- Alishan Day Tour from Kaohsiung (Incl. Park Entrance): $90
- Buddha Museum- Half Day Tour : $90
- Classic Northern Kaohsiung Day Tour: $60
- Classic Southern Kaohsiung Day Tour: $60
- Food and Culture Walking Tour in Tainan: $78
- Kaohsiung Area Classic Tour: $255
- Kaohsiung City Walking Day Tour: $70
- Kaohsiung Departure - Tainan City Day Tour: $220
- Kaohsiung Like a Local: Customized Private Tour: $48
- Kaohsiung Private Tour with Transportation : $249
- Kaohsiung Suburbs Full-Day Tour: $220
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayVaranasi $7.45Kao-hsiung $11
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Varanasi and Kao-hsiung, we can see that Kao-hsiung 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 Kao-hsiung would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Kao-hsiung 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 Varanasi Expensive? and Is Kao-hsiung Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Varanasi or Kao-hsiung?
Kao-hsiung has a larger population, and is about 31% larger than the population of Varanasi. When comparing the sizes of Varanasi and Kao-hsiung, 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.