A Travel Price Comparison for India Varanasi vs. Rajasthan for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Varanasi or Rajasthan?

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 Rajasthan 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 Rajasthan?

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.

Rajasthan

It's time to visit the world of harems and maharajahs, palaces and fortresses, incense and mysticism. Rajasthan is a state in the northwest of India full of history and magnificent forts – the best in the country. Known as the Land of Kings, Rajasthan really has something for everyone. With sand dunes, jungles, camel trains, wild tigers, glittering jewels, vibrant cultures and a calendar full of festivals, this area is a must-see spot in this bucket list country.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Bicycle Tours in India, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in India, The Best Adventure Tours to India, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in India.


Which place is cheaper, Rajasthan or Varanasi?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

  • Varanasi Prices
    India Prices
    Rajasthan Prices
    India Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Varanasi $33
    Rajasthan $33

The average daily cost (per person) in Varanasi is $33, while the average daily cost in Rajasthan 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 Varanasi and Rajasthan in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Varanasi $15
    Rajasthan $13
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Varanasi $30
    Rajasthan $26
Compare Hotels in Varanasi and Rajasthan

Looking for a hotel in Varanasi or Rajasthan? 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 Varanasi


Hotels in Rajasthan


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.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Varanasi $4.69
    Rajasthan $5.74
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:

  • From Agra: One-Way Private Transfer to Varanasi: $166
  • From Agra: Budget One Way Transfer Agra to Varanasi: $160
  • Varanasi hotel to Bodhgaya hotel private transfer: $135
  • Private Transfer from Lal Bahadur Shastri (VNS) Airport to Varanasi: $45
  • 3-hours Temple hopping with transfers: $35
  • Delhi Private Arrival Transfer From New Delhi Airport To Hotel In Delhi: $34
  • Private Departure Transfer from Varanasi Hotel to Airport: $28
  • Varanasi - Arrival transfer from airport to hotel: $24
  • Varanasi Hotels to Varanasi Airport drop: Private Transfers: $23
  • Varanasi Airport to Varanasi Hotels drop: Private Transfers: $23
  • Varanasi Airport Transfer: $14
  • Private Transfer: Varanasi Airport to Varanasi Hotel: $12

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Rajasthan

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

  • Udaipur, The City of Lakes - A Heritage Walk with private transfers: $105
  • Udaipur to Ahmedabad private transfers: $38
  • Udaipur in Half Day Sightseeing with guide and transfers: $46
  • Udaipur To Pushkar Private One Way Transfer: $60
  • Udaipur Hotels to Udaipur Airport drop: Private Transfers: $17
  • Udaipur Full Day Custom Tour with Transfers: $85
  • Udaipur Airport to Udaipur Hotels drop: Private Transfers: $14
  • Udaipur Airport Transfers: $27
  • Two Night Safari Experience Ranthambore National Park &Transfers: $289
  • Transfer from Jaipur to Delhi with Tajmahal sight seeing: $187
  • Transfer From Udaipur To Jodhpur With Kumbhalgarh & Ranakpur: $93
  • Taj Mahal and Agra Tour from Jaipur with Transfer : $87

Is it cheaper to fly into Varanasi or Rajasthan?

Prices for flights to both Rajasthan 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
  • Food Meals for one day
    Varanasi $12
    Rajasthan $15
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

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Rajasthan

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

  • Jaipur Street food tour: $4.31
  • chai and pakora cooking class: $12
  • Feast on the Streets: Best Jaipur Food Tour: $15
  • Cooking class and dinner with Rekha family with full meals: $16
  • Food Tour and Eat like Locals : $16
  • Durga Cooking Class: $16
  • Jaipur Half-Day Evening Tour with Sunset and Dinner: $16
  • Jaipur Half-Day tour: Bazaar & Street Food Tour by Car or Tuk-Tuk: $16
  • Famous Masala Chowk Food Tour: $19
  • Cooking class demo with dinner : $20
  • Experience Indian Food Cooking Session At Local Family: $20
  • Jaipur Pink City Cooking Class: $21

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Varanasi $9.96
    Rajasthan $7.59
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 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
  • 3 Hour Private Sunrise Boat Tour in Varnavasi: $155

Tours and Activities in Rajasthan

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Rajasthan.

  • Day Tour from Jaipur Bird Watching in Keoladeo National Park (Bharatpur): $59
  • Evening Motorbike Tour for Solo Female Travelers in Jaipur: $29
  • Explore Udaipur: A Full-Day Private City Tour: $70
  • Full Day Udaipur City Tour by Private Vehicle: $86
  • Guided Jaipur City Tour With Drop Off at Udaipur: $110
  • Guided Tour of Jodhpur with Hari: $21
  • Guided Udaipur Tour With Drop Off To Jodhpur Next Day.: $135
  • Half Day Jaipur Shopping Tour With Local Shopping Consultant : $13
  • Jaipur Car tour : $16
  • Jaipur Rickshaw Tour Jantar Mantar City Palace: $20
  • Jaipur Tour by Tuk-Tuk: $6.93
  • Non_touristic Camel safari : $30

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Varanasi $7.45
    Rajasthan $6.71

Sample the Local Flavors in Rajasthan

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Rajasthan:

  • Pub Crawl Jaipur: $37
  • Pub Crawl Udaipur: $37


When comparing the travel costs between Varanasi and Rajasthan, we can see that Varanasi is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Asia, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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


Which has a larger population, Varanasi or Rajasthan?

Rajasthan has a larger population, and is about 50 times larger than the population of Varanasi. When comparing the sizes of Varanasi and Rajasthan, 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.