How much would it cost to go to India? - 2026 Guide

How much does it cost to go to India?

Your spending will generally fall into one of three main tiers, depending on how much comfort you need. The time of year plays a huge role in how much you spend, with accommodation and transportation costs rising during the peak months of October to March. Keep an eye on the exchange rate to make your money go further. You’ll be surprised at just how far a few dollars can stretch here compared to home.

What is the daily budget for a backpacker?

If you're watching your wallet, you can get by on $30 to $45 per day. You can save on sleeping arrangements by staying in hostels and guesthouses ranging from $5 to $10 per night. Food prices average $1 to $2 per meal when you stick to street food.

How much should a mid-range traveler budget per day?

Mid-range travelers typically spend between $60 and $100 per day. With this budget, you can upgrade your comfort level, securing private rooms in boutique hotels or homestays. You'll have enough budget for occasional domestic flights and private drivers, reducing reliance on slow trains.

Local transit involves rickshaws or taxi apps, while food prices allow for a balance of hygienic street food and sit-down dining. Sightseeing fees for major attractions won't strain your budget.

What is the cost of a luxury vacation in India?

For a luxury experience, daily costs usually range from $180 to $400+. For this price, you can stay in luxury hotels and heritage palaces in Rajasthan, with accommodation costs exceeding $150 nightly. You can hire a private driver for Golden Triangle tours and fine dining averaging $35 per meal. Additional funds cover exclusive sightseeing fees at landmarks like the Taj Mahal.

What are the pre-trip costs for visas and flights?

Before you even pack a bag, you need to account for the big-ticket items: flights and visas. Round-trip flight tickets cost between $500 and $1,500. Prices fluctuate based on the season, when demand peaks from October to March. Booking your tickets about three months out is the best way to secure a lower rate.

Visa fees are the second mandatory pre-trip cost. Charges for an Indian e-Visa range from $15 to $160 depending on nationality and the duration of stay. A 30-day tourist visa often costs less during the off-peak months of April to June. Long-term visas valid for one or five years require higher payments in U.S. dollars. Unlike local expenses paid in Indian Rupees, you must pay for these in foreign currency before departure.

How much does accommodation cost in India?

Accommodation costs depend heavily on location, comfort level, and the time of year. Options range from budget-friendly hostels to luxury hotels. You'll pay more in major cities like Delhi and Mumbai compared to smaller towns or rural destinations.

Prices jump when the weather cools down, with rates often peaking during the cooler months from October to March. This wide range covers every budget, whether you prioritize economical dorms or lavish heritage properties in Rajasthan.

What are the rates for hostels and homestays?

If you're looking to save, hostels and homestays are your best bet. Dorm beds usually run between $5 and $10 a night—perfect for keeping a backpacker budget on track, particularly for solo travelers visiting social hubs like Jaipur. I’ve met some of my best travel companions in these common rooms, so don't be shy.

Homestays are a great deal by combining lodging with cultural immersion. Hosts frequently include authentic home-cooked meals in the daily rate. These options cut down total expenses while giving you a real look at local life in regions like Rajasthan.

How much do heritage hotels and luxury resorts charge?

Heritage hotels and luxury resorts usually start at $150 per night. Spending this amount gets you a room in converted palaces and historic forts, particularly across Rajasthan. Costs for top-tier properties in Golden Triangle destinations like Jaipur and Agra frequently range from $300 to $400+ nightly.

Iconic venues offering direct views of the Taj Mahal are the most expensive options you'll find. These rates guarantee butlers, spas, and private tours into India's royal history.

What are the transportation expenses within India?

Transportation expenses within India are very cheap compared to Western standards. When moving between cities, you'll have to choose between cost and convenience, with options ranging from budget-friendly train travel to time-saving domestic flights. Public transport is the cheapest way to cover long distances.

Travelers seeking comfort often opt for a private driver for intercity journeys. You can easily book trains and drivers through platforms like 12Go Asia. Local commuting mostly uses auto rickshaws and ride-hailing apps like Uber and Ola to navigate congested streets. Balancing these choices will make a big difference in the total cost of your vacation.

How much are tickets for Indian railways and domestic flights?

Train travel offers the most budget-friendly rates for long-distance journeys, as Indian Railways features a tiered pricing system with non-AC sleeper tickets costing as little as $5 to $10. Higher comfort levels in air-conditioned classes (1AC, 2AC, 3AC) usually cost from $15 to $50.

Domestic flights save significant time but require a larger portion of the budget. One-way tickets between major hubs like Delhi and Mumbai generally cost between $50 and $150. While flying is faster, taking the train is consistently cheaper. Platforms like 12Go Asia are useful for comparing these expenses and booking tickets.

What do private drivers, Uber, and rickshaws cost?

Navigating cities like Delhi and Jaipur often requires choosing between traditional auto rickshaws and app-based services. While auto rickshaws are iconic, drivers frequently refuse to use meters, forcing travelers to haggle over fares. Trust me, the first price they quote is never the real price. Ride-sharing apps like Uber and Ola are a clearer option with fixed rates, which usually cost between $2 and $5 for short inner-city trips.

For extensive sightseeing or intercity travel along the Golden Triangle route (Delhi, Agra, Jaipur), hiring a private driver is the most convenient option. This service costs between $56 and $70 per day. These options are worth it for the AC and flexibility without negotiation stress.

How much money do you need for food and dining?

Your food budget in India can be as low or high as you want, allowing you to control spending based on dining preferences. Authentic street food offers incredible value. These prices make it easy to stick to a backpacker budget while providing access to diverse local flavors.

On the other hand, fine dining in luxury hotels or upscale restaurants command much higher rates. The average cost of a meal varies a lot between simple roadside stalls and exclusive venues. Monitoring the exchange rate for Indian Rupees will help you manage your money.

What are the prices for street food vs. fine dining?

There is a huge gap in food prices between local stalls and high-end establishments. Authentic street food like chaat costs merely $1 to $2, offering immense value for backpackers. However, hygiene standards vary, so stick to busy stalls to avoid getting sick. My golden rule? If there’s a long line of locals waiting, the food is fresh and safe to eat.

Meanwhile, fine dining in major cities like Delhi and Mumbai costs as much as it does back home. Restaurants in luxury hotels often charge over $35 per person. That higher price tag isn't just for the food; you're paying for peace of mind, including:

• Air-conditioned ambiance
• Strict food safety standards
• Exceptional service

Is alcohol expensive in India?

Alcohol prices vary widely due to varying state taxes and venue markups. While food prices remain low, alcohol is often an expensive add-on excluded from the standard $30 to $45 daily budget. Domestic beer brands purchased at local liquor shops cost about $2 to $4.

Luxury hotels and upscale bars charge premium rates, with cocktails often exceeding $12. Mid-range travelers should set aside extra cash for drinking, as these costs accumulate quickly. You pay in Indian Rupees, and prices are noticeably higher in metropolitan hubs compared to states with lower excise duties like Goa.

How can an eSIM reduce your connectivity costs in India?

Staying connected often leads to unexpected expenses if you rely on your home carrier's international data roaming. Using an eSIM slashes these costs by providing access to local networks at affordable rates. Providers like AloSIM let you buy and install a digital data pack before departure, eliminating the need to physically swap out SIM cards.

This way, you skip the hassle of paperwork of buying local SIM cards at airports. With immediate internet access, you can use ride-sharing apps and maps the moment you land, avoiding roaming fees that can exceed $10. Integrating eSIM cards into your planning keeps your budget safe.

What are the entrance fees for sightseeing and monuments?

Sightseeing fees are different for foreigners and locals where foreign nationals pay significantly higher rates than local residents. Entrance tickets for major historical landmarks usually run from $2 to $25 depending on the site's prominence. This cost difference is particularly noticeable throughout the Golden Triangle region covering Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur.

The Taj Mahal is the most expensive ticket, while historic forts and palaces across Rajasthan generally charge between $7 and $10. For a comprehensive cultural tour, you should set aside about $150 within the total budget to cover these cumulative costs for museums, monuments, and UNESCO World Heritage sites.

What miscellaneous expenses should you expect?

Travelers often overlook miscellaneous expenses that add up quickly. Daily costs include essentials such as bottled water, sunscreen, and personal toiletries, which are necessary due to the climate. Cultural visits often come with small fees for shoe covers at temples or camera permits, typically costing between 10 and 50 Indian Rupees. Make sure you keep a stash of small bills handy for these exact moments.

Laundry services are another cost to consider, with local businesses charging per piece for washing and ironing. Shopping for souvenirs adds a variable cost, ranging from inexpensive handicrafts to high-value textiles. While larger stores may accept credit cards, these smaller transactions are almost always cash-only in Indian Rupees rather than U.S. dollars.

How much does travel insurance cost?

Travel insurance is a must-have, typically costing between $1.50 and $5.00 per day. It keeps you safe from significant financial losses caused by medical emergencies or unexpected trip cancellation.

Affordable providers like SafetyWing offer specialized plans that cater to backpackers and long-term visitors. Getting a plan means you can get quality healthcare without incurring exorbitant out-of-pocket fees. The low daily rate is a smart investment relative to the protection it offers against unforeseen events.

What are the tipping customs and costs in India?

Tipping is a common practice in India, though it is not legally mandatory. Service staff in the tourism industry usually expect small gratuities as a sign of appreciation.

• It is customary to tip roughly 10% of the total cost on bills that exclude a service charge.
• Hotel porters typically receive between 50 and 100 Indian Rupees per bag for handling luggage.
• You should also tip housekeeping staff similar amounts daily.
• Private drivers and guides usually expect between 300 and 500 Indian Rupees per day depending on the quality of service.

Accounting for these customs prevents unexpected shortages in your daily budget.

How can you save money on your trip to India?

Reducing the total cost of a vacation comes down to when you go and how you travel. Visiting during the off-peak travel season from April to September drops the price of flights and accommodation. Hotels and airlines frequently offer discounted rates during these warmer months to attract visitors.

Adopting local habits helps you save even more.

• Consuming authentic street food instead of dining in tourist-oriented restaurants keeps meal costs under $2.
• Taking trains rather than domestic flights offers substantial savings on long-distance routes.
• Platforms like 12Go Asia make it easy to compare and book these affordable transport options.
• Staying in hostels or homestays allows you to maintain a strict backpacker budget while experiencing local culture.

Sources

• https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa/images/Etourist_fee_final.pdf
• https://indianrailways.gov.in/railwayboard/uploads/directorate/traffic_comm/Comm_Cir_2025/CC%2011%20of%202025.pdf
• https://asi.nic.in/pages/WorldHeritageAgra