India is one of the cheapest destinations on Earth. A month costs $700 budget, $2,000 mid-range, $5,000+ luxury (excluding flights).
India trip cost: daily budget at a glance
Short answer: budget on roughly $60–120 per person per day mid-range (excluding international flights).
| Travel style | Per day (per person) | What it covers |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | $25–45 | Hostels/guesthouses, street food, public transport |
| Mid-range | $60–120 | 3-star hotels, restaurants, the odd tour or taxi |
| Luxury | $250+ | 4–5★ hotels, fine dining, private guides & transfers |
Quick Cost Snapshot for India
Currency: Indian rupee (₹) (~83 INR = $1 USD)
Budget traveler: $20-35/day
Mid-range traveler: $70-120/day
Luxury traveler: $200+/day
Cost Breakdown by Category
Continue planning your India trip
Flights from USA
$700-1,300 round trip. Cheapest months: April-May + September.
Hotels per night
Budget: $5-15 (hostel/guesthouse). Mid: $30-60 (3-star). Luxury: $100-500+ (heritage hotels + 5-star).
Food per day
Budget: $5-10 (street food + dhaba). Mid: $15-25 (mid-range restaurant). Luxury: $50+ (hotel restaurants).
Transport
Local: $0.20-1 per ride (auto rickshaw, bus). Trains: $5-50 (sleeper to AC2). Domestic flights: $40-150.
Activities per day
Taj Mahal: $13 entry (foreigner). Most temples + forts: $2-10 entry. Yoga retreats: $30-150/day.
Tipping
10% at restaurants. ₹50-100 ($1) for hotel staff. ₹20-50 for drivers per day.
Sample Budgets
Budget (backpacker style): Hostels + street food + public transport + free attractions. Plan $20-35/day.
Mid-range (most travelers): 3-star hotels + casual restaurants + some paid activities + occasional taxis. Plan $70-120/day.
Luxury: 4-5 star hotels + fine dining + private transport + premium experiences. Plan $200+/day.
Money-Saving Tips
Eat local: Skip tourist-zone restaurants - walk 2-3 blocks for 50% cheaper, more authentic meals.
Use public transport: Buy day or week passes for unlimited rides.
Visit shoulder season: 30-40% off peak prices for similar weather.
Book in advance: Flights cheapest 8-12 weeks out. Hotels 2-3 months out.
Cash for markets: Most markets and small vendors don't take cards.
The Honest Two-Tier Budget: What Shoestring Really Costs vs. Comfortable
The published tiers are accurate, but the gap travelers feel on the ground is the one between a true shoestring day and a merely comfortable one. A disciplined shoestring day in cheaper regions like Varanasi or Amritsar runs on a dorm bed around 350-500 rupees (roughly 4-6 USD) and local thalis near 200 rupees (about 2.50 USD). Step up to a private room with reliable hot water, an AC train berth instead of an open sleeper, and a paid sight or two, and a comfortable day lands closer to 60-90 USD without feeling indulgent. Over three weeks, that comfortable pace totals roughly 1,300-1,900 USD before international flights.
What people underestimate is the boring stuff. The 30-day e-Tourist Visa is around 25 USD (about 10 USD if you arrive April through June), plus a 2.5 percent bank surcharge most forget. Domestic flights to cover distance quietly eclipse a week of meals. Three swaps that genuinely save:
- Book AC 3-Tier (3A) over AC First Class on long hauls; on Delhi-Mumbai that is roughly 1,200-1,600 rupees against 5,000-plus, and you still get linen and air conditioning.
- Eat one street meal a day (from around 50 rupees) instead of restaurant lunches, saving 300-500 rupees daily.
- Take the overnight train rather than a flight plus a hotel night, folding transport and a bed into one fare.
FAQ
How much does a trip to India cost?
For a typical week-long trip: budget $20/day, mid-range $70/day, luxury $200/day. Multiply by trip length + add flight cost.
What's the currency in India?
The currency is Indian rupee (₹). Current exchange: ~83 INR = $1 USD. Most cards accepted in cities; carry cash for markets and rural areas.
Is India cheaper than Europe?
Depends on destination - Asian and African destinations are generally 30-50% cheaper. Western Europe + UK can be similar to or more expensive than the US.
How can I save money in India?
Eat where locals eat (not on tourist squares). Use public transport over taxis. Visit shoulder season (lower prices). Book accommodation 2-3 months ahead. Use free museums + attractions where available.
Should I carry cash or use cards in India?
Both. Cards work in cities, hotels, and major restaurants. Cash needed for markets, taxis, tips, and small towns. Always have $50-100 in local currency.
Related Guides
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a trip to India cost?
A budget trip runs $30-60 per day including accommodation, food, and local transport. Mid-range travelers spend $80-150 per day, while luxury travel starts at $200+ daily.
Is India expensive for tourists?
Cost depends on your travel style. India can be affordable with budget accommodation and local food, or expensive if you opt for luxury hotels and fine dining.
How can I save money in India?
Stay in locally-owned guesthouses, eat at local restaurants instead of tourist spots, use public transport, travel in shoulder season, and book flights early for the best deals.
What currency is used in India?
Check the local currency before you go. ATMs are widely available in most destinations, and credit cards are accepted at larger establishments. Always carry some local cash for markets and small vendors.
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Written by
John Morrison is the founder and lead travel writer at Packzup. Over the past decade he has explored destinations across Africa, the Americas, Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and Oceania — always self-funded, never on a press trip.