How much does a trip to India actually cost? Pick your destination, month, number of days, group size and travel style. The calculator gives you a realistic cost range in Indian rupees and US dollars, broken down by stay, food, local transport, activities and intercity travel.
India Trip Budget Calculator
How the estimate works
The calculator starts from typical daily costs for three travel styles and adjusts them for each destination and season:
- Backpacker: dorm beds or basic guesthouses, state buses and sleeper trains, street food and simple local restaurants.
- Mid-range: 3-star hotels or good homestays (two people per room), app cabs or a shared car, sit-down restaurants, AC trains or budget flights between cities.
- Luxury: 5-star hotels and heritage palaces, a private car with driver, fine dining and flights between cities.
Popular places such as Goa, Ladakh and the Andaman Islands cost more than average, while places like Varanasi, Hampi and Rishikesh are cheaper. Travelling in peak season usually pushes hotel prices up, and the off season brings them down, so the month you choose changes the result.
What is not included
- International flights to and from India
- Visa fees and travel insurance
- Shopping, souvenirs and tips
Tips to cut your India travel budget
- Book trains early on the official IRCTC system. Popular routes sell out weeks ahead.
- Travel in the shoulder season. You often get good weather and lower prices.
- Eat where locals eat. A thali at a busy local restaurant is filling and cheap.
- Use app cabs or prepaid taxi counters in cities instead of hailing taxis outside stations.
- Slow down. Fewer intercity journeys means less money spent on transport and more time actually seeing places.
Frequently asked questions
Is India expensive for tourists? India can be one of the most affordable countries to travel in, but costs vary widely. A backpacker can travel comfortably on a small daily budget, while luxury travel in heritage hotels costs as much as anywhere in the world.
Should I carry cash in India? Yes, carry some cash in small notes for autos, street food and small shops. Cards work in hotels, malls and most restaurants in cities, and UPI mobile payments are everywhere.
Are the results exact? No. They are estimates to help you plan. Always check current prices when you book.