Last updated November 2026. Figures are planning ranges from our own India trip budget calculator, converted at ₹88 to the US dollar. They are estimates, not quotes. Read how we check facts in our editorial policy.
India cost per day by travel style
These are typical daily costs per person, before intercity transport. Mid-range and luxury assume two people sharing a room and a car.
| Cost per person per day | Backpacker | Mid-range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | ₹800–₹1,500 | ₹1,250–₹2,500 | ₹5,000–₹12,500 |
| Food | ₹500–₹800 | ₹1,200–₹2,000 | ₹3,000–₹6,000 |
| Local transport | ₹300–₹600 | ₹500–₹1,000 | ₹1,500–₹3,000 |
| Activities and entry fees | ₹200–₹500 | ₹500–₹1,500 | ₹2,000–₹5,000 |
| Total per day | ₹1,800–₹3,400 ($20–$40) | ₹3,450–₹7,000 ($40–$80) | ₹11,500–₹26,500 ($130–$300) |
Each intercity journey adds roughly ₹600–₹1,200 per person for a backpacker (sleeper trains and buses), ₹2,000–₹4,500 mid-range (air-conditioned trains or budget flights) and ₹5,000–₹12,000 for luxury.
Sample trip budgets: 7, 10 and 14 days
These examples are per person for two people travelling together in Rajasthan in peak season (November), which is close to the national average for cost. They include intercity travel but not international flights, visas or insurance.
| Trip length | Backpacker | Mid-range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7 days (2 intercity trips) | $170–$320 | $350–$730 | $1,120–$2,580 |
| 10 days (3 intercity trips) | $250–$470 | $510–$1,060 | $1,630–$3,770 |
| 14 days (4 intercity trips) | $350–$670 | $720–$1,480 | $2,300–$5,310 |
Use the India trip budget calculator to change the destination, month, trip length and group size.
What changes the cost
- Season: peak months cost more. The same 7-day mid-range Rajasthan trip for two drops from $700–$1,450 in November to about $520–$1,070 in May, when it is very hot. See the best time to visit India.
- Destination: the Andaman Islands, Ladakh, Mumbai and Goa cost more than average. Hampi, Varanasi, Rishikesh and Amritsar cost less.
- Group size: sharing rooms and cars cuts the cost per person. Solo travellers pay more per head at mid-range and above.
- Pace: each extra city adds a travel day and a transport cost. Fewer stops is cheaper and more relaxed.
- Holiday weeks: Christmas, New Year and Diwali push hotel prices up sharply in popular places.
Costs this budget does not include
- International flights, which vary too much by route and date to estimate here.
- Visa: the e-Tourist Visa costs $25 for 30 days (July to March) or $40 for one year for most Western passports, plus a 3% bank charge. See India e-Visa fees by country and the e-Visa cost calculator.
- Travel insurance. See our India travel insurance guide.
- Monument fees for foreigners, which are higher than local prices. Use the monument entry fee calculator, and see Taj Mahal tickets for foreigners.
- Tips, shopping and SIM cards. See tipping in India and SIM cards for tourists.
How to keep costs down
- Travel in the shoulder months (October, February and March) for good weather at lower prices.
- Book trains early. They are far cheaper than flights or private cars. See flights vs trains in India.
- Pay the way locals do where you can. See how to pay in India and use the currency converter.
- Compare a car with driver against trains for groups of three or four. See hiring a driver in India.
Frequently asked questions
How much money do I need per day in India?
Plan on about $20–$40 per person per day as a backpacker, $40–$80 for mid-range travel when two people share, and $130–$300 for luxury, before intercity transport and international flights.
How much does a 2-week trip to India cost?
On the ground, a 14-day trip costs about $350–$670 per person on a backpacker budget, $720–$1,480 mid-range and $2,300–$5,310 for luxury, based on two people travelling together in peak season. International flights, visas and insurance are extra.
Is India cheap to travel in?
Yes, by Western standards. Food, trains and budget hotels are inexpensive. Costs rise quickly for luxury hotels, private cars, domestic flights and peak holiday weeks.
What is the cheapest time to visit India?
April to September is cheapest for most plains and beach destinations because of heat or monsoon rain. Hill regions such as Ladakh are the exception, as summer is their peak season.