India Tourist Expenses: What It Really Costs to Travel in India

When people ask if India tourist expenses, the total amount a traveler spends on accommodation, food, transport, and activities while visiting India are high, the answer isn’t yes or no—it’s how you travel. India isn’t cheap by default, but it’s not expensive either. It’s whatever you make it. A backpacker can eat, sleep, and move around for under $20 a day. A luxury traveler might spend 10 times that. The key isn’t avoiding spending—it’s spending wisely.

Where you go makes a huge difference. In a city like Mumbai or Delhi, a decent hotel room can cost $40–$80 a night, while a basic guesthouse in rural Rajasthan might run you $10. Food is even more flexible: a street-side thali in Varanasi costs less than $2, but a fancy dinner in Goa can hit $50. Transport adds up fast if you take private taxis everywhere, but trains? They’re cheap, reliable, and part of the experience. A sleeper class ticket from Delhi to Agra runs under $15. And don’t forget entry fees: Taj Mahal costs $20 for foreigners, while most temples charge less than $5. These aren’t hidden costs—they’re predictable, and you control them.

Some things you can’t skip: visas, travel insurance, and local guides. A tourist visa for most countries is around $100. Travel insurance? Worth every dollar if you’re trekking in the Himalayas or renting a scooter in Kerala. Local guides? They’re not just helpful—they’re often the reason you see something unforgettable, like a hidden temple courtyard or the best chai stall in a village. These aren’t expenses you cut. They’re investments in a better trip.

What you’ll find in the posts below are real, up-to-date breakdowns from travelers who’ve done the math. You’ll see how much a week in Kerala costs versus a week in Rajasthan. You’ll learn why some cities are budget-friendly while others sneak up on you. You’ll get exact numbers for airport transfers in Goa, daily food costs in Punjab, and how to avoid tourist traps that inflate prices. No guesses. No fluff. Just what it actually costs to move through India—and how to make your money stretch further without sacrificing the experience.