Cost of Living in Varanasi
How much does it cost to visit Varanasi? Daily budgets, accommodation costs, and real price examples for 2026.
Photo: Sven Pieren / Unsplash
Daily Budget Breakdown
Budget
Hostels, street food, free attractions
INR 1500
per day
Weekly: INR 10500
Monthly: INR 45000
Examples
- 🏨Dorm bed at Stops Hostel VaranasiINR 500
- 🍽️Lassi from Blue Lassi Shop and street food like Samosa Chaat near Dashashwamedh GhatINR 300
- 🚌Auto rickshaw rides and walkingINR 200
- 🎟️Attend the Ganga Aarti ceremony at Dashashwamedh Ghat and explore the ghatsINR 500
Mid-Range
3-star hotels, restaurants, guided tours
INR 4000
per day
Weekly: INR 28000
Monthly: INR 120000
Examples
- 🏨Deluxe room at Hotel Ganges GrandINR 1800
- 🍽️Lunch at Brown Bread Bakery and dinner at Baati ChokhaINR 1500
- 🚌Hired auto rickshaw for a half-day tour and cycle rickshawINR 700
- 🎟️Boat ride on the Ganges at sunrise and visit SarnathINR 1000
Luxury
5-star hotels, fine dining, private tours
INR 10000
per day
Weekly: INR 70000
Monthly: INR 300000
Examples
- 🏨Suite at BrijRama Palace, Varanasi (heritage hotel)INR 6000
- 🍽️Fine dining dinner at Taj Nadesar Palace and lunch at a rooftop restaurant overlooking the GangesINR 2500
- 🚌Private car with driver for the dayINR 1000
- 🎟️Private guided tour of Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Banaras Hindu University, and a private yoga session by the GangesINR 500
Cost by Category
accommodation
800-3000 INR
food
500-1500 INR
Transport
200-500 INR
activities
300-1000 INR
Cost by Neighbourhood
| Neighbourhood | Budget Level | vs City Centre | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ghats Area (Dasaswamedh, Manikarnika, Assi) | Mid-range | At center | first-timers, culture |
| Bhelupur / Assi | Budget | Slightly cheaper | solo travelers, couples |
| Rathyatra / Godowlia | Budget | Cheaper | foodies, budget |
Money-Saving Tips for Varanasi
🏨 Accommodation
- Stay in budget neighbourhoods outside the tourist centre
- Book apartments for longer stays (weekly discounts)
- Travel in shoulder season for lower hotel rates
- Compare prices across multiple booking platforms
🍽️ Food & Drink
- Eat where locals eat, away from tourist hotspots
- Try street food and market stalls for cheap eats
- Buy lunch specials instead of evening meals
- Cook some meals if your accommodation has a kitchen
🚌 Transport
- Buy multi-day transit passes for unlimited travel
- Walk between nearby attractions to save fares
- Use public transport over taxis where possible
- Book airport transfers in advance for fixed prices
🎟️ Activities
- Take free walking tours (tip-based)
- Look for free museum days or discounted hours
- Book tours and activities online for lower prices
- Explore parks, markets, and neighbourhoods on foot
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FAQ: Varanasi Costs
How much does it cost to visit Varanasi?
Budget travellers can visit Varanasi for around INR 1500/day (INR 10500/week). Mid-range travellers should budget INR 4000/day, while luxury travel costs around INR 10000/day.
Is Varanasi expensive?
Varanasi is on the expensive side. Budget travellers need at least INR 1500/day. Consider staying in budget neighbourhoods and eating at local spots to save.
How much should I budget per day in Varanasi?
For a comfortable mid-range experience in Varanasi, budget INR 4000/day. This covers a decent hotel, meals at sit-down restaurants, public transport, and a couple of activities.
What is the cheapest way to visit Varanasi?
Budget travellers in Varanasi can get by on INR 1500/day by staying in hostels or budget hotels, eating street food and local restaurants, using public transport, and choosing free walking tours and public attractions.