Exploring New Delhi: How Expensive Is The City?

how expensive is new delhi to travel

New Delhi, the capital of India, is a popular tourist destination known for its beauty, culture, food, and exciting activities. The cost of travelling to New Delhi depends on a range of factors, including the type of accommodation, transportation, food, sightseeing, and the time of year.

On average, travellers should expect to spend around $53 (₨4,445) per day in New Delhi. This includes expenses such as meals, local transportation, and hotels. The cost of flights to New Delhi varies depending on the origin airport, with prices ranging from $272 for a round trip to $9,679 for a flight from Savoonga, AK, USA.

For budget travellers, planning to spend around $17-20 (₨1,421-₹1,705) per day should cover essential expenses, including affordable accommodations, cost-effective meals, and local transportation. Mid-range travellers can expect to spend around $45-53 (₨3,724-₹4,445) per day, while luxury travellers should budget for $123-143 (₨10,160-₹11,982) per day.

Overall, New Delhi offers a range of options for travellers with different budgets, and with careful planning, it is possible to explore this exciting city without breaking the bank.

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Daily expenses for one person: $17-$123

The daily expenses for one person travelling to New Delhi can vary from $17 to $123. For budget travellers, $17 a day should cover your essential expenses, including affordable accommodation like hostels and budget hotels, cost-effective meal options, local transportation, and affordable activities.

For $20, you can get by on a shoestring budget, eating at the cheapest restaurants or fast-food places, taking public transit or walking, and only visiting free attractions. However, this may not be the most comfortable way to travel.

For those with a mid-range budget, allocating around $45 per day would allow for more comfortable hotels, dining at typical restaurants, and exploring a range of popular attractions.

Luxury travellers, on the other hand, should anticipate a daily budget of $123, which would encompass higher-end accommodations, dining at nicer restaurants, and indulging in private tour options.

The average price of a hotel room in Delhi is $27 per night. However, prices can vary depending on the season, with high season generally lasting from October through March and low season from April through September. During the low season, you can find rooms for as low as $12 per night, while in the high season, prices can go up to $50 per night.

Food can also vary in price, with street food and casual restaurants offering cheap options, while air-conditioned tourist restaurants will be more expensive. Western food will also cost more. Alcohol can be challenging to find in Delhi, but your hotel can usually arrange to deliver it for a small fee.

Transportation costs can also vary, with pre-paid taxis, metro rides, and auto-rickshaw rides all differing in price. However, most of the city's attractions are free or cheap, and hiring a private car with a driver is very affordable.

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Average hotel room price: $27

Travelling in New Delhi on a Budget

New Delhi is a great destination for travellers on a budget. The average hotel room costs $27 per night, and there are plenty of options for budget-conscious travellers, including hostels and budget hotels. In addition, food and transportation are also relatively affordable, with prices ranging from $9 to $20 per day for meals and $4 to $13 for local transportation.

Accommodation Options

For those looking for affordable accommodations, there are several options available. These include:

  • Hostels: While New Delhi does not have many hostel options, they can be a great choice for budget travellers. Look for lower-cost hostels or consider staying in a budget hotel instead.
  • Budget hotels: These offer a more comfortable option while still being affordable. By booking in advance and travelling during the low season, you can often find great deals on budget-friendly hotels.

Saving Tips

  • Travel during the low season: Hotel prices can fluctuate depending on the time of year. The low season in New Delhi is typically from April to September, and you can find some great deals during this period.
  • Compare prices: Use online tools to compare hotel prices and look for deals. Booking in advance can often save you money.
  • Consider alternative locations: The backpacker ghetto of Paharganj is known for having cheaper accommodations. While the area may not be as desirable, it can be a good option for those on a tight budget.

Food and Transportation

In addition to affordable accommodations, you can also save money on food and transportation in New Delhi. Here are some tips:

  • Eat at local stalls and casual restaurants: Filling meals from street stalls and casual restaurants are cheap and delicious. Western food will cost much more.
  • Use public transportation: The public transit system in New Delhi is not the best, but it is affordable. Consider purchasing a metro card to save even more on local transportation.

With its affordable accommodations, delicious local cuisine, and budget-friendly transportation options, New Delhi is a great destination for travellers looking to explore on a shoestring. By planning ahead and being mindful of your budget, you can have a memorable trip without breaking the bank.

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Average flight price: $272-$657

The average worldwide flight cost to Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) is between $833 and $1,331 per person for economy flights and $2,614 to $4,177 for first-class flights. The average flight price to New Delhi is $1,009, with the cheapest price found on KAYAK in the last 2 weeks costing $346. The average and cheapest prices for flights to New Delhi from each origin found by users searching on KAYAK in the last month for economy flights are as follows:

  • From Washington, D.C. Dulles Intl Airport: $494 one-way and $1,044 round-trip
  • From New York John F Kennedy Intl Airport: $527 one-way and $1,014 round-trip
  • From Seattle: $602 one-way and $1,291 round-trip

The cheapest month for flights to New Delhi is September, where tickets cost $870 on average for one-way flights. On the other hand, the most expensive months are December and June, where the average cost of tickets from the United States is $1,670 and $1,557 respectively. The cheapest day to fly in is typically Tuesday, and the cheapest day to fly back is usually Tuesday.

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Daily food budget: $20

New Delhi is a reasonably affordable destination within Asia. With a daily food budget of $20, you can eat like royalty in India's capital.

The average cost of food in Delhi is $20 per day, based on the spending habits of previous travellers. This includes breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Typically, breakfast and lunch cost less than dinner, but this depends on the type of restaurant and what you order.

For a delicious, traditional breakfast, head to a Darshini restaurant in the south of the city, where you can enjoy a plate of Idlis, Dosas, and a cup of filter coffee for less than $2. Street food is also a great option for a cheap and tasty meal. You can find crispy golden samosas filled with onions and potatoes for less than $1 a piece, or a plate of Chaat (puffed corn with tomatoes, potatoes, and chutneys) for less than $1.50.

If you're looking for a sit-down meal, you can expect to pay around $3-6 at a typical restaurant, without alcohol. Local food is usually cheaper than Western fare, and a nice air-conditioned restaurant will be more expensive than a street food vendor.

For a more upscale dining experience, be prepared for a higher bill. A meal at an upscale lounge bar or brewery will cost significantly more. For example, an Aglio Olio pasta and two pints of freshly brewed beer at an upscale brewery in Bangalore will set you back about $16.

It's worth noting that local food tends to be cheaper in bigger cities like New Delhi, compared to smaller, more touristy destinations. So, you can definitely stick to your $20 daily food budget and eat very well in New Delhi.

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Daily transport budget: $5.25

New Delhi is a reasonably affordable destination within Asia for travellers. With a daily transport budget of $5.25, you can get around the city using public transportation.

Delhi's public transit system is not the best, and the cost of a taxi or rideshare service is significantly more than public transportation. However, with careful planning and a willingness to use public transport, your daily transport budget of $5.25 is feasible.

  • Opt for public transportation: Stick to buses, the metro, or other forms of public transportation to stay within your budget.
  • Consider a metro smart card: Look into getting a Delhi Metro Smart Card, which may offer discounted rates for commuters.
  • Compare prices for different transport options: Before your trip, research the cost of taxis, local buses, the subway, and other transport options to find the most economical choices.
  • Book in advance: If you plan to use taxis or ridesharing services, consider booking in advance, as prices may vary depending on demand.
  • Walk whenever possible: Walking is a great way to explore the city and save money. Many of Delhi's famous sights, such as Connaught Place and Chandni Chowk, are within walking distance of each other.

Remember to have realistic expectations and be flexible during your trip. While it is possible to stick to a tight transport budget, there may be times when you need to adjust and allocate additional funds.

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Frequently asked questions

The amount of money you should budget for a trip to New Delhi depends on your travel style and preferences. A budget traveller can get by on $17-20 a day, while a mid-range traveller should budget around $45-53 a day. For luxury travellers, the daily budget is around $123-143. These costs include food, accommodation, sightseeing and local transportation.

Hotels in New Delhi range from $14 to $119 a night, with an average of $27 in the low season and $50 in the peak season.

Flight prices to New Delhi vary depending on the season and the place of departure. On average, economy flights range from $833 to $1,331, while first-class flights range from $2,614 to $4,177. The cheapest flights are usually available in early to mid-September.

Food in New Delhi can be quite cheap if you eat at street stalls and casual restaurants. Western food and air-conditioned tourist restaurants will be more expensive. The average daily cost of food is $20 per person.

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