Planning a trip to India’s capital and wondering how much money you actually need? Whether you are a backpacker exploring on a shoestring budget, a family looking for comfortable mid-range travel, or a luxury tourist seeking 5-star heritage hospitality, Delhi remains one of the most cost-effective world capitals to visit. For a broader overview of visiting the capital, check out our comprehensive Delhi travel guide, understand how to reach Delhi, or pick the best time to visit Delhi before booking your tickets.
This comprehensive Delhi trip cost guide breaks down every expense category in detail—including accommodation, food, public transit, entrance fees, and hidden charges. Prices are listed in both Indian Rupees (INR / ₹) and US Dollars (USD / $) to help both domestic Indian travelers and international visitors from the USA, UK, Australia, and Europe plan an accurate budget. If you want essential safety and navigation advice before landing, read our Delhi travel tips.
At a Glance: Estimated Daily Budget Per Person
| Travel Style | Daily Cost (INR) | Daily Cost (USD) | What It Covers |
|---|---|---|---|
| Budget / Backpacker | ₹1,200 – ₹2,200 | $15 – $27 | Hostel dorm, street food/budget dhabas, Delhi Metro, public monuments. |
| Mid-Range | ₹4,000 – ₹7,500 | $50 – $90 | 3-star hotel/boutique stay, casual dining, mix of Uber & Metro, all entry tickets. |
| Luxury | ₹15,000 – ₹35,000+ | $180 – $420+ | 5-star heritage hotel, fine dining restaurants, private chauffeur car, private tour guides. |
1. Accommodation Costs in Delhi
Accommodation in Delhi varies widely depending on the neighborhood. Popular tourist hubs include Connaught Place (central & connected), Paharganj (budget backpacker area near New Delhi Railway Station), and South Delhi / Hauz Khas (modern, green, and trendy). For a deeper breakdown of safe and convenient neighborhoods, read our full guide on where to stay in Delhi.
- Hostel Beds (Budget): ₹500 – ₹1,200 ($6 – $15 USD) per night. Popular chains like Hosteller, Zostel, and Moustache offer clean, secure dorms with Wi-Fi in safe areas like South Delhi.
- Mid-Range Hotels & Airbnbs: ₹2,500 – ₹5,500 ($30 – $68 USD) per night. Expect air-conditioned private rooms, complimentary breakfast, and central locations.
- 5-Star & Luxury Heritage Hotels: ₹12,000 – ₹30,000+ ($150 – $370+ USD) per night. Includes iconic properties like The Imperial, Taj Mahal Hotel, and The Leela Palace.
2. Sightseeing & Monument Entrance Fees
Most major historical historical monuments and iconic places to visit in Delhi are managed by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). Entry fees operate on a dual-pricing system: one rate for Indian citizens (and SAARC/BIMSTEC members) and another for foreign tourists. Booking tickets online via the official ASI portal offers a small discount per ticket. You can also explore popular things to do in Delhi, check out the best museums in Delhi, or stroll through nature at Lodhi Garden and Purana Qila.
| Attraction / Monument | Indian Citizen Ticket | Foreign Tourist Ticket |
|---|---|---|
| Red Fort (Lal Qila) | ₹50 (Cash) / ₹35 (Online) | ₹600 (Cash) / ₹550 (Online) |
| Qutub Minar | ₹40 (Cash) / ₹35 (Online) | ₹600 (Cash) / ₹550 (Online) |
| Humayun’s Tomb | ₹40 (Cash) / ₹35 (Online) | ₹600 (Cash) / ₹550 (Online) |
| Akshardham Temple | Free (Exhibitions: ₹250) | Free (Exhibitions: ₹250) |
| Lotus Temple | Free | Free |
| Gurudwara Bangla Sahib | Free | Free |
| Jama Masjid | Free (Camera fee: ₹300) | Free (Camera fee: ₹300) |
| India Gate & Sunder Nursery | ₹50 (Sunder Nursery) | ₹200 (Sunder Nursery) |
3. Transportation Costs in Delhi
Delhi boasts one of the world’s best public transportation systems, keeping transit costs exceptionally low for travelers who use public options. For step-by-step navigation instructions, refer to our guide on how to get around Delhi.
- Delhi Metro: ₹10 – ₹60 ($0.12 – $0.75 USD) per single ride. Unlimited 1-Day Tourist Smart Cards cost ₹100 ($1.20 USD), while 3-Day Passes cost ₹250 ($3.00 USD). Read our dedicated Delhi Metro guide for tourists to learn how to purchase tokens and navigate routes smoothly.
- Airport Express Metro: ₹60 ($0.75 USD) from IGI Airport Terminal 3 to New Delhi Railway Station in central Delhi.
- Auto-Rickshaws (Tuk-Tuks): ₹50 – ₹150 ($0.60 – $1.80 USD) for short rides under 5 km. Negotiate before boarding or book via Uber Auto to ensure metered rates.
- Uber / Ola Cabs: ₹200 – ₹500 ($2.50 – $6.00 USD) for typical point-to-point rides across the city.
- Full-Day Private Chauffeur Car: ₹2,500 – ₹4,000 ($30 – $50 USD) for 8 hours / 80 km of private AC sedan usage.
4. Food & Dining Expenses
Dining in Delhi ranges from world-famous street food stalls to Michelin-caliber dining experiences. Don’t forget to check out our detailed Delhi street food guide to find the best safe culinary spots, or experience late-night dining with our recommendations on things to do in Delhi at night.
- Street Food & Local Dhabas: ₹60 – ₹150 ($0.75 – $1.80 USD) per dish (e.g., Chole Bhature, Momos, Paranthas, or Dahi Bhalla) while exploring Chandni Chowk and other famous markets in Delhi.
- Casual Sit-Down Restaurants: ₹300 – ₹700 ($3.60 – $8.50 USD) per person for a complete meal (e.g., South Indian Thalis, North Indian curries with Naan).
- High-End / Hotel Fine Dining: ₹2,000 – ₹5,000+ ($25 – $60+ USD) per person at iconic spots like Bukhara, Indian Accent, or Dum Pukht.
- Bottled Water & Drinks: ₹20 ($0.25 USD) for a 1L sealed water bottle; ₹100 – ₹250 ($1.20 – $3.00 USD) for artisan coffees in cafes.
5. Sample Total Cost for a 3-Day Trip to Delhi
Here is what a complete 3-day / 2-night trip to Delhi realistically costs per person (excluding major international or domestic flights). You can easily structure your sightseeing using our tailored Delhi 1 day itinerary, Delhi 2 day itinerary, or Delhi 3 day itinerary.
| Expense Category | Budget Backpacker | Mid-Range Tourist | Luxury Traveler |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation (2 Nights) | ₹1,800 ($22) | ₹8,000 ($96) | ₹36,000 ($430) |
| Food & Drinks (3 Days) | ₹1,200 ($15) | ₹3,600 ($43) | ₹15,000 ($180) |
| Local Transport (3 Days) | ₹400 ($5) | ₹1,800 ($22) | ₹9,000 ($108) |
| Sightseeing & Tickets | ₹1,200 ($15) | ₹2,100 ($25) | ₹3,500 ($42) |
| Misc / Shopping / SIM | ₹500 ($6) | ₹1,500 ($18) | ₹5,000 ($60) |
| TOTAL ESTIMATED COST | ₹5,100 ($63 USD) | ₹17,000 ($204 USD) | ₹68,500 ($820 USD) |
6. Beyond Delhi: Factoring in Day Trips & Excursions
If you plan to use Delhi as a launching pad for nearby heritage destinations, keep these popular transit and budget additions in mind. Explore all options in our guide to day trips from Delhi and surrounding places to visit near Delhi:
- Agra (Taj Mahal): Follow our Delhi to Agra travel guide to plan express train or highway taxi budgets.
- Jaipur: Plan your Golden Triangle connection with our guide on how to reach Jaipur from Delhi.
- Spiritual Hubs: Calculate bus and train fares using our Delhi to Mathura Vrindavan guide, Delhi to Haridwar travel guide, and Delhi to Rishikesh guide.
7. Hidden Costs & Money-Saving Tips
Unexpected Small Charges
- Shoe Deposit at Places of Worship: Religious sites like Jama Masjid or Bangla Sahib do not charge entry, but shoe minders expect a small voluntary tip of ₹10 – ₹20 per pair.
- Cloakroom & Luggage Storage: Major sites (like Akshardham) charge nominal fees (₹10 – ₹50) for secure electronic lockers.
- SIM Card Activation: An official tourist SIM card at the airport costs around ₹300 – ₹600 ($3.50 – $7.50 USD) including 1.5GB daily data for 28 days.
Top Budget-Saving Hacks
- Buy Monument Tickets Online: Booking ASI monument tickets via government portals saves ~₹50 per foreign ticket and allows you to skip physical ticket queues.
- Use the Delhi Metro: Taking the Metro instead of taxis saves up to 80% on transport costs and avoids hours spent in traffic.
- Eat at High-Turnover Local Chains: Haldiram’s, Bikanervala, and Saravana Bhavan offer clean, safe, authentic Indian food at fixed, affordable prices.
Frequently Asked Questions
No, Delhi is remarkably affordable compared to capitals in Europe, North America, or East Asia. Even budget travelers can comfortably explore the city, enjoy hearty meals, and visit world heritage sites for under $30 USD per day.
Carrying ₹1,500 to ₹3,000 in cash per day (in small notes of ₹20, ₹50, and ₹100) is ideal for auto-rickshaws, street food, tipping, and local markets. Credit cards are widely accepted at hotels, sit-down restaurants, and shopping malls.
Tipping is customary but modest in India. Leaving 7–10% at sit-down restaurants (if no service charge is added) is standard. For hotel luggage porters, ₹50 per bag is appropriate, while private drivers appreciate ₹300–₹500 per day.
No, government-managed historical sites in India operate on a dual-pricing system. Indian citizens pay a subsidized entry fee (usually ₹35–₹50), while foreign visitors pay a higher rate (usually ₹550–₹600), which covers maintenance and English tourist infrastructure.
