Is India Cheap for US Citizens? A Detailed Cost Guide

India Trip Budget Calculator
Your estimated 14-day trip cost to India:
Accommodation: -
Food: -
Transport: -
Activities: -
Visa Fee: $12
Flights: -
When planning a trip, India is a South Asian country known for its diverse cultures, landscapes, and a cost of living that’s often lower than Western nations. For a typical US citizen, the question isn’t just “Is it cheap?” but “How cheap can it get without compromising the experience?” Below you’ll find a step‑by‑step breakdown, real‑world budget examples, and practical tips that let you compare apples to apples.
Quick Takeaways
- Daily expenses in India can be 50‑70% lower than in the United States for comparable comfort.
- Food, local transport, and mid‑range hotels provide the biggest savings.
- Exchange rates (1USD ≈ 83INR in Oct2025) greatly affect your purchasing power.
- A 2‑week itinerary can run from $1,200 to $2,500 depending on travel style.
- Smart choices-like using Indian Rupee for cash purchases and staying in guesthouses-stretch your budget further.
Why Costs Differ: Exchange Rate & Purchasing Power
The Cost of Living Index rates India at about 27 (with New York at 100). This means goods and services are roughly a quarter of the price in the U.S. However, the headline number hides three key variables:
- Exchange rate volatility: The US Dollar to Indian Rupee fluctuates based on global markets. In October2025, 1USD converts to about 83INR, but it can swing ±5% in a year.
- Local vs. tourist pricing: Tourist‑focused hotels and restaurants often charge 1.5‑2× the local rates.
- Spending habits: US travelers tend to prefer larger portions, private cabs, and branded hotels, which narrows the price gap.
Understanding these levers helps you decide where to splurge and where to save.

Core Expense Categories
Below is a quick snapshot of average costs for a solo US traveler in 2025, expressed in both USD and INR. Figures are based on data from the Indian Ministry of Tourism, travel forums, and recent backpacker surveys.
Category | Budget (USD) | Mid‑range (USD) | Luxury (USD) | INR (Budget) |
---|---|---|---|---|
Accommodation | 15 | 45 | 120 | 1,250 |
Food (street + casual) | 8 | 20 | 50 | 660 |
Local Transport | 5 | 12 | 30 | 415 |
Activities / Entry Fees | 10 | 25 | 70 | 830 |
Visa (30‑day e‑tourist) | $12 (≈ 1,000INR) |
These numbers show that even a mid‑range traveler can stay under $80 per day-a fraction of typical US city expenses.
Real‑World Budget Scenarios
To make the data tangible, here are three sample itineraries for a two‑week stay. All budgets assume you’ve booked flights in advance and are traveling alone.
1. Backpacker Adventure (Hostels & Street Food)
- Accommodation: Dorm beds in Delhi, Jaipur, Varanasi, and Goa - $12/day
- Food: Thali meals, chaat, dosas - $7/day
- Transport: Trains, shared auto‑rickshaws - $5/day
- Activities: Monument entry fees, a day trek - $8/day
- Total per day: $32 → $448 for 14 days
- Extra: $120 for internal flights (e.g., Delhi → Goa)
- Grand total: ≈ $568 (≈ 47,000INR)
2. Comfortable Cultural Tour (3‑star hotels & restaurants)
- Accommodation: Mid‑range hotels with private bathrooms - $45/day
- Food: Mix of restaurant meals and occasional street snacks - $20/day
- Transport: Domestic flights + private car hires - $15/day
- Activities: Guided tours, yoga class, museum passes - $25/day
- Total per day: $105 → $1,470 for 14 days
- Extra: $250 for a round‑trip Delhi‑Mumbai flight
- Grand total: ≈ $1,720 (≈ 142,500INR)
3. Luxury Escape (5‑star resorts & curated experiences)
- Accommodation: Boutique resorts in Kerala & Rajasthan - $120/day
- Food: Fine‑dining, wine pairings - $55/day
- Transport: First‑class flights, private driver - $40/day
- Activities: Helicopter tour, spa packages - $70/day
- Total per day: $285 → $3,990 for 14 days
- Extra: $500 for an international cruise segment
- Grand total: ≈ $4,490 (≈ 372,000INR)
Even the “luxury” plan remains cheaper than a two‑week stay at a high‑end hotel in New York, which can exceed $6,000.
Practical Money‑Saving Hacks
Now that you know the baseline, here are actionable tips that slice costs without hurting the adventure:
- Use cash for small purchases: Street food, local markets, and rickshaws often give better rates than card processors.
- Book trains on the IRCTC portal: Advance reservation (up to 120 days) secures AC seats at 30‑40% of a flight price.
- Travel off‑peak: October‑November and February‑March avoid peak tourist surcharges.
- Leverage regional SIM cards: Data plans start at $2/GB, far cheaper than roaming.
- Stay in heritage guesthouses: They often include breakfast and a cultural program for $20‑$30/night.

How Visa Costs Fit In
US citizens need an e‑tourist visa for most stays up to 60 days. The fee is $12 (≈ 1,000INR) and the online process takes 2‑3 business days. No hidden agency charges if you apply directly on the Indian government portal.
Sample Budget Calculator (Quick Reference)
Plug your preferences into this simple formula to estimate a 14‑day trip:
- Choose your daily comfort level (budget=$32, mid‑range=$105, luxury=$285).
- Multiply by 14 days.
- Add internal flights (average $120 for budget, $250 for mid‑range, $500 for luxury).
- Add visa fee $12.
- Result = total USD cost.
Example: Mid‑range=$105×14+$250+$12=$1,732.

Bottom Line: Is India Cheap for US Citizens?
Short answer: Yes. With the right planning, a US traveler can experience world‑class culture, food, and landscapes for 50‑70% of the cost of a comparable US vacation. The biggest savings come from food, accommodation, and local transport, while visas and international flights remain the only fixed “expensive” items.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current USD to INR exchange rate?
In early October2025 the market rate hovers around 1USD=83INR, though it can swing 5% quarterly.
Do US credit cards work everywhere in India?
Major cards (Visa, MasterCard, Amex) are accepted in hotels, upscale restaurants, and malls. Small vendors and rural eateries often prefer cash or UPI QR codes.
Is tipping expected?
Tipping is customary but not mandatory. A 10% tip for restaurant service, INR 20-50 for rickshaw drivers, and INR 100-200 for hotel staff are typical.
Can I use my US mobile phone in India?
Most US carriers have roaming agreements, but rates are high. Buying a local prepaid SIM (e.g., Jio, Airtel) for $2‑$5 per month of data is far cheaper.
What safety precautions should I take?
Keep copies of your passport, use hotel safes for valuables, drink bottled water, and avoid isolated areas after dark. Overall, India is safe for tourists who stay alert.
Next Steps
1. Check the latest exchange rate and lock in a small amount of INR before you depart.
2. Apply for the e‑tourist visa online (takes < 48hours).
3. Draft a rough itinerary using the budget calculator above.
4. Book at least one internal flight or train ticket to secure the best price.
5. Pack a reusable water bottle, a few cash envelopes, and an unlocked phone for the local SIM.
Follow these steps, and you’ll be ready to enjoy India’s riches without breaking the bank.