How Much Does a Trip to Kolkata Cost? Daily Budget Guide

What a day in Kolkata really costs at three budgets

1. 1

   Budget Guesthouse Room on Sudder Street

   Sudder Street, South Kolkata · Lodging · ₹900–₹1,500 per night

   Budget hotels in Kolkata start from ₹917 to ₹1,032 per night. Sudder Street offers budget-friendly lodges with a lively backpacker atmosphere. The area is recommended for low-cost accommodations where you can find budget-friendly lodges and experience a lively atmosphere. A stay here gives you a clean room, WiFi, and often a rooftop breakfast area—the social hub for solo travellers and groups planning day trips.

   Source: OYO Rooms
2. 2

   Mid-Range Hotel Room in Central Kolkata

   Park Street or Esplanade, Central Kolkata · Lodging · ₹2,500–₹3,500 per night

   Mid-range hotels in Kolkata average ₹2,975 per night (₹37 USD), with high season prices around ₹5,587 (₹69 USD). A 2-star hotel averages ₹2,100 ($26 USD) per night, while a 3-star hotel typically costs ₹3,280 ($40 USD). These rooms include AC, private bathroom, and breakfast. Park Street or Esplanade provide vibrant city life, putting you near restaurants, museums, and transport links.

   Source: Budget Your Trip
3. 3

   Luxury 5-Star Hotel

   Alipore or Central Kolkata · Lodging · ₹7,500–₹12,000 per night

   A luxury hotel in Kolkata costs about ₹5,000 per night ($53 USD), though a 5-star hotel averages ₹7,584 per night ($92 USD). Properties like ITC Royal Bengal, The Oberoi Grand and Taj Bengal offer world-class hospitality, combining colonial architecture with modern amenities. Taj Bengal is located close to Alipore and Victoria Memorial, renowned for its impeccable service and luxurious atmosphere.

   Source: Momondo Hotels
4. 4

   Street Food Meal at College Street or Market

   College Street, North Kolkata · Food · ₹50–₹150 per meal

   The street food scene at College Street offers phuchkas (pani puri) and kathi rolls at pocket-friendly prices. Cheap eats of Bengal cost around ₹10, and jhalmuri—a mixture of puffed rice with spices, boiled potatoes and coconut—is a wonder mixture presented in a handmade carrier. A roadside stall can fill your stomach for an average of 60–80 rupees no matter what you take. Budget travellers eat here three times daily; mid-range and luxury travellers pick it for one casual meal.

   Source: Orange Wayfarer
5. 5

   Mid-Range Restaurant Meal

   Park Street or Ballygunge, Central Kolkata · Food · ₹400–₹800 per person

   The average cost of food in Kolkata is $22 (₨2,054) per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travellers. A three-course meal costs around $13.2 USD (₹1,197). Mid-range restaurants serve authentic Bengali cuisine—fish curries, dals, rice, and yogurt. Esplanade offers local eateries and Balwant Singh serves delicious non-Bengali meals. Expect biryani, tandoori chicken, and fresh naan in pleasant air-conditioned settings.

   Source: World Prices
6. 6

   Luxury Dining or Fine Restaurant

   Park Street, South Kolkata · Food · ₹1,500–₹2,500 per person

   A meal set with sandwich, fries, and soda costs approximately ₹400 ($4.4 USD), while high-end fine dining runs significantly higher. Mughali Paratha, a flatbread stuffed with minced meat, is a Kolkata specialty, as are snack foods like deep-fried chops; Bengali sweets like rasagolla and mishti doi are also renowned. Luxury restaurants on Park Street serve these dishes with wine service, soft furnishings, and city views. A three-course meal with cocktails runs ₹1,500–₹2,500 per person.

   Source: HikersBay
7. 7

   Metro or Bus Single Journey

   Kolkata Metro, all lines · Public Transport · ₹5–₹30 per trip

   Metro fares run around ₹5–₹30 depending on distance, the best value for long, direct corridors along an existing line. The Kolkata Metro, India's first, is the backbone for north-south travel, running through central stations like Dum Dum, Esplanade, Park Street, and Maidan; it's air-conditioned and economy-priced, and typically the fastest way to cut through the city's dense traffic. Fares across all four modes are among the lowest of any major Indian city. Budget travellers use it daily; others use it for longer crosstown journeys.

   Source: Kolkata Dekho
8. 8

   Taxi or Ride-Share (Ola/Uber)

   City-wide, Kolkata · Transport · ₹50 base fare + ₹15–25 per km

   A taxi start tariff is ₹50 base fare when the meter starts. Ola and Uber both operate extensively here and are the most visitor-friendly options: upfront pricing, no negotiation, and familiar apps. A typical 5km journey costs ₹150–₹250. Autos are ideal for the "last mile," getting from a Metro station or main road to a specific neighbourhood or PG. Budget travellers minimize taxis; mid-range and luxury travellers use them for convenience and late-night travel.

   Source: Numbeo
9. 9

   Victoria Memorial (Entry)

   Central Kolkata, gardens and museum · Attraction · ₹30 (Indian) / ₹500 (foreign)

   Victoria Memorial entry fee is ₹30 for Indians, ₹200 for foreigners; the museum within costs ₹50 for Indians, ₹500 for foreigners. For Indian visitors the entry fee is ₹20, while for foreigners it is ₹200; the gardens are open on all days from 5:30 AM. The museum is open from 10 am to 5 pm on all days except Mondays and national holidays. Foreign travellers budget ₹500 to see both; Indians pay ₹30–₹50. All three traveller types include this colonial landmark.

   Source: MakeMyTrip
10. 10

    3-Day Darjeeling Tour Package from Kolkata

    Darjeeling, hill station · Multi-day excursion · ₹6,800–₹11,500 per person

    A 3-night/4-day Darjeeling tour package from Kolkata starts at just ₹6,800, while tour packages cost ₹9,500 per person and include transfer, sightseeing, accommodation and breakfast, valid from July 1 to September 30, 2026. Sleeper class train to NJP (₹350–450) + shared taxi to Darjeeling (₹300–400) costs ₹650–850 one way. Budget travellers take trains; mid-range use packages; luxury travellers book private guides and 5-star hotels in Darjeeling. All types leave Kolkata refreshed.

    Source: Go Get A Trip