Daily costs per person in INR and USD. Entry fees are largely fixed; food and accommodation have a wide range depending on how deep into the old city you go.
Daily cost breakdown
Currency: INR (₹) (1 USD ≈ ₹83. Cards work in hotels; carry cash for markets)
| Category | Budget | Mid-range | Splurge | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | ₹400–700 ($5–8) | ₹1,500–3,000 ($18–36) | — | |
| Food | ₹300–500 ($4–6) | ₹800–1,500 ($10–18) | — | |
| Transport (local) | ₹100–200 ($1–2) | ₹300–600 ($4–7) | — | |
| Entry Fees | ₹600–750 ($7–9) | ₹600–750 ($7–9) | — | |
| Drinks & Snacks | ₹100–200 ($1–2) | ₹300–500 ($4–6) | — | |
| Daily Total | ₹1,500–2,350 ($18–28) | ₹3,500–6,350 ($42–76) | — |
Money-saving tips
Accommodation has a wide range
Jodhpur has excellent backpacker hostels inside the old city walls for ₹400–700/night (dorm). Heritage guesthouses with fort views run ₹1,500–3,000 for a double. Paying more for a fort-view room is worth it — you will wake up to one of the world's great travel views.
Street food is the move
Mirchi vada ₹20, makhania lassi ₹60, mawa kachori ₹40, dal baati thali ₹150–250. The Clock Tower market is the food hub. Rooftop restaurants charge a view premium (₹400–700/meal) but are worth doing once. Avoid tourist restaurants inside the fort area.
Negotiate auto-rickshaws
Jodhpur auto-rickshaws have meters but drivers rarely use them. Agree on a price before getting in: old city to station ₹80–100, fort to market ₹50–70. Apps like Ola work in Jodhpur for transparent pricing — often cheaper and avoids negotiation.
Entry fees add up
Mehrangarh ₹600 is the main cost (worth every rupee). Jaswant Thada ₹30, Umaid Bhawan museum ₹100, Mandore Gardens free. Budget ₹750–800 total for all entry fees over a 3-day stay. The fort audio guide at ₹100 extra is genuinely excellent — take it.
