Daily costs per person in INR and USD. Kolkata is India's most affordable major city — the quality of culture, food, and history per rupee spent is unmatched anywhere in the country.
Daily cost breakdown
Currency: INR (₹) (1 USD ≈ ₹83. Cards work in restaurants and hotels; carry cash for street food)
| Category | Budget | Mid-range | Splurge | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | ₹400–700 ($5–8) | ₹1,500–3,000 ($18–36) | — | |
| Food | ₹200–400 ($2–5) | ₹600–1,200 ($7–14) | — | |
| Transport (tram/metro) | ₹50–100 ($1) | ₹200–400 ($2–5) | — | |
| Entry Fees | ₹200–300 ($2–4) | ₹200–300 ($2–4) | — | |
| Drinks & Sweets | ₹150–250 ($2–3) | ₹400–700 ($5–8) | — | |
| Daily Total | ₹1,000–1,750 ($12–21) | ₹2,900–5,600 ($35–67) | — |
Money-saving tips
Kolkata is India's best value city
Kolkata has the lowest cost of living of any Indian metro. Dorm beds from ₹400, thali meals from ₹80, and metro rides for ₹5. A full day including entry fees, meals, and transport can cost under ₹1,000 ($12). The quality of food — especially street food and sweets — is among the best in the country at these prices.
Eat mishti every day
Bengali sweets (mishti) are a cultural institution. Balaram Mullick & Radharaman Mullick in Bhowanipur and KC Das on Esplanade are the heritage sweet shops. Mishti doi in a clay pot: ₹40–60. Rosogolla: ₹20/piece. Sandesh: ₹30–50/piece. These are meals, not snacks — the quality is extraordinary.
Take the tram at least once
Kolkata's tram network charges ₹7–10 per ride — the cheapest way to see the city slowly and historically. Route 6 (Esplanade to Kalighat) is the most atmospheric. The trams are ageing beautifully and are unlikely to survive much longer — ride them while they exist.
Kathi rolls are the definitive street food
Kolkata invented the kathi roll — flatbread wrapped around egg, chicken, or mutton kebab filling (₹60–120). Nizam's on New Market Row invented the format in 1932. Hot Kati Roll on Park Street and Campari in Sreebhumi are the current institutions. Avoid paying more than ₹150 for a roll anywhere.
