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, so 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.
