Is Delhi expensive? What things really cost in 2026
Short answer
Delhi is inexpensive for food and transport but has a wide price range: street food costs very little, while top hotels compete with Europe. A budget traveller needs about ₹2,200 (roughly €22) a day, mid-range about ₹5,800 and comfort about ₹22,000 per person. Foreigner monument fees and hotels take most of a budget; the metro and street food are very cheap.
Daily budget: backpacker, mid-range, luxury
| Budget | Mid-range | Comfort | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bed (per person, sharing) | rupees800 | rupees2,500 | rupees12,000 |
| Food & drink | rupees500 | rupees1,200 | rupees4,000 |
| Sights & tickets | rupees700 | rupees1,500 | rupees3,500 |
| Local transport | rupees200 | rupees600 | rupees2,500 |
| Per person, per day | rupees2,200 | rupees5,800 | rupees22,000 |
Approximate 2026 prices, two people sharing a room. From our Delhi day-cost table.
What things cost
| Item | Typical price* |
|---|---|
| Masala chai | about ₹15–30 |
| Plate of chole bhature | roughly ₹100–250 |
| Paratha with sides at Paranthe Wali Gali | roughly ₹80–150 |
| Butter chicken in a casual restaurant | roughly ₹350–700 |
| Red Fort ticket (foreigners) | about ₹500–600 |
| Restaurant meal | ₹500–1,500 |
| Budget room in Paharganj | ₹1,000–2,500 |
| Mid-range double, Connaught Place | ₹3,500–7,000 |
* Approximate prices, October 2026. They change with season and exchange rates.
Where the money goes
Monuments charge foreigners much higher fees than Indian visitors, so the Red Fort, Humayun's Tomb, Qutub Minar and a Taj Mahal day trip add up quickly. Rooms range from ₹1,000–2,500 in Paharganj to ₹15,000–40,000 in Lutyens' Delhi and Aerocity hotels. Restaurants add 5% GST and sometimes a service charge. Street food, chai and the metro cost very little.
When it is cheaper
Hotel prices are lowest in the hot months (April to June) and the monsoon (July to September). October to March is peak season, when prices are highest.
How to spend less
- Buy monument tickets online, often slightly cheaper than at the counter.
- Use the Delhi Metro instead of taxis; it is fast, cheap and avoids traffic.
- Eat at Sikh gurudwaras such as Bangla Sahib, where langar meals are free.
- Pay by UPI or card where possible and check bills for added items.
- Service charges should be optional under Indian consumer rules; ask for them to be removed if you wish.
- Use Uber or Ola rather than negotiating with drivers on the street.
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Common questions
Is Delhi expensive?
Not for food and transport. About ₹2,200 (roughly €22) a day covers a budget trip; foreigner monument fees and hotels are the main costs.
How much do monuments cost for foreigners?
Much more than for Indian visitors: the Red Fort is about ₹500–600. Buying online is often slightly cheaper.
Is there a service charge in restaurants?
Many add 5% GST and some add a service charge, which should be optional under Indian consumer rules.