Budget Travel Guide
Best Budget Destinations in South Asia
9 destinations starting from $10/day. Average budget cost: $23/day.
9
Destinations
$10
Cheapest/day
$23
Average/day
South Asia is one of the most affordable regions on Earth. India, Nepal, and Sri Lanka offer jaw-dropping cultural experiences, diverse landscapes, and delicious food — all at rock-bottom prices. Expect to spend as little as $15-25 per day on a backpacker budget.
South Asia Destinations Ranked by Budget Cost
Dhaka
Bangladesh
$10
budget/day
Mid-range
$38/day
Best months
Nov, Dec, Jan...
Top tip: Eat biryani, dal, and roti at local restaurants for under $1 per meal
View flights & detailsKarachi
Pakistan
$11
budget/day
Mid-range
$43/day
Best months
Nov, Dec, Jan...
Top tip: Eat biryani from street stalls for under $1 — Karachi is the biryani capital
View flights & detailsKolkata
India
$13
budget/day
Mid-range
$47/day
Best months
Oct, Nov, Dec...
Top tip: Eat at local Bengali restaurants — a full thali costs $0.80-1.50
View flights & detailsKathmandu
Nepal
$19
budget/day
Mid-range
$60/day
Best months
Mar, Apr, May...
Top tip: Eat dal bhat at local spots for $1-2 — usually unlimited refills
View flights & detailsDelhi
India
$22
budget/day
Mid-range
$68/day
Best months
Oct, Nov, Dec...
Top tip: Eat at Chandni Chowk for the best and cheapest street food
View flights & detailsGoa
India
$24
budget/day
Mid-range
$70/day
Best months
Nov, Dec, Jan...
Top tip: Stay in North Goa (Anjuna, Vagator) for budget, South Goa for quieter vibes
View flights & detailsMumbai
India
$25
budget/day
Mid-range
$80/day
Best months
Oct, Nov, Dec...
Top tip: Eat at local thali restaurants for $1-2 unlimited meals
View flights & detailsColombo
Sri Lanka
$27
budget/day
Mid-range
$80/day
Best months
Jan, Feb, Mar...
Top tip: Eat rice and curry at local restaurants for $1-2
View flights & detailsMale
Maldives
$55
budget/day
Mid-range
$145/day
Best months
Jan, Feb, Mar...
Top tip: Stay on local islands (Maafushi, Thulusdhoo) in guesthouses for $25-50/night instead of resorts
View flights & detailsCost Comparison Table
| # | Destination | Budget/Day | Mid/Day | Comfort/Day | Best Months | Currency |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Dhaka, Bangladesh | $10 | $38 | $100 | Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar | BDT |
| 2 | Karachi, Pakistan | $11 | $43 | $105 | Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar | PKR |
| 3 | Kolkata, India | $13 | $47 | $118 | Oct, Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar | INR |
| 4 | Kathmandu, Nepal | $19 | $60 | $129 | Mar, Apr, May, Oct, Nov | NPR |
| 5 | Delhi, India | $22 | $68 | $164 | Oct, Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar | INR |
| 6 | Goa, India | $24 | $70 | $160 | Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar | INR |
| 7 | Mumbai, India | $25 | $80 | $195 | Oct, Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar | INR |
| 8 | Colombo, Sri Lanka | $27 | $80 | $176 | Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, Dec | LKR |
| 9 | Male, Maldives | $55 | $145 | $420 | Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, Nov, Dec | MVR |
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