India expenses: What you really need to spend on travel, food, and adventure

When you think about India expenses, the total cost of traveling across India, including visas, transport, food, and health precautions. Also known as travel budget India, it's not just about the price of a ticket—it's what you’ll spend day after day on the ground. Many assume India is cheap, and yes, you can eat for a dollar or ride a train for less than ten bucks. But the real India expenses come from the hidden costs: vaccines, guided treks, temple entry fees, and getting around when Uber doesn’t run. You can’t skip these and still have a smooth trip.

Let’s break it down. First, the India visa fees, the mandatory cost for foreign visitors to enter India, varying by nationality and visa type. For U.S. travelers in 2025, it’s around $100 for an e-Visa, and that’s non-negotiable. Then there’s health: India health costs, the out-of-pocket expenses for vaccines, medications, and emergency care while traveling in India. You don’t need every shot, but hepatitis A, typhoid, and tetanus? Non-negotiable. A full set runs $150–$250. Skip this and you’re gambling with your stomach—and your trip. Food safety matters too. Eating street food is part of the experience, but clean vendors cost more. A safe meal at a busy stall? Maybe $1.50. A risky one? Could cost you a week of travel.

Transport adds up fast. Trains are cheap, but sleeper berths on long routes? That’s $20–$50. Taxis in Goa? Not always available. In cities like Delhi, auto-rickshaws are fine if you negotiate. But if you’re trekking the Great Himalayan Trail, a 4,500-kilometer long-distance trek across India’s northern mountains, requiring permits, guides, and gear, you’re looking at $500–$1,200 for a guide, food, and gear rental. That’s not optional—it’s safety. And don’t forget temple entry fees, local permits, and even camera charges at heritage sites like the Taj Mahal. These aren’t tourist traps—they’re part of how India manages its cultural treasures.

Here’s the truth: India isn’t cheap because everything is low-priced. It’s cheap because you can choose how much to spend. Skip the luxury trains and stick to local buses. Eat where locals eat. Book guided treks through trusted local operators—not international agencies. The biggest India expenses aren’t the ones you expect—they’re the ones you forget until you’re stranded without a vaccine or a guide who knows the trail.

Below, you’ll find real stories from travelers who got it right—and those who didn’t. From exact visa prices to how much a safe meal costs in Mumbai, these posts give you the numbers you need to plan without surprises. No guesses. No fluff. Just what you’ll actually pay.