How Much Does Agra Cost? 2026 Budget Guide | Prices & Tips
Agra is an exceptionally budget-friendly destination for those who plan their monument visits carefully. While daily expenses like local meals and transport are very low, the cost of entry for major sites like the Taj Mahal (~$16 / ₹1,500 total with mausoleum) represents a significant portion of a visitor's daily budget. For a comfortable stay, travelers can expect a daily expenditure range of ~$35–$312 / ₹3,215–₹28,400 depending on their preference for luxury or street-side exploration. Compared to larger Indian hubs like Delhi, Agra offers more affordable local transit but requires a higher allocation for individual attraction tickets. The city is best navigated by focusing on the historic pockets of Taj Ganj and the bustling markets of Sadar Bazaar.
Is Agra expensive to visit?
Agra is highly affordable for daily living, but monument fees for foreign visitors mean one should budget between ~$35–$312 / ₹3,215–₹28,400 per day depending on the desired level of comfort.
On This Page
Daily Budget
How much to budget per person per day in Agra
$36
per person /day
$124
per person /day
$312
per person /day
Trip Costs by Duration
Total estimated costs per person, excluding flights
| Trip Costs by Duration | Budget | Mid-Range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3-Day Trip | $108 | $371 | $936 |
| 5-Day Trip | $180 | $618 | $1,560 |
| 7-Day Trip | $252 | $865 | $2,183 |
per person — Excludes international flights
Budget Buffer
Recommended contingency for unexpected expenses
It is wise to maintain a 15% buffer for hidden costs like the 5–18% GST on hotel rooms and the ~$1.18 / ₹107 camera fees often required at smaller monuments. This buffer also helps cover optional but common 5–10% service charges at mid-range restaurants.
How Does It Compare?
See how Agra stacks up against other popular destinations
What Things Cost
Real prices for common tourist expenses in Agra
Food & Drink (3)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Mid-Range Restaurant Meal for Two Typical for a three-course dinner for two people at popular tourist restaurants like Pinch of Spice. | $18 ₹1,602 |
| Draft Beer (500ml) in Restaurant Imported beers or premium craft options can cost up to ~$7.06 / ₹643. Alcohol is not served inside the Taj Mahal complex and availability is limited in the immediate vicinity. | $4.55 ₹415 |
| Inexpensive Street Food Meal Covers a substantial vegetarian thali or several plates of snacks like Bedai and Jalebi at local stalls. | $3.91 ₹356 |
Transport (4)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Agra Metro Single-Trip Ticket Operates the 6km Taj East Gate–Mankameshwar Mandir corridor. Fares range ~$0.12–$0.24 / ₹11–₹21 depending on distance. | $0.24 ₹21 |
| Prepaid Taxi - Airport to City Center Fixed-rate counters are located outside the arrivals hall. A standard sedan to Taj Ganj costs ~$5.21 / ₹475. | $5.21 ₹475 |
| Private Car with Driver (8 Hours/80km) The most comfortable way to see all major sites in one day. Ensure the price includes parking and fuel. | $33 ₹2,966 |
| Auto-Rickshaw (Taj Mahal to Agra Fort) Expect to pay ~$1.29–$2.59 / ₹118–₹236 depending on your bargaining skills. Ride-hailing apps like Ola often show ~$1.53 / ₹139. | $1.95 ₹178 |
Accommodation (3)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Zostel Agra - Private Room Located within walking distance of the Taj Mahal East Gate. Includes access to a rooftop cafe with monument views. | $11 ₹995 |
| Howard Plaza The Fern - Mid-Range Hotel A well-rated mid-range option in Fatehabad Road, featuring a swimming pool and multi-cuisine restaurants. | $69 ₹6,264 |
| ITC Mughal, a Luxury Collection Resort Sprawling luxury resort inspired by Mughal architecture. Price includes standard high-season rate for international guests. | $171 ₹15,561 |
Activities (2)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Taj Mahal (Foreigner Entry + Mausoleum) Total includes the ~$14 / ₹1,305 entry and the mandatory ~$2.6 / ₹237 mausoleum add-on for the full experience. Closed Fridays. | $17 ₹1,542 |
| Agra Fort (Foreigner Entry) Located 2.5km from the Taj Mahal. Price is for weekdays; Fridays offer a ~$0.65 / ₹59 discount. | $8.47 ₹772 |
Connectivity (1)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| India eSIM - 10GB (30 days) The most reliable high-data option for short-term visitors. Local SIM cards at the airport require biometric verification. | $25 ₹2,251 |
Other (1)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Panchhi Petha - Dry Petha (1kg) Agra's signature sweet made from ash gourd. Prices vary by flavor; paan and chocolate versions are ~$1.77 / ₹161 more. | $2.8 ₹255 |
Food & Dining
What to eat and what it costs
Dining in Agra varies from substantial street food meals like vegetarian thalis for ~$3.53 / ₹322 to mid-range three-course dinners for two at ~$18 / ₹1,608. Alcohol is not served inside the Taj Mahal complex and availability is limited in the immediate vicinity. A standard 500ml draft beer in a licensed restaurant typically costs around ~$4.71 / ₹429.
Cheap Eats
Where locals eat — real places, real prices
Mama Chicken (Mama Franky House)
$1.95–$5.21 / ₹178–₹475Sadar Bazaar · Local chain
Their mutton and chicken franky rolls are legendary. Go after 18:00 for the best atmosphere.
Shankara Vegis
$3.26–$6.52 / ₹297–₹594Taj Ganj · Local chain
Rooftop seating with great vibes and a view of the Taj. Try the Banana Lassi for ~$1.53 / ₹139.
Ram Babu Paratha Bhandar
$2.6–$4.55 / ₹237–₹415Civil Lines · Local chain
Famous for huge parathas fried in desi ghee. One paratha is usually enough for two people.
Joney's Place
$1.31–$3.91 / ₹119–₹356Taj Ganj · Food court
A tiny, friendly spot that has been serving budget travelers since 1978. Famous for their creamy porridge.
Sadar Bazaar Street Food
$0.65–$2.6 / ₹59–₹237Civil Lines · Street market
Visit in the evening for Agra's best chaat. Avoid water-based items if you have a sensitive stomach.
Getting Around
Transport costs and the smartest ways to move
Agra Metro operates a 6km priority corridor (Taj East Gate to Mankameshwar Mandir) with fares of ~$0.12–$0.24 / ₹11–₹21 per trip. Auto-rickshaws for short trips average ~$1.77 / ₹161, while hiring a private car with driver for ~$33 / ₹3,001 provides the most comfortable full-day sightseeing option.
Accommodation Overview
Budget travelers can find private rooms at Zostel Agra for $11 / ₹995, while well-rated mid-range hotels like Howard Plaza The Fern cost approximately $69 / ₹6,264. For a premium experience, luxury resorts inspired by Mughal architecture, such as the ITC Mughal, offer high-season rates around $171 / ₹15,561 per night.
Accommodation Budget in Agra
Budget
Hostels, budget hotels, shared facilities
Mid-Range
3-star hotels, boutique stays, great locations
Luxury
5-star hotels, suites, premium amenities
💡 Prices vary by season. Book 2-3 months ahead for best rates.
Money-Saving Tips
Insider tricks to stretch your budget further
- 1 Use Agra Metro to travel the Taj East Gate–Mankameshwar Mandir corridor for ~$0.12–$0.24 / ₹11–₹21, avoiding rickshaw negotiations.
- 2 Visit Agra Fort on a Friday to receive a ~$0.65 / ₹59 discount on the foreigner entry price while the Taj Mahal is closed.
- 3 Stay at Zostel Agra for just $11 / ₹995 to enjoy rooftop views of the Taj Mahal without paying luxury resort prices.
- 4 Eat at Joney's Place in Taj Ganj or Mama Chicken in Sadar Bazaar for meals that cost significantly less than the $18 / ₹1,602 mid-range average.
- 5 Purchase a 1kg box of Agra’s famous Petha at Panchhi Petha for $2.8 / ₹255 rather than buying from vendors near the monuments.
- 6 Book a 10GB India eSIM for $25 / ₹2,251 online to avoid high roaming charges or the biometric hurdles of local airport SIM cards.
- 7 Walk the 2.5km between the Taj Mahal and Agra Fort during the cooler morning hours (20–25°C / 68–77°F) to save on rickshaw fares.
- 8 Use ride-hailing apps like Ola for auto-rickshaws to see fixed prices around $1.53 / ₹139 instead of bargaining for the $1.95 / ₹178 tourist rate.
- 9 Take the fixed-rate prepaid taxi from the airport to the city center for $5.21 / ₹475 to avoid overcharging by private touts.
- 10 Visit during the off-peak E-Visa season (April–June) when the tourist visa fee can drop to as low as $11 / ₹991 for many nationalities.
Seasonal Pricing
When prices rise and fall throughout the year
Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb
+30-50%
May, Jun, Jul
-40-60%
Oct, Mar
Summer (May-June) is brutally hot with temperatures above 45°C (113°F). Monsoon (July-Sept) brings lower prices but high humidity.
Events to Watch
- ● Taj Mahotsav (Late Feb): +20% hotel rates
- ● Christmas/New Year: +100% hotel rates
Free Things to Do
The best experiences that cost absolutely nothing
- 1 Mankameshwar Temple: An ancient and atmospheric Shiva temple located in the heart of the old city near Agra Fort.
- 2 Jama Masjid: A stunning 17th-century mosque built by Jahanara Begum, featuring beautiful red sandstone and white marble details.
- 3 Roman Catholic Cemetery: Known as the 'Red Taj' for its intricate tomb of John Hessing, this is the oldest Christian cemetery in North India.
- 4 Gurudwara Guru Ka Taal: A significant Sikh pilgrimage site that offers free entry and traditional community meals (langar).
- 5 Kinari Bazaar: A vibrant and narrow-laned market perfect for a free cultural walking tour to see traditional crafts and spices.
- 6 Sadar Bazaar: A bustling evening market ideal for soaking up the local atmosphere and viewing the colorful street stalls.
- 7 Taj Nature Walk: A peaceful 1.5km walking trail near the Taj Mahal's eastern side with birdwatching opportunities and views of the monument through the trees.
- 8 Paliwal Park: A large, centrally located public park in the Civil Lines area perfect for a quiet morning walk.
- 9 St. John’s College: An impressive example of Indo-Saracenic architecture that can be admired for free from the exterior.
- 10 Prithvi Nath Temple: A historic Hindu temple located near the Shahganj gate that provides insight into local religious life.
Worth the Splurge
Premium experiences that justify the price tag
Dinner at Esphahan (Oberoi Amarvilas)
Unrivaled tandoor cuisine accompanied by live santoor music in one of India's most romantic settings.
Mohabbat the Taj - Platinum Seat
A massive theatrical production narrating the Taj's history with a 12-foot marble replica and LED effects.
Private Sunrise Heritage Walk
Having a certified historian explain the complex symbolism of the Mughal era makes the monuments come alive.
Popular Activities
Top-rated tours and experiences in Agra
Day Trip Costs
Popular day trips from Agra and what they cost
Mathura & Vrindavan
$46 / ₹4,153 by Private Taxi
Free
$65 / ₹5,894
Keoladeo National Park (Bharatpur)
$39 / ₹3,559 by Private Taxi
$7.82 / ₹712
$53 / ₹4,823
Payment & Money
How to pay and what to know about money
Indian Rupee (INR)
1 $ ≈ 91 ₹
Yes
Widely accepted in hotels and upscale restaurants; cash-only for all rickshaws and street markets.
Standard tip for guides is ~$1.18–$2.35 / ₹107–₹214 per person. In restaurants, a 10% tip is expected if no service charge is added.
Stick to ATMs inside bank branches (SBI or HDFC). Standalone street ATMs frequently run out of cash or reject foreign cards.
Essential for auto-rickshaws and at Kinari Bazaar. Aim for 40-50% of the first price offered by vendors.
Connectivity
eSIM: $14 for 5GB (7 days) (opens in new tab)
Local SIM: $9.42–$14 / ₹857–₹1,286 at authorized stores
WiFi: Excellent in mid-range hotels and upscale cafes; non-existent in public areas or monuments.
Buy an eSIM via Airalo before landing to avoid the long biometric registration process for local SIMs.
Why you can trust this guide
35+ countries • 8 years analyzing travel data
Independent developer and travel data analyst based in Prague. 35+ countries visited across Europe and Asia, 8+ years analyzing flight routes, accommodation prices, and seasonal weather patterns.
- All neighborhoods verified by walking them
- Curated locations based on walkability & safety
- Real-time availability via live partner maps
- Prices based on Booking.com & Numbeo averages
Methodology: This guide combines on-the-ground neighborhood research, current hotel pricing data, and real traveler feedback to provide honest, actionable accommodation recommendations for Agra.
Updated: February 16, 2026
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