As of November 12, 2026, India is cheaper than Maldives for travelers: a mid-range day costs about $53 in India against $232 in Maldives, a gap of 339.0%. Over the past year India has moved more in the US-dollar traveler's favor (+4.7% after inflation, against −0.4%). Both sit at US advisory Level 2.
| Measure | India | Maldives |
|---|---|---|
| Mid-range day | $53 | $232 |
| Lean day | $21 | $74 |
| Comfortable day | $135 | $634 |
| Real change, 12 months | +4.7% | −0.4% |
| Exchange rate alone, 12 months | +5.8% | 0.0% |
| Versus 5-year average | +13.3% | +3.0% |
| US advisory | Level 2 · Increased caution | Level 2 · Increased caution |
| Ease of travel | 3.6 · Workable | 3.8 · Well set up |
| Index score | 75 | 43 |
| Best months | Oct, Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar | Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr |
| Shoulder months | Apr, Sep | May, Nov |
The better figure in each row is in bold. Costs are modeled estimates per person, excluding international flights.
The highest ceiling and the lowest floor in travel: nothing is cheaper, nothing is more demanding.
The catchStomach trouble is close to a rite of passage, the heat from April to June is dangerous, and touts target new arrivals.
Overwater villas at any price you care to name, and guesthouse islands at a tenth of it.
The catchResort islands price in dollars with heavy taxes and transfer fees. Alcohol is banned on local islands.
Source: Trip Arbitrage (triparbitrage.com), reading of November 12, 2026. How this is calculated.