Is Meghalaya Expensive?
Compared to most Indian hill stations, Meghalaya is mid-range. Accommodation ranges from ₹400 dormitories to ₹8,000 luxury resorts. Food is affordable. The biggest cost is transport — the state has almost no public buses between major attractions, and shared cabs are infrequent. A private cab is almost essential, which is where most of the budget goes.
Transport: The Biggest Expense
Shared Sumo / Cab
The local transport in Meghalaya is the shared Sumo (Mahindra Bolero taxi). Routes exist between Shillong, Cherrapunji, Mawlynnong, and Dawki — but timings are unpredictable and you may wait hours.
Private Cab
The most practical option. For a group of 4–6, splitting a private cab often works out cheaper per person than shared taxis when you factor in waiting time.
Approximate cab rates from Shillong:
Booking Early
Book your cab a day in advance — last-minute bookings in peak season often cost 20–30% more.
Accommodation
Food & Drink
Local Khasi food is some of the cheapest and most authentic you'll find:
Tip: Avoid hotel restaurants — the same dishes cost 3–5× more inside tourist-facing hotels.
Entry Fees
Most waterfalls and viewpoints charge ₹20–50 per person. The Living Root Bridge trek costs ₹50 entry. Mawlynnong village charges a small entrance fee. Budget ₹200–400 per day for entry fees.
Best Budget Months
January to March — low tourist season. Hotel rates drop 20–40%. Fewer crowds. Weather still pleasant.
Sample 5-Day Budget (per person, couple sharing)
| Item | Cost |
|------|------|
| Accommodation (4 nights) | ₹3,200 |
| Private cab split (4 days) | ₹2,800 |
| Food (local) | ₹1,500 |
| Entry fees | ₹800 |
| Total | ≈ ₹8,300 |
A well-planned 5-day Meghalaya trip can be done for ₹8,000–10,000 per person sharing costs — considerably less than comparable mountain destinations like Manali or Sikkim.
