Image Source: Travel + Leisure
India's capital city Delhi has been named the world's cheapest destination for taxi rides in a recent study conducted by the U.K.-based insurance company ChoiceQuote. The study analyzed taxi costs in 50 popular destinations worldwide and found that the average five-mile taxi journey, including a tip, in Delhi costs just £2.06 (approximately US$2.80), making it the most affordable city for cab rides globally as of 2025.
Key highlights from the study:
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Delhi offers the cheapest taxi fares with an average five-mile journey costing just £2.06 including a customary 12.5% tip.
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Cairo, Egypt ranks second cheapest at £2.31 including a 10% tip.
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Denpasar, Indonesia is the third cheapest destination, with an average fare of £2.41, a city where tipping is generally not customary.
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Other affordable cities include Agra in India (£3.74) and Shanghai, China (£4.14).
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In stark contrast, Paris is the priciest city for taxi rides, where the same journey costs £29.12 including a 7.5% tip.
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The study also detailed tipping customs worldwide, noting that India, Greece, and Mexico typically expect a 12.5% tip while some countries like Vietnam and Russia consider about 7.5% acceptable.
Taxi fares in Vietnam were highlighted as variable based on region and company but typically range around VND 10,000 - 15,000 ($0.38–$0.46) for the initial kilometers.
Further insights into tipping culture reveal that the U.S. has the highest average expected tip for cab drivers at 17.5%, closely followed by South Africa at 15%. European countries tend to have lower expectations, with around 7.5% considered acceptable in countries like France, Germany, Italy, and the UK.
Delhi’s position as the cheapest taxi city reflects not only low base fares but also the relatively small tip percentage compared with regions such as the U.S. and South Africa, making daily commuting by taxi unusually affordable for locals and tourists alike.
Additional context from related research:
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Taxi affordability is influenced by factors such as local wages, fuel prices, taxi competition, and tipping norms.
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The study’s findings reflect a growing trend in urban transport costs, where some Asian and African cities offer highly competitive taxi prices compared to expensive European capitals.
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Paris, London, Milan, Osaka, and Amsterdam top the list of the most expensive taxi cities, driven by high cost of living and strong tourist demand.
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Price surges during peak hours are a significant consideration in many cities, with Auckland in New Zealand noted for experiencing the highest peak-hour fare increases.
Summary:
For travelers and locals who regularly depend on taxis as a convenient mode of transport, Delhi’s ranking as the world’s cheapest city for taxi rides in 2025 offers a remarkable opportunity to travel affordably within an urban setting. The modest average fare of just over two pounds for a typical five-mile journey is far lower than fare costs in many global cities, highlighting Delhi as a valuable destination for budget-conscious travelers and commuters.
The report by ChoiceQuote not only informs about pricing but also educates on tipping practices, an important cultural aspect influencing the overall cost of taxi rides globally.
This 2025 ranking emphasizes how geography, economic factors, and cultural norms shape transport affordability worldwide, putting Delhi at the forefront of economical urban taxi travel.
Source: VN Express, ChoiceQuote
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