Dali is a cultural destination known for its beauty, culture, food, and exciting activities. In this travel cost guide, we'll cover everything you need to know to plan your travel budget and have an amazing trip without spending too much. This guide includes average trip costs from previous travelers, typical hotel prices, food and dining costs, entertainment and sightseeing prices, and information about transportation.
How much does it cost to travel to Dali?
You should plan to spend around $61 (¥443) per day on your vacation in Dali. This is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors.
Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:
- $31 (¥225) on meals
- $9.14 (¥67) on local transportation
- $34 (¥245) on hotels
A one week trip to Dali for two people costs, on average, $851 (¥6,202). This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
All of these average travel prices have been collected from other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.
-
One Week
Per person
$426
¥3,101
-
2 Weeks
Per person
$851
¥6,202
-
One Month
Per person
$1,824
¥13,290
-
One Week
For a couple
$851
¥6,202
-
2 Weeks
For a couple
$1,703
¥12,404
-
One Month
For a couple
$3,649
¥26,580
How much does a one week, two week, or one month trip to Dali cost?
A one week trip to Dali usually costs around $426 (¥3,101) for one person and $851 (¥6,202) for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
A two week trip to Dali on average costs around $851 (¥6,202) for one person and $1,703 (¥12,404) for two people. This cost includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
Please note, prices can vary based on your travel style, speed, and other variables. If you're traveling as a family of three or four people, the price per person often goes down because kid's tickets are cheaper and hotel rooms can be shared. If you travel slower over a longer period of time then your daily budget will also go down. Two people traveling together for one month in Dali will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.
A one month trip to Dali on average costs around $1,824 (¥13,290) for one person and $3,649 (¥26,580) for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.
Is Dali expensive to visit?
Dali is a smaller place that appeals to a wide spectrum of travelers, featuring different styles, expenditure habits, and budget ranges. Visitors can find a range of options for accommodation from high-end luxury hotels to mid-range places to budget-friendly hostels.
Dali has the potential to be expensive, but you can manage your budget by looking for discounts and coupons.
On average, budget travelers spend $25 (¥182) per day, mid-range travelers spend $60 (¥443) per day, and luxury travelers spend around $139 (¥1,015) per day. These costs are calculated from the expenses of previous travelers to Dali.
Within Asia, Dali is a moderately priced destination compared to other places. The overall cost of travel here is fair for the region and comparable to Lombok or Bodh Gaya.
For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is Dali Expensive?
How much money do I need for a trip to Dali?
The average Dali trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Dali travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Dali cost?
Dali on a Budget
|
Category
|
Budget
|
Mid-Range
|
Luxury
|
Accommodation 1
For 1 person in double occupancy
|
$7
(¥51)
|
$17
(¥122)
|
$38
(¥275)
|
|
Local Transportation 1
|
$4
(¥27)
|
$9
(¥67)
|
$22
(¥158)
|
|
Food 2
|
$13
(¥92)
|
$31
(¥225)
|
$71
(¥516)
|
|
Entertainment 1
|
$8
(¥55)
|
$17
(¥127)
|
$35
(¥253)
|
|
Alcohol 2
|
$2-7
(¥17-50)
|
$5-16
(¥40-120)
|
$12-36
(¥86-259)
|
Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget
To manage your travel budget, it's important to set realistic expectations. Many people think they can visit Dali on a cheap budget, but most don't enjoy the limitations of a tight shoestring budget. Consider how you like to travel. Do you enjoy hostels, resorts, hotels, or vacation rentals? Do you want to dine out and explore the major attractions? These decisions will determine your budget and itinerary.
The Truth on Budget Travel
You might think you're a budget traveler, but unless you're willing to sacrifice many comforts, expect to spend a lot more than the average of $25 per day that backpackers typically manage.
Younger budget travelers sometimes stick to a shoestring budget, which usually means staying in hostel dorms, eating at budget restaurants or fast food, relying on public transportation or walking, and limiting activities to free attractions.
Luckily, Dali has plenty of hostels, including The Lily Pad and The Lily Internatioanl Youth Hostel. Here, you can enjoy budget dorm accommodation along with a friendly, social vibe, but amenities are quite limited.
Do You Identify as an Average Traveler?
If you're a family or couple enjoying a vacation, you'll probably want to stay in a mid-range hotel, eat at well-liked restaurants, and check out significant museums and attractions that charge entry fees. Many who visit Dali will seek to enjoy the major attractions, museums, and iconic landmarks. Most activities aren't free. So, you should realistically expect your daily budget to be around $60 per person, per day.
Looking to Travel in Luxury?
For a trip that encompasses every convenience with outstanding service, get ready for a daily cost nearing $139. To experience nicer hotels, enjoy award-winning cuisine, indulge in extravagant outings, and use taxis or private drivers for your journeys in the destination, be prepared for premium pricing. Many luxury travelers also enjoy unique experiences such as Dali City Tour with Private Guide - offered by Viator.
Accommodation Budget in Dali
Hotel rates in Dali vary a lot, especially between budget and luxury options. Peak season () brings higher prices, with rates rising from an off-season averages of $0 to $0. Expect prices to range from $0 for budget hotels to $0 for luxury. Hostels, particularly dorms, are cheaper. To save money, travel off-season or book early.
Calculated from travelers like you
The average price paid in Dali for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $34 (¥245). For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $17 (¥122) per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.
Looking for a hotel in Dali? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.
Visiting in the low or shoulder season, rather than during , will give you cheaper lodging options and fewer tourists to navigate around.
Transportation Budget in Dali
Unfortunately, Dali does not provide a solid public transit network.
Calculated from travelers like you
-
On average, past travelers have spent $9.14 (¥67) per person, per day, on local transportation in Dali. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Dali is significantly more than public transportation.
-
Transportation1
Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
$9.14
¥67
A few of the typical transportation options and hotel transfers include:
- Dali Airport Chauffeur Service,Dali Airport Transfer for $40 details
- Private Transfer from Dali to Lijiang hotel/airport(LJG) for $149 details
- Private Transfer from Dali to Lijiang/Shuhe hotel and Stops at Shaxi Old Town for $160 details
How much does it cost to go to Dali? Naturally, it depends on the dates. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all airlines.
The price of renting a car in Dali will depends on dates, the type of car, the location, and your age. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all car rental companies.
The numbers below highlight common transportation expenses in Dali, gathered from actual travelers. These prices give a good estimate of what you're likely to spend while getting around the city. However, your personal costs will depend on your travel style, since taxis and hired cars tend to be much pricier than public transportation.
Food Budget in Dali
Cuisine often serves as a primary motivation for travel, so make sure to indulge in the local dishes.
Calculated from travelers like you
-
While restaurant and meal prices in Dali can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Dali is $31 (¥225) per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.
-
Food2
Meals for one day
$31
¥225
When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Dali is around $31 (¥225) per person, with previous travelers spending from $13 to $70. Generally, breakfast and lunch cost less than dinner, but this will depend on the type of restaurant and what you order.
Typical meal prices in Dali are as follows:
- Breakfast: $3 to $9
- Lunch: $5 to $12
- Dinner: $9 to $21
- Coffee: $2
- Fast Food or Street Food: $5
The city of Dali, though inhabited by the Bai culture, is a melting pot for cultural cuisine in the Yunnan province. A few of the main local dishes include things like Stewed Carp Casserole and Steamed Chicken, both made with a variety of Chinese herbs and seasonings. Dairy fans are a popular pancake-like snack made with milk and yogurt, Ba Ba is a savory snack made from wheat flour, onions, and ham, while Er Kuai exists as one of the more conventional rice-based dishes. The rice is first washed, soaked, stewed and then mashed into a paste, before being molded into various lumps, slices and shreds. It is usually grilled over burning charcoals with a sugar, walnut, or sesame filling. Tea is another staple, often served ceremoniously in three courses-one bitter, one sweet, and one fragrant.
Most of Dali's highly-recommended restaurants are located on Foreigner Street of Dali Ancient City. Some of the local hot spots include A Da Yin Restaurant or Xinghua Village Restaurant, while more western dining options can be found in various cafes, pizzerias, and fast food chains around the city.
Some hotels include breakfast in the overall cost, while others add it as an extra charge. The quality and price of breakfast can vary greatly depending on the hotel. Being informed beforehand can help you determine if you need to set aside additional funds. The hotel's buffet may be worth it, or you might consider visiting a local bakery or cafe for a more budget-friendly option.
Instead of buying drinks, bring a water bottle. It's also an environmentally friendly option.
If you're going to take a tour, make sure you understand which meals are included. You could end up paying for some food yourself, which might affect your budget.
Typical food prices in Dali, as reported by previous travelers, are outlined below. These costs offer a snapshot of what meals might cost in the city. Your personal expenses will vary depending on the type of dining experiences you choose and the dishes you order.
Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Dali
Calculated from travelers like you
-
Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Dali typically cost an average of $17 (¥127) per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.
-
Entertainment1
Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
$17
¥127
Two of the most enchanting sights of the city exist in the surrounding scenery of the Cangshan Mountains and Erhai Lake. The mountain range is composed of nineteen snow-covered peaks running north to south. A system of streams runs between the peaks, down the valley, and into Erhai Lake at the foot of the mountains. With silver gray peaks looming above the jade waters of the lake, it has become a first choice destination for visitors.
The Dali ancient city is, of course, another sight in itself with examples of traditional architecture and cultural lifestyle. But it is just the beginning of manmade wonders in the region. Temples, folk houses, and workshops pay homage to the simple life of native culture, while a sight like the Three Pagodas stands to symbolize something much larger. The three towering structures stand in a symmetrical triangle just one kilometer northwest of the ancient city. Many sculptures of Buddha made of gold, silver, wood or crystal, Buddhist readings, and more than 600 various medicinal ingredients were found in one pagoda, playing a large role in explaining the ancient history of Dali. Dating back to the Tang Dynasty (618-907), the Three Pagodas have stood the test of time and many earthquakes throughout the ages.
The beautiful scenery and cultural heritage of the region is enough to occupy days of exploring whether it be by a casual walk, hiking, biking, or a scenic drive. In addition to the Cangshan Mountains and Erhai Lake, a place called Butterfly Spring exists as another natural gem of Dali. About 25 miles north of the city, it is an area with a pool, dense foliage, and an ancient tree whose floral scent attracts thousands of butterflies as spring turns to summer. The phenomenon has even given rise to a local festival of the Bai people, held annually beneath the tree on April 15th.
If you prefer to learn more about the culture and history of the area, Dali also has a few museums that never fail to impress. The Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture Museum, for example, works to display Dali's over 4,000-year history by conducting cultural relic research, excavations, collecting, and exhibiting. The museum itself is an impressive architectural example of traditional rooms and courtyards. The Dali Municipal Museum is another historic highlight, existing within the renovated mansion of Du Wenxiu who led an ethnic minority revolt against the Qing dynasty in 1856. The museum exhibits the mansion itself (restored to its former glory) in addition to relics of local culture.
Local tours that last a few hours can be a great way to explore Dali. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:
- Private tour to Xizhou old town local market Erhai lake three Pagodas from Dali for $184 details
- Dali Yunnan Local Market + Pottery Making Eco Tour for $220 details
- Dali City Tour with Private Guide for $72 details
Nightlife Budget in Dali
Calculated from travelers like you
-
The average person spends about $11 (¥80) on nightlife and alcoholic beverages in Dali per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.
-
Alcohol2
Drinks for one day
$11
¥80
Enjoying the nightlife is exciting, but if you want to save money, drinking less is an easy way to do it.
Travel cost data last updated: Dec 21, 2024
Traveling in Dali
Dali, Yunnan, China
Dali is a city in southern China with a long and glorious history dating back to the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). The Xiaguan neighborhood of the city is the modern industrial center where most public transportation arrives; however, the Old Town of Dali is the place that draws the most visitors. Being one of China's ancient cities, Dali is said to have been a gateway to the Silk Road, and still attracts attention with its traditional architecture, beautiful scenery, ethnic cultures, and nightlife.
Neighborhoods & Around
The Dali Ancient City, or Old Town, is the most popular hub of activity for visitors. Dating back to the early Ming Dynasty is has been ranked as one of the most noted historical and cultural cities in China. Huoguo Road, or Foreigner Street, is the central thoroughfare which is most frequented by tourists. From here the opportunity to explore is abundant with traditional architecture, heritage sites, local food and handicrafts, as well as plenty of cafes, bars, and restaurants. The streets are paved with cobble and lined with traditional folk houses, temples, and workshops of the Bai ethnic minority. Much of the architecture is decorated with grey-green roof tiles, woodcarvings, colored patterns, as well as marble and wash drawings.
More examples of the Bai lifestyle and architecture can be seen at Yan's Compound in Xizhou. It is located about 13 kilometers from Dali City and exists as a beautiful example of the Bai architectural talents. Adorned with elaborate calligraphy and paintings, Yan's Compound is a unique example of how every detail plays a deeper role of symbolism and meaning in the daily life of the Bai people.
We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.