Travel Budget for Kunming Visit Kunming on a Budget or Travel in Style

Kunming, Yunnan, China

Kunming is an exciting 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 Kunming?

You should plan to spend around $83 (¥606) per day on your vacation in Kunming. This is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors.

Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:

  • $38 (¥280) on meals
  • $13 (¥97) on local transportation
  • $65 (¥476) on hotels

A one week trip to Kunming for two people costs, on average, $1,165 (¥8,484). 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.

  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    $83
    ¥606
  • One Week Per person
    $582
    ¥4,242
  • 2 Weeks Per person
    $1,165
    ¥8,484
  • One Month Per person
    $2,495
    ¥18,180
  • One Week For a couple
    $1,165
    ¥8,484
  • 2 Weeks For a couple
    $2,329
    ¥16,968
  • One Month For a couple
    $4,991
    ¥36,360
This data comes from the travel budgets of real travelers - How it works. Put these numbers on your website.


How much does a one week, two week, or one month trip to Kunming cost?

A one week trip to Kunming usually costs around $582 (¥4,242) for one person and $1,165 (¥8,484) for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

A two week trip to Kunming on average costs around $1,165 (¥8,484) for one person and $2,329 (¥16,968) 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 Kunming will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.

A one month trip to Kunming on average costs around $2,495 (¥18,180) for one person and $4,991 (¥36,360) for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.




Is Kunming expensive to visit?

Kunming is a smaller destination that attracts a broad range of travelers, encompassing various travel styles, spending practices, and budget options. You'll find a wide array of accommodation options, such as luxury hotels, mid-range places, or budget-friendly hostels.

If you choose to make it so, Kunming can be very pricey, but you can reduce your expenses by looking for discounts and coupons.

On average, budget travelers spend $33 (¥239) per day, mid-range travelers spend $83 (¥606) per day, and luxury travelers spend around $210 (¥1,536) per day. These costs are calculated from the expenses of previous travelers to Kunming.

Within Asia, Kunming is a moderately priced destination compared to other places. The overall cost of travel here is fair for the region and comparable to Xiamen or Shenyang.

For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is Kunming Expensive?

How much money do I need for a trip to Kunming?

The average Kunming trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Kunming travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Kunming cost?

Kunming on a Budget
Category Budget Mid-Range Luxury
Accommodation 1
For 1 person in double occupancy
$13
(¥95)
$33
(¥238)
$81
(¥587)
Local Transportation 1 $5
(¥38)
$13
(¥97)
$34
(¥246)
Food 2 $15
(¥108)
$38
(¥280)
$103
(¥753)
Entertainment 1 $8
(¥58)
$18
(¥131)
$34
(¥251)
Alcohol 2 $4-11
(¥28-83)
$9-26
(¥63-188)
$16-47
(¥115-344)

Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget

Setting realistic expectations for your travel budget is important. Many people think they can visit Kunming on a tight budget, but most travelers aren't comfortable with a low "shoestring" budget. Think about what you enjoy during your vacations and how you typically travel. Do you prefer resorts, vacation rentals, or hostels? Do you want to visit museums, sights, and participate in activities? Is dining out a priority? These factors will shape both your budget and your itinerary.

What Does It Mean to Be a Budget Traveler?

While you might think you're a budget traveler, without giving up many of your usual comforts, you'll likely need to spend more than the $33 per day that backpackers often spend.

Backpackers often work within this tight budget by staying in hostel dorms, eating fast food or street food, using public transit, and mainly visiting free attractions.

Kunming has plenty of hostels available, like Kunming Cloudland International Youth Hostel, Kunming Upland International Youth Hostel, and The Hump Route Hostel. Here, you can enjoy low-cost dorm lodging and a vibrant social environment, though amenities might be minimal.

What Makes You an Average Traveler?

Couples and families enjoying a vacation will probably want to stay in a mid-range hotel, eat at popular dining spots, and explore the key museums and attractions that have entry fees. A significant number of visitors to Kunming will want to tour the main attractions, museums, and landmarks. Keep in mind that most activities cost money. Thus, it's reasonable to expect your daily budget to be around $83 per person, per day.

Want to Escape the Daily Grind in Style?

If you want an all encompassing getaway with top-notch amenities and exceptional service, get ready for a daily cost around $210. Staying in upscale hotels, dining at acclaimed restaurants, indulging in lavish activities, and using taxis or private drivers to navigate the destination will require a more luxurious budget. Also, higher-end tours are common with luxury travelers, such as Private day tour in Kunming to Stone forest and cuihu lake with lunch - offered by Viator.

Accommodation Budget in Kunming

Prices for hotels in Kunming vary widely, with luxury hotels charging more due to higher amenities. In the off-season, expect to pay around $0, but during peak season, average prices climb to $0. With options ranging from $0 to $0, there's something for every budget. Hostels are usually cheaper, especially dorm rooms. To save, book during the off-season or keep an eye out for special deals.

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

The average price paid in Kunming for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $65 (¥476). For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $33 (¥238) per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.

  • Accommodation1 Hotel or hostel for one person
    $33
    ¥238
  • Accommodation1 Typical double-occupancy room
    $65
    ¥476

Hotels in Kunming

Looking for a hotel in Kunming? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.

Find the best hotel for your travel style.

Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world.

Tips to Save Money on Accommodation in Kunming

Choosing to travel outside of and in the low or shoulder season will give you lower hotel prices and less tourist congestion.


Recommended Properties


Transportation Budget in Kunming

Kunming lacks an efficient public transit system.

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • On average, past travelers have spent $13 (¥97) per person, per day, on local transportation in Kunming. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Kunming is significantly more than public transportation.

  • Transportation1 Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    $13
    ¥97

A few of the typical hotel transfers and transportation services include:

  • One way Kunming airport to hotel private transfer for $41 details
  • [Airport Transfer] Kunming Changshui Airport ⇔ Kunming City Transfer ☆ High reputation for service! ≪Charter charter> for $36 details
  • Kunming Changshui Airport Chauffeur Service, Kunming Airport Transfer, Pickup for $83 details

Recommended Services


Flights to Kunming
How much does it cost to go to Kunming? Naturally, it depends on the dates. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all airlines.

Rental Cars in Kunming
The price of renting a car in Kunming 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.


What did other people spend on Transportation in Kunming?

Some typical prices for transportation in Kunming are shown below. These are actual costs from previous travelers, and are representative of the amount you'll likely spend on transportation in Kunming. Don't forget that your individual costs will vary based on how you get around, because hired cars such as taxis are often much more expensive than local public transportation.


  • Taxi Ride
    ¥11


Food Budget in Kunming

One of the biggest draws for travelers is the food, so be sure to savor the local flavors.

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • While restaurant and meal prices in Kunming can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Kunming is $38 (¥280) per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.

  • Food2 Meals for one day
    $38
    ¥280

When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Kunming is around $38 (¥280) per person, with previous travelers spending from $15 to $103. 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 Kunming are as follows:

  • Breakfast: $4 to $11
  • Lunch: $6 to $15
  • Dinner: $11 to $27
  • Coffee: $3
  • Fast Food or Street Food: $6

Be aware most dishes in Kunming and the Yunnan Province as a whole are usually very spicy. A favorite throughout the province is Guo Qiao Mi Xian, or Over the Bridge Noodles-a local style of steamy noodles with a variety of vegetables, meats, and usually a raw quail egg. Steam Pot Chicken is also popular as is Yiliang Roasted Duck and Xuanwei ham. Each is cooked with a mix of local spices, especially ginger. Erkuai is a kind of chewy rice cake, while other common snacks include sweet Tonghai peapowder candy, Qujing pickled chives flower, sweet pickled Kaiyuan Chinese onion, and smoked tofu. A walk through Kunming will bring you past a full range of flavors from savory street food to sit-down restaurants serving a full sampling of traditional food and international options. The main bar streets in town-Wenlin Street and Wenhua Alley-are lined with many Western cafes and restaurants, as well as a few Japanese, Korean, and Indian ones.

Food & Dining Tips

Several hotels include breakfast with your stay, while others charge separately for it. The cost and quality can vary significantly depending on the hotel. Knowing this in advance can guide your budget decisions. It could be worth it for the tasty buffet available at the hotel, or you may wish to find a cheaper option at a local bakery or cafe.

Bring a water bottle instead of buying beverages everywhere. It helps the environment, too.

If you're considering a tour, double-check which meals are included in the package. There may be instances where you'll have to pay for your own meals, potentially stretching your budget.

If you want to experience the culture in Kunming, a food tour or cooking class is a great way to do it. After all, cuisine is one of the reasons why so many people visit. A few of the best culinary activities here include:

  • Private Kunming Night Tour with Dinner for $88 details
  • Half Day Private Tour of Kunming Flower Market and Flower Pastry Cooking Class for $165 details

Recommended


Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Kunming

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Kunming typically cost an average of $18 (¥131) 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.
    $18
    ¥131

Often called the "City of Eternal Spring," Kunming has a pleasant climate that allows for flowers to bloom almost year-round. Many take advantage of the warmer weather to explore the sights of the city which dates back to the zenith of the Silk Road. Taking a walk through its streets will lead you past some beautiful traditional architecture, especially in its temples. Yuantong Temple, in the northern part of Kunming is the grandest and most important Buddhist Temple in the Yunnan Province with a history of more than 1,200 years. Tanhua Temple, on the outskirts of the city, is another popular destination-the epitome of Kunming's natural scenery with many beautiful flowers and plants. Other important buildings include the Daguan Pavilion which is located in Daguan Park with wonderful views of Dianchi Lake and Qiongzhu Temple which has some outstanding examples of sculptural artwork.

Being the "City of Eternal Spring," Kunming also has many parks and lake areas offering some of the best scenic views in the city. Dianchi Lake, for example, offers a beautiful picture of forested mountain to the west and traditional fishing boats cutting through the mist of the waters in the east. Green Lake Park is another small but popular one with pedestrian paths. And then there are the stone and earth forests located just outside of the city, offering prime examples of the area's karst topography where jagged mountain pillars stand tall against the sky.



As Kunming is the main entry point for the Yunnan Province, many visitors take a few days sightseeing before moving on to explore other parts of the area. Temples and traditional architecture can be found amidst bustling streets and markets full of local goods and trinkets. You might spend a day wandering these streets, find yourself relaxing an afternoon in one of the city's parks, or perhaps dive into the culture and history of the place at one of the many museums. Yunnan University Wu Mayao Museum of Anthropology, Kunming Zoology Museum, and the Yunnan Railway Museum are just a few examples.

Other attractions include Kunming Zoo which exhibits over 300 species of animals, and Kunming Botanical Gardens which has collected over 4,000 species of precious flowers, medicinal herbs, important trees, and endangered plants of the province.

A nice way to explore destinations in Kunming is with local tours that last just a few hours. This way you can see as much as possible in an efficient way with knowledgable guides. 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:

  • 1 Day Stone Forest & Jiuxiang Cave Tour for $196 details
  • Kunming Classic Tour: Daguan Pavilion, Yuantong Temple, Green Lake Park for $160 details
  • Kunming City Tour: Dragon Gate, Huating Temple and Daguan Pavilion for $172 details

Recommended Activities


Nightlife Budget in Kunming

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • The average person spends about $17 (¥125) on nightlife and alcoholic beverages in Kunming per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.

  • Alcohol2 Drinks for one day
    $17
    ¥125
Nightlife Tips

The nightlife scene is a lot of fun, but reducing how much you drink can go a long way in keeping your budget on track.



Travel cost data last updated: Dec 20, 2024

Budgeting and Travel Tips for Kunming

  • Peak season in usually results in inflated prices and heavy crowds. To keep costs down and avoid the hustle, try visiting during the shoulder or low seasons instead.
  • Traveling at a slower pace can help you save money and truly appreciate the beauty around you. Overloading your itinerary with activities can lead to excessive spending. However, taking it easy and enjoying the moment usually results in a lighter wallet.

Budgeting Challenges

  • With limited public transportation in Kunming, it could be wise to arrange for other transportation, such as a tour or private driver. Just keep in mind that this might affect your budget in other areas.
  • If you're thinking Kunming will have plenty of hostel options, you might be in for a surprise. Instead of relying on cheap dorms, it's better to seek out an inexpensive hotel or an apartment rental.
Traveling in Kunming
Kunming The Stone Forest, Kunming, Yunnan, China

Kunming, located in southern China, is the modern capital city of the Yunnan province. It is a transportation hub for visitors entering the region, and good transfer point to just about everywhere else in the province by train or bus. Within the city itself there are many things to see and do with a full range of parks and zoos, museums, temples, theatres, and scenic areas.



Neighborhoods & Around

The city center of Kunming consists of two squares-Jinma Biji Square and Dongfeng Square-surrounded by five intersecting roads. Jinma Biji Square is the more eye-catching of the two decked with elaborate archways and traditional architecture plus plenty of opportunities to pick up souvenirs like the wood carvings and tie-dye textiles of the local ethnicities. Qingnian Road, Zhengyi Road and Renmin Road are the main commercial areas with much to offer in dining, shopping, and entertainment while Nanping Street, Jingxing Flowers & Birds Market, and Jinma Biji Fang make up the most popular pedestrian areas. Guandu Old Town is located south of the city center and offers another sampling of classic architecture with access to parks, pavilions and bridges, souvenir stalls, and abundant shops and restaurants. Old Town is usually bustling on weekends and is also home to the Gudu Liyuan Theater, where traditional Yunnanese Opera is staged.

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.



1 Categories averaged on a per-item basis.
2 Categories averaged on a per-day basis.
For example, the Food2 daily average is for all meals for an entire day, while Entertainment1 is for each individual purchase. Thus, the overall daily average cost is not a summation of the individual categories.