In this Xi'an 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 Xi'an trip cost calculator includes average trip costs from thousands of previous travelers, along with typical hotel prices, food and dining costs, entertainment and sightseeing prices, and information about transportation. Xi'an is a cultural destination known for its beauty, culture, food, and exciting activities, and you don't want to miss out on anything because you did't plan your budget.
How much does it cost to travel to Xi'an?
A typical traveler spends $111 (¥748) per day on a trip to Xi'an. This is the average daily price for a vacation in Xi'an based on the expenses of other visitors.
Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:
- $23 (¥155) on meals
- $13 (¥86) on local transportation
- $129 (¥874) on hotels
A one-week trip to Xi'an for two people costs, on average, $1,548 (¥10,472). This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
All of these average travel prices have been collected from thousands of other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.
Is Xi'an expensive to visit?
In Xi'an, budget travelers spend $46 (¥312) per day on average, mid-range travelers spend $110 (¥748) per day, and luxury travelers spend around $293 (¥1,994) per day. These costs are calculated from the reported expenses of previous travelers to Xi'an.
Xi'an is a quaint locale that appeals to a variety of visitors, each with different travel styles, spending patterns, and budget needs. Budget-conscious travelers will find suitable hotel options, but there are also high-end hotels for those seeking luxury, plus mid-range accommodations for families or couples.
Xi'an has the potential to be expensive, but you can manage your budget by looking for discounts and coupons.
Within Asia, Xi'an is a moderately priced destination compared to other places. The overall cost of travel here is fair for the region and comparable to Yaeyama Islands or Guangzhou.
For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is Xi'an Expensive?
How much money do I need for a trip to Xi'an?
The average Xi'an trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Xi'an travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Xi'an cost?
Xi'an on a Budget
|
Category
|
Budget
|
Mid-Range
|
Luxury
|
Accommodation1
For 1 person in double occupancy
|
$24
(¥160)
|
$65
(¥437)
|
$191
(¥1,292)
|
|
Local Transportation1
|
$4
(¥27)
|
$13
(¥86)
|
$47
(¥319)
|
|
Food2
|
$10
(¥68)
|
$23
(¥155)
|
$44
(¥299)
|
|
Entertainment1
|
$14
(¥93)
|
$38
(¥255)
|
$112
(¥758)
|
|
Alcohol2
|
$2-5
(¥11-34)
|
$4-12
(¥26-79)
|
$8-24
(¥53-160)
|
Accommodation Budget in Xi'an
The prices for hotels in Xi'an can really vary, especially during peak travel season. Off-season, the average hotel room costs $, while during peak season, that average price jumps to around $. With budget accommodations starting at $ and luxury hotels peaking at $, there are options for every traveler. Dorm-style hostels are often the cheapest. Traveling during the low season or booking early can help you save.
Calculated from travelers like you
The average price paid in Xi'an for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $129 (¥874). For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $65 (¥437) per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.
Looking for a hotel in Xi'an? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.
If you plan your trip for the shoulder or low season and avoid , you'll enjoy reduced accommodation costs and fewer tourists.
Transportation Budget in Xi'an
Calculated from travelers like you
-
On average, past travelers have spent $13 (¥86) per person, per day, on local transportation in Xi'an. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Xi'an is significantly more than public transportation.
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Transportation1
Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
$13
¥86
You'll likely depend on buses to travel around Xi'an. The system is easy enough, but buses can get quite crowded and backlogged at some points. Plan ahead and allow yourself plenty of time to reach your destination. You can take a public bus from town to the Terracotta Warriors as well. Bus 306 departs from the main parking lot in front of the train station and will drop you off at the museum. It does make several stops first so confirm with the driver that you are at your destination. The trip takes approximately an hour or ninety minutes if there is traffic.
There is also a subway with two lines that run north and south or east and west. It connects to the Xi'an North Train Station. There are plans to open a third line in the near future that will run in the northeast and southwest directions.
Taxis are abundant but be careful of the price and travel route you take. Taxis are not heavily regulated and it is not uncommon for drivers to take a long route to your destination or mark up the price significantly.
Some of the standard transportation options and hotel transfers include:
- Xi'an Xianyang Airport to Hotels:Private transfer with Meet & Great service for $34 details
- Silk Road Theme Show Legend of Camel Bell Ticket with Transfer for $44 details
- Xi'an Airport Transfer for $18 details
How much does it cost to go to Xi'an? 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 Xi'an 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.
Food Budget in Xi'an
One of the biggest draws for travelers is the food, so be sure to savor the local flavors.
Calculated from travelers like you
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While restaurant and meal prices in Xi'an can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Xi'an is $23 (¥155) per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.
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Food2
Meals for one day
$23
¥155
When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Xi'an is around $23 (¥155) per person, with previous travelers spending from $10 to $44. 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 Xi'an are as follows:
- Breakfast: $2 to $7
- Lunch: $3 to $9
- Dinner: $7 to $16
- Coffee: $2
- Fast Food or Street Food: $3
Food is excellent in Xi'an. There is an abundance of street food that is typically available after the sun sets. Options include noodle soup, dumplings, hot pots, grilled meats, and more. You'll find a wide range of options in the Muslim Quarter and the nearby streets. Prices are very reasonable and the experience is not to be missed. Also in the Muslim Quarter, close to the Drum Tower, you'll find many restaurants that have great food and snacks. Prices are competitive and bargaining generally isn't necessary.
If you need a break from Chinese food then there are a decent number of western fast food restaurants in town. McDonalds, Pizza Hut, and KFC are all available. There are also some local cafes that have burgers or European dishes available, but prices are significantly higher than you would pay for local Chinese cuisine, and the food is not as good.
A lot of hotels include breakfast in their price, but some may add it as an extra charge. The price and quality can differ from one hotel to the next. Being aware of this ahead of time can help you figure out if you'll need to shell out more money. The hotel buffet could be delicious, or you might opt for a more affordable treat at a nearby bakery or cafe.
Bring a water bottle along to avoid the need to buy drinks. It's also good for Mother Earth.
Before embarking on a tour, ensure you know which meals are included. You might have to pay for some food yourself, and that can add to your travel expenses.
If you're looking to experience the culinary culture in Xi'an, taking a food tour or cooking class is a terrific way to do it. After all, cuisine is one of the reasons why so many people visit. Some of the best food-related activities here include:
- Xi'an Vegetarian Food Tour for $60 details
- Best of Xi'an: Terracotta Warriors Tour with Best Dinner Show Banquet for $276 details
- Tang Dynasty Dinner Show with Private transfer for $55 details
Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Xi'an
Calculated from travelers like you
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Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Xi'an typically cost an average of $38 (¥255) 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.
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Entertainment1
Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
$38
¥255
Xi'an has been put on the tourist map because of a discovery made by a local farmer in 1974. He stumbled into the burial site of the first Qin Emperor, dating back to 210 BC. In this tomb are the Terracotta Warriors, thousands of statues standing guard, each with its on distinct face and expression. Tourists flock to these grounds to see these impressive warriors, and they aren't disappointed. The sight is still under excavation, telling you exactly how vast this grave really is.
In addition to the Terracotta Warriors, there are a good number of other things to do in Xi'an that are worth exploring. In particular, it's worth going to the Shaanxi Historic Museum, the Forest of Steles, Wolong Temple, Big Goose Pagoda, Little Goose Pagoda, the Bell Towers, the Grand Mosque, the Eight Immortals Temple, DaMing Palace and Park, and Shaanxi Intanglibe Cultural Heritage Museum. Outside of town there are a good number of historic sights as well. In addition to the Terracotta Warriors, you can visit Qin ShiHuang Mausoleum, Huaqing Palace, the Banpo Village Ruins, Famen Temple, and many more notable sights.
There are a variety of fun activities that you can enjoy while you're in Xi'an. Most visitors take a walk on Xi'an's old city walls for an impressive view. You can also wander through some of the city's neighborhoods and soak up the atmosphere. There is also the Tang Dynasty Dancing Show, and local tours that you can enjoy. Xi'an may have been made famous by the Terracotta Warriors, but it has so much more to offer and those who give it enough time will be well rewarded.
A nice way to explore destinations in Xi'an 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:
- Xi'an Morning Food & Market Tour by TukTuk for $58 details
- Terracotta Warriors Ticket with Professional English Guide for $59 details
- Xi'an Private Foodie Tour by Tuktuk for $91 details
Nightlife Budget in Xi'an
Calculated from travelers like you
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The average person spends about $7.74 (¥52) on nightlife and alcoholic beverages in Xi'an per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.
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Alcohol2
Drinks for one day
$7.74
¥52
Enjoying the nightlife is exciting, but if you want to save money, drinking less is an easy way to do it.
Nightlife activities and tasting tours are popular in Xi'an. A few favorites from other travelers include:
- Xi'an Bar Crawl: Drink, Gaming, Snacks & Meet with Locals for $29 details
Travel cost data last updated: May 4, 2026
Traveling in Xi'an
The wall of Xi'an, China
Xi'an is an ancient city in the Shaanxi Province in China. Today it is most notable as the location of the Terracotta Warriors, but for visitors who choose to linger, there is so much more to see and do in the area. The city itself is more than 3,000 years old and for about one thousand years, through 13 dynasties and 73 emperors, it was the capital. Because of its rich history there are many historical ruins and a strong culture in the city. Today the city is a pleasant place to visit, although much of it's influence and power has dwindled. The city has both cosmopolitan and modern areas as well as historic and culturally rich areas. The neighborhoods are diverse and by exploring the city in depth you can learn a little more about what China really has to offer.
Xi'an has a temperate climate with hot and humid summers and cold and dry winters. The city gets most of its rain between the months of July and October. Snow falls occasionally but it usually does not last long. Thunderstorms are not uncommon in the summer months.
Neighborhoods & Around
The historic city of Xi'an is surrounded by a city wall with the Bell Tower in the middle. There are four main streets that spread out from the tower in each direction. Beidajie goes north, Dongdajie goes east, Nandajie goes south, and Xidajie goes west. Some guidebooks have different names for these four streets, so it is easy to get confused. Most people divide the city into those areas inside the walls and everything that is outside the walls. The southern areas outside the walls have the most shopping streets, bars and nightlife.
Even though most visitors come to Xi'an for the Terracotta Warriors, they are surprised to find a pleasant city in and of itself. Once you get to Xi'an, plan to stay for a while. There's more to the city than the Terracotta Warriors. Make sure you spend an evening in the Muslim Quarter sampling some street food. This neighborhood comes to life at night when everybody is out and about.
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Traveling alone to Beijing or Hong Kong or want to party in Shanghai?
Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget
It's important to set realistic expectations for your travel budget. Many assume they can get by cheaply in Xi'an, but most people don't enjoy traveling on a very tight budget. Think about how you like to travel, and whether you prefer resorts, hostels, or vacation rentals. Do activities like sightseeing and dining out matter to you? These factors will help shape your travel budget.
What Does It Mean to Be a Budget Traveler?
You may believe you're traveling on a budget, but unless you're ready to give up some conveniences, you'll likely spend much more than the $46 daily average that backpackers get away with.
Younger budget travelers often stick to this low budget by staying in dorms, eating inexpensive meals, taking public transportation, and focusing on free activities and sights.
What Makes You an Average Traveler?
For couples or families traveling for enjoyment, opting for a mid-range hotel, dining at popular restaurants, and exploring major museums and attractions with entry fees is likely. Most people who travel to Xi'an will want to experience its major attractions, museums, and historical landmarks. Remember, many activities do come with costs. So, you should realistically expect your daily budget to be around $110 per person, per day.
Seeking a Stylish Getaway from the Daily Routine?
If you're looking for a complete getaway that features every luxury and a high level of service, plan on a cost of about $293 daily. To enjoy nicer hotels, dine at award-winning venues, indulge in extravagant experiences, and travel around the destination with taxis or private drivers, you'll need to set aside a luxury budget. Many luxury travelers also enjoy unique experiences such as All inclusive Xi'an Most Popular Private Day Tour - offered by Viator.
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.
