Which place is cheaper, Beijing or Agra?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Agra or Beijing?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Agra or Beijing, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.
Where Should I go: Agra or Beijing?
Agra
In the north of India, in the state of Uttar Pradesh is the city of Agra. This land is home to great tales of emperors and majestic temples. It is the home to a magnificent past and the greatest symbol of love known to man, the Taj Mahal.
While this incredible structure is the main draw to this area, there is much more to see. Once the capital of the Mughal Empire, Agra can claim three different UNESCO World Heritage sites - the Taj Mahal, the Agra Fort and the abandoned city of Fatehpur Sikiri.
Beijing
Beijing is the capital of China and, with 21.5 million people, it is the second most populated city in the world after Shanghai. It is a city that keeps pockets of its history hidden in old neighborhoods or back alleys, despite the constant change and modernization that goes on around it. As the capital city of China, there is plenty of history and culture. You can still get yourself lost in one of the last remaining hutongs, which are old neighborhoods that remain untouched by the city's modernization. The alleys that weave between the old homes are lined with drying clothes, corner markets, and people going about their daily lives the way they have for centuries. Surrounding these hutongs you'll find modern buildings and a booming economy, all threatening to destroying these last bits of Beijing's history. Beijing offers a glimpse into a microcosm that represents the entire country of China. Make sure you give yourself enough time in China to truly experience Beijing. You can pass a lot of time soaking up life in the city, which remains as diverse as the country it resides within.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Mumbai, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to India, The Best 2-Week Tours from Beijing, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to China.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayAgra $44Beijing $75
The average daily cost (per person) in Agra is $44, while the average daily cost in Beijing is $75. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Agra and Beijing in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personAgra $16Beijing $39
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomAgra $32Beijing $78
Compare Hotels in Agra and Beijing
Looking for a hotel in Agra or Beijing? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.
Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.
Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Agra Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Agra $10Beijing $7.68
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Agra
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Agra:
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Tuk Tuk Ride$0.60
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Agra
Also for Agra, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Affordable transfer from Agra to Jaipur via Fatehpur Sikri: $33
- Affordable transfer from Agra to Lucknow: $60
- Agra : Private Transfer Agra to Delhi: $40
- Agra : Transfer To Jaipur Via Chand Baori & Fatehpur Sikri: $50
- Agra Airport: One-Way Transfer Arrival and Departure: $24
- Agra Full Day City Sightseeing Guided Tour - Transfer Option: $30
- Agra to Delhi Airport Transfers by Car: $86
- Agra to Delhi Private Luxury Transfer: $76
- Agra to Delhi airport transfer by air-conditioned car: $51
- Agra to Delhi airport transfer by air-conditioned car: $130
- Agra to Tundla Junction Railway Station Transfer: $42
- Agra-Delhi transfer with Delhi tour: $110
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Beijing
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Beijing:
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Taxi$4.69
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Train from Airport for Two$6.88
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Taxi to Hotel$8.25
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2 Metro Passes$2.20
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Metro$0.55
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Beijing
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Beijing:
- Private Beijing Downtown Transfer for 10 hours Up to 30pax: $850
- Private Beijing Downtown Transfer for 10 hours Up to 15pax: $490
- Tank Driving Experience (hotel pickup & Roundtrip Transfer): $450
- Private Beijing Downtown Transfer for 10 hours Up to 5pax: $323
- Beijing to Zun Hua Explore Qing Emperor's Tombs By Car Transfer : $285
- Beijing Private Transfer: Mutianyu Great Wall Slow-Paced Visit: $280
- Private Transfer to Beidaihe Summer Resort from Beijing: $272
- 1 Day Pass for Universal Beijing and Private Transfer Package: $265
- Private Transfer to Mutianyu Great Wall and Summer Palace with A Guide: $259
- 1-Day Bejing Layover Tour:Mutianyu Great Wall,Forbidden City & Airport Transfers: $250
- Beijing Layover of Comprehensive City Tour With Airport Transfer: $240
- Beijing Hutong Culture Experience with Airport Transfer: $236
Is it cheaper to fly into Agra or Beijing?
Prices for flights to both Beijing and Agra change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.
Food
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Food Meals for one dayAgra $16Beijing $19
Typical Food Prices in Agra
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Agra:
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Breakfast for Two$2.16
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Agra
For Agra, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Agra Food Tour: $5.97
- Agra best Cooking class after Taj Mahal: $5.97
- Street Food Tour with Spice Market on Tuk-Tuk: $8.00
- Street Food Tour with Spice Market on Tuk-Tuk: $11
- Agra Cooking Classes & Experiences (Pick up and Drop): $18
- Local Food Tour with Cooking Class in Home Agra Including Lunch or Dinner: $20
- Agra Heritage Walk with Food Tour: $20
- Local Food Tour with Cooking Class in Home Agra: $22
- Old City Food Tour with Local Guide and Tastings: $23
- Indian Home Visit Cooking Demo: $25
- The Spirit of Agra - Old Market Walking and Food Tour: $26
- Cooking Class and Much More in a Local Family Home: $29
Typical Food Prices in Beijing
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Beijing:
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Popcorn$0.83
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Hot Pot Dinner$6.88
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Dumpling Breakfast for Two$2.75
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Watermelon$1.93
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Peking Duck Dinner for 2$16
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Two Popsicles$0.83
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Beijing
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Beijing.
- Online Cooking Class Beijing Dumplings and Cuisine by Sunflowerli Renowned Chef : $20
- Online Cooking Class Kungpao Chicken: $20
- Beijing Acrobatic Show Tickets w/ Optional Dinner or Transfer: $48
- 3.5-Hour Walking Food Tour: A Bite of History at Beijing Niujie Street: $49
- Beijing Hutong Breakfast Food Tour: $55
- Temple of Heaven Private Tour w/Option Show &Dinner: $60
- Gulou (the Drum Tower) of Beijing Dinner & Beer Walking Tour: $68
- 3 hours Morning or Afternoon Tea Tasting on Maliandao Street and Tea Restaurant Lunch or Dinner Tour: $69
- Beijing Gulou Night Market Food Tour: $75
- discovery more Beijing back street evening food tour with locals : $79
- Old Beijing Dinner Tour: $80
- Acrobatic Show with Peking Duck Dinner Private Tour: $80
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Agra $20Beijing $24
Typical Entertainment Prices in Agra
For Agra, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
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Entry to the Red Fort for Two$7.19
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Taj Mahal for Two$18
Tours and Activities in Agra
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Agra.
- Mughal Carpet Co. Agra :- Handmade Carpet Demonstration Tour: $0.84
- Handmade Marble Demonstration Tour: $1.02
- Skip-the-line entry ticket on Taj Mahal tour: $1.19
- Agra : Taj Mahal tour with guide: $1.19
- Agra:Taj Mahal Skip-The-Line Guided Tour with Free Breakfast: $1.19
- Private Taj Mahal Skip-The-Line Tour: $1.79
- Agra : Taj Mahal & Mausoleum Tour With Skip-the-Line Entry: $1.79
- Sunset Taj Mahal Tour with Skip-The-Line & Lateral Entry: $2.03
- Skip-the-Line Taj Mahal Guided Tour with Multi Options: $2.05
- Taj Mahal and Mausoleum Tour with Skip-the-Line Entry: $2.09
- From Delhi: Skip-the-Line Taj Mahal Guided Tour with Options: $2.09
- Taj Mahal and Mausoleum Tour with Skip-the-Line Entry: $2.33
Typical Entertainment Prices in Beijing
Here are a few typical costs in Beijing for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
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Entry to Summer Palace for Two$8.25
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Two Opera Tickets$58
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Temple of Heaven Park Entrance (for 2)$9.63
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Forbidden City (for 2)$17
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Forbidden City Tickets$17
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Audio Guides at Forbidden City$11
Tours and Activities in Beijing
Here are a few actual costs in Beijing for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- 2-Day Small-Group Tour of Beijing Highlights, No Shopping: $258
- 4-Hour Beijing Layover Tour to Hutong from Daxing Airport: $145
- 9 Day Shared Tour from Beijing to Shanghai: $299
- All Inclusive Private Summer Palace, Mutianyu Great Wall Day Tour: $204
- All Inclusive Private Tour: Juyongguan Greatwall, Sacred Road, MingTombs : $176
- Beijing 2 Summer Palace Private Garden Tour: $140
- Beijing Art Tour: Seeing Fantastic Ming Murals at Fa Hai Temple : $220
- Beijing Layover Tour: Mutianyu Great Wall with English Driver : $121
- Beijing Private Tour of Ming Tombs, Summer Palace, Bird's Nest and Water Cube: $297
- China Art Museum and 798 Art Zone Private Tour: $137
- China National Museum Ticket Pre-booking and Tiananmen Square : $50
- Classic One Day Beijing Tour: $228
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayAgra $9.64Beijing $11
Sample the Local Flavors in Beijing
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Beijing:
- Evening Food Private Tour with Brewery Taproom Hopping at Slow Boat in Beijing: $110
- 5-Hour Private Changyu Chateau Wine Tasting Tour from Beijing: $178
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Agra and Beijing, we can see that Beijing is more expensive. And not only is Agra much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Agra would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Agra and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Beijing would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Beijing than you might in Agra.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Agra Expensive? and Is Beijing Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Agra or Beijing?
Beijing has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Agra. When comparing the sizes of Agra and Beijing, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.
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.