A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Agra vs. Beijing for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

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.


Which place is cheaper, Beijing or Agra?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in Agra is $55, while the average daily cost in Beijing is $89. 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
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Agra $15
    Beijing $39
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Agra $30
    Beijing $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.

Hotels in Agra


Hotels in Beijing


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
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Agra $10
    Beijing $7.66
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Agra

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Agra:


  • Tuk Tuk Ride
    $0.59

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Agra

Also for Agra, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • A Taste of Agra for Foodies with Private Transfer: $114
  • Affordable transfer from Agra to Jaipur via Fatehpur Sikri: $33
  • Affordable transfer from Agra to Lucknow: $60
  • Agra : Private Transfer Agra to Delhi: $50
  • Agra : Transfer To Jaipur Via Chand Baori & Fatehpur Sikri: $50
  • Agra to Delhi Private Luxury Transfer: $76
  • Agra to Delhi airport transfer by air-conditioned car: $130
  • Agra to Delhi airport transfer by air-conditioned car: $67
  • Agra to Jaipur (one-way shared transfer): $67
  • Agra to Jaipur Transfer via Chand Bawdi & Fatehpur Sikri: $52
  • Agra to Jaipur city Private transfers visiting stepwell & Sikri: $60
  • Agra to New Delhi One Way Transfer by Private Car: $60

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Beijing

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Beijing:


  • Taxi
    $4.68
  • Train from Airport for Two
    $6.86
  • Taxi to Hotel
    $8.23
  • 2 Metro Passes
    $2.19
  • Metro
    $0.55

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Beijing

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Beijing:

  • Pivate Transfer To Datong Yungang Grottoes From Beijing: $598
  • Beijing Layover Tour with Hutong, Temple of Heaven and Airport Transfer: $296
  • Beijing Golden Mask And Peking Opera Tour With Transfer: $288
  • Beijing Private Transfer: Mutianyu Great Wall Slow-Paced Visit: $280
  • Private Transfer To Guyaju Ancient Cave(With Options): $269
  • 1 Day Pass for Universal Beijing and Private Transfer Package: $265
  • Private Transfer to Mutianyu Great Wall and Summer Palace with A Guide: $259
  • Beijing Great Wall and Imperial Palace Private Tour with Airport Transfer: $256
  • 1-Day Bejing Layover Tour:Mutianyu Great Wall,Forbidden City & Airport Transfers: $250
  • Beijing Layover Private Tour: City Highlights With Airport Transfer: $250
  • Private Day Tour of Beijing City Overview with Airport Transfer: $245
  • Beijing Layover of Comprehensive City Tour With Airport Transfer: $240

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
  • Food Meals for one day
    Agra $26
    Beijing $33
Typical Food Prices in Agra

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Agra:


  • Breakfast for Two
    $2.11

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Agra

For Agra, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Agra best Cooking class after Taj Mahal: $5.81
  • Agra Cooking Classes (Pick up and Drop available): $18
  • Agra Heritage Walk with Food Tour: $20
  • Local Food Tour with Cooking Class in Home Agra: $21
  • Tuk-Tuk Ride and Street Food Tour with Spice Market: $22
  • Cooking Workshop and Vegetarian Dinner in Agra with Family: $29
  • Street Food Tour with Spice Market on Tuk-Tuk Ride: $30
  • Private Indian Cooking Demonstration and In-Home Meal Minutes from the Taj Mahal: $33
  • Watch Bollywood Movie with Dinner in Agra: $35
  • Indian Food Private Cooking Class: $35
  • Seth Gali Bazaar Walk with Lavish on table barbecue dinner: $38
  • A Vegetarian Cooking Demonstration in Agra (Lunch or Dinner): $40

Typical Food Prices in Beijing

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Beijing:


  • Popcorn
    $0.82
  • Hot Pot Dinner
    $6.86
  • Dumpling Breakfast for Two
    $2.74
  • Watermelon
    $1.92
  • Peking Duck Dinner for 2
    $16
  • Two Popsicles
    $0.82

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Beijing

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Beijing.

  • Online Cooking Class Orange Chicken by Sunflower Li: $20
  • Online Cooking Class Handmade Noodles by Sunflower Li: $20
  • Hutong Breakfast Food Tour: $45
  • 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
  • China's Favourite Street Food Cooking Workshop: $55
  • Experience Beijing Walking Food Tour Private : $55
  • Beijing Hutong Breakfast Food Tour: $55
  • Private Local Food Tour in Beijing with a Local Guide: $59
  • Temple of Heaven Private Tour w/Option Show &Dinner: $60
  • Shichahai Hutong Dinner and Beer Walking Tour: $68
  • Beijing Hutong Food Tour: Exploring 8+ Iconic Flavors in 3 Hours: $69

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Agra $19
    Beijing $24
Typical Entertainment Prices in Agra

For Agra, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:


  • Entry to the Red Fort for Two
    $7.02
  • 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 Rugs Demonstration Tour: $0.81
  • Handmade Marble Demonstration Tour: $0.99
  • AGRA : Skip the Line - Taj Mahal and Agra Fort Private Tour: $1.45
  • Taj Mahal and Mausoleum Tour with Skip-the-Line Entry: $1.63
  • Taj Mahal & Mausoleum Skip-The-Line Tickets & guided tour: $2.03
  • Taj Mahal Guided Tour with Skip The Line: $2.09
  • Skip The line Taj Mahal Guided Tour: $2.32
  • Agra:Taj Mahal Skip-The-Line Guided Tour with Breakfast: $2.32
  • From Agra - Skip the Line: Taj Mahal & Agra Fort Tour by Car: $2.32
  • Skip-The-Line Taj Mahal Guided Tour with Multi Options: $2.32
  • From Agra - Skip the Line: Taj Mahal & Agra Fort Tour by Car: $2.50
  • Taj Mahal Guided Tour with Skip the Line Entry: $2.90

Typical Entertainment Prices in Beijing

Here are a few typical costs in Beijing for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:


  • Entry to Summer Palace for Two
    $8.23
  • Two Opera Tickets
    $58
  • Temple of Heaven Park Entrance (for 2)
    $9.60
  • Forbidden City (for 2)
    $16
  • Forbidden City Tickets
    $16
  • 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:

  • 1-Day Mutianyu Great Wall and Beijing Airport Drop off Tour: $235
  • 4-Hour Beijing Layover Tour to Hutong from Daxing Airport: $145
  • All Inclusive Mutianyu Great Wall & Summer Palace Private Tour: $188
  • All Inclusive Private Tour: Juyongguan Greatwall, Sacred Road, MingTombs : $180
  • Beijing 2 Summer Palace Private Garden Tour: $140
  • Beijing Layover Tour: Mutianyu Great Wall with English Driver : $121
  • China Art Museum and 798 Art Zone Private Tour: $137
  • Forbidden City Private Walking Tour with Optional Sights: $18
  • Forbidden City Tour : $116
  • Forbidden city with Tian'anmen square layover tour of Beijing : $240
  • Full Day Private Tour Incredible Beijing City Highlights: $179
  • Lama temple -Confucius temple - DongYue temple Private Cultural Tour: $156

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Agra $9.42
    Beijing $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
  • Private Tour-Drum Tower, Hutong Food Taste and Local Brewery Beer: $150
  • Private Changyu Chateau Wine Tasting Tour and Mutianyu Great Wall Visit: $238


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.