Which place is cheaper, Zhengzhou or Bagan?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Bagan or Zhengzhou?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Bagan and Zhengzhou can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Bagan or Zhengzhou?
Bagan
Located in central Myanmar (formerly Burma), Bagan is an ancient city best known as the home to the largest and densest concentration of Buddhist temples, pagodas, stupas, and ruins in the world with many dating from the 11th and 12th centuries.
Zhengzhou
Along the Yellow River, a city from the future and the past resides. Ancient pagodas, futuristic domes, verdant gardens - Zhengzhou is a myriad of many worlds in one urban area. The provincial capital of the Henan Province, Zhengzhou is the encapsulation of a perfect city from its delicate balance of the natural and urban spheres. It was born during the Sui Dynasty, and its actual location was in the modern-day Chenggao. Moreover, Zhengzhou works as the political, economic, technological, and educational center of the province. The city is also one of the eight great ancient capitals of China, with a collection of architecture and art originating during iconic dynasties. These relics of the old world include the Shaolin Monastery, Henan Museum, the Pagoda Forest, the Gaocheng Astronomical Observatory, the Songyue Pagoda, the Emperors of Yan and Huang, and the scenic views of the Yellow River. With over nine million inhabitants, Zhengzhou continues to grow at a thriving rate. It also should be noted that in June 2012, Greater Zhengzhou was named one of the thirteen emerging megacities in China according to the Economist Intelligent Unit. Known internationally for its amazing culmination of culture and history, Zhengzhou is the ideal city for travelers and inhabitants alike.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Shanghai, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Beijing.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayBagan $19Zhengzhou $100
The average daily cost (per person) in Bagan is $19, while the average daily cost in Zhengzhou is $100. 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 Bagan and Zhengzhou in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personBagan $4.76Zhengzhou $37
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomBagan $9.52Zhengzhou $74
Compare Hotels in Bagan and Zhengzhou
Looking for a hotel in Bagan or Zhengzhou? 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.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Bagan $2.31Zhengzhou $65
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bagan
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Bagan:
- From Bagan City To Mandalay Private Transfer: $150
- Private Departure Transfer: Hotel to Bagan Nyaung-U Airport (NYU): $14
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Zhengzhou
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Zhengzhou:
- One-Way Private Transfer from Zhengzhou to Kaifeng: $70
- One-Way Private Transfer from Zhengzhou to Luoyang: $80
- Private Transfer from Zhengzhou to Luoyang Longmen Grottoes : $95
- Private Transfer to Guoliang Village and Tunnel from Zhengzhou: $160
- Private Transfer to Shaolin Temple or Dengfeng from Zhengzhou Train station: $132
- Private transfer to Shaolin Temple from Zhengzhou: $108
- Zhengzhou Airport Transfer( Hotel to Airport): $59
- Zhengzhou Special Car Service, Zhengzhou Airport Transfer: $27
- Zhengzhou Xinzheng Airport Chauffeur Transfer , Zhengzhou Airport Transfer : $53
- Zhengzhou Xinzheng Airport Chauffeur Transfer, Zhengzhou Airport Transfer: $27
- Zhengzhou Xinzheng Airport Chauffeur Transfer, Zhengzhou Airport Transfer: $31
- Private Guided Tour/Transfer to Shaolin Temple: $98
Is it cheaper to fly into Bagan or Zhengzhou?
Prices for flights to both Zhengzhou and Bagan 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 dayBagan $3.85Zhengzhou $29
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Bagan
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Bagan.
- Romantic Sunset Dinner At Bagan Viewing Tower: $91
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Zhengzhou
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Zhengzhou.
- Zhengzhou Erqi Square and Night Markets Private Tour including Dinner: $145
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Bagan $37Zhengzhou $8.41
Tours and Activities in Bagan
Here are a few actual costs in Bagan for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Day Cruise Bagan to Mandalay: $31
- Old Bagan Sightseeing Tour: $43
- Private Bagan Cultural Tour : $46
- Visiting Mount Popa from Bagan - Private Tour: $48
- Private Day Tour to Mt Popa: $48
- Full Day tour In Bagan UNESCO World Heritage: $50
- Full day Adventure Trip to Mt. Popa & Salay: $65
- Tuk Tuk tour to Mt. Popa : $67
- Private Bagan day tour by car with horse cart: $70
- Private Day Adventure Trip in Bagan : $71
- Full day Adventure Trip in Bagan with Tuk Tuk : $72
- Half Day Sightseeing With Royal Horse: $76
Tours and Activities in Zhengzhou
Here are a few actual costs in Zhengzhou for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Kaifeng City Highlights Independant Tour from Zhengzhou: $80
- Private Independent Tour to Shaolin Temple from Zhengzhou: $126
- Private Independent Tour to Guoliangcun from Zhengzhou: $158
- Private Independent Tour to Yuntai Mountain from Zhengzhou: $169
- Independent Tour to Shaolin Temple and Longmen Grottoes from Zhengzhou: $188
- Private Day Tour to Shaolin Temple from Zhengzhou with Flexiable Departure Time: $198
- Day tour to Dengfeng Shaolin temple Yuan dynasty observatory: $200
- From Zhengzhou or Luoyang: Shaolin Temple Private Day Tour: $206
- Zhengzhou Yellow River Scenic Spots Private Tour : $209
- Private tour to Shaolin temple with Kongfu training class 2H: $210
- Private Day Tour to Luoyang Longmen Grottoes from Zhengzhou: $210
- Private tour to Shaolin temple and Zen buddihsm Music show: $220
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayBagan -Zhengzhou $6.48
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Bagan and Zhengzhou, we can see that Zhengzhou is more expensive. And not only is Bagan much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Bagan would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Bagan 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 Zhengzhou would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Zhengzhou than you might in Bagan.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Bagan Expensive? and Is Zhengzhou Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Bagan or Zhengzhou?
Zhengzhou has a larger population, and is about 6710 times larger than the population of Bagan. When comparing the sizes of Bagan and Zhengzhou, 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.