Which place is cheaper, Xiamen or Bandung?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Bandung or Xiamen?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Bandung or Xiamen? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.
Where Should I go: Bandung or Xiamen?
Bandung
Bandung is the capital city of West Java, and the third largest city in Indonesia after Jakarta and Surabaya. Nicknamed Parijs van Java (Paris of Java) by the Dutch for its resemblance to Paris and European atmosphere back in colonial times, Bandung also earned another nickname as Kota Kembang, literally meaning the Flower City since Bandung used to have a lot of flowers. Nowadays, Bandung has become a very popular weekend escape for Jakartans, who crowd the city on weekends and national holidays. It's known for colonial and art deco architecture, a lively, university-town feel and relatively cool tropical weather. Bandung is also a shopping destination, with fashion outlets clustered along Jalan Setiabudi and Jalan Riau in the Dago district. The city also make a good base for day trips to the surrounding countryside - high volcanic peaks, hot springs, and tea plantations are all within reach.
Xiamen
Xiamen is a coastal city in the Fujian Province of China and has been a major port city and gateway to China for centuries. This vibrant and modern city was named the most livable city in the world in 2002 and one of the first cities to be named a Special Economic Zone. Xiamen is best known for being home to Gulangyu Island, a beautiful island full of historic colonial buildings and lovely walking paths.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to Indonesia, The Best Tours for Seniors to Indonesia, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in China, and The Best Historical Tours in China.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayBandung $41Xiamen $65
The average daily cost (per person) in Bandung is $41, while the average daily cost in Xiamen is $65. 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 Bandung and Xiamen in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personBandung $22Xiamen $31
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomBandung $44Xiamen $62
Compare Hotels in Bandung and Xiamen
Looking for a hotel in Bandung or Xiamen? 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: Bandung Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Bandung $6.00Xiamen $6.15
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bandung
Also for Bandung, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer from Villa Istana Bunga to Bandung Airport (BDO): $36
- Private Transfer from Tamansari to Bandung Airport (BDO): $36
- Private Transfer from Sumber to Kertajati Airport (KJT): $172
- Private Transfer from Sukatani permai to Jakarta Halim Airport (HLP): $69
- Private Transfer from Sukatani Purwakarta Regency to Jakarta Halim Airport (HLP): $112
- Private Transfer from Sukatani Cikarang to Jakarta Halim Airport (HLP): $69
- Private Transfer from Sukatani Bekasi to Jakarta Halim Airport (HLP): $51
- Private Transfer from Sukaresmi, Sukamakmur, Bogor to Jakarta Airport (CGK): $95
- Private Transfer from Sukaresmi Sukamakmur Bogor to Jakarta Halim Airport (HLP): $95
- Private Transfer from Sukaresmi Garut Regency to Jakarta Airport (CGK): $172
- Private Transfer from Sukaresmi Cianjur Regency to Jakarta Halim Airport (HLP): $112
- Private Transfer from Sukaresmi Bandung to Jakarta Airport (CGK): $112
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Xiamen
Also for Xiamen, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Xiamen Railway Station Private Transfer to Gaoqi Airport : $19
- Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport Chauffeur Service ,Xiamen Airport Transfer: $47
- Round Trip Transfer Between the Most Picturesque Chuxi Tulou Cluster and Xiamen: $106
- Private Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport Transfers in Xiamen City: $12
- Private Xiamen Gaoqi Airport Arrival Transfer to City Area: $30
- Private Transfer:From Gaoqi Airport to Xiamen downtown: $12
- Private Transfer to Tianluokeng Tulou and HongKeng Hakka Tulou from Xiamen City : $98
- Private Transfer to Tianluokeng Tulou and Hekeng Hakka Tulou from Xiamen City : $98
- Private Transfer to Gaobei Tulou and Yunshuiyao Village from Xiamen City: $98
- Private Transfer from Xiamen North Railway Station to City Area: $19
- Private Transfer from Railway Station to Xiamen City: $10
- Private Transfer between Xiamen City and Tianluokeng Tulou Cluster : $89
Is it cheaper to fly into Bandung or Xiamen?
Prices for flights to both Xiamen and Bandung 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 dayBandung $15Xiamen $27
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Bandung
For Bandung, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Bandung Food Tour: $67
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Bandung $5.90Xiamen $16
Tours and Activities in Bandung
For Bandung, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- 3D 2N GOLDEN ROUTE TOUR PACKAGE [ Bandung - Garut - Pangandaran ] All include: $285
- BANDUNG : MAKE CUSTOMIZED TOUR WITH CAR CHARTER AND DRIVER: $76
- Backpacker Style of the Java-Madura-Bali Island Tour 12 Days: $1,600
- Bandung One Day Tour Package: $160
- Volcano, Hot Spring, Mud Bathing, & Lake Tour: $66
- Bandung:Kawah Putih,Volcano,HotSpring,Mud Bathing,Lake Tour: $56
- Day Trip White Crater Ciwidey Bandung All In - Tour Guide: $73
- Daytrip Costum White Crater Volcano Mount Tour Guide Bandung: $49
- From Jakarta: Bandung City Tour: $132
- From Jakarta: Bandung Volcano Tour: $156
- Full-Day Tour to Bandung White Crater,Lake and Tea Plantation: $82
- Indonesia: Paragliding Experiences by Papatong Fly & Play: $41
Tours and Activities in Xiamen
For Xiamen, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Fujian Tulou Private Day Tour to World Heritage Site Tianluokeng Tulou Cluster: $178
- 1-Day Xiamen City Highlights and Gulangyu Island Private Tour: $244
- 4-Hour Xiamen Private Local Food Market Experience: $103
- 4-Hour Xiamen Private Shore Excursion Tour in Your Way: $121
- 4-hour Xiamen Private Flexible Tour in Your Way: $113
- A Night Tour to Xiamen Gulang Island: $100
- All Inclusive Xiamen Private Layover Tour to Hakka Tulou Village with Options: $234
- Flexible Private Xiamen Layover Tour from Cruise Port or Airport : $155
- Flexible Xiamen Private Half Day Tour to Experience Xiamen Botanical Garden: $105
- Flexible Xiamen Private Half Day Tour with Meal Option: $164
- From One-Day Nanjing Tulou Private Tour: $299
- Fujian Hakka Tulou Private Day Tour of Tianluokeng and Daping Lou: $194
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayBandung $3.60Xiamen $17
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Bandung and Xiamen, we can see that Xiamen is more expensive. And not only is Bandung much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Bandung would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Bandung 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 Xiamen would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Xiamen than you might in Bandung.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Bandung Expensive? and Is Xiamen Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Bandung or Xiamen?
Bandung has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Xiamen. When comparing the sizes of Bandung and Xiamen, 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.