Which place is cheaper, Xi'an or Bandung?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Bandung or Xi'an?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Bandung or Xi'an? 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 Xi'an?
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.
Xi'an
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.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to Indonesia, The Best Tours for Seniors to Indonesia, The Best 10-Day Tours in China, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in China.
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Bandung Prices
Indonesia PricesXi'an Prices
China Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayBandung $48Xi'an $105
The average daily cost (per person) in Bandung is $48, while the average daily cost in Xi'an is $105. 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 Xi'an in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personBandung $20Xi'an $61
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomBandung $40Xi'an $122
Compare Hotels in Bandung and Xi'an
Looking for a hotel in Bandung or Xi'an? 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 $5.54Xi'an $12
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bandung
Also for Bandung, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Bandung Private Transfer to Jakarta (all area ) : $80
- Bandung or Lembang to Jakarta Airport CGK Departure Transfer: $72
- Cipanas to Jakarta Airport (CGK) - Departure Private Transfer: $54
- Private Rental Cars Bandung 10 Pax Free Airport Transfer: $139
- Private Transfer Bandung Airport (BDO) to 40294 Arcamanik, Bandung City: $37
- Private Transfer Bandung Airport (BDO) to Ciater: $37
- Private Transfer Bandung Airport (BDO) to Ciburial: $37
- Private Transfer Bandung Airport (BDO) to Hegarmanah: $37
- Private Transfer Bandung Airport (BDO) to Kec. Batununggal Kel. Kacapiring 40271: $37
- Private Transfer Bandung Airport (BDO) to Kec. Batununggal Kel. Samoja 40273: $37
- Private Transfer Bandung Airport (BDO) to Kel. Samoja: $37
- Private Transfer Bandung Airport (BDO) to Kertajati Intl. Airport Cirebon (KJT): $221
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Xi'an
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Xi'an:
- seat in coach Terracotta army within 3rd ring transfers W lunch: $70
- Xian: Terracotta Army Ticket （Guided & Transfer Tour Option）: $97
- Xian to Xian Xianyang Airport (XIY) - Departure Private Transfer: $29
- Xian Xianyang International Airport (XIY) Private Departure Transfer: $40
- Xian Xianyang International Airport (XIY) Private Arrival Transfer: $40
- Xian Xianyang Airport (XIY) to Xian City - Arrival Private Transfer: $28
- Xian Xianyang Airport (XIY) to Xian - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $58
- Xian Xianyang Airport (XIY) to Xian - Arrival Private Transfer: $29
- Xian Terracotta Warriors and City Wall Tour with Airport Transfer: $254
- Xian Terracotta Warriors Tour with Airport Transfer: $216
- Xian Terracotta Warriors Museum Tour with Airport Transfer: $214
- Xian Private Day Tour with Airport Transfer: Terracotta Warriors and City Wall: $225
Is it cheaper to fly into Bandung or Xi'an?
Prices for flights to both Xi'an 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 $24Xi'an $22
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Bandung
For Bandung, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Indonesian Cooking Class with Welcoming Exotic Fruits: $32
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Xi'an
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Xi'an.
- Xi’an：City Wall Multi-Entry or Night Food Tour with Show: $21
- Xi'An: Tang Dynasty Show Ticket w/ Transfer or Dinner: $33
- Top 3 Xian Sites to Terracotta Army & Dinner Show w/ Options: $35
- Xi'an Tang Dynasty Show Ticket Optional Dumplings or Royal Dinner: $37
- Skip the Line: Xi'an Tang Dynasty Show Ticket & Dumpling Dinner or Royal Banquet: $37
- Xian Tang Dynasty Show -Optional Dumpling Dinner or Royal Banquet: $38
- Xi'an: Tang Dynasty Music and Dance Show with Dinner Option: $40
- Xi'an Homemade Food Cooking Dumplings / BIANGBIANGNoodles: $58
- Xi’an: Market Tour and Cooking Class with Local Family: $59
- Xi'an Vegetarian Food Tour: $60
- Xi'an Muslim Quarter Walking Food Tour: $61
- Private Xi'an Food Tour: $65
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Bandung $5.45Xi'an $36
Tours and Activities in Bandung
For Bandung, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Indonesia: Dago Dreampark Bandung Tickets: $9.93
- The heart of Bandung and Grand Mosque Guided Walking Tour: $15
- Bandung Volcano Sightseeing and Hot Spring Private Tour: $43
- Tangkuban Parahu Volcano & Surrounding Areas Tour: $44
- Private Guided to The White Crater & Surrounding Areas Tour: $45
- Private Guide Bandung Tour Car Charter: $49
- Bogor ,west Java Tour: $50
- Bandung Tour All In, White Crater, Volcano Mountain, Hot Spring : $52
- Private Tour to Bandung Volcano Hot Springs and Mud bathing: $55
- Kawah Putih tour - Day trip Ticket etc all including : $57
- Private: Kawah Putih,Volcano,HotSpring,Mud Bathing,Lake Tour: $58
- Kawah Putih Day Tours: $59
Tours and Activities in Xi'an
Here are a few actual costs in Xi'an for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Group Tour to the Terra-cotta Warriors Museum & Lunch : $65
- Private Half Day Tour to The Terracotta Warriors Museum: $88
- 1 Day Beijing to Xi'an Terracotta Warriors Tour by Air: $779
- 1 Day Private Tour to Terracotta Army & Huaqing Pool, No Shopping: $129
- 1 Day Xian Group Tour: Terracotta Warriors & City Wall: $138
- 1 day Adventure Tour of Mount Hua in Xi'an: $85
- 1 day Xi'an Culture and History Discovery Mini Group tour: $112
- 1-Day Xi'an City Highlights and Hanyangling Museum Private Tour: $100
- 1-Day Xi'an Terracotta Warriors Museum and Banpo Neolithic Village Museum Tour: $100
- 2 Day Private Terracotta Warriors and Mount Huashan Tour: $265
- 2 Days Beijing Xian Private Tour by Bullet Trains with Hotel: $287
- 2 Days Xian Customized Tour for Terracotta Warriors and More: $235
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayBandung $3.32Xi'an $7.34
Sample the Local Flavors in Xi'an
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Xi'an:
- Xi'an Bar Crawl: Drink, Gaming, Snacks & Meet with Locals: $29
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Bandung and Xi'an, we can see that Xi'an 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 Xi'an would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Xi'an 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 Xi'an Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Bandung or Xi'an?
Xi'an has a larger population, and is about 90% larger than the population of Bandung. When comparing the sizes of Bandung and Xi'an, 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.