Which place is cheaper, Xi'an or Bangkok?
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 Bangkok or Xi'an?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Bangkok and Xi'an can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.
Where Should I go: Bangkok or Xi'an?
Bangkok
Bangkok: a name synonymous with all things exotic. The vibrant and exciting capital of Thailand is not just a hub for Southeast Asia, but also a destination into itself. Known for an active nightlife and party scene, as well as great food, historic temples, and busy markets, Bangkok offers a diversity to entertain even the most experienced travelers.
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 Family-Friendly Tours to Thailand, The Best Wildlife Tours to Thailand, The Best 10-Day Tours in China, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in China.
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Bangkok Prices
Thailand PricesXi'an Prices
China Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayBangkok $102Xi'an $104
The average daily cost (per person) in Bangkok is $102, while the average daily cost in Xi'an is $104. 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 Bangkok and Xi'an in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personBangkok $49Xi'an $61
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomBangkok $98Xi'an $122
Compare Hotels in Bangkok and Xi'an
Looking for a hotel in Bangkok 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: Bangkok Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Bangkok $6.30Xi'an $12
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Bangkok
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Bangkok are as follows:
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Tuk Tuk to bus station$2.44
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Skytrain Ticket$4.88
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Chao Phraya River Express Ticket$0.98
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Ferry Ride$0.79
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Taxi From Airport$7.63
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Short Taxi Ride$2.75
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Boat Taxi$1.53
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Trains to airport$4.88
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bangkok
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Bangkok:
- Airport Transfer Camry/Fortuner or Similar : $45
- Airport Transfer to or from Hotel in Bangkok (Private Transport): $57
- Airport Transfer: DMK Airport or BKK Hotel to Pattaya Private : $68
- Airport Transfer: Don Mueang/Suvarnabhumi ⇄ Bangkok City: $70
- Ancient City (Mueang Boran) Entrance Tickets With Hotel Transfer: $47
- Arrival Bangkok Airport Private Transfer : Trat/ Koh Chang: $133
- Arrival Private Airport Transfer : Bangkok Airport to Hotel in Bangkok: $35
- Arrival Private Transfers: Don Mueang Airport DMK to Bangkok in Business Car: $81
- Arrival Private Transfers: Don Mueang Airport DMK to Bangkok in Luxury Van: $98
- Ayutthaya Cultural Triangle City Tour with Transfer: $66
- Ayutthaya Day Tour from Bangkok with Hotel Transfers: $85
- Ayutthaya Floating Market Admission Ticket with Transfer: $39
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Xi'an
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Xi'an:
- 1-Day Xi'an Layover Tour: Terracotta Army with Round Airport transfers(XIY): $100
- Arrival Transfer Xi'an Xianyang International Airport to Hotel: $34
- Essential Xian Tour with Airport Train Station or Hotel Transfer: $229
- From Xian: Terracotta Army and City Wall Tour with Airport Transfer: $245
- Full-Day Layover Private Tour: Essence of Xi'an With Airport Transfer: $229
- Mt. Huashan Private Roundtrip Transfer with Driver's Tickets Help: $113
- One Day Private Xian Tour to Terracotta Warriors with Airport Transfers: $149
- Private Airport Transfer: Xi'an Hotel to Xianyang International Airport: $29
- Private Airport Transfer:Xi'an Xianyang International Airport to Xi'an Hotel: $29
- Private Arrival Transfer Xi'an Railway Stations to Hotel: $32
- Private Arrival Transfer:Any Xi'an Railway Station to Xi'an City Hotel: $30
- Private Arrival Transfer:Xi'an Xianyang International Airport(XIY) to City Hotel: $46
Is it cheaper to fly into Bangkok or Xi'an?
Prices for flights to both Xi'an and Bangkok 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 dayBangkok $35Xi'an $22
Typical Food Prices in Bangkok
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Bangkok:
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Dinner at Hard Rock Cafe (for Two)$27
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Casual Lunch of Prawns (for Two)$6.10
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2 Rotis (Bread)$1.37
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Mango & Sticky Rice$0.92
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Lunch at KFC (for Two)$6.10
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Pad Thai$2.14
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Airport Lunch for 2$17
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Lunch for 2$23
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Bangkok
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Bangkok.
- Dinner With Strangers: $21
- White Orchid Chao Phraya Dinner Cruise: $21
- Baiyoke Observation Deck with Lunch/Dinner Buffet: $24
- Michelin Guide Street Food Tour by Tuk Tuk: $24
- Viva Alangka Chao Phraya Dinner Cruise: $25
- River Dinner Cruise on the Chao Phraya Princess: $26
- Chao Phraya Princess Dinner Cruise Ticket: $26
- Meridian Sunset Dinner Cruise - Floating Paradise From ICONSIAM Bangkok: $27
- Chao Phraya Princess Sunset and Dinner Cruise: $27
- Smile Riverside Dinner Cruise: $27
- Unicorn Chao Phraya River Dinner Cruise: $27
- The Planet Dinner Cruise: $27
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 Tang Dynasty Show Ticket Optional Dumplings or Royal Dinner: $30
- Xian Tang Dynasty Show -Optional Dumpling Dinner or Royal Banquet: $32
- Skip the Line: Xi'an Tang Dynasty Show Ticket & Dumpling Dinner or Royal Banquet: $32
- Xi'An: Tang Dynasty Show Ticket w/ Transfer or Dinner: $33
- Xi'an: Tang Dynasty Music and Dance Show with Dinner Option: $33
- Xi'an Tang Dynasty Music Dance Show or Dinner Show with Transfer: $35
- Top 3 Xian Sites to Terracotta Army & Dinner Show w/ Options: $35
- Xian Food Tour in Muslim Quarter: $36
- Dinner and Show of Tang Dynasty Palace in Xian: $40
- Xi’an: Market Tour and Cooking Class with Local Family: $58
- Xi'an Homemade Food Cooking Dumplings / BIANGBIANGNoodles: $58
- Xi'an Vegetarian Food Tour: $60
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Bangkok $17Xi'an $36
Typical Entertainment Prices in Bangkok
Here are a few typical costs in Bangkok for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
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Movie Ticket$4.88
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Grand Palace Entrance Ticket$11
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Wat Pho (Reclining Buddha) Ticket$1.53
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Dusit Zoo Entrance Fee (for Two)$6.10
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Club Cover Charge$11
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Thai Boxing Tickets (for Two)$73
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Fish Pedicure$4.58
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Wat Pho entrance ticket$3.05
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Siriraj Museum (2)$12
Tours and Activities in Bangkok
Here are a few actual costs in Bangkok for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Bangkok Noi Canal: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.20
- Chinatown by Night Walking Tour in Bangkok: $6.42
- Mad Monkey Bangkok City Session - Walking Tour: $6.95
- Bangkok's Wireless Road: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $7.99
- Pororo Aqua Park Entry Ticket: $8.91
- Grand Palace Self-Guided Walking Tour (entry not incl.): $10
- Wat Pho Reclining Buddha Self-Guided Audio Tour (entry not incl.): $10
- Ancient City Bangkok and Erawan Museum Tickets: $10
- Explore Ancient City Mueang Boran and Erawan Museum Ticket Tour: $13
- Erawan Museum at Bangkok Admission Ticket: $13
- Bangkok Grand Palace and Emerald Buddha Tour: $14
- Baiyoke Sky Hotel: Observation Deck & Revolving Point Ticket: $15
Tours and Activities in Xi'an
Here are a few actual costs in Xi'an for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Xi'an: Daci'en Temple(Great Wild Goose Pagoda) E-ticket: $9.99
- Xi'an: City Wall & Old Town Walking Tour w/ 10+ Food Tasting: $14
- Xi'an: Xi’an City Wall South Gate(Yongningmen) Entry Ticket: $15
- Xi'an Virtual Tour: Emperor Qin Shi Huang and His Terracotta Army: $15
- Xi'an: City Wall South Gate (Yongningmen North Side ) E Ticket: $17
- Xi'an: City Wall Moat Smart Boat Tour: $17
- Qin Terra-cotta Warrior Tour by Bus: $18
- Huaqing Palace Tickets with Optional show of Xi'an incident: $20
- Xi'an ：City Wall Entry Electronic Ticket: $22
- Xi'an Morning Terracotta Army Tour with Local Lunch: $23
- Terracotta Army Ticket Booking: Skip the Line & Free Cancellation: $24
- Private Half Day Tour to See The Tomb of Emperor Jingdi: $25
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayBangkok $5.49Xi'an $7.29
Typical Alcohol Prices in Bangkok
Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Bangkok are as follows:
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Beer$1.22
Sample the Local Flavors in Bangkok
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Bangkok:
- Mad Monkey Bangkok Pub Crawl: $14
- Bangkok Pub Crawl: $17
- Bangkok After Dark: Pub Crawl Adventure: $27
- Pub Crawl: $30
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: Drinking, Gaming, and Meeting with Locals: $29
When comparing the travel costs between Bangkok and Xi'an, we can see that Xi'an is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Asia, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Bangkok Expensive? and Is Xi'an Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Bangkok or Xi'an?
Bangkok has a larger population, and is about 58% larger than the population of Xi'an. When comparing the sizes of Bangkok 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.