Which place is cheaper, Benxi or Beijing?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Beijing or Benxi?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Beijing and Benxi 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: Beijing or Benxi?
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.
Benxi
Benxi, China is a city in the south east of the Liaoning Province in northeast China. The city itself is a major industrial hub, but is best known for the Benxi Shuidong National Park where you'll find the famous five million year old water cave. Benxi experiences cold winters, with weather being less enjoyable for touring from November through March. May through August see much warmer weather, getting up to the high 80's Fahrenheit in late summer. September and October are also good times to visit as temperatures cool to 60-70 degrees.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Beijing, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to China, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in China, and The Best Historical Tours in China.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayBeijing $77Benxi $95
The average daily cost (per person) in Beijing is $77, while the average daily cost in Benxi is $95. 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 Beijing and Benxi in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personBeijing $39Benxi $47
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomBeijing $78Benxi $94
Compare Hotels in Beijing and Benxi
Looking for a hotel in Beijing or Benxi? 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.Beijing $7.65Benxi $31
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Beijing
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Beijing:
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Taxi$4.72
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Train from Airport for Two$6.91
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Taxi to Hotel$8.29
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2 Metro Passes$2.21
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Metro$0.55
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Beijing
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Beijing:
- Juyongguan Great Wall Entrance Ticket with Guide&Transfer Service: $11
- From Mutianyu Great Wall Transfer with Pick-Up: $17
- Beijing Daxing International Airport shuttle bus transfer service: $20
- Private Arrival Transfer: Beijing Train Stations to Hotel: $22
- Private Departure Transfer: Hotel to Beijing Train Stations: $22
- Private Airport Pick Up or Drop Off Transfer: $26
- Private One Way Transfer Service from Your Hotels to Train Stations in Beijing: $27
- Private Departure Transfer: Hotel to Beijing Airport (PEK or PKX): $27
- Private One Way Transfer Services from Train Stations in Beijing to Your Hotels : $27
- Private Arrival Transfer: Beijing Airport (PEK or PKX) to Hotel: $27
- Beijing Airport Transfer From Beijing Downtown Hotel: $28
- Private Beijing Airport Transfer To Beijing Downtown Hotel: $28
Is it cheaper to fly into Beijing or Benxi?
Prices for flights to both Benxi and Beijing 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 dayBeijing $21Benxi $30
Typical Food Prices in Beijing
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Beijing:
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Popcorn$0.83
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Hot Pot Dinner$6.91
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Dumpling Breakfast for Two$2.76
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Watermelon$1.94
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Peking Duck Dinner for 2$16
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Two Popsicles$0.83
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Beijing
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Beijing.
- Online Cooking Class Beijing Dumplings and Cuisine by Sunflowerli Renowned Chef : $20
- Online Cooking Class Orange Chicken by Sunflower Li: $20
- Online Cooking Class Kungpao Chicken: $20
- Online Cooking Class Handmade Noodles by Sunflower Li: $20
- 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
- Beijing Hutong Breakfast Food Tour: $55
- Temple of Heaven Private Tour w/Option Show &Dinner: $60
- 3 hours Morning or Afternoon Tea Tasting on Maliandao Street and Tea Restaurant Lunch or Dinner Tour: $69
- Mogolian Hot Pot Dinner with no limit soft drink and local beer .: $70
- Authentic Lunch or Dinner Tour in Beijing's Best Hidden Spots: $80
- Acrobatic Show with Peking Duck Dinner Private Tour: $80
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Beijing $24Benxi $7.31
Typical Entertainment Prices in Beijing
Here are a few typical costs in Beijing for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
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Entry to Summer Palace for Two$8.29
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Two Opera Tickets$59
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Temple of Heaven Park Entrance (for 2)$9.68
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Forbidden City (for 2)$17
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Forbidden City Tickets$17
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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:
- Beijing's Old Hutongs: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $4.99
- Small Group Hutongs Walking Tour : $5.00
- Small Group Summer Palace Walking Tour: $5.00
- Beijing's Old Hutongs: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.34
- Beijing Lama Temple Entrance Ticket with Optional Guided Service: $7.00
- Temple of Heaven Ticket Booking: $7.90
- Summer Palace+Ming Tombs/Heaven Temple/China National Museum Tour: $8.00
- The Old Summer Palace (Yuanmingyuan) Entrance Ticket: $8.00
- Confucius Temple and Imperial College Entrance Ticket : $8.00
- Beijing Summer Palace Entrance Ticket (with Optional Guided Service): $8.00
- Beijing Temple of Heaven Entrance Ticket (with Optional Guided Service): $8.00
- Summer Palace Admission Ticket Pre-booking Service: $8.80
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayBeijing $12Benxi $7.70
Sample the Local Flavors in Beijing
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Beijing:
- Beijing Brewery Bike Tour: $99
- Evening Food Private Tour with Brewery Taproom Hopping at Slow Boat in Beijing: $110
- Full Day Private Chateau Changyu Wine Tour from Beijing: $161
- 5-Hour Private Changyu Chateau Wine Tasting Tour from Beijing: $178
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Beijing and Benxi, we can see that Benxi is more expensive. And not only is Beijing much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Beijing would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Beijing 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 Benxi would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Benxi than you might in Beijing.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Beijing Expensive? and Is Benxi Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Beijing or Benxi?
Beijing has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Benxi. When comparing the sizes of Beijing and Benxi, 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.
When is the best time to visit Beijing or Benxi?
Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.
Should I visit Beijing or Benxi in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Beijing and Benxi. The summer months attract visitors to Beijing because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.
In July, Beijing is generally around the same temperature as Benxi. Daily temperatures in Beijing average around 27°C (80°F), and Benxi fluctuates around 25°C (78°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Benxi this time of the year. In Beijing, it's very sunny this time of the year. Beijing usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Benxi during summer. Beijing gets 224 hours of sunny skies, while Benxi receives 214 hours of full sun in the summer.
Benxi receives a lot of rain in the summer. Beijing gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Beijing usually receives less rain than Benxi. Beijing gets 176 mm (6.9 in) of rain, while Benxi receives 211 mm (8.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyBeijing 27°C (80°F)Benxi 25°C (78°F)
Should I visit Beijing or Benxi in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Beijing as well as Benxi. The city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Beijing this time of year.
Beijing is a little warmer than Benxi in the autumn. The daily temperature in Beijing averages around 14°C (56°F) in October, and Benxi fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Benxi. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Beijing this time of the year. In the autumn, Beijing often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Benxi. Beijing gets 227 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Benxi receives 216 hours of full sun.
Beijing usually gets less rain in October than Benxi. Beijing gets 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Benxi receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberBeijing 14°C (56°F)Benxi 11°C (52°F)
Should I visit Beijing or Benxi in the Winter?
Both Benxi and Beijing are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Beijing for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Benxi can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Beijing. In the winter, Beijing is much warmer than Benxi. Typically, the winter temperatures in Beijing in January average around -4°C (26°F), and Benxi averages at about -10°C (14°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Beijing. Beijing usually receives more sunshine than Benxi during winter. Beijing gets 201 hours of sunny skies, while Benxi receives 167 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Beijing usually receives less rain than Benxi. Beijing gets 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Benxi receives 9 mm (0.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryBeijing -4°C (26°F)Benxi -10°C (14°F)
Should I visit Beijing or Benxi in the Spring?
Both Benxi and Beijing during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Beijing in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.
In April, Beijing is generally a little warmer than Benxi. Daily temperatures in Beijing average around 14°C (57°F), and Benxi fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).
In Benxi, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Beijing. In the spring, Beijing often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Benxi. Beijing gets 247 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Benxi receives 241 hours of full sun.
Beijing usually gets less rain in April than Benxi. Beijing gets 26 mm (1 in) of rain, while Benxi receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilBeijing 14°C (57°F)Benxi 11°C (51°F)
Typical Weather for Benxi and Beijing
| Beijing | Benxi | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | -4°C (26°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) | -10°C (14°F) | 9 mm (0.4 in) |
| Feb | -1°C (30°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) | -7°C (20°F) | 11 mm (0.4 in) |
| Mar | 6°C (42°F) | 9 mm (0.4 in) | 2°C (35°F) | 17 mm (0.7 in) |
| Apr | 14°C (57°F) | 26 mm (1 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) |
| May | 20°C (68°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) |
| Jun | 25°C (76°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 93 mm (3.7 in) |
| Jul | 27°C (80°F) | 176 mm (6.9 in) | 25°C (78°F) | 211 mm (8.3 in) |
| Aug | 25°C (78°F) | 182 mm (7.2 in) | 25°C (76°F) | 167 mm (6.6 in) |
| Sep | 20°C (69°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) |
| Oct | 14°C (56°F) | 19 mm (0.7 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 51 mm (2 in) |
| Nov | 5°C (41°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) | 2°C (35°F) | 24 mm (0.9 in) |
| Dec | -1°C (29°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) | -7°C (20°F) | 12 mm (0.5 in) |
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.