A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Beijing vs. Cusco for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Beijing or Cusco?

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 Cusco 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 Cusco?

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.

Cusco

Cusco is most famous as the historic capital of the Inca Empire. It is in the southern Sierras and is one of the most popular travel destinations within Peru. The city is located at 3,400 meters above sea level so it is best to acclimate yourself slowly to avoid altitude sickness.

Cusco is the starting point for many travelers making their way to the famed Machu Picchu or other Inca sites in the surrounding area.

The city is very beautiful and has impressive architecture throughout. The history is obvious as you walk around town and there are impressive ruins nearby, with the most impressive being Sacsayhuaman. The city also has a significant indigenous population that is obvious from their traditional clothing and style.

Cusco has a subtropical highland climate with a pleasant daytime temperature year around. There are two distinct seasons with the dry season being between May and August and the wet season between December and March. During the dry season there is plenty of sun with occasional nighttime freezes. Frost is less common in the wet season.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Beijing, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to China, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Cusco, and The Best 3-Day Tours from Cusco.


Which place is cheaper, Cusco or Beijing?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

  • Beijing Prices
    China Prices
    Cusco Prices
    Peru Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Beijing $91
    Cusco $59

The average daily cost (per person) in Beijing is $91, while the average daily cost in Cusco is $59. 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 Cusco in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Beijing $40
    Cusco $22
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Beijing $80
    Cusco $44
Compare Hotels in Beijing and Cusco

Looking for a hotel in Beijing or Cusco? 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.

Hotels in Beijing


Hotels in Cusco


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: Cusco Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Beijing $7.84
    Cusco $9.87
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Beijing

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Beijing:


  • Taxi
    $4.79
  • Train from Airport for Two
    $7.02
  • Taxi to Hotel
    $8.42
  • 2 Metro Passes
    $2.25
  • Metro
    $0.56

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Beijing

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Beijing:

  • From Return Bus Transfer to Badaling Great Wall: $12
  • Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) private transfer.: $16
  • From Mutianyu Great Wall Transfer with Pick-Up: $18
  • 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
  • [Airport Transfer] Beijing Capital Airport ⇔ Beijing City Transfer (one way) ☆ High reputation for service! <Charter charter>: $25
  • Private Arrival Transfer: Beijing Airport (PEK or PKX) to Hotel: $27
  • Private Arrival Transfer: Beijing Airport (PEK or PKX) to Hotel: $27
  • Private Departure Transfer: Hotel to Beijing Airport (PEK or PKX): $27
  • Private Departure Transfer: Hotel to Beijing Airport (PEK or PKX): $27
  • Private One Way Transfer Service from Your Hotels to Train Stations in Beijing: $27

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Cusco

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Cusco:


  • Taxi Ride
    $1.06

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cusco

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Cusco:

  • Convenient Transfer Service in Cusco: $41
  • Cusco Airport Arrival or Departure Transfer : $13
  • Cusco Airport Departure Transfer: $15
  • Cusco Airport Departure Transfer: $9.67
  • Cusco Airport Pickup and Private Transfer: $9.00
  • Cusco Airport Pickup and Private Transfer: $12
  • Cusco Airport Private Departure Transfer: $18
  • Cusco Airport Private Transfer with large Van: $45
  • Cusco Bus Station Arrival or Departure Transfer: $13
  • Cusco Private Transfer to Poroy Railway Station: $15
  • Cusco Private Transfer/ Airport Transfer: $10
  • Cusco to Ollantaytambo: One-Way Private Transfer: $55

Is it cheaper to fly into Beijing or Cusco?

Prices for flights to both Cusco 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
  • Food Meals for one day
    Beijing $34
    Cusco $22
Typical Food Prices in Beijing

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Beijing:


  • Popcorn
    $0.84
  • Hot Pot Dinner
    $7.02
  • Dumpling Breakfast for Two
    $2.81
  • Watermelon
    $1.96
  • Peking Duck Dinner for 2
    $17
  • Two Popsicles
    $0.84

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 Handmade Noodles by Sunflower Li: $20
  • Online Cooking Class Kungpao Chicken: $20
  • Online Cooking Class Orange Chicken 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
  • Temple of Heaven Private Tour w/Option Show &Dinner: $54
  • Beijing Hutong Breakfast Food Tour: $55
  • Hutong Breakfast Food Tour: $55
  • Shichahai Golden Season Dinner & Beer Walking Tour: $68
  • Shichahai Golden Season Dinner & Beer Walking Tour: $68
  • Hidden Gems Guided Food Tour with Beer and Tastings: $75

Typical Food Prices in Cusco

Some typical examples of dining costs in Cusco are as follows:


  • Sandwich
    $2.13
  • Mango
    $0.53

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Cusco

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Cusco.

  • Small-Group Virtual Ceviche Cooking Experience: $25
  • Short Peruvian Cooking Class - by Pete: $30
  • Folkloric Andean Show & 3-Course Dinner at Tunupa: $35
  • Pachapapa Restaurant Lunch or Dinner: $41
  • Peruvian Cooking Class with Pisco Sour: $49
  • 3-Hour Peruvian Cooking Class: $49
  • Peruvian Cooking Class in Cuzco: $53
  • CUSCO COOKING CLASS DINNER - Short & Immersive Cooking Class: $53
  • Fully hands-on High End Peruvian Cooking Class & San Pedro Market Guided Visit: $55
  • Peruvian Cooking Class with Pisco Sour: $56
  • Cooking Class and market tour with a local chef: $56
  • Peruvian Cooking Class Cocktails and Market in Cusco: $56

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Beijing $24
    Cusco $29
Typical Entertainment Prices in Beijing

Here are a few typical costs in Beijing for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:


  • Entry to Summer Palace for Two
    $8.42
  • Two Opera Tickets
    $60
  • Temple of Heaven Park Entrance (for 2)
    $9.82
  • Forbidden City (for 2)
    $17
  • Forbidden City Tickets
    $17
  • 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:

  • Shanghai: Happy Valley Theme Park Entry Ticket: $0.12
  • Tiananmen Square and Forbidden City (Guided Tour): $0.12
  • TIAN AN MEN SQUARE AND FORBIDDEN CITY (guided tour): $0.12
  • Tiananmen Square Discovery Tour: $2.99
  • Tiananmen Square - Registration Ticket: $3.00
  • Forbidden City and Royal Museum Tour with Options: $4.38
  • Tiananmen Square Ticket Fast and Smooth: $4.96
  • Beijing's Old Hutongs: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.34
  • Private Audio Guided Walking Tour in Beijing: $5.51
  • China eSIM Tourist Roaming Data Plan: $6.56
  • Temple of Heaven Ticket Booking: $6.80
  • Beijing Lama Temple Entrance Ticket with Optional Guided Service: $7.00

Typical Entertainment Prices in Cusco

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Cusco are as follows:


  • Salsa Class
    $2.66

Tours and Activities in Cusco

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Cusco are as follows:

  • Cusco Historical Walking Tour official: $4.00
  • Via Ferrata, Skybike, and Rappel Adventure: $5.00
  • Private Alternative History Tour of Cusco (For your People): $5.44
  • Cusco Walking Tour: Culture, Viewpoints & Local Drinks: $8.00
  • CITY TOUR CUSCO - HALF DAY TOUR: $10
  • City tour photography experience: $10
  • extreme adventure in cusco warachicuy adventure park: $11
  • Mirabus Cusco City Tour: $12
  • Sightseeing Tour of the City on an Open-Top Bus: $12
  • Open-Top Bus City Tour: $12
  • Historic Walking Tour with Pisco Sour and Music Show: $13
  • Cusco's Street and San Pedro Market Walking Adventure: $13

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Beijing $12
    Cusco $9.37

Sample the Local Flavors in Beijing

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Beijing:

  • Private Tour-Drum Tower, Hutong Food Taste and Local Brewery Beer: $150
  • 5-Hour Private Changyu Chateau Wine Tasting Tour from Beijing: $178

Sample the Local Flavors in Cusco

Also in Cusco, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Cusco Pub Crawl: Cusco Bar Hopping Experience : $18
  • Pub Crawl with Skip-the-Line Access and Drinks: $18
  • Exclusive Pub Crawl with more than 10 Benefits: $25
  • Pisco and wine tour in the Majes Valley: $50


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Beijing and Cusco, we can see that Beijing is more expensive. And not only is Cusco much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Beijing is in Asia and Cusco is in South America, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Cusco would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Cusco 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 Beijing would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Beijing than you might in Cusco.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Beijing Expensive? and Is Cusco Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Beijing or Cusco?

Beijing has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Cusco. When comparing the sizes of Beijing and Cusco, 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.