Which place is cheaper, Havana or Beijing?
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 Beijing or Havana?
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 Havana 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 Havana?
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.
Havana
The city of Havana is at the top of most peoples' bucket list - mostly because of the allure of a forbidden land. Before the Communist revolution, Cuba was a popular tourist destination. Since it has reopened in the 1990s, it has drawn tourists from all over the world (except the US).
This capital city is a land trapped in the past. With 50 years of neglect, when you step off the plane, prepare to step back in time. A trip to Havana is meant for those with truly open minds - and when they arrive they'll be swept away.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Shanghai, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Beijing.
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Beijing Prices
China PricesHavana Prices
Cuba Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayBeijing $90Havana $74
The average daily cost (per person) in Beijing is $90, while the average daily cost in Havana is $74. 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 Havana in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personBeijing $39Havana $42
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomBeijing $78Havana $84
Compare Hotels in Beijing and Havana
Looking for a hotel in Beijing or Havana? 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 $7.72Havana $19
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:
- Jinshanling Great Wall Self-hiking Tour by Private Transfer Service : $98
- Private English Transfer to Shilin Gorge Platform And Ming City Wall : $140
- 1-Day Beijing Layover Private Tour: Forbidden City with Round Airport transfers: $198
- 1-Day Beijing Layover Tour: Mutianyu Great Wall with Round Airport Transfers: $208
- 1-Day Bejing Layover Tour:Mutianyu Great Wall,Forbidden City & Airport Transfers: $250
- 4-Hour Huanghuacheng Great Wall Sunset Tour with Airport Transfer: $160
- 5 Hours Round Trip Transfer Service to Mutianyu Great Wall: $70
- Acrobatic Show at Red Theater With Private Transfer: $45
- Airport Layover Transfer Service to Mutianyu Great Wall & City Sightseeing : $115
- Arrival Private Transfer: Capital Airport PEK to Beijing in Business Car: $71
- transfer from the airport to the hotel: $65
- Beijing Acrobatic Show in Red Theater with Guide and Transfer: $59
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Havana
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Havana:
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Short Taxi Ride$0.68
Is it cheaper to fly into Beijing or Havana?
Prices for flights to both Havana 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 $33Havana $18
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 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
- Hutong Breakfast Food Tour: $55
- Beijing Hutong Breakfast Food Tour: $55
- Shichahai Golden Season Dinner & Beer Walking Tour: $68
- Hidden Gems Guided Food Tour with Beer and Tastings: $75
- Old Beijing Dinner Tour: $75
- discovery more Beijing back street evening food tour with locals : $79
Typical Food Prices in Havana
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Havana:
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Pizza$0.03
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Beijing $24Havana $11
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:
- Shanghai: Happy Valley Theme Park Entry Ticket: $0.14
- TIAN AN MEN SQUARE AND FORBIDDEN CITY (guided tour): $0.14
- Tiananmen Square and Forbidden City (Guided Tour): $0.14
- Tiananmen Square Discovery Tour: $2.99
- Tiananmen Square - Registration Ticket: $3.50
- Forbidden City and Royal Museum Tour with Options: $4.31
- Tiananmen Square Ticket Fast and Smooth: $4.88
- Agent ticket booking service: Temple of heaven: $5.00
- Beijing City Guided Walking Tour | China's 1st and Best Rated: $5.00
- Beijing's Old Hutongs: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.34
- Private Audio Guided Walking Tour in Beijing: $5.38
- China eSIM Tourist Roaming Data Plan: $6.45
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayBeijing $12Havana $5.76
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
- Private Tour-Drum Tower, Hutong Food Taste and Local Brewery Beer: $150
- Full Day Private Chateau Changyu Wine Tour from Beijing: $160
- 5-Hour Private Changyu Chateau Wine Tasting Tour from Beijing: $178
- Private Changyu Chateau Wine Tasting Tour and Mutianyu Great Wall Visit: $238
Typical Alcohol Prices in Havana
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Havana:
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Mojito$0.15
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Beijing and Havana, we can see that Beijing is more expensive. And not only is Havana much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Beijing is in Asia and Havana is in Caribbean Islands, 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 Havana would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Havana 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 Havana.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Beijing Expensive? and Is Havana Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Beijing or Havana?
Beijing has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Havana. When comparing the sizes of Beijing and Havana, 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 Havana?
Beijing has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Havana experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Beijing or Havana in the Summer?
Both Havana and Beijing are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Beijing in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Plenty of visitors come to Havana because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
Beijing is around the same temperature as Havana in the summer. The daily temperature in Beijing averages around 27°C (80°F) in July, and Havana fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
It's quite rainy in Beijing. In July, Beijing usually receives more rain than Havana. Beijing gets 176 mm (6.9 in) of rain, while Havana receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyBeijing 27°C (80°F)Havana 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Beijing or Havana in the Autumn?
Both Havana and Beijing during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Beijing for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Havana year-round.
In the autumn, Beijing is much colder than Havana. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Beijing in October average around 14°C (56°F), and Havana averages at about 25°C (77°F).
Beijing usually gets less rain in October than Havana. Beijing gets 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Havana receives 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberBeijing 14°C (56°F)Havana 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Beijing or Havana in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Beijing and Havana. The winter months attract visitors to Beijing because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Havana attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
The weather in Beijing can be very cold. In January, Beijing is generally much colder than Havana. Daily temperatures in Beijing average around -4°C (26°F), and Havana fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).
In January, Beijing usually receives less rain than Havana. Beijing gets 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Havana receives 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryBeijing -4°C (26°F)Havana 21°C (70°F)
Should I visit Beijing or Havana in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Beijing as well as Havana. The activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Beijing this time of year. The warm climate attracts visitors to Havana throughout the year.
Beijing is much colder than Havana in the spring. The daily temperature in Beijing averages around 14°C (57°F) in April, and Havana fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).
Beijing usually gets less rain in April than Havana. Beijing gets 26 mm (1 in) of rain, while Havana receives 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilBeijing 14°C (57°F)Havana 24°C (75°F)
Typical Weather for Havana and Beijing
| Beijing | Havana | |||
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| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | -4°C (26°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) |
| Feb | -1°C (30°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Mar | 6°C (42°F) | 9 mm (0.4 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) |
| Apr | 14°C (57°F) | 26 mm (1 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) |
| May | 20°C (68°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Jun | 25°C (76°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Jul | 27°C (80°F) | 176 mm (6.9 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| Aug | 25°C (78°F) | 182 mm (7.2 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Sep | 20°C (69°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Oct | 14°C (56°F) | 19 mm (0.7 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Nov | 5°C (41°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) |
| Dec | -1°C (29°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 30 mm (1.2 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.