Which place is cheaper, Suzhou or Beijing?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Beijing or Suzhou?
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 Suzhou 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 Suzhou?
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.
Suzhou
Suzhou is a city in Jiangsu province famed for its beautiful gardens and traditional waterside architecture, featuring elaborate canals and bridges. Located on the Yangtze Delta, the city consists largely of waterways making Suzhou a kind of 'Venice of the Orient.' It is also a hub for scholars, artists, and skilled craftsmen.
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 $78Suzhou $104
The average daily cost (per person) in Beijing is $78, while the average daily cost in Suzhou 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 Beijing and Suzhou in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personBeijing $40Suzhou $39
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomBeijing $80Suzhou $78
Compare Hotels in Beijing and Suzhou
Looking for a hotel in Beijing or Suzhou? 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 $7.92Suzhou $59
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Beijing
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Beijing:
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Taxi$4.84
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Train from Airport for Two$7.09
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Taxi to Hotel$8.51
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2 Metro Passes$2.27
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Metro$0.57
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Beijing
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Beijing:
- From Return Bus Transfer to Badaling Great Wall: $12
- Private Mutianyu Great Wall Day Tour w/ Optional Guide/Transfer: $15
- From Mutianyu Great Wall Transfer with Pick-Up: $18
- Beijing Daxing International Airport shuttle bus transfer service: $20
- Beijing Airport Transfer: $21
- Private Departure Transfer: Hotel to Beijing Train Stations: $22
- Private Arrival Transfer: Beijing Train Stations to Hotel: $22
- Private transfer from Beijing Airport (PEK/PKX) to Beijing City: $23
- [Airport Transfer] Beijing Capital Airport ⇔ Beijing City Transfer (one way) ☆ High reputation for service! <Charter charter>: $25
- Private Airport Pick Up or Drop Off Transfer: $26
- Private One Way Transfer Services from Train Stations in Beijing to Your Hotels : $27
- Private One Way Transfer Service from Your Hotels to Train Stations in Beijing: $27
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Suzhou
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Suzhou:
- Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport Private Departure Transfer from Suzhou: $80
- Hangzhou Private Transfer from Suzhou with Stop-over at Wuzhen Water Town : $143
- Nanjing Downtown hotels to Lukou Intl Airport (NKG) - Departure Private Transfer: $34
- Private Day Tour: Gardens and Old Street in Suzhou with Hotel or Railway Station Transfer: $214
- Private Departure Transfer to Shanghai Airport from Suzhou City Hotel: $68
- Private Departure Transfer to Suzhou Train Station from City Hotel: $44
- Private Round Trip Transfer from Suzhou to Luzhi Water Town: $64
- Private Round Trip Transfer to Tianping Mountain from Suzhou: $51
- Private Round-Trip Transfer between Tongli Water Town and Suzhou City : $58
- Private Round-Trip Transfer between Zhouzhuang Water Town and Suzhou City: $58
- Private Suzhou Garden and Water Town Highlight Trip with Hotel or Railway Station Transfer: $240
- Private Transfer from Suzhou to Hangzhou City Area : $137
Is it cheaper to fly into Beijing or Suzhou?
Prices for flights to both Suzhou 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 $20Suzhou $33
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$0.85
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Hot Pot Dinner$7.09
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Dumpling Breakfast for Two$2.84
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Watermelon$1.99
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Peking Duck Dinner for 2$17
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Two Popsicles$0.85
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
- Beijing Acrobatic Show Tickets w/ Optional Dinner or Transfer: $48
- Temple of Heaven Private Tour w/Option Show &Dinner: $54
- Hutong Breakfast Food Tour: $55
- Beijing Hutong Breakfast Food Tour: $55
- Beijing Gulou Night Market Food Tour: $68
- Gulou (the Drum Tower) of Beijing Dinner & Beer Walking Tour: $68
- Hidden Gems Guided Food Tour with Beer and Tastings: $75
- discovery more Beijing back street evening food tour with locals : $79
- Acrobatic Show with Peking Duck Dinner Private Tour: $80
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Suzhou
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Suzhou.
- Suzhou Alleyway Walking Food Tour: $55
- Suzhou Alleyway Food Tour: $65
- Half-Day Private Customized Suzhou Highlights with Lunch or Dinner Option: $123
- Private Suzhou Night Tour:Master of the Nets Garden, Ancient Canal with Dinner: $145
- Zhouzhuang Water Town Private Tour from Suzhou with Lunch or Dinner Option: $154
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Beijing $25Suzhou $9.58
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$8.51
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Two Opera Tickets$60
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Temple of Heaven Park Entrance (for 2)$9.93
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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:
- Forbidden City and Tiananmen ticket reservation + Great wall: $3.00
- Tiananmen Square Ticket Fast and Smooth: $5.00
- Beijing's Old Hutongs: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.34
- Temple of Heaven Ticket Booking: $6.50
- Temple of Heaven Ticket Booking: $6.80
- Beijing Lama Temple Entrance Ticket with Optional Guided Service: $7.00
- Confucius Temple and the Impercial College E-ticket: $7.20
- Temple of Earth ticket; Serene, Majestic, Ancient: $7.21
- Jingshan Park Entry ticket: $7.36
- Beijing：Jingshan Park (Palace Museum Garden) Ticket: $7.36
- Beijing Summer Palace Entrance Ticket (with Optional Guided Service): $7.88
- Confucius Temple and Imperial College Entrance Ticket : $8.00
Tours and Activities in Suzhou
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Suzhou are as follows:
- Suzhou Self-Guided Tour with Private Car and Driver Service : $65
- Zhouzhuang and Tongli Self-Guided Tour from Suzhou with Drop-off Options : $70
- 4-Hour Suzhou Private Customized Tour: $80
- Suzhou Private Walking Tour with Panmen Gate, City Moat and Yiyuan Garden: $101
- 4-Hour Flexible Suzhou City Highlights Private Tour: $114
- Suzhou Private Flexible City Tour with Lunch Option: $121
- 4-Hour Suzhou Private Flexible Tour with Garden and Boat Ride Option: $125
- Private Flexible Suzhou Day Tour with Old and New Highlights: $127
- Private Suzhou City Amazing Day Tour in Your Way : $127
- 4-Hour Tongli Water Town Private Tour from Suzhou with Boat Ride : $127
- 4-Hour Suzhou Private Tour: Humble Administrator’s Garden,Tiger Hill and Canal : $134
- Nanjing Self-Guided Tour from Suzhou by Private Car with Drop-off Option : $137
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayBeijing $12Suzhou $6.58
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: $120
- Full Day Private Chateau Changyu Wine Tour from Beijing: $165
- 5-Hour Private Changyu Chateau Wine Tasting Tour from Beijing: $178
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Beijing and Suzhou, we can see that Suzhou 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 Suzhou would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Suzhou 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 Suzhou Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Beijing or Suzhou?
Beijing has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Suzhou. When comparing the sizes of Beijing and Suzhou, 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 Suzhou?
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 Suzhou in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Beijing and Suzhou. The summer months attract visitors to Beijing because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Beijing is around the same temperature as Suzhou. Typically, the summer temperatures in Beijing in July average around 27°C (80°F), and Suzhou averages at about 28°C (83°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Suzhou 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 Suzhou during summer. Beijing gets 224 hours of sunny skies, while Suzhou receives 232 hours of full sun in the summer.
Suzhou receives a lot of rain in the summer. Beijing gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Beijing usually receives more rain than Suzhou. Beijing gets 176 mm (6.9 in) of rain, while Suzhou receives 128 mm (5 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyBeijing 27°C (80°F)Suzhou 28°C (83°F)
Should I visit Beijing or Suzhou in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Beijing as well as Suzhou. 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.
In October, Beijing is generally cooler than Suzhou. Daily temperatures in Beijing average around 14°C (56°F), and Suzhou fluctuates around 19°C (65°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Beijing this time of the year. In the autumn, Beijing often gets more sunshine than Suzhou. Beijing gets 227 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Suzhou receives 162 hours of full sun.
Beijing usually gets less rain in October than Suzhou. Beijing gets 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Suzhou receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberBeijing 14°C (56°F)Suzhou 19°C (65°F)
Should I visit Beijing or Suzhou in the Winter?
Both Suzhou 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.
Suzhou can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Beijing. Beijing is much colder than Suzhou in the winter. The daily temperature in Beijing averages around -4°C (26°F) in January, and Suzhou fluctuates around 4°C (39°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Beijing. Beijing usually receives more sunshine than Suzhou during winter. Beijing gets 201 hours of sunny skies, while Suzhou receives 135 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Beijing usually receives less rain than Suzhou. Beijing gets 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Suzhou receives 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryBeijing -4°C (26°F)Suzhou 4°C (39°F)
Should I visit Beijing or Suzhou in the Spring?
Both Suzhou 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 the spring, Beijing is around the same temperature as Suzhou. Typically, the spring temperatures in Beijing in April average around 14°C (57°F), and Suzhou averages at about 15°C (58°F).
It's quite sunny in Beijing. In the spring, Beijing often gets more sunshine than Suzhou. Beijing gets 247 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Suzhou receives 153 hours of full sun.
Suzhou gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Beijing usually gets less rain in April than Suzhou. Beijing gets 26 mm (1 in) of rain, while Suzhou receives 102 mm (4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilBeijing 14°C (57°F)Suzhou 15°C (58°F)
Typical Weather for Suzhou and Beijing
| Beijing | Suzhou | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | -4°C (26°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) | 4°C (39°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) |
| Feb | -1°C (30°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 59 mm (2.3 in) |
| Mar | 6°C (42°F) | 9 mm (0.4 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) |
| Apr | 14°C (57°F) | 26 mm (1 in) | 15°C (58°F) | 102 mm (4 in) |
| May | 20°C (68°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) | 20°C (67°F) | 113 mm (4.5 in) |
| Jun | 25°C (76°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 152 mm (6 in) |
| Jul | 27°C (80°F) | 176 mm (6.9 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 128 mm (5 in) |
| Aug | 25°C (78°F) | 182 mm (7.2 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 133 mm (5.2 in) |
| Sep | 20°C (69°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 156 mm (6.1 in) |
| Oct | 14°C (56°F) | 19 mm (0.7 in) | 19°C (65°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Nov | 5°C (41°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 52 mm (2 in) |
| Dec | -1°C (29°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) | 7°C (44°F) | 35 mm (1.4 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.