Which place is cheaper, Ulaanbaatar 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 Ulaanbaatar?
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 Ulaanbaatar 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 Ulaanbaatar?
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.
Ulaanbaatar
Ulaanbaatar is Mongolia's capital city. It has a population of slightly over two million people, or about sixty percent of the country's entire population. You are likely to arrive in Ulaanbaatar either by train, coming from China or Russia, or by plane. Many people use Ulaanbaatar as a stop off while doing the Transsiberian Railway. The city is a great place to organize a tour of the surrounding countryside. It's also good city to relax, so make sure you allow yourself a few days to recover from your tour, enjoy some of the great food options, and see some of the fascinating cultural sights around town.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Beijing, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to China, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Mongolia, and The Best Adventure Tours to Mongolia.
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Beijing Prices
China PricesUlaanbaatar Prices
Mongolia Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayBeijing $91Ulaanbaatar $30
The average daily cost (per person) in Beijing is $91, while the average daily cost in Ulaanbaatar is $30. 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 Ulaanbaatar in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personBeijing $40Ulaanbaatar $11
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomBeijing $80Ulaanbaatar $22
Compare Hotels in Beijing and Ulaanbaatar
Looking for a hotel in Beijing or Ulaanbaatar? 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: Ulaanbaatar Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Beijing $7.83Ulaanbaatar $2.79
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Beijing
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Beijing:
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Taxi$4.79
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Train from Airport for Two$7.01
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Taxi to Hotel$8.41
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2 Metro Passes$2.24
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Metro$0.56
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 One-Way Transfer Between Beijing Railway Station and Hotel: $30
- 1 Day Pass for Universal Beijing and Private Transfer Package: $230
- 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: $80
- Acrobatics Show with Private Driver Service and Hotel Round Transfer: $105
- Afternoon Bus Transfer to Mutianyu Great Wall + Entry Ticket: $20
- Airport Layover Transfer Service to Mutianyu Great Wall & City Sightseeing : $112
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Ulaanbaatar
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Ulaanbaatar:
- Airport - Ulaanbaatar transfer service: $40
- Airport Private Transfer: $75
- BEST 5* Chinggis Khaan Airport UBN to Ulaanbaatar Transfer Taxi: $23
- Best Price :Terelj National Park Best Non-Guided Transfers: $36
- Chinggis Khaan Airport (UBN) Private Transfer to Ulaanbaatar City: $47
- New Ulaanbaatar International Airport Transfer Service: $45
- Private Airport Transfer taxi in Ulaanbaatar: $30
- Private Transfer Ulaanbaatar Airport UBN to Ulaanbaatar City : $51
- Private Transfer from Chinggis Khaan Airport to Ulaanbaatar: $38
- Private Transfer from Ulaanbaatar to or from Terelj National Park: $60
- Private Transfer to Ulaanbaatar Airport UBN by private Vehicule: $51
- Transfer service to Terelj national park : $51
Is it cheaper to fly into Beijing or Ulaanbaatar?
Prices for flights to both Ulaanbaatar 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 $34Ulaanbaatar $15
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$0.84
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Hot Pot Dinner$7.01
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Dumpling Breakfast for Two$2.80
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Watermelon$1.96
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Peking Duck Dinner for 2$17
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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 Kungpao Chicken: $20
- Online Cooking Class Handmade Noodles by Sunflower Li: $20
- Online Cooking Class Orange Chicken by Sunflower Li: $20
- Hutong Breakfast Food Tour: $45
- Beijing Acrobatic Show Tickets w/ Optional Dinner or Transfer: $48
- Temple of Heaven Private Tour w/Option Show &Dinner: $54
- China's Favourite Street Food Cooking Workshop: $55
- Beijing Hutong Breakfast Food Tour: $55
- Private Local Food Tour in Beijing with a Local Guide: $59
- Beijing Walking Food Tour with a Local Friend: $60
- Authentic Local Food Tour in Center Beijing: $70
- Acrobatic Show with Peking Duck Dinner Private Tour: $72
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Ulaanbaatar
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Ulaanbaatar.
- Cooking Class in a Traditional Ger Home in Ulaanbaatar Suburbs: $182
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Beijing $24Ulaanbaatar $4.24
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$8.41
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Two Opera Tickets$60
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Temple of Heaven Park Entrance (for 2)$9.81
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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:
- Capital Museum tour includes Ticket: $2.78
- Tian’anmenSquare or Forbidden City Online Ticket Booking: $2.92
- Forbidden City and Tian’anmen Square Walking Tour: $3.07
- Beijing:Tiananmen Square tickets with guide(optional): $3.19
- Tiananmen Square Registration Service(Ticket): $3.79
- Tiananmen Square - Registration Ticket: $3.79
- Forbidden City Walking Guided Tour w/ Entry Tickets: $4.00
- Beijing Forbidden City,Tianmen Square Admission Tickets: $4.00
- Tiananmen Square Forbidden City and Jingshan Park Ticket or Tours: $4.00
- Forbidden City Group Morning Walking Tour: $4.09
- Tickets to all Beijing attractions (Forbidden City optional): $4.21
- Tianmen Square, Forbidden City & Royal Museum Tours: $4.38
Tours and Activities in Ulaanbaatar
Here are a few actual costs in Ulaanbaatar for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Gobi Cashmere Flagship Store Shopping Tour: $35
- Terelj national park transport /Best price tour: $36
- Private custom walking tour with a local guide: $40
- Secrets of the Mongol Script: 1-Hour Script Experience: $49
- Genghis Khan Tour – Mongolia’s #1 Daily Escape: $50
- Private custom tour with a local guide: $52
- Ulaanbaatar Private Custom Walking Tour With A Guide (Private): $52
- From UB: Day Tour to Chinggis khaan statue and Terelj NP.: $58
- From Chinggis Khaan Statue and Turtle Rock Day Tour: $59
- Chinggis Khaan Statue and Turtle Rock Day Tour: $59
- Private Tour drive to Chinggis Khan Statue & Terelj National Park: $60
- Full Day Tour of Ulaanbaatar With Museum, Black-market Cashmere Factory Store: $62
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayBeijing $12Ulaanbaatar $3.67
Sample the Local Flavors in Beijing
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Beijing:
- Evening Food Private Tour with Brewery Taproom Hopping at Slow Boat in Beijing: $110
- Tipsy Travel: Beijing Local Food and Bar Crawl night in Hutong: $158
- 5-Hour Private Changyu Chateau Wine Tasting Tour from Beijing: $178
- Beijing Brewery Bike Tour: $199
- Private Changyu Chateau Wine Tasting Tour and Mutianyu Great Wall Visit: $238
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Beijing and Ulaanbaatar, we can see that Beijing is more expensive. And not only is Ulaanbaatar much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Ulaanbaatar would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Ulaanbaatar 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 Ulaanbaatar.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Beijing Expensive? and Is Ulaanbaatar Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Beijing or Ulaanbaatar?
Beijing has a larger population, and is about 9 times larger than the population of Ulaanbaatar. When comparing the sizes of Beijing and Ulaanbaatar, 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.