Which place is cheaper, Beijing or Beirut?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Beirut or Beijing?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Beirut and Beijing. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.
Where Should I go: Beirut or Beijing?
Beirut
Some travelers are seeking the hustle, bustle and posh atmosphere that only comes from a big city. Those travelers should have Beirut, Lebanon at the top of their list. The capital city is jam packed with 2.1 million people that are constantly on the go. As the commercial and financial hub of Lebanon, this city is fast-paced, fashion conscious and always ready for a night on the town.
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.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Beijing, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to China.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayBeirut $2.26Beijing $77
The average daily cost (per person) in Beirut is $2.26, while the average daily cost in Beijing is $77. 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 Beirut and Beijing in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personBeirut $1.26Beijing $39
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomBeirut $2.52Beijing $78
Compare Hotels in Beirut and Beijing
Looking for a hotel in Beirut or Beijing? 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: Beirut Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Beirut $0.44Beijing $7.63
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Beirut
Also for Beirut, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Airport Arrival Transfer to Your Beirut Hotel: $10
- BEY Airport to Hotel, Private Arrival Transfer: $10
- Beirut Airport Transfer in a Limousine: $201
- Beirut Airport one Way Private Transfer to the hotel: $15
- Beirut Arrival Airport Transfer: $13
- Beirut Arrival Airport Transfer Pickup: $9.89
- Hiking Day Trip to Chouwen Lake with Hotel Transfers: $86
- Departure Transfer:From Hotel To Beirut-Rafic Hariri International Airport (BEY): $10
- Private Arrival Transfer: Beirut International Airport to Hotel: $18
- Private Departure Transfer: Hotel to Beirut International Airport: $18
- Private Transfer from Beirut Hotels to the Beirut Airport: $10
- Private Transfer from Rafic Hariri (BEY) Airport to Beirut: $46
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Beijing
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Beijing:
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Taxi$4.71
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Train from Airport for Two$6.90
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Taxi to Hotel$8.28
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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:
- [Airport Transfer] Beijing Capital Airport ⇔ Beijing City Transfer (one way) ☆ High reputation for service! <Charter charter>: $30
- Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer service in Beijing APT-HTL (PEK): $62
- Tianjin Cruise Port Private Transfer to Beijing International Airport: $153
- Tiananmen Square and Forbidden City Private Tour With Airport Transfer: $205
- Shared Shuttle Bus Transfer Between Tianjin Cruise Port And Downtown Beijing : $59
- Self Guided transfer service to Juyongguan Great Wall or Badaling Great Wall: $78
- Red Theatre Acrobatics Show Ticket with Hotel Transfer: $79
- Private transfer to the Great Wall of Jinshanling: $106
- Private transfer to Tianjin airport from downtown Beijing: $108
- Private transfer from Zhangjiakou Ski Resort to Beijing: $168
- Private transfer Service from Beijing To Mutianyu and Huanghuacheng Great Wall: $76
- Private day to Beijing Hua Bei ski resort with transfer service : $174
Is it cheaper to fly into Beirut or Beijing?
Prices for flights to both Beijing and Beirut 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 dayBeirut $0.71Beijing $21
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Beirut
For Beirut, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Authentic Lebanese Virtual Cooking Class Live from Lebanon: $30
- Traveling Spoon Lebanese Mezze Private Online Cooking Class : $40
- Private, Traditional Lebanese Cooking Class with a Contemporary Twist: $72
- Authentic Lebanese Cooking Lesson and Meal with Tania's Family in Beirut: $100
- Private Lebanese Cooking Class in Beirut with Amal + Transfers: $142
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$6.90
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Dumpling Breakfast for Two$2.76
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Watermelon$1.93
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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 Handmade Noodles by Sunflower Li: $20
- Online Cooking Class Orange Chicken by Sunflower Li: $20
- Nangong Hot Spring Water World with Dinner: $38
- 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
- Old Beijing Dinner Tour: $80
- Authentic Lunch or Dinner Tour in Beijing's Best Hidden Spots: $80
- Acrobatic Show with Peking Duck Dinner Private Tour: $80
- Discovery more local Beijing evening food Tour: $89
- 4-hour Evening Tour: Jingshan Hill, Beihai Park & Hutongs Street Food Tour: $105
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Beirut $0.26Beijing $24
Tours and Activities in Beirut
For Beirut, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Small Group Tour to Jeita Grotto, Harisa & Byblos with Hotel pickup: $15
- Discovering Lebanon: Jeita Grotto, Harissa, and Byblos Tour: $15
- City Sightseeing Beirut Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour: $25
- City Sightseeing Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour: $25
- Beirut : Private Custom Walking Tour With A Guide (Private tour): $34
- Private Tour - Explore Anjar Lebanon: $35
- Beirut Like a Local: Customized Private Tour: $35
- Beirut Full Day Walking Tour: $41
- Private Walking Tour With A Guide (Private tour): $48
- Historical Beirut Tour (AM) Half Day - (4G on Board): $50
- New Small-Group Tour Semi-Private to Jeita,Harissa&Byblos: $50
- From Jeita, Harissa, and Byblos Tour: $50
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$8.28
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Two Opera Tickets$59
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Temple of Heaven Park Entrance (for 2)$9.66
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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:
- All Inclusive Mutianyu Great Wall & Summer Palace Private Tour: $188
- Beijing Art Tour: Seeing Fantastic Ming Murals at Fa Hai Temple : $220
- Classic One Day Beijing Tour: $240
- Forbidden City Tour : $110
- Mutianyu Great Wall And Ming Tomb Private One Day Tour: $205
- Mutianyu Great Wall and Ming Tomb Private Tour: $190
- Private Day to T-Square, Forbidden city, Temple of heaven, Summer palace Tour : $177
- Private Temple of Heaven Walking Tour w/ Options Nearby: $90
- The Old Summer Palace (Yuanmingyuan) Entrance Ticket: $8.00
- 1 Day Romantic Tour in Oriental Provence Lavender Manor and Mutianyu Great Wall: $208
- 1 day Summer Palace+Yonghe Temple+Confucius Temple Private Tour: $280
- 1-Day Beijing Private tour: Mutianyu Great Wall and Summer Palace: $267
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayBeirut $0.23Beijing $12
Sample the Local Flavors in Beirut
Also in Beirut, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Full-Day Private Wine Tasting Tour at Chateau Musar and Ixsir : $50
- Full-Day Private Wine Tasting Tour: $56
- Uncorking Splendor: A Journey Through Private Wine Tasting Tours: $60
- Budget Wine Tasting Tour at the Bekaa Valley Wineries: $60
- Full-Day Private Wine Tour in Bekaa Valley with Tasting : $60
- Wine Tasting and Culture : $69
- Wine Tasting and Hiking in the Cedars forest : $69
- From Full Day Wine Tasting in the Bekaa Valley Tour: $90
- Lebanon Wine Tasting Tour From Beirut: $91
- Full-Day Private Wine Tasting Tour to Chateau Musar and Ixsir Winery: $100
- Full-Day Private Bekaa Valley Wine Tour from Beirut: $103
- Private tour to Jeita Grotto with Wine Tasting in Faqra Ruins: $110
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
- Private Tour-Drum Tower, Hutong Food Taste and Local Brewery Beer: $150
- 5-Hour Private Changyu Chateau Wine Tasting Tour from Beijing: $178
- Private Changyu Chateau Wine Tasting Tour and Mutianyu Great Wall Visit: $238
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Beirut and Beijing, we can see that Beijing is more expensive. And not only is Beirut much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Beirut is in Middle East and Beijing is in Asia, 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 Beirut would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Beirut 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 Beirut.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Beirut Expensive? and Is Beijing Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Beirut or Beijing?
Beijing has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Beirut. When comparing the sizes of Beirut and Beijing, 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 Beirut or Beijing?
Beijing has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Beirut experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Beirut or Beijing in the Summer?
Both Beijing and Beirut during the summer are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Beirut because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Beijing because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Beirut is around the same temperature as Beijing. Typically, the summer temperatures in Beirut in July average around 27°C (81°F), and Beijing averages at about 27°C (80°F).
In Beijing, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Beirut. In the summer, Beirut often gets more sunshine than Beijing. Beirut gets 369 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Beijing receives 224 hours of full sun.
Beijing gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Beirut usually gets less rain in July than Beijing. Beirut gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Beijing receives 176 mm (6.9 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyBeirut 27°C (81°F)Beijing 27°C (80°F)
Should I visit Beirut or Beijing in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Beirut and Beijing. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Beirut year-round. Also, 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, Beirut is generally much warmer than Beijing. Daily temperatures in Beirut average around 25°C (77°F), and Beijing fluctuates around 14°C (56°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Beijing this time of the year. In Beirut, it's very sunny this time of the year. Beirut usually receives more sunshine than Beijing during autumn. Beirut gets 254 hours of sunny skies, while Beijing receives 227 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In October, Beirut usually receives more rain than Beijing. Beirut gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Beijing receives 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberBeirut 25°C (77°F)Beijing 14°C (56°F)
Should I visit Beirut or Beijing in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Beirut as well as Beijing. Beirut attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, many travelers come to Beijing for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Beijing. Beirut is much warmer than Beijing in the winter. The daily temperature in Beirut averages around 13°C (55°F) in January, and Beijing fluctuates around -4°C (26°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Beijing. In the winter, Beirut often gets less sunshine than Beijing. Beirut gets 149 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Beijing receives 201 hours of full sun.
Beirut receives a lot of rain in the winter. Beirut usually gets more rain in January than Beijing. Beirut gets 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain, while Beijing receives 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryBeirut 13°C (55°F)Beijing -4°C (26°F)
Should I visit Beirut or Beijing in the Spring?
Both Beijing and Beirut are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Beirut throughout the year. Also, many visitors come to Beijing in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.
In the spring, Beirut is a little warmer than Beijing. Typically, the spring temperatures in Beirut in April average around 17°C (63°F), and Beijing averages at about 14°C (57°F).
It's quite sunny in Beijing. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Beirut. Beirut usually receives less sunshine than Beijing during spring. Beirut gets 225 hours of sunny skies, while Beijing receives 247 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Beirut usually receives more rain than Beijing. Beirut gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Beijing receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilBeirut 17°C (63°F)Beijing 14°C (57°F)
Typical Weather for Beijing and Beirut
| Beirut | Beijing | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 13°C (55°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) | -4°C (26°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) |
| Feb | 13°C (55°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | -1°C (30°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) |
| Mar | 15°C (59°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 6°C (42°F) | 9 mm (0.4 in) |
| Apr | 17°C (63°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 26 mm (1 in) |
| May | 22°C (72°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) |
| Jun | 25°C (77°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 25°C (76°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) |
| Jul | 27°C (81°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 176 mm (6.9 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 25°C (78°F) | 182 mm (7.2 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 20°C (69°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) |
| Oct | 25°C (77°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 14°C (56°F) | 19 mm (0.7 in) |
| Nov | 19°C (66°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) |
| Dec | 15°C (59°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) | -1°C (29°F) | 2 mm (0.1 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.