Which place is cheaper, Auckland or Chengdu?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Chengdu or Auckland?
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 Chengdu and Auckland. 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: Chengdu or Auckland?
Chengdu
Chengdu is in China's Sichuan Provence and is in what is known as the Red Basin. It is a particularly fertile region in China that is known for its agriculture. For this reason it is sometimes referred to as the "Land of Milk and Honey". The Funan River cuts through the city but has almost no boat traffic anymore. The city itself has a wonderful relaxed vibe compared to the rest of China and is filled with green parks and places to relax. It is considered one of the most livable cities in China.
Auckland
Auckland is located on the North Island of New Zealand on an isthmus between the Northland Peninsula and the other parts of the North Island. Auckland is not only a city but also a region. In 2010 New Zealand combined what had previously been four separate cities into one region. These cities include the southern city of Manukau, the western city of Waitakere, the North Shore in the north, and Auckland City. The City of Auckland is the largest city in Polynesia and is very diverse with many expatriates from elsewhere in Polynesia. This diversity becomes most apparent in Auckland's many festivals and sporting events.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Cultural Tours in China, The Best Luxury Tours to China, The Best Bicycle Tours in New Zealand, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in New Zealand.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayChengdu $52Auckland $149
The average daily cost (per person) in Chengdu is $52, while the average daily cost in Auckland is $149. 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 Chengdu and Auckland in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personChengdu $21Auckland $93
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomChengdu $42Auckland $186
Compare Hotels in Chengdu and Auckland
Looking for a hotel in Chengdu or Auckland? 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: Auckland Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Chengdu $6.09Auckland $17
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Chengdu
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Chengdu:
- [Airport Transfer] Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport Kosheng City Transfer High reputation for service! : $22
- Round-Trip Private Transfer between Emei Shan and Chengdu City: $113
- Private Transfer to Leshan Giant Buddha: $138
- Private Transfer from Chengdu to TFU or CTU Airport: $171
- Private Transfer from Chengdu to Sanxingdui Museum: $143
- Private Transfer from Chengdu Hotel to Chengdu Shuangliu Airport: $52
- Private Transfer from Chengdu Hotel to Chengdu Shuangliu Airport: $52
- Private Transfer from Chengdu Downtown to Airport: $140
- Private Round-Trip Transfer:Chengdu Shuangliu Airport or Chengdu : $67
- Private Departure Transfer:City Hotel to Any Railway Station in Chengdu : $28
- Private Departure Transfer: Hotel to Chengdu International Airport (CTU): $23
- Private Departure Transfer: Hotel to Chengdu Airport (CTU or TFU): $34
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Auckland
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Auckland:
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Bus from Airport$10
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Airport Shuttle$16
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Auckland
Also for Auckland, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Auckland Airport Private Transfer: $86
- Arrival Private Transfer from Auckland Airport AKL to Auckland in Luxury Van: $127
- Arrival Private Transfer: Auckland Airport AKL to Auckland City by Luxury Van: $115
- Arrival Private Transfer: Auckland Airport AKL to Auckland City by Sedan Car: $90
- Auckland Airport (AKL): Private Transfer to Downtown hotels: $360
- Auckland Airport (AKL): Transfer to North Shore hotels: $334
- Auckland Airport / CBD luxury passenger transfers : $140
- Auckland Airport Arrival Transfer (Individuals and Groups): $113
- Auckland Airport Taxi: Private Transfer One Direction: $74
- Auckland Airport Transfers: Auckland Airport AKL to Auckland in Luxury Car: $134
- Auckland Airport Transfers: Auckland Airport AKL to Auckland in Luxury Van: $127
- Auckland Airport to Whangaparaoa - Gulf Harbour Luxury Transfers: $242
Is it cheaper to fly into Chengdu or Auckland?
Prices for flights to both Auckland and Chengdu 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 dayChengdu $22Auckland $28
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Chengdu
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Chengdu.
- Sichuan Opera Face-Changing Show And Hotpot Dinner Evening Tour: $40
- Discovery more Chengdu evening food tour with locals : $55
- Eat with Locals Chengdu Dinner Tour : $61
- Tuktuk Food Tour Through Chengdu's Local Eats: $69
- Half-Day Professional Mapo Tofu Cooking Class with Local Spice Market Visit: $69
- Half Day Chengdu Tofu Making Class with Mapo Tofu Cooking: $72
- Half day Sichuan Cuisine Cooking Class Tour(Cooking 3 dishes): $75
- Half-Day Chengdu Cooking Class with Local Market Visit: $75
- Chengdu Evening Food Tour: $76
- Tuk Tuk Food Tour with Unlimited Beer and Soda: $79
- Half-Day Chinese Bun Cooking Class with Local Spice Market Visit: $80
- Spicy Local Food Tour through Chengdu: $80
Typical Food Prices in Auckland
For Auckland, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
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Breakfast$5.07
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Auckland
For Auckland, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Auckland:: Japanese Home Cooking: $81
- Auckland Harbour 3-Course Dinner Cruise with Welcome Drink: $99
- Auckland Harbour Sailboat Cruise Including Three Course Dinner: $102
- Flavours of the City Walking Food Tour: $108
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Chengdu $16Auckland $29
Tours and Activities in Chengdu
Here are a few actual costs in Chengdu for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Chengdu Leshan Buddha and Drop off off Railway Station Day Tour: $226
- Chengdu Private Day Tour to the Leshan Giant Buddha and Huanglongxi Old Town: $248
- Chinese Traditional Massage Experience In Chengdu: $90
- Private Chengdu Panda Base and Sichuan Cuisine Museum Day Tour: $120
- Private Chengdu day Tour of panda base with Leshan giant Buddha: $298
- Private Full Day Chengdu Panda Base and Jinsha Site Museum Tour: $136
- Private Leshan Buddha Day Tour with Local Market visiting: $160
- 1 Day Wolong Panda Nature Reserve Tour: $218
- 1 day Chengdu City Highlights Mini Group tour: $102
- 1-Day Chengdu Ancient History and Culture City Tour: $179
- 1-Day Chengdu Cultural Discovery:Jinsha,Shu Brocade Museum & Dufu Cottage Tour : $189
- 1-Day Chengdu Leshan Giant Buddha Private Tour With the Lunch and Boat tour: $242
Typical Entertainment Prices in Auckland
Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Auckland's activities, tours, and tickets:
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Auckland Sky Tour (for 2)$35
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Waiheke Island Tour (for 2)$128
Tours and Activities in Auckland
For Auckland, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Auckland Self-Guided Audio Tour: $14
- Maritime Museum Entry Ticket: $15
- Tree Heart Park Adventure Clue Trail Family Package: $16
- Join the locals: 2-Hour Precinct Tour of Dealer Art Galleries: $16
- Auckland War Memorial Museum Entry Ticket: $20
- Skip the Line: Auckland Museum General Admission Entry Ticket: $20
- Skip the Line: Odyssey Sensory Maze Entry Auckland Ticket: $20
- Auckland CBD: Escape Game Adventure: $25
- Auckland Takapuna: Escape Game Adventure: $25
- Auckland Sky Tower General Admission Ticket : $30
- Glass Bottom Boat Tour: $33
- Auckland Explorer: Hop-on Hop-off Tour : $35
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayChengdu $4.04Auckland $14
Sample the Local Flavors in Auckland
Also in Auckland, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Ultimate Late Night Bar Crawl: $19
- Full-Day Wine Tasting Tour in Auckland with 3-Course Vineyard Lunch: $108
- Waiheke Island: Scenic Wine Tour Tasting Wines on Waiheke: $114
- Waiheke Island: The Essence of Waiheke Wine Tour: $145
- Waiheke Island: Tour with Wine Tastings and Restaurant Lunch: $154
- From Waiheke Island Wine Tasting Tour with Lunch: $157
- Waiheke Island Gourmet Food and Wine Tour with Platter Lunch: $169
- Kumeu Wine Tour: $175
- Kumeu Wineries / Brewery : $181
- From Small Group Kumeu Wine Tour with Lunch: $185
- Small-Group Kumeu Wine Country Tour with Wine Tastings & Lunch: $191
- Scenic Wine Tastings Tour with Lunch: $216
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Chengdu and Auckland, we can see that Auckland is more expensive. And not only is Chengdu much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Chengdu is in Asia and Auckland is in Pacific, 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 Chengdu would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Chengdu 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 Auckland would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Auckland than you might in Chengdu.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Chengdu Expensive? and Is Auckland Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Chengdu or Auckland?
Chengdu has a larger population, and is about 9 times larger than the population of Auckland. When comparing the sizes of Chengdu and Auckland, 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.