Which place is cheaper, Auckland or Chengdu?
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 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 Wildlife Tours to New Zealand, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in New Zealand.
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Chengdu Prices
China PricesAuckland Prices
New Zealand Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayChengdu $72Auckland $164
The average daily cost (per person) in Chengdu is $72, while the average daily cost in Auckland is $164. 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 $23Auckland $95
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomChengdu $46Auckland $190
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: Chengdu Hotel Prices and Auckland Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Chengdu $6.45Auckland $17
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Chengdu
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Chengdu:
- Round-Trip Private Transfer between Emei Shan and Chengdu City: $113
- Private Transfer from Chengdu to Mount Emei and Stops at Leshan Giant Buddha: $110
- Private Transfer from Chengdu hotel to Chengdu Train Station: $27
- Private Transfer from Chengdu Railway Station to City Hotel: $36
- Private Transfer from Chengdu Hotel to Chengdu Shuangliu Airport: $52
- Private Transfer from Chengdu City Hotels to Airport: $35
- Private Transfer Chengdu (TFU & CTU) Airport Pickup Service: $29
- Private Departure Transfer:City Hotel to Any Railway Station in Chengdu: $28
- Private Departure Transfer: Hotel to Chengdu Airport (CTU or TFU): $34
- Private Day Tour of Giant Pandas and Kuanzhai Alley with Transfer: $168
- Private Arrival Transfer:Any Chengdu Railway Station to City Hotel: $28
- Private Arrival Transfer: Chengdu Airport (CTU or TFU) to Hotel: $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$9.14
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Airport Shuttle$14
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Auckland
Also for Auckland, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Airport Transfer: $32
- Airport Transfer: Auckland Airport AKL to Auckland by Sedan Car: $90
- Arrival Private Transfer from Auckland Airport AKL to Auckland in Business Car: $95
- Arrival Private Transfer from Auckland Airport AKL to Auckland in Luxury Van: $129
- Arrival Private Transfer: Auckland Airport AKL to Auckland City by Luxury Van: $117
- Arrival Transfer: Auckland Airport to Auckland Central City Centre: $24
- Auckland Airport (AKL) to North Shore-Round-Trip Private Transfer: $210
- Auckland Airport Luxury Shuttle - Private Transfers: $167
- Auckland Airport Private Pickup / Transfer: $81
- Auckland Airport Private Transfers in a Luxury Minibus: $112
- Auckland Airport Transfers: Auckland to Auckland Airport AKL in Luxury Van: $129
- Auckland Airport to Auckland CBD - ONEWAY Private Transfer: $52
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 $41Auckland $44
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Chengdu
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Chengdu.
- Chengdu Night: VIP Seat Opera Show or Back Alley Food Tour: $40
- Chengdu Vegetarian Cooking Class at a Local Home: $45
- Chengdu Food Tour Local Delicacies and Ear Cleaning: $59
- Private Chengdu TukTuk Food Tour: Hidden Alleys & Local Eats: $59
- Eat Like a Local! Food Tour in the Hidden Alleys: $67
- Private Full Day Sichuan Gourmet Food Tour from Chengdu: $69
- Discovery more Chengdu evening food tour with locals: $69
- Half-Day Professional Mapo Tofu Cooking with a Local Market Visit: $69
- Tuktuk Food Tour Through Chengdu's Local Eats: $73
- Evening Food Tour with Local Guide: $78
- Eat with Locals Chengdu Dinner Tour: $79
- Chengdu Evening Food Tour: $79
Typical Food Prices in Auckland
For Auckland, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
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Breakfast$4.57
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Auckland
For Auckland, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Harbour Sailing Cruise with 3-Course Dinner: $93
- Flavours of the City Walking Food Tour: $101
- Auckland Harbour Sailboat Cruise Including Three Course Dinner: $104
- Auckland Best Street Food Tour With A Local Guide: $113
- Auckland Downtown Food Tour with 5 Locals Favorite Dishes: $124
- Gourmet Auckland Food Tour A Place at our Table: $244
- [PRIVATE] SUNSET. Wine. Hot Pool. Dinner: $265
- Waiheke Island: Private Sunset Wine Tour & 2 Course Dinner: $392
- Māori Evening Dinner and Private Show Experience: $519
- From Kiwi Bird Encounter & 3-Course Dinner Tour: $550
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Chengdu $17Auckland $26
Tours and Activities in Chengdu
Here are a few actual costs in Chengdu for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- 1 Day Tea Trip in Mount Mengding with Tea Making Experience: $150
- 1 day Chengdu City Highlights Mini Group tour: $102
- 1-Day Chengdu Leshan Giant Buddha Private Tour With the Lunch and Boat tour: $242
- 1-Day Chengdu Panda Base and Leshan Giant Buddha Private Tour with the Lunch: $246
- 1-Day Chengdu Private Tour: Dujiangyan Ancient River Irrigation and Temple Site: $213
- 1-Day Chengdu tour with Panda Base, Renmin Park,Wenshu Temple and Hot Pot Lunch: $193
- 1-Day Leshan Giant Buddha and Huanglongxi old town Private Tour from Chengdu: $236
- 1-Day Mount Qingcheng and Dujiangyan Irrigation System Private Tour from Chengdu: $272
- 1-Day Panda Base and Huanglongxi old town Private Tour from Chengdu: $234
- 1-Day Panda Base and Mount Qingcheng Private tour from Chengdu: $262
- 1-Day Panda Breeding Center plus Chengdu City Tour: $189
- 1-Day Private tour:Dazu Rock Carvings and Ciqikou Ancient Village from Chongqing: $285
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)$32
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Waiheke Island Tour (for 2)$115
Tours and Activities in Auckland
For Auckland, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Auckland Walking Tour 1h30 and 17 audio reviews: $6.73
- Podcast Tour Auckland Neon Shadows and Concrete Dreams: $6.83
- Auckland War Memorial Museum Entry Ticket: $9.27
- Auckland City Self Guided Walking Tour with an APP: $9.99
- Maritime Museum Entry Ticket: $14
- Maritime Museum Entry Ticket and Guided Tour: $14
- Waitematā Harbour Cruise with Live Commentary: $20
- Scenic Harbour Cruise in Auckland: $22
- Auckland Takapuna: Escape Game Adventure: $23
- Auckland Sunset Harbour Cruise: $24
- Scenic Boat Cruise to the Riverhead Tavern: $25
- Auckland CBD: Escape Game Adventure: $26
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayChengdu $4.27Auckland $13
Sample the Local Flavors in Chengdu
Also in Chengdu, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Chengdu Pub Crawl: $23
- Tipsy Travel: Chengdu Evening Food and Bar Crawl with Local Guide: $138
Sample the Local Flavors in Auckland
Also in Auckland, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Auckland Wine Tour: Self-Guided GPS Audio Driving Guide: $15
- Auckland Coastal Brewery Kayak Tour: $68
- Waiheke Island: Scenic Island Wine Tour & Local Wine Tasting: $110
- Ultimate Auckland Experience Full Day Tour with Brewery Lunch: $158
- Waiheke Island: The Essence of Waiheke Wine Tour: $159
- Waiheke Island: Wine Tour & Lunch at Award Winning Venue: $168
- Piha Waitakere Rainforest Wine Tour from Auckland: $170
- From Small Group Kumeu Wine Tour with Lunch: $180
- Waiheke Island Gourmet Food and Wine Tour with Platter Lunch: $183
- Small-Group Kumeu Wine Country Tour with Wine Tastings & Lunch: $187
- Auckland Coastal Experience - Small Group City & Beach Tour Incl. Wine Tasting: $204
- City Tour with Wine Tasting and Black Sand Beach: $217
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.