Which place is cheaper, Beijing or Chongqing?
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 Chongqing 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 Chongqing 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: Chongqing or Beijing?
Chongqing
Chongqing, China is a large city in central China and one of only four cities in the country that are not part of a province. While Chongqing is famous for being an economically important city, brush away its industrial surface and you'll find a naturally beautiful city with plenty of hidden wonders. Although you'll find many expats in the city, English is rarely spoken, meaning knowing some basic Mandarin will come in handy.
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 10-Day Tours in China, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in China, The Best 2-Week Tours in China, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in China.
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Chongqing Prices
China PricesBeijing Prices
China Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayChongqing $112Beijing $97
The average daily cost (per person) in Chongqing is $112, while the average daily cost in Beijing is $97. 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 Chongqing and Beijing in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personChongqing $53Beijing $43
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomChongqing $106Beijing $86
Compare Hotels in Chongqing and Beijing
Looking for a hotel in Chongqing 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: Chongqing Hotel Prices and Beijing Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Chongqing $20Beijing $8.34
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Chongqing
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Chongqing:
- Chongqing Airport & Rail Transfer to City Hotel: $23
- Chongqing Airport Private Transfer: $22
- Chongqing Airport Private Transfer to 5D City Hotels: $45
- Chongqing Jiangbei Airport (CKG) private round-trip transfer: $25
- Chongqing Jiangbei Airport Chauffeur Service, Chongqing Airport Transfer, Pickup: $30
- Chongqing Jiangbei Airport Chauffeur Service, Chongqing Airport Transfer, Pickup: $60
- Chongqing Private Arrival Transfer: Airport to Hotel: $88
- Chongqing Private Arrival Transfer: Railway Station to Hotel: $88
- Chongqing Private Transfer Airport Train Station Hotel Luxury Car: $10
- 5-Day Private Tour with Hotel & Transfers: $497
- Jiangbei International Airport Transfer 24h Services: $56
- Wulong 3-Day Tour with Hotel & Transfers: $497
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Beijing
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Beijing:
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Taxi$5.10
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Train from Airport for Two$7.47
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Taxi to Hotel$8.96
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2 Metro Passes$2.39
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Metro$0.60
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Beijing
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Beijing:
- 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
- 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
- Badaling Great Wall Entrance Ticket with Guide/Transfer Service: $10
- Badaling Great Wall Ticket, Transfer & Guide Service: $10
- Badaling Night Great Wall Ticket Show and Optional Transfer: $45
- Beijing 2 Days Private Tour with Airport Transfer Options: $26
- Beijing Acrobatic Show in Red Theater with Guide and Transfer: $59
Is it cheaper to fly into Chongqing or Beijing?
Prices for flights to both Beijing and Chongqing 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 dayChongqing $46Beijing $36
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Chongqing
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Chongqing.
- Qingyu Banquet Experience with Show and Dinner: $51
- Half-Day Cultural Immersion with Cooking Class: $80
- Chongqing Local Food Tour Adventure: $86
- Be a Chongqinger - wet market tour &cooking class & paper cutting: $89
- Food Tour with Old Town and Magical Night Views: $93
- Chongqing Food Tour: $93
- Private Food Tour and Magical Night View: $107
- Chongqing Like A Local Explore LocalMarket and Cooking byYourself: $120
- Chongqing City Tour with Lunch and Dinner Transportation: $140
- Chongqing Cyberpunk City Night Tour Including Dinner: $140
- Chongqing Liangjiang Night Cruise Including Authentic Hot Pot Dinner: $183
- Private Chongqing Night View Tour with Hot Pot or Local Dinner: $199
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$0.90
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Hot Pot Dinner$7.47
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Dumpling Breakfast for Two$2.99
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Watermelon$2.09
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Peking Duck Dinner for 2$18
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Two Popsicles$0.90
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
- Gastronomic Gems of Beijing Shared Walking Food Tour: $20
- Beijing Food Tour: $40
- Hutong Breakfast Food Tour: $45
- Beijing Hutong Breakfast Food Tour: $45
- 3.5-Hour Walking Food Tour: A Bite of History at Beijing Niujie Street: $49
- Temple of Heaven Private Tour w/Option Show &Dinner: $54
- China's Favourite Street Food Cooking Workshop: $55
- Experience Beijing Walking Food Tour Private: $55
- Beijing Walking Food Tour with a Local Friend: $60
- Authentic Local Food Tour in Center Beijing: $70
- Beijing Hidden Hutong Bike & Food Tour - Pro Photos Included: $71
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Chongqing $14Beijing $26
Tours and Activities in Chongqing
Here are a few actual costs in Chongqing for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Wulong Private Tour All Inclusive: Premium Vehicle & local Lunch: $10
- China Chongqing 520m high Eye Skyview Deck Ticket: $10
- Chongqing Cloud Eye Observation Deck Ticket: $12
- 520m-high Eye Skyview Deck Ticket for Adult: $26
- Chongqing 1949 Immersive Theatre Show Ticket: $33
- Chongqing 1949 Show Ticket Immersive 360° Spectacle: $35
- Two Rivers Night Cruise- Yangtze & Jialing Rivers: $40
- Chongqing 1949 Ticket Epic Historical Spectacle: $41
- Chongqing 1949 Grand Theater Immersive Show Ticket: $43
- Chongqing 1949 Immersive Theater Show Admission Ticket: $46
- Chongqing Motorcycle Tour-Neon Glide Riverlight Rider: $50
- Chongqing Night Cruise Old Street and Scenic Drive Tour: $52
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$8.96
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Two Opera Tickets$63
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Temple of Heaven Park Entrance (for 2)$10
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Forbidden City (for 2)$18
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Forbidden City Tickets$18
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Audio Guides at Forbidden City$12
Tours and Activities in Beijing
Here are a few actual costs in Beijing for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Temple of Heaven Ming and Qing Worship Experience: $1.63
- Jingshan Park QR Ticket with 4 Language Audio Guide: $2.50
- Entrance Tickets: Coal Hill Park, Beihai Park & Drum-Bell Towers: $2.50
- Capital Museum tour includes Ticket: $2.78
- Forbidden City & Tiananmen Square Entry Ticket: $2.90
- Tian’anmenSquare or Forbidden City Online Ticket Booking: $2.92
- Forbidden City/ Palace Museum & Tiananmen Sq. Ticket: $2.99
- Forbidden City & Tiananmen Square Ticket Booking Service: $3.00
- Tian'amen Square & Forbidden City Tickets or Guided Group Tour: $3.00
- Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City (Palace Museum): Tickets & Tours: $3.00
- Jingshan Park Ticket - Panoramic Forbidden City View: $3.00
- Tiananmen Square Ticket Booking: $3.10
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayChongqing $7.47Beijing $12
Sample the Local Flavors in Beijing
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Beijing:
- Tipsy Travel: Beijing Local Food and Bar Crawl night in Hutong: $138
- Beijing Brewery Bike Tour: $199
- Private Changyu Chateau Wine Tasting Tour and Mutianyu Great Wall Visit: $238
When comparing the travel costs between Chongqing and Beijing, we can see that Chongqing is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Asia, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Chongqing Expensive? and Is Beijing Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Chongqing or Beijing?
Beijing has a larger population, and is about 89% larger than the population of Chongqing. When comparing the sizes of Chongqing 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.
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.