Which place is cheaper, Queenstown or Chongqing?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Chongqing or Queenstown?
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 Queenstown. 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 Queenstown?
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.
Queenstown
Queenstown is a popular tourist destination on New Zealand's South Island. It is beautifully surrounded by the Southern Alps and sits on the banks of Lake Wakatipu. Across the lake you will find a stunning view of the Remarkables, a dramatic mountain range. The town itself is quite touristy, but prices still remain reasonable. There are options for all travel budgets, whether you're a backpacker hoping to save a few dollars or a family looking for some luxury accommodation. Despite its natural and tranquil setting, Queenstown is actually very much a party town, particularly during the peak seasons. Don't be surprised to find people out enjoying themselves until the early hours of the morning. If you're not into the party scene and are hoping to get a decent night's sleep, consider staying a little outside of town. About an hour outside of Queenstown you'll find Wanaka, which is a much smaller and peaceful town without the party scene.
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 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 dayChongqing $89Queenstown $111
The average daily cost (per person) in Chongqing is $89, while the average daily cost in Queenstown is $111. 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 Queenstown in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personChongqing $50Queenstown $59
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomChongqing $100Queenstown $118
Compare Hotels in Chongqing and Queenstown
Looking for a hotel in Chongqing or Queenstown? 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: Queenstown Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Chongqing $19Queenstown $11
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Chongqing
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Chongqing:
- Private Transfer:From Jiangbei Airport to Chongqing downtown: $16
- Private Arrival Transfer: Chongqing Jiangbei Airport (CKG) to Hotel: $22
- Private Departure Transfer: Hotel to Chongqing Jiangbei Airport (CKG): $22
- [Airport Transfer] Chongqing Airport ⇔ Chongqing City Transfer ☆ High reputation for service! <Charter charter>: $23
- Private Arrival Transfer:Any Chongqing Railway Station to Hotel: $24
- Chongqing Jiangbei Airport (CKG) private round-trip transfer: $25
- Private Transfer from Chongqing hotel to Chongqing Train Station : $27
- Private Arrival Transfer: Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport(CKG) to Hotel: $39
- Private Departure Transfer:Hotel to Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport CKG: $39
- Private Departure Transfer: Hotel to Chongqing Chaotianmen Cruise Pier: $39
- Datong Yungang Airport Chauffeur Service , to Datong Transfer: $40
- Chongqing Jiangbei Airport Chauffeur Service, Chongqing Airport Transfer, Pickup: $50
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Queenstown
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Queenstown:
- From Mount Cook Transfer w/ Guided Landmark Tour: $107
- Private Queenstown Airport to Hotel Transfers : $87
- Private Transfer from Queenstown Central to Wanaka: $183
- Private Transfer from Wanaka to Queenstown Airport: $183
- Private Transfer from Wanaka to Queenstown Central: $183
- Private Transfers from Queenstown Airport to Wanaka : $183
- QUEENSTOWN:Private 1 way Airport transfer to/from CBD Hotels: $70
- QUEENSTOWN:Private 1 way Airport transfer to/from CBD Hotels: $60
- Queenstown Airport: One-Way Private Transfer to Queenstown: $35
- Milford Sound Cruise with Helicopter Transfer: $791
- Tasman Glacier Helihike with Flight Transfers: $977
Is it cheaper to fly into Chongqing or Queenstown?
Prices for flights to both Queenstown 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 $25Queenstown $38
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Chongqing
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Chongqing.
- CHONGQING:Strolling through the city(Include dinner): $127
- Chongqing City Private Night Tour with Hot Pot Dinner: $158
- Chongqing Liangjiang Night Cruise Including Authentic Hot Pot Dinner: $183
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Queenstown
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Queenstown.
- Bar Crawl with 5 Free Shots and Pizza: $18
- Dinner at Walter Peak High Country Farm and Cruise from Queenstown: $118
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Chongqing $14Queenstown $23
Tours and Activities in Chongqing
Here are a few actual costs in Chongqing for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- 3-Hour Walking Tour of Chongqing Shancheng (Mountain City) Lane: $65
- One-day CityTour and Cuisine (no car, citywalk): $84
- Private Chongqing Day Tour: Panda, E'ling Park, Three Gorges Museum: $99
- city tour of Chongqing : $130
- Chongqing Half Day Morning Private Tour including Eling Park & Chongqing Museum: $135
- 1 Day Chongqing Megacity Walking Tour: $135
- Private Chongqing Illuminated Night Tour : $138
- 1-Day Chongqing Dazu Rock Carvings Private Tour With the Lunch: $143
- From Full-Day Private Tour Dazu Rock Carvings: $147
- All-in-one Chongqing Night view private tour: $150
- 1-Day Chongqing City Private Tour with the Hot pot Lunch: $157
- Chongqing private city tour: Must-sees All in One: $157
Typical Entertainment Prices in Queenstown
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Queenstown are as follows:
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Skyline Gondola (for 2)$32
Tours and Activities in Queenstown
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Queenstown are as follows:
- Time Tripper Underwater Experience: $12
- Skip the Line: Odyssey Sensory Maze Entry Queenstown Ticket: $20
- Private Race Car Simulation Experience: $21
- Escape Adventure AR Experience in Queenstown: $24
- Augmented Reality Escape Adventure: $24
- Fear Factory Haunted House Admission Ticket: $24
- Minus 5 Ice Bar Experience with Drink Options: $27
- Go Karts - Highlands Motorsport and Tourism Park: $30
- Kiwi Park Admission Ticket: $37
- Lake Wakatipu Scenic Cruise: $42
- Kids Club Experience Including Childcare: $49
- Queenstown Hop-on Hop-off Evening Beer Tour: $56
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayChongqing $7.09Queenstown $9.50
Sample the Local Flavors in Queenstown
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Queenstown:
- Ice Bar Crawl: $24
- Jump on the Wine Hopper - Queenstown's Flexible Wine Tour!: $54
- Queenstown & Gibbston Valley: Hop-On Hop-Off Wine Tours: $55
- Craft Beer Brewery Tour with Lunch: $113
- Afternoon Wine Tasting Tour with 3 Wineries: $119
- Original Wine Tour: $121
- Classic Wine Tour: $122
- Queenstown Valley of the Vines Afternoon Wine Tour | Adults Only: $136
- Afternoon Boutique Wine Tour: $136
- Queenstown Classic Wine Tour: 3 Vineyards, Caves and Cheeseboard: $136
- Wine Tasting Tour: $140
- Queenstown Wine Tour with Wine Dog | Adults Only: $142
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Chongqing and Queenstown, we can see that Queenstown is more expensive. And not only is Chongqing much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Chongqing is in Asia and Queenstown 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 Chongqing would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Chongqing 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 Queenstown would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Queenstown than you might in Chongqing.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Chongqing Expensive? and Is Queenstown Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Chongqing or Queenstown?
Chongqing has a larger population, and is about 380 times larger than the population of Queenstown. When comparing the sizes of Chongqing and Queenstown, 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.