Which place is cheaper, Xi'an or Da Nang?
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 Da Nang or Xi'an?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Da Nang or Xi'an? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.
Where Should I go: Da Nang or Xi'an?
Da Nang
Halfway between Ho Chi Minh City in the south and Hanoi in the North is the easy-going beach city of Da Nang (or Danang, for some). The third most populated city in Vietnam, Da Nang draws in crowds with its beautiful and calm beaches as well as its history as a French colonial port.
With beaches, mountains, and cityscape, there's bound to be a point of interest for all travelers. Da Nang is also a transit hub to get to the four Vietnamese UNESCO World heritage sites: Phong Nha Ke Bang National Park, Hue, Hoi An, and My Son.
Da Nang experiences wet season from September through March and dry season from April through August with average temperatures of around 80℉.
Da Nang is also known to have some of the friendliest locals, probably due to the peace and quiet and lack of heavy traffic, even in the city.
Xi'an
Xi'an is an ancient city in the Shaanxi Province in China. Today it is most notable as the location of the Terracotta Warriors, but for visitors who choose to linger, there is so much more to see and do in the area. The city itself is more than 3,000 years old and for about one thousand years, through 13 dynasties and 73 emperors, it was the capital. Because of its rich history there are many historical ruins and a strong culture in the city. Today the city is a pleasant place to visit, although much of it's influence and power has dwindled. The city has both cosmopolitan and modern areas as well as historic and culturally rich areas. The neighborhoods are diverse and by exploring the city in depth you can learn a little more about what China really has to offer.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Hanoi, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Ho Chi Minh City, The Best 10-Day Tours in China, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in China.
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Da Nang Prices
Vietnam PricesXi'an Prices
China Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayDa Nang $55Xi'an $105
The average daily cost (per person) in Da Nang is $55, while the average daily cost in Xi'an is $105. 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 Da Nang and Xi'an in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personDa Nang $18Xi'an $61
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomDa Nang $36Xi'an $122
Compare Hotels in Da Nang and Xi'an
Looking for a hotel in Da Nang or Xi'an? 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: Da Nang Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Da Nang $11Xi'an $12
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Da Nang
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Da Nang:
- Private Transfer from Danang to Hoi An with WIFI on Board: $20
- Afternoon private transfer from Danang city to the Golden Bridge : $40
- Airport Transfer: Da Nang Airport and Hoi An City: $15
- Airport pick up and transfer from Danang airport to Hoian: $29
- Ba Na Hills & Golden Bridge: Private Return Transfer from Da Nang: $32
- Ba Na Hills Day/Night Ticket With Round-trip Private Transfer: $79
- Best Tour/Transfer to Hue Imperial City from Da Nang/ Hoi An: $67
- Coconut Jungle - Vegetable & Pottery Village- PRIVATE TRANSFER: $56
- Comfy PRIVATE TRANSFER from Hoian & Da Nang to Hue or Vice Versa: $44
- Da Nang - Hoi An Airport Transfer: $16
- Da Nang Airport Arrival Or Departure By Private Transfers: $12
- Da Nang Airport Pick-Up to Hotel Private Transfer: $29
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Xi'an
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Xi'an:
- Private Departure Transfer: Hotel to Xi'an Central Train Station: $21
- Private Departure Transfer to Xi'an International Airport from City Hotels: $22
- Xian Xianyang Airport (XIY) to Xian City - Arrival Private Transfer: $27
- Private Airport Transfer:Xi'an Xianyang International Airport to Xi'an Hotel: $29
- Xi’an Xianyang International Airport Private Arrival Transfer to City Area: $29
- Xi’an Xianyang International Airport Private Departure Transfer from City Area : $29
- Xi’an Railway Station Private Departure Transfer from City Area: $29
- Xi'an Terracotta Army Tickets with Optional Guide/Transfer: $30
- Private Transfer BetweenXi'an Airport/Rainway station and Hotel: $31
- Bullet Train Station Transfer Service: $31
- Xi'an North Railway Station Transfer To Xianyang Airport: $32
- Xi'an Downtown Hotel To Xi'an North Railway Station one way private transfer: $33
Is it cheaper to fly into Da Nang or Xi'an?
Prices for flights to both Xi'an and Da Nang 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 dayDa Nang $27Xi'an $22
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Da Nang
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Da Nang.
- Tasty Dinner Da Nang on Han River Cruise by Yatch & Champa Show: $17
- Poseidon Cruise with Dinner and Dragon Bridge Show: $17
- Hội An Farming Vegetable Village & Cooking Class : $26
- Private Traditional Cooking Class and Pho with Local Girl : $29
- Vegetarian Home Cooking Class Da Nang: $29
- Vegetarian Cooking class and Basket Boat Riding: $29
- Eco Cooking Class and Basket boat tour from Da Nang/ Hoi An: $29
- Experience Vegan/Vegetarian Cooking Class in Da Nang : $29
- Basket Boat Riding and Cooking Class from Da Nang City : $29
- Top Notch Da Nang Walking Food Tour 7, 9, or 12 Tastings Included: $29
- 6 Hours Cooking Activity Pick up Da Nang : $33
- Jolie Da nang cooking class only (JDN3): $35
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Xi'an
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Xi'an.
- Xi’an：City Wall Multi-Entry or Night Food Tour with Show: $21
- Xi'An: Tang Dynasty Show Ticket w/ Transfer or Dinner: $33
- Top 3 Xian Sites to Terracotta Army & Dinner Show w/ Options: $35
- Xi'an Tang Dynasty Show Ticket Optional Dumplings or Royal Dinner: $37
- Skip the Line: Xi'an Tang Dynasty Show Ticket & Dumpling Dinner or Royal Banquet: $37
- Xi'an: Tang Dynasty Music and Dance Show with Dinner Option: $40
- Xi’an: Market Tour and Cooking Class with Local Family: $59
- Xi'an Muslim Quarter Walking Food Tour: $61
- Xian: Morning Food Tour of the Muslim Quarter: $67
- Private Old Xi'an Authentic Local Beer Dinner Tour: $68
- Authentic Old Xi'an Back Alley Food Tour: $69
- Xi'an Evening Food Tour by TukTuk: $69
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Da Nang $13Xi'an $36
Tours and Activities in Da Nang
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Da Nang are as follows:
- Da Nang Museum Entry Ticket (Optional Audio Guide): $2.70
- Vietnamese Tradition Combo Ao dai Coffee and Banh mi Private Tour: $2.72
- From Citadels to Skyscrapers: A Downtown Danang Audio Tour: $5.00
- Han River by night on boat cruise in Da Nang: $5.50
- Super cheap and distinguished Ao Dai Experience in 2 hours - Ao dai retal: $6.16
- My Xuan Cruise on Han River by Night: $6.37
- Day Tour to Bana Hills with Golden Bridge: $7.77
- Ba Na Hills & Golden Bridge Tour from Da Nang: $8.54
- Experience Da Nang Han River Local Cruise by Night: $9.00
- Han River Cruise by Night with Dance Performance: $10
- Ao Dai Experience in Da Nang: $10
- Explore Hue: 3 Highlights Tour then Depart to Hoi An: $11
Tours and Activities in Xi'an
Here are a few actual costs in Xi'an for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Xi'an: Daci'en Temple(Great Wild Goose Pagoda) E-ticket: $9.99
- Xi'an: City Wall & Old Town Walking Tour w/ 10+ Food Tasting: $14
- Xi’an City Wall – E-Ticket: $15
- Xi'an: Xi’an City Wall South Gate(Yongningmen) Entry Ticket: $15
- Xi'an Virtual Tour: Emperor Qin Shi Huang and His Terracotta Army: $15
- Xi'an: City Wall Moat Smart Boat Tour: $17
- Xian: Terracotta Army Ticket & Guided Bus Tour with Options: $20
- Xian Day Tour, Terracotta Army, City Wall, Pagoda, Muslim Bazaar: $24
- Xi'an Exclusive Terracotta Army Tour with Local Family Lunch: $24
- MuBus: Xi'an Terracotta Warriors Museum Bus Tour with Options: $25
- Xi'an: Giant Wild Goose Pagoda Temple Entrance Ticket: $25
- Terracotta Army Ticket Booking - Optional Guide Service: $25
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayDa Nang $8.91Xi'an $7.34
Sample the Local Flavors in Xi'an
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Xi'an:
- Xi'an Bar Crawl: Drink, Gaming, Snacks & Meet with Locals: $29
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Da Nang and Xi'an, we can see that Xi'an is more expensive. And not only is Da Nang much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Da Nang would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Da Nang 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 Xi'an would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Xi'an than you might in Da Nang.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Da Nang Expensive? and Is Xi'an Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Da Nang or Xi'an?
Xi'an has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Da Nang. When comparing the sizes of Da Nang and Xi'an, 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.