Which place is cheaper, Chongqing or Dalian?
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 Dalian or Chongqing?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Dalian or Chongqing? 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: Dalian or Chongqing?
Dalian
Dalian, China is a very large peninsula city located in the southernmost part of the Liaoning Province in northeast China. The area has a wealth of history, with roots in Russian and Japanese rule, resulting in unique architecture and many universities that attract foreign students and teachers. Dalian is also known for their beautiful green spaces and relaxing beaches which juxtapose a lot of the more industrial cities found throughout other areas of northern China.
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.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to China, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in China, The Best Historical Tours in China, and The Best 10-Day Tours in China.
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Dalian Prices
China PricesChongqing Prices
China Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayDalian $131Chongqing $111
The average daily cost (per person) in Dalian is $131, while the average daily cost in Chongqing 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 Dalian and Chongqing in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personDalian $58Chongqing $53
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomDalian $116Chongqing $106
Compare Hotels in Dalian and Chongqing
Looking for a hotel in Dalian or Chongqing? 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.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Dalian $43Chongqing $20
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Dalian
Also for Dalian, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Dalian Private Arrival Transfer: Airport to Hotel: $88
- Dalian Private Arrival Transfer: Railway Station to Hotel: $88
- Dalian Private Departure Transfer: Hotel to Airport: $55
- Dalian Private Departure Transfer: Hotel to Railway Station: $88
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Chongqing
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Chongqing:
- Wulong 5-Day Tour with Hotel & Transfers: $687
- 5-Day Private Tour with Hotel & Transfers: $497
- Wulong 3-Day Tour with Hotel & Transfers: $497
- Chongqing Private Arrival Transfer: Airport to Hotel: $88
- Chongqing Private Arrival Transfer: Railway Station to Hotel: $88
- Chongqing Jiangbei Airport Chauffeur Service, Chongqing Airport Transfer, Pickup: $60
- Private Round-Trip Transfer: Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport(CKG): $60
- Jiangbei International Airport Transfer 24h Services: $57
- Chongqing Private Departure Transfer: Hotel to Railway Station: $55
- Chongqing Private Departure Transfer: Hotel to Airport: $55
- Private Transfer from Chongqing Railway Station to City Hotel: $52
- Private Chongqing International Airport Departure Transfer from City Hotels: $49
Is it cheaper to fly into Dalian or Chongqing?
Prices for flights to both Chongqing and Dalian 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 dayDalian $50Chongqing $45
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
- Be a Chongqinger - wet market tour &cooking class & paper cutting: $59
- Half-Day Cultural Immersion with Cooking Class: $80
- Food Tour with Old Town and Magical Night Views: $93
- Chongqing Food Tour: $93
- Chongqing City Private Night Tour with Hot Pot Dinner or Massage: $150
- Chongqing Port Transfer Service with Half-Day Tour and Hot Pot Dinner: $245
- From Port Transfer with Half Day Tour and Hot Pot Dinner: $246
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Dalian $5.12Chongqing $14
Tours and Activities in Dalian
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Dalian.
- Seaside and Skyline A Scenic Walking Tour of Dalian: $150
- Flexible Dalian City Highlights Private Day Tour with Lunch: $200
- Waves & Wharfs: Dalian's Chill Soul 1-Day Tour: $215
- Dalian City Private Day Tour in Your Way: $250
Tours and Activities in Chongqing
Here are a few actual costs in Chongqing for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- 1 Day Chongqing Adventures 18 Steps Laojun Cave and Huangjueya: $195
- 1 Day Private Tour to UNESCO Dazu Rock Carvings from Chongqing: $166
- 1 Day Private tour to Chongqing Wulong National Geology Park: $179
- 1-Day Chongqing City Private Tour with the Hot pot Lunch: $157
- 3Days Chongqing Cyber City✖ Wulong Karst Cave Adventure: $750
- 4D3N Yangtze River Victoria Cruise: Chongqing to Yichang: $628
- All-In-One Chongqing Trendy Spots Private Tour: $230
- Authentic Chongqing Walking Tour: Explore History & Local Vibe: $98
- Best of Chongqing One Day Tour: Stilwell Museum, Arhat Temple, Eling Park, Panda: $197
- Century Cruises Chongqing to Yichang Yangzte River Tour: $61
- Chinese calligraphy experience: $42
- Chong Qing : 1949 theater historical Show Ticket: $39
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayDalian $6.76Chongqing $7.39
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Dalian and Chongqing, we can see that Dalian is more expensive. And not only is Chongqing much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. 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 Dalian would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Dalian 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 Dalian Expensive? and Is Chongqing Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Dalian or Chongqing?
Chongqing has a larger population, and is about 95% larger than the population of Dalian. When comparing the sizes of Dalian and Chongqing, 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.