Which place is cheaper, Beijing or Delhi?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Delhi or Beijing?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Delhi or Beijing, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.
Where Should I go: Delhi or Beijing?
Delhi
Delhi is the largest city in northern India and is officially the country's capital. The city has a population of 11 million with the metropolitan population reaching over 16 million. The city is similar in landscape to the rest of its surrounding area. It is very flat with the river Yamuna flowing on the eastern side of the city. The Aravalii Hills are in the western portion of the city. The city's history dates back to the 6th century BC and it has served as a capital for various kingdoms and empires.
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 Luxury Tours to India, The Best Budget Tours to India, The Best 2-Week Tours from Beijing, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to China.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayDelhi $45Beijing $77
The average daily cost (per person) in Delhi is $45, while the average daily cost in Beijing is $77. 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 Delhi and Beijing in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personDelhi $23Beijing $39
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomDelhi $46Beijing $78
Compare Hotels in Delhi and Beijing
Looking for a hotel in Delhi 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: Delhi Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Delhi $5.28Beijing $7.63
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Delhi
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Delhi:
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Tuk Tuk Ride$0.12
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Taxi to Airport$1.91
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Subway$0.38
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Uber Cab$0.96
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Delhi Metro Smart Card$1.79
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Auto-rickshaw$1.20
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Delhi
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Delhi:
- Entrance Ticket to Historical Monuments of Delhi with Private Transfer: $74
- 3-Day City Tour of Old and New Delhi with Airport Transfers: $180
- 3-Days Delhi and Varanasi Tour by Express Train.Includes,Hotel Transfers.: $275
- Aerial yoga class with private transfers: $31
- Affordable transfer from Delhi to Haridwar: $35
- Affordable transfer from Delhi to Rishikesh: $35
- Akshardham Exhibition, Light and Water Show with Transfers: $99
- Akshardham Temple Exhibition, light and Water show With Transfers: $79
- Akshardham Temple Tour with hotel transfers : $54
- Arrival Transfer from Airport to Hotel in Delhi: $33
- Arrival and Departure transfer to Airport in Delhi : $80
- Authentic Same Day Agra Tour with Private Transfer and licensed Tour Guide: $117
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Beijing
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Beijing:
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Taxi$4.71
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Train from Airport for Two$6.90
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Taxi to Hotel$8.28
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2 Metro Passes$2.21
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Metro$0.55
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Beijing
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Beijing:
- Jinshanling Great Wall Self-hiking Tour by Private Transfer Service : $98
- Private English Transfer to Shilin Gorge Platform And Ming City Wall : $140
- Private One-Way Transfer Between Beijing Railway Station and Hotel: $30
- 1 Day Pass for Universal Beijing and Private Transfer Package: $265
- 5 Hours Round Trip Transfer Service to Mutianyu Great Wall: $70
- Acrobatic Show at Red Theater With Private Transfer: $45
- Acrobatics Show with Private Driver Service and Hotel Round Transfer: $65
- Airport Layover Transfer Service to Mutianyu Great Wall & City Sightseeing : $115
- Arrival Private Transfer: Capital Airport PEK to Beijing in Business Car: $72
- Arrival Transfer from Beijing Capital International Airport(PEK) to Hotel: $55
- transfer from the airport to the hotel: $65
- Beijing Acrobat Show Night Tour with Private Transfer and Optional Seats: $107
Is it cheaper to fly into Delhi or Beijing?
Prices for flights to both Beijing and Delhi 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 dayDelhi $12Beijing $21
Typical Food Prices in Delhi
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Delhi:
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McDonalds$3.50
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Delhi
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Delhi.
- Appetizing virtual cooking class from Delhi: $20
- Old Delhi Food Tour with local, A must for Indian culinary lover!: $21
- Lunch or dinner with local family: $21
- Food Tour Old Delhi: $31
- Old Delhi Heritage Sightseeing | Walking Tour | Street Food Tour: $34
- Old Delhi Food Tour: A Night Time Feast: $36
- Veg and Non veg : Private Cooking Class in Delhi: $43
- Old Delhi Street Food Tour: $44
- Transit Tour-Guided Best Old Delhi's Attractions & Food Tour: $45
- Vegetarian : Private Cooking Class in Delhi: $46
- Culinary Delights Of Delhi Half Day Food Tour: $48
- Delhi Kabul Cooking Class: $50
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$0.83
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Hot Pot Dinner$6.90
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Dumpling Breakfast for Two$2.76
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Watermelon$1.93
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Peking Duck Dinner for 2$16
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Two Popsicles$0.83
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Beijing
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Beijing.
- Online Cooking Class Handmade Noodles by Sunflower Li: $20
- Online Cooking Class Orange Chicken by Sunflower Li: $20
- Nangong Hot Spring Water World with Dinner: $38
- Beijing Hutong Breakfast Food Tour: $55
- Temple of Heaven Private Tour w/Option Show &Dinner: $60
- 3 hours Morning or Afternoon Tea Tasting on Maliandao Street and Tea Restaurant Lunch or Dinner Tour: $69
- Mogolian Hot Pot Dinner with no limit soft drink and local beer .: $70
- Old Beijing Dinner Tour: $80
- Authentic Lunch or Dinner Tour in Beijing's Best Hidden Spots: $80
- Acrobatic Show with Peking Duck Dinner Private Tour: $80
- Discovery more local Beijing evening food Tour: $89
- 4-hour Evening Tour: Jingshan Hill, Beihai Park & Hutongs Street Food Tour: $105
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Delhi $13Beijing $24
Typical Entertainment Prices in Delhi
Here are a few typical costs in Delhi for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
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Red Fort$10
Tours and Activities in Delhi
Here are a few actual costs in Delhi for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Same Day Agra Tour by Gatiman Express Train With Multiple Options: $2.79
- Private Guided Tour to Taj Mahal and Agra Fort with All inclusive: $3.75
- From Taj Mahal & Agra Fort Tour by Car - All Inclusive: $3.75
- Taj Mahal & Agra Private Day Tour from Delhi with 5* Lunch: $4.00
- Private Full-Day Taj Mahal and Agra Fort Tour from New Delhi: $4.30
- Driving tours through beautiful India: $4.59
- Private Taj Mahal Tour from Delhi by Car: $4.70
- Private Same Day Skip The Line Taj Mahal Tour From Delhi: $4.92
- Private Taj Mahal Tour From Delhi By Car: $5.00
- Private Taj Mahal Sunrise Tour from Delhi By Car: $5.00
- Private Day Tour of Taj Mahal by India's Fastest Train or Car - All Inclusive: $5.00
- Delhi Best of Monuments Half Day Tour: $5.00
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$8.28
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Two Opera Tickets$59
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Temple of Heaven Park Entrance (for 2)$9.66
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Forbidden City (for 2)$17
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Forbidden City Tickets$17
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Audio Guides at Forbidden City$11
Tours and Activities in Beijing
Here are a few actual costs in Beijing for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Beijing's Old Hutongs: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $4.99
- Summer Palace Free Walking Tour: $5.00
- Temple of Heaven Free Walking Tour: $5.00
- Beijing's Old Hutongs: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.34
- Beijing Summer Palace Entrance Ticket (with Optional Guided Service): $8.00
- Beijing Temple of Heaven Entrance Ticket (with Optional Guided Service): $8.00
- The Old Summer Palace (Yuanmingyuan) Entrance Ticket: $8.00
- Confucius Temple and Imperial College Entrance Ticket : $8.00
- Summer Palace Admission Ticket Pre-booking Service: $8.80
- Summer Palace Ticket: $9.90
- Beijing Forbidden City Admission Ticket Pre Booking Service: $9.98
- Self-Guided Audio Tour: $11
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayDelhi $8.67Beijing $12
Sample the Local Flavors in Beijing
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Beijing:
- Evening Food Private Tour with Brewery Taproom Hopping at Slow Boat in Beijing: $110
- Private Tour-Drum Tower, Hutong Food Taste and Local Brewery Beer: $150
- 5-Hour Private Changyu Chateau Wine Tasting Tour from Beijing: $178
- Private Changyu Chateau Wine Tasting Tour and Mutianyu Great Wall Visit: $238
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Delhi and Beijing, we can see that Beijing is more expensive. And not only is Delhi much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Delhi would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Delhi 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 Beijing would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Beijing than you might in Delhi.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Delhi Expensive? and Is Beijing Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Delhi or Beijing?
Delhi has a larger population, and is about 46% larger than the population of Beijing. When comparing the sizes of Delhi 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.
When is the best time to visit Delhi or Beijing?
Beijing has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Delhi experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Delhi or Beijing in the Summer?
Both Beijing and Delhi are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Delhi throughout the year. Also, many travelers come to Beijing for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.
The heat can be very extreme in Delhi. In the summer, Delhi is a little warmer than Beijing. Typically, the summer temperatures in Delhi in July average around 31°C (88°F), and Beijing averages at about 27°C (80°F).
It's quite sunny in Beijing. Delhi usually receives less sunshine than Beijing during summer. Delhi gets 166 hours of sunny skies, while Beijing receives 224 hours of full sun in the summer.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Beijing. It's quite rainy in Delhi. In July, Delhi usually receives around the same amount of rain as Beijing. Delhi gets 170 mm (6.7 in) of rain, while Beijing receives 176 mm (6.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyDelhi 31°C (88°F)Beijing 27°C (80°F)
Should I visit Delhi or Beijing in the Autumn?
Both Beijing and Delhi during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Delhi because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Also, many visitors come to Beijing in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
In October, Delhi is generally much warmer than Beijing. Daily temperatures in Delhi average around 26°C (79°F), and Beijing fluctuates around 14°C (56°F).
In Beijing, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Delhi. In the autumn, Delhi often gets more sunshine than Beijing. Delhi gets 269 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Beijing receives 227 hours of full sun.
Delhi usually gets less rain in October than Beijing. Delhi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Beijing receives 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberDelhi 26°C (79°F)Beijing 14°C (56°F)
Should I visit Delhi or Beijing in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Delhi and Beijing. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Delhi year-round. Also, most visitors come to Beijing for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.
Beijing can be very cold during winter. Delhi is much warmer than Beijing in the winter. The daily temperature in Delhi averages around 15°C (59°F) in January, and Beijing fluctuates around -4°C (26°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Beijing this time of the year. In Delhi, it's very sunny this time of the year. Delhi usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Beijing during winter. Delhi gets 215 hours of sunny skies, while Beijing receives 201 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Delhi usually receives more rain than Beijing. Delhi gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Beijing receives 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryDelhi 15°C (59°F)Beijing -4°C (26°F)
Should I visit Delhi or Beijing in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Delhi as well as Beijing. Delhi attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Beijing because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty.
In the spring, Delhi is much warmer than Beijing. Typically, the spring temperatures in Delhi in April average around 29°C (84°F), and Beijing averages at about 14°C (57°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Beijing. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Delhi this time of the year. In the spring, Delhi often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Beijing. Delhi gets 261 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Beijing receives 247 hours of full sun.
Delhi usually gets more rain in April than Beijing. Delhi gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Beijing receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilDelhi 29°C (84°F)Beijing 14°C (57°F)
Typical Weather for Beijing and Delhi
| Delhi | Beijing | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 15°C (59°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | -4°C (26°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) |
| Feb | 17°C (63°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | -1°C (30°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) |
| Mar | 22°C (72°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 6°C (42°F) | 9 mm (0.4 in) |
| Apr | 29°C (84°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 26 mm (1 in) |
| May | 33°C (91°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) |
| Jun | 34°C (93°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 25°C (76°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) |
| Jul | 31°C (88°F) | 170 mm (6.7 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 176 mm (6.9 in) |
| Aug | 30°C (86°F) | 200 mm (7.9 in) | 25°C (78°F) | 182 mm (7.2 in) |
| Sep | 30°C (86°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 20°C (69°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) |
| Oct | 26°C (79°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 14°C (56°F) | 19 mm (0.7 in) |
| Nov | 21°C (70°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) |
| Dec | 16°C (61°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | -1°C (29°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) |
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.