Which place is cheaper, Xi'an or Delhi?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Delhi or Xi'an?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Delhi or Xi'an, 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 Xi'an?
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.
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 Luxury Tours to India, The Best Budget Tours to India, The Best 10-Day Tours in China, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in China.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayDelhi $45Xi'an $94
The average daily cost (per person) in Delhi is $45, while the average daily cost in Xi'an is $94. 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 Xi'an in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personDelhi $23Xi'an $60
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomDelhi $46Xi'an $120
Compare Hotels in Delhi and Xi'an
Looking for a hotel in Delhi 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: Delhi Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Delhi $5.28Xi'an $12
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
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Xi'an
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Xi'an:
- Xi’an Xianyang International Airport Private Arrival Transfer to City Area: $29
- 1-Day Xi'an Layover Tour: Terracotta Army with Round Airport transfers(XIY): $100
- 1-way Private Transfer: Xi'an City Hotel to Airport/Train Station: $55
- 2-Day Customized Private Tour With Transfer in Historical Xi'an: $231
- Airport Transfer] Xi'an Airport Xi'an City Transfer High reputation for service! : $27
- Full-Day Layover Private Tour: Essence of Xi'an With Airport Transfer: $197
- Mt. Hua Entrance Ticket w/ Shuttle Bus&Cable Car&Private Transfer: $224
- One Day Private Xian Tour to Terracotta Warriors with Airport Transfers: $170
- One-Way Airport Transfer From Xi'an Xianyang International Airport to Xi'an Hotel: $75
- Private Airport Transfer: Xi'an Hotel to Xianyang International Airport: $29
- Private Airport Transfer:Xi'an Xianyang International Airport to Xi'an Hotel: $29
- Private Departure Transfer to Xi'an International Airport from City Hotels: $22
Is it cheaper to fly into Delhi or Xi'an?
Prices for flights to both Xi'an 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 $12Xi'an $12
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
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Xi'an
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Xi'an.
- Skip the Line: Xi'an Tang Dynasty Show Ticket & Dumpling Dinner or Royal Banquet: $32
- Dinner and Show of Tang Dynasty Palace in Xian: $40
- Private Home Cooking Class:Dumpling Cooking Class Tour in Xi'an: $50
- Xi'an Twilight Sightseeing and Food Tour: $51
- Tang Dynasty Dinner Show: $55
- Xi'an Vegetarian Food Tour: $60
- Xi'an Food Tour by Tuk Tuk: $62
- Private Xi'an Food Tour: $65
- Private Xi’an Night & Food Tour by Tuk Tuk and Public Transportation: $67
- Xi'an Evening Food Tour by TukTuk: $69
- 4 Hours Food Tours in Xi'an: $72
- 3-Hour Biang Biang Noodles Cooking Class in Xi'an: $75
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Delhi $13Xi'an $35
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
- Skip-The-Line Sunrise Taj Mahal Private Tour with Multi-Options: $4.25
- 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 Sunrise Tour from Delhi By Car: $5.00
- Private Taj Mahal Tour From Delhi By Car: $5.00
- Private Taj Mahal Luxury Tour from Delhi by Car - All Inclusive: $5.00
Tours and Activities in Xi'an
Here are a few actual costs in Xi'an for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Xi'an Virtual Tour: Emperor Qin Shi Huang and His Terracotta Army: $15
- Xi'an: Terracotta Warriors Group Walking Tour(NO Shopping): $26
- Terra-cotta Warriors Entrance Ticket with Optional Guided Service: $26
- Terracotta Warriors 5-Hour Private Tour w/ Optional Pickup Point: $26
- Terracotta Army Ticket: $28
- Group Bus Tour to Terracotta Warriors with Hotel Pickup & Lunch: $35
- Terracotta Warriors Tickets Booking: $35
- Tang Dynasty Palace Show Tickets Booking: $37
- Terra-cotta Warriors Ticket with Optional Car & Guided Service: $38
- Xi'an City Wall: Guided Tour with Cycling Option: $43
- Xi'an Religions Tour: $45
- Guided Leisure Walking Tour to Muslim Quarter in Xi'an: $46
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayDelhi $8.67Xi'an $7.23
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Delhi and Xi'an, we can see that Xi'an 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 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 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 Xi'an Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Delhi or Xi'an?
Delhi has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Xi'an. When comparing the sizes of Delhi 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.