Which place is cheaper, Xi'an or Delhi?
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 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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Delhi Prices
India PricesXi'an Prices
China Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayDelhi $53Xi'an $105
The average daily cost (per person) in Delhi is $53, 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 Delhi and Xi'an in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personDelhi $22Xi'an $61
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomDelhi $44Xi'an $122
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 $4.64Xi'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$0.11
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Taxi to Airport$1.82
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Subway$0.36
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Uber Cab$0.91
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Delhi Metro Smart Card$1.70
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Auto-rickshaw$1.14
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Delhi
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Delhi:
- 3-Day Fast Train Jaipur-Delhi Tour with Tickets & Transfers: $190
- 3-Days Amritsar tour from Delhi Includes Hotel,Train tickets & Transfers: $200
- Airport Arrival Transfer From Delhi Airport to Hotel in Delhi: $33
- Airport Transfers - Delhi Airport to Delhi Hotel: $50
- Akshardham Temple Tour Exhibition, Light & Water Show with Transfers: $99
- Akshardham Temple Tour with hotel transfers : $54
- Akshardham Tour Exhibition Light and Water show with Transfer: $99
- An Evening at the Akshardham Temple with Water Show with Private Transfer: $88
- Arrival Private Transfer Indira Gandhi Airport DEL to Delhi: $19
- Authentic Same Day Agra Tour with Private Transfer and licensed Tour Guide: $110
- Best Evening New Delhi Tour- with transfer to Hotel / Airport: $36
- Captivating Walk through Old Delhi's Colorful Chandni Chowk & Private Transfer: $108
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
- Essential Xian Tour with Airport Train Station or Hotel Transfer: $229
- From Xian: Terracotta Army and City Wall Tour with Airport Transfer: $245
- Mt. Huashan Private Roundtrip Transfer with Driver's Tickets Help: $113
- One Day Private Xian Tour to Terracotta Warriors with Airport Transfers: $149
- Private 1-way Transfer: Xi'an North Station/Airport to City Hotel: $58
- Private Arrival Transfer: Xi'an Central Train Station to Hotel: $21
- Private Arrival Transfer:Any Xi'an Railway Station to Xi'an City Hotel: $30
- Private Arrival Transfer:Xi'an Xianyang International Airport(XIY) to City Hotel: $46
- Private Departure Transfer to Xi'an International Airport from City Hotels: $22
- Private Departure Transfer: Hotel to Xi'an Central Train Station: $21
- Private Departure Transfer: Xi'an Hotels to Xi'an Airport (XIY): $49
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 $20Xi'an $22
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$3.33
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Delhi
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Delhi.
- Old Delhi Food Tour Safari - The Capital of Flavors: $8.22
- Appetizing virtual cooking class from Delhi: $18
- Old Delhi Food Tour Extravaganza!: $28
- Food Tour in Delhi: $29
- Connaught Place Street shopping & food tour in Delhi: $39
- Veg and Non veg : Private Cooking Class in Delhi home (7 meal): $39
- Private Half-Day Street Food Tour in Old Delhi : $40
- Evening Food Tour: $40
- Discover Old 4-Hour Evening Walking Tour includes Guide & Dinner: $40
- Transit Tour-Guided Best Old Delhi's Attractions & Food Tour: $42
- The Great Indian Food Tour: Old Delhi Food and Heritage Walk: $43
- Delhi Private Cooking Class: $45
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: 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
- Xian Tang Dynasty Show -Optional Dumpling Dinner or Royal Banquet: $38
- Xi'an Homemade Food Cooking Dumplings / BIANGBIANGNoodles: $58
- Xi’an: Market Tour and Cooking Class with Local Family: $59
- Xi'an Vegetarian Food Tour: $60
- Xi'an Muslim Quarter Walking Food Tour: $61
- Private Xi'an Food Tour: $65
- Xian: Morning Food Tour of the Muslim Quarter: $67
- Private Old Xi'an Authentic Local Beer Dinner Tour: $68
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Delhi $19Xi'an $36
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$9.88
Tours and Activities in Delhi
Here are a few actual costs in Delhi for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Private Old and New Delhi City Tour All Inclusive from Delhi: $1.00
- Sunrise Taj Mahal Tour From Delhi : $1.40
- From Delhi To Taj Mahal Day Tour With 5 Star Meal: $2.50
- Taj Mahal Sunrise & Agra Tour From Delhi by Car - All Inclusive : $2.60
- Same Day Taj Mahal, Agra Fort & Baby Taj Tour From Delhi By Car : $4.04
- Taj Mahal & Agra Private Tour By Car with 5 Star Lunch: $4.04
- Delhi Temple and Spiritual Sites Private Day Tour - 6 hours: $4.04
- Private Full-Day Taj Mahal and Agra Fort Tour from New Delhi: $4.04
- Hauz Khas Village: A Self Guided Walking Tour: $4.04
- Driving tours through beautiful India: $4.31
- Same Day Agra Tour By Luxury Gatimaan Train From Delhi: $4.33
- New Delhi & Old Delhi Full day or Half Day Customizable Tour: $4.62
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
- Xi'an ：City Wall Entry Electronic Ticket: $20
- Private Car Tour to Terra-cotta Army and Xi'an Ctiy Attrations: $22
- Terracotta Warriors Tickets Booking: $24
- Xi'an Exclusive Terracotta Army Tour with Local Family Lunch: $24
- Xian Day Tour, Terracotta Army, City Wall, Pagoda, Muslim Bazaar: $24
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayDelhi $8.23Xi'an $7.34
Sample the Local Flavors in Delhi
Also in Delhi, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Pub Crawl (3 Hours Guided Bar Hopping Tour): $30
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 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.