Which place is cheaper, Xi'an or Doha?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Doha or Xi'an?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Doha and Xi'an can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.
Where Should I go: Doha or Xi'an?
Doha
Doha is the capital city of Qatar, modern and rapidly developing with much construction underway. It is home to Doha International Airport, the main point of entry for Qatar, as well as many of the country's best museums and examples of cultural heritage.
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 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 dayDoha $200Xi'an $94
The average daily cost (per person) in Doha is $200, 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 Doha and Xi'an in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personDoha $119Xi'an $60
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomDoha $238Xi'an $120
Compare Hotels in Doha and Xi'an
Looking for a hotel in Doha 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: Doha Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Doha $23Xi'an $12
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Doha
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Doha:
- Airport Transfer-Hamad International Airport, Doha-Qatar: $34
- Airport Transfer: Doha to Doha Airport DOH by Luxury Car: $107
- Airport Transfer: Doha to Doha Airport DOH by Luxury Van: $119
- Arrival Transfer: Hamad Airport DOH to Doha by Luxury Van: $119
- BF Doha | Hamad Int. Airport Transfer Meet & Greet: $68
- Departure Transfer: Doha to Hamad Airport DOH by Luxury Van: $119
- Doha Airport Transfer: $99
- Doha Airport Transfers: Your Swift Gateway to Luxury Travel: $50
- Doha Hamad Airport (DOH) to Doha - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $130
- Doha Night City Tour With Airport Transfer: $62
- Doha Night City Tour With Transfer From Airport & Hotels: $55
- Doha Night Desert Safari Camel Ride Dune Bashing with Transfer: $93
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
- 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
- Essential Xian Tour with Airport Train Station or Hotel Transfer: $197
- From Xian: Terracotta Army and City Wall Tour with Airport Transfer: $194
- 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 1-way Transfer: Xi'an North Station/Airport to City Hotel: $58
- Private Airport Transfer: Xi'an Airport to Hotel up to 40 pax: $300
Is it cheaper to fly into Doha or Xi'an?
Prices for flights to both Xi'an and Doha 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 dayDoha $61Xi'an $12
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Doha
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Doha.
- Private Dinner on Al Safliya Island: $76
- Half Day Doha City Tour with Lunch or Dinner: $143
- BBQ Dinner in the desert resort; Dune bashing & camel ride: $165
- Full Day Desert Safari with Camp Access, Buffet Dinner,Camel Ride: $195
- Doha : Full Day Desert Safari | BBQ Dinner | Inland sea: $197
- Private Desert Safari with BBQ Lunch/Dinner at Souk Al Wakra: $202
- Private Overnight Desert Safari, Dune bashing, dinner & Breakfast: $220
- Full Day Desert Safari With BBQ Dinner: $234
- From Overnight Desert Safari with BBQ Dinner: $240
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
- Xian Muslim Quarter: 2-Hour Small Group Walking Food Tour : $36
- Dinner and Show of Tang Dynasty Palace in Xian: $40
- Xi'an Twilight Sightseeing and Food Tour: $51
- Tang Dynasty Show with Optional Dinner: $51
- Xi'an Authentic Food Tour with Local Beverages: $54
- Xi'an Food Tour by Tuk Tuk: $62
- Half-day Xi'an Biang Biang Noodles Cooking Class with Spice Market Visit: $65
- 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
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Doha $18Xi'an $35
Tours and Activities in Doha
Here are a few actual costs in Doha for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Doha International Airpor: Qatar eSIM Data Plan for Tourists: $7.99
- Qatar eSIM Data Plan for Tourists: $7.99
- Al Safliya Island Boat Tour: $25
- Guided Walking Tour of Souq Waqif: $30
- City Highlights Layover Tour: $32
- From Doha Cruise Terminal: Doha City Tour (Private Tour): $35
- Sharing City Tour From MSC Virtuosa/Mein Schiff2: $35
- Doha Geocaching & City Tour Combo: $35
- From Doha Cruise Terminal: Doha Private or Group City Tour: $35
- 4-hour Downtown City Tour: $40
- Doha : Private Custom Walking Tour with A Guide (Private Tou: $43
- Doha City Tour - Airport or Cruise Terminal Pick Up/Drop Off: $43
Tours and Activities in Xi'an
Here are a few actual costs in Xi'an for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Xi'an: Terracotta Warriors Group Walking Tour(NO Shopping): $18
- Terra-cotta Warriors Entrance Ticket with Optional Guided Service: $26
- Terracotta Warriors 5-Hour Private Tour w/ Optional Pickup Point: $26
- Terracotta Army Ticket Booking: $28
- Terracotta Army Ticket: $28
- 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
- Guided Leisure Walking Tour to Muslim Quarter in Xi'an: $46
- Leisure Night Walking Tour of Xi’an: $46
- Xi'an City Walking Tour: $46
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayDoha $15Xi'an $7.24
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Doha and Xi'an, we can see that Doha is more expensive. And not only is Xi'an much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Doha is in Middle East and Xi'an is in Asia, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Xi'an would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Xi'an 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 Doha would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Doha than you might in Xi'an.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Doha Expensive? and Is Xi'an Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Doha or Xi'an?
Xi'an has a larger population, and is about 9 times larger than the population of Doha. When comparing the sizes of Doha 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.