Which place is cheaper, Zhengzhou or El Nido?
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 El Nido or Zhengzhou?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit El Nido or Zhengzhou? 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: El Nido or Zhengzhou?
El Nido
El Nido is a coastal destination on the Philippine island of Palawan. It consists of about 45 islands and islets all with beautiful beachfront scenery and plenty of opportunities for experiencing nature above and below the water. Some of the island's best features include limestone karst cliffs, coral reefs, lagoons, coves, and waterfalls.
Zhengzhou
Along the Yellow River, a city from the future and the past resides. Ancient pagodas, futuristic domes, verdant gardens - Zhengzhou is a myriad of many worlds in one urban area. The provincial capital of the Henan Province, Zhengzhou is the encapsulation of a perfect city from its delicate balance of the natural and urban spheres. It was born during the Sui Dynasty, and its actual location was in the modern-day Chenggao. Moreover, Zhengzhou works as the political, economic, technological, and educational center of the province. The city is also one of the eight great ancient capitals of China, with a collection of architecture and art originating during iconic dynasties. These relics of the old world include the Shaolin Monastery, Henan Museum, the Pagoda Forest, the Gaocheng Astronomical Observatory, the Songyue Pagoda, the Emperors of Yan and Huang, and the scenic views of the Yellow River. With over nine million inhabitants, Zhengzhou continues to grow at a thriving rate. It also should be noted that in June 2012, Greater Zhengzhou was named one of the thirteen emerging megacities in China according to the Economist Intelligent Unit. Known internationally for its amazing culmination of culture and history, Zhengzhou is the ideal city for travelers and inhabitants alike.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Philippines, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Philippines, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Shanghai, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Beijing.
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El Nido Prices
Philippines PricesZhengzhou Prices
China Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayEl Nido $47Zhengzhou $65
The average daily cost (per person) in El Nido is $47, while the average daily cost in Zhengzhou is $65. 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 El Nido and Zhengzhou in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personEl Nido $14Zhengzhou $21
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomEl Nido $28Zhengzhou $42
Compare Hotels in El Nido and Zhengzhou
Looking for a hotel in El Nido or Zhengzhou? 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: El Nido Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.El Nido $19Zhengzhou $14
Hired Cars and Shuttles in El Nido
Also for El Nido, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- El Nido (Lio) Airport Transfers: $50
- El Nido Big Lagoon and Tropical Island Private Tour with Transfer: $179
- El Nido Tour C with Lunch and Transfers: $44
- El Nido Tour with Lunch and Transfers: $44
- El Nido Town: Transfers to/from Nacpan Beach: $12
- Island Hopping TOUR A with Lunch, Transfer & EDTF: $53
- Island Hopping Tour B Snake Island with transfer: $39
- Lio Airport to/from Hotel Transfers: $35
- To Puerto Princesa 1-Way Shared Van Transfer: $14
- Private Transfer from El Nido to Port Barton Palawan: $170
- Private Van Transfer : From El Nido to Puerto Princesa Palawan: $170
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Zhengzhou
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Zhengzhou:
- [Airport Transfer] Zhengzhou Xinjiang International Airport Zhengzhou City Transfer There is a reputation for high service! : $27
- Private Guided Tour/Transfer to Shaolin Temple: $98
- Zhengzhou airport or Train Staion Transfer Service: $150
- Zhengzhou Xinzheng Airport Chauffeur Transfer, Zhengzhou Airport Transfer: $27
- Zhengzhou Airport Transfer( Hotel to Airport): $59
- Private transfer to Shaolin Temple from Zhengzhou: $108
- Private Transfer to Shaolin Temple or Dengfeng from Zhengzhou Train station: $132
- Private Transfer from Zhengzhou to Luoyang Longmen Grottoes : $95
- One-Way Private Transfer from Zhengzhou to Luoyang: $80
- One-Way Private Transfer from Zhengzhou to Kaifeng: $70
Is it cheaper to fly into El Nido or Zhengzhou?
Prices for flights to both Zhengzhou and El Nido 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 dayEl Nido $20Zhengzhou $36
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in El Nido
For El Nido, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- El Nido, Sibaltan: Family Dinner, Bonfire and Karaoke: $39
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Zhengzhou
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Zhengzhou.
- Zhengzhou Erqi Square and Night Markets Private Tour including Dinner: $145
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.El Nido $5.34Zhengzhou $5.03
Tours and Activities in El Nido
For El Nido, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Sharing/Joiner Island Hopping Tour A w/BUFFET LUNCH: $21
- Tour D with Cadlao Lagoon, Paradise Beach & More: $21
- El Nido Island Tour A: $21
- Tour A (Big & Secret Lagoon, Shimizu, 7 Commando): $21
- El Nido Island Tour D: $21
- Big Lagoon Kayaking & Island Adventure: $22
- Island Hopping Tour A Lagoons and Beaches: $22
- Hidden Beaches and Lagoons Boat Hopping Tour D: $23
- Tour B with Snake Island, Cudugnon Cave, and More: $24
- Shared El Nido Tour A: $24
- El Nido Island Tour B: $24
- El Nido:Private Tour D with Highlights Small & Cadlao Lagoon: $24
Tours and Activities in Zhengzhou
Here are a few actual costs in Zhengzhou for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- All Inclusive Private Day Tour to Guoliangcun from Zhengzhou: $265
- All Inclusive Private Day Tour to Shaolin Temple and Longmen Grottoes from Zhengzhou: $275
- All inclusive Anyang Yin Xu ruins and Character Museum day tour from Zhengzhou: $140
- All-Inclusive Mutianyu Great Wall and Summer Palace Day Tour: $251
- Beijing: Shaolin Temple Day Tour by Round Trip Bullet Train: $398
- Datong:HangingTemple&Grotto Private Car with Entrance ticket: $199
- Full-Day Private Kaifeng Highlight Tour from Zhengzhou: $248
- Independent Tour to Shaolin Temple and Longmen Grottoes from Zhengzhou: $188
- Kaifeng city highlights tour with delicious lunch from Zhengzhou: $120
- Private Day Tour to Luoyang Longmen Grottoes from Zhengzhou: $210
- Private Day Tour to Shaolin Temple from Zhengzhou with Flexiable Departure Time: $198
- Private Day Tour to Shaolin Temple with Kungfu Class from Zhengzhou: $287
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayEl Nido $8.31Zhengzhou $4.04
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between El Nido and Zhengzhou, we can see that Zhengzhou is more expensive. And not only is El Nido much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to El Nido would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in El Nido 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 Zhengzhou would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Zhengzhou than you might in El Nido.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is El Nido Expensive? and Is Zhengzhou Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, El Nido or Zhengzhou?
Zhengzhou has a larger population, and is about 260 times larger than the population of El Nido. When comparing the sizes of El Nido and Zhengzhou, 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.