Which place is cheaper, Beijing or Guangzhou?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
Jump to 
Should you visit Guangzhou or Beijing?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Guangzhou and Beijing can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Guangzhou or Beijing?
Guangzhou
With a population of more than 12 million, Guangzhou is the third largest city in China after Beijing and Shanghai. Though it has a long history, founded in 214 BC, the city has also many modern attractions, a mix of the old and new with temples and parks as well as skyscrapers and shopping centers. Its location on the Pearl River has contributed to this growth, making Guangzhou a major port and commercial hub.
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 One Week (7-Day) Tours in China, The Best 2-Week Tours in China, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in China, and The Best Adventure Tours to China.
-
Guangzhou Prices
China PricesBeijing Prices
China Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayGuangzhou $102Beijing $89
The average daily cost (per person) in Guangzhou is $102, while the average daily cost in Beijing is $89. 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 Guangzhou and Beijing in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personGuangzhou $57Beijing $39
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomGuangzhou $114Beijing $78
Compare Hotels in Guangzhou and Beijing
Looking for a hotel in Guangzhou 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.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Guangzhou $14Beijing $7.66
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Guangzhou
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Guangzhou:
- Canton Fair Private Transfer between Guangzhou City Center and Pazhou Complex : $32
- Guangzhou Airport (CAN) to Guangzhou - Arrival Private Transfer: $46
- Guangzhou Baiyun Airport (CAN) to Guangzhou City - Arrival Private Transfer: $36
- Guangzhou Baiyun Airport Chauffeur Service , To Guangzhou Transfer,Pickup: $59
- Guangzhou Baiyun Airport Chauffeur Service, To Dongguan Transfer: $135
- Guangzhou Baiyun Airport to Shenzhen Chauffeur Transfer service.: $71
- Guangzhou Baiyun Airport to Shenzhen private Transfer service.: $100
- Guangzhou BaiyunAirport private pick up/drop off transfer service: $45
- Guangzhou City to Guangzhou Baiyun Airport (CAN) - Departure Private Transfer: $36
- Guangzhou Layover Visa-Free Private Tour with Airport Transfer: $200
- Guangzhou Night Pearl River Cruise VIP Seating with Private Transfer: $96
- Guangzhou Private Transfer from Guangzhou Airport (CAN) to central Guangzhou: $50
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Beijing
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Beijing:
-
Taxi$4.68
-
Train from Airport for Two$6.86
-
Taxi to Hotel$8.23
-
2 Metro Passes$2.19
-
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
- 1 Day Pass for Universal Beijing and Private Transfer Package: $265
- 1-Day Beijing Layover Tour: Mutianyu Great Wall with Round Airport Transfers: $208
- 1-Day Bejing Layover Tour:Mutianyu Great Wall,Forbidden City & Airport Transfers: $250
- 4-Hour Huanghuacheng Great Wall Sunset Tour with Airport Transfer: $160
- 5 Hours Round Trip Transfer Service to Mutianyu Great Wall: $70
- Acrobatic Show at Red Theater With Private Transfer: $80
- Acrobatics Show with Private Driver Service and Hotel Round Transfer: $105
- Beijing Acrobatic Show in Red Theater with Guide and Transfer: $59
- Beijing Airport (PEK) to Mutianyu Great Wall Round Trip Transfers: $199
- Beijing Airport (PEK/PKX) Private Transfer to Beijing City Centre: $23
Is it cheaper to fly into Guangzhou or Beijing?
Prices for flights to both Beijing and Guangzhou 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
-
Food Meals for one dayGuangzhou $33Beijing $33
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Guangzhou
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Guangzhou.
- Food Tour - Eat Like Local + Rice Roll Workshop: $94
- Private Guangzhou Evening Food Tour with Pearl River Night Cruise: $140
- Private Guangzhou Night Tour VIP Cruise and Dim-Sum Dinner Option: $146
- Private Guangzhou Night Tour with Canton Tower and Dim-Sum Dinner: $176
- Morning Tea, Cantonese Opera, and Food Tour: $178
- Pearl River Night Cruise and Karaoke Tour with Buffet Dinner in Guangzhou: $179
- Private Guangzhou Food Tour Michelin Restaurant&Local Food Market: $180
- Cantonese Dim Sum Dinner with Pearl River Night Cruise in Guangzhou: $199
Typical Food Prices in Beijing
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Beijing:
-
Popcorn$0.82
-
Hot Pot Dinner$6.86
-
Dumpling Breakfast for Two$2.74
-
Watermelon$1.92
-
Peking Duck Dinner for 2$16
-
Two Popsicles$0.82
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Beijing
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Beijing.
- Online Cooking Class Orange Chicken by Sunflower Li: $20
- Online Cooking Class Kungpao Chicken: $20
- Online Cooking Class Handmade Noodles by Sunflower Li: $20
- Hutong Breakfast Food Tour: $45
- Beijing Acrobatic Show Tickets w/ Optional Dinner or Transfer: $48
- 3.5-Hour Walking Food Tour: A Bite of History at Beijing Niujie Street: $49
- Beijing Hutong Breakfast Food Tour: $55
- Experience Beijing Walking Food Tour Private : $55
- China's Favourite Street Food Cooking Workshop: $55
- Private Local Food Tour in Beijing with a Local Guide: $59
- Temple of Heaven Private Tour w/Option Show &Dinner: $60
- Shichahai Hutong Dinner and Beer Walking Tour: $68
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Guangzhou $17Beijing $24
Tours and Activities in Guangzhou
Here are a few actual costs in Guangzhou for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Reputable Private Guangzhou Tour Guide Service by Xaq: $5.00
- Foshan Classic Old Town Tour : $15
- Lychee Bay River Cruise: $24
- Pick Up Service and Tour for Canton Culture and Food: $26
- Roundtrip Cruise Night View from Canton Tower: $30
- Guangzhou Half-Day Tour: A Journey Through Time and Culture: $32
- Guangzhou:Pearl River Night Cruise-LuxuryOutdoor Seat(Adult): $36
- Original Martial Arts Tour : $40
- Chimelong Birds Park ticket for Adult: $43
- Grandview Plaza Polar Ocean World Entry Ticket: $61
- Discovery more Guangzhou evening foodie tour with locals : $65
- 5-Hour Sai Kwan Walking Tour with Unique Food Tasting: $72
Typical Entertainment Prices in Beijing
Here are a few typical costs in Beijing for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
-
Entry to Summer Palace for Two$8.23
-
Two Opera Tickets$58
-
Temple of Heaven Park Entrance (for 2)$9.60
-
Forbidden City (for 2)$16
-
Forbidden City Tickets$16
-
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:
- TIAN AN MEN SQUARE AND FORBIDDEN CITY (guided tour): $0.14
- Tian’anmenSquare or Forbidden City Online Ticket Booking: $2.85
- Tiananmen Square Registration Service(Ticket): $3.03
- Tiananmen Square - Registration Ticket: $3.50
- Beijing Walking Tour to Temple of Heaven: $4.00
- 2-hour Beijing Walking Tour to Hutongs & Imperial Town: $4.00
- Two-hour Beijing Walking Tour of Summer Palace: $4.00
- Tiananmen Square Ticket Fast and Smooth: $4.85
- Beijing City Guided Walking Tour | China's 1st and Best Rated: $5.00
- Agent ticket booking service: Temple of heaven: $5.00
- Beijing's Old Hutongs: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.34
- Temple of Heaven Ticket Booking: $6.80
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayGuangzhou $14Beijing $11
Sample the Local Flavors in Beijing
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Beijing:
- Beijing Brewery Bike Tour: $99
- 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 comparing the travel costs between Guangzhou and Beijing, we can see that Guangzhou is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Asia, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Guangzhou Expensive? and Is Beijing Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Guangzhou or Beijing?
Beijing has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Guangzhou. When comparing the sizes of Guangzhou 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 Guangzhou or Beijing?
Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.
Should I visit Guangzhou or Beijing in the Summer?
Both Beijing and Guangzhou are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, many visitors come to Beijing in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.
In July, Guangzhou is generally around the same temperature as Beijing. Daily temperatures in Guangzhou average around 29°C (84°F), and Beijing fluctuates around 27°C (80°F).
It's quite sunny in Beijing. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Guangzhou. Guangzhou usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Beijing during summer. Guangzhou gets 220 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 Guangzhou. In July, Guangzhou usually receives more rain than Beijing. Guangzhou gets 228 mm (9 in) of rain, while Beijing receives 176 mm (6.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyGuangzhou 29°C (84°F)Beijing 27°C (80°F)
Should I visit Guangzhou or Beijing in the Autumn?
Both Beijing and Guangzhou during the autumn are popular places to visit. Furthermore, most visitors come to Beijing for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.
Guangzhou is much warmer than Beijing in the autumn. The daily temperature in Guangzhou averages around 25°C (76°F) in October, and Beijing fluctuates around 14°C (56°F).
In Beijing, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the autumn, Guangzhou often gets less sunshine than Beijing. Guangzhou gets 192 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Beijing receives 227 hours of full sun.
Guangzhou usually gets more rain in October than Beijing. Guangzhou gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Beijing receives 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberGuangzhou 25°C (76°F)Beijing 14°C (56°F)
Should I visit Guangzhou or Beijing in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Guangzhou and Beijing. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Beijing because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
The weather in Beijing can be very cold. In the winter, Guangzhou is much warmer than Beijing. Typically, the winter temperatures in Guangzhou in January average around 14°C (58°F), and Beijing averages at about -4°C (26°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Beijing this time of the year. Guangzhou usually receives less sunshine than Beijing during winter. Guangzhou gets 133 hours of sunny skies, while Beijing receives 201 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Guangzhou usually receives more rain than Beijing. Guangzhou gets 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Beijing receives 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryGuangzhou 14°C (58°F)Beijing -4°C (26°F)
Should I visit Guangzhou or Beijing in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Guangzhou as well as Beijing. Additionally, the activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Beijing this time of year.
In April, Guangzhou is generally much warmer than Beijing. Daily temperatures in Guangzhou average around 22°C (72°F), and Beijing fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Beijing. In the spring, Guangzhou often gets less sunshine than Beijing. Guangzhou gets 78 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Beijing receives 247 hours of full sun.
Guangzhou receives a lot of rain in the spring. Guangzhou usually gets more rain in April than Beijing. Guangzhou gets 182 mm (7.2 in) of rain, while Beijing receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilGuangzhou 22°C (72°F)Beijing 14°C (57°F)
Typical Weather for Beijing and Guangzhou
| Guangzhou | Beijing | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 14°C (58°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) | -4°C (26°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) |
| Feb | 15°C (59°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) | -1°C (30°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) |
| Mar | 18°C (65°F) | 85 mm (3.4 in) | 6°C (42°F) | 9 mm (0.4 in) |
| Apr | 22°C (72°F) | 182 mm (7.2 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 26 mm (1 in) |
| May | 26°C (79°F) | 284 mm (11.2 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 258 mm (10.1 in) | 25°C (76°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) |
| Jul | 29°C (84°F) | 228 mm (9 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 176 mm (6.9 in) |
| Aug | 29°C (84°F) | 221 mm (8.7 in) | 25°C (78°F) | 182 mm (7.2 in) |
| Sep | 28°C (82°F) | 172 mm (6.8 in) | 20°C (69°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) |
| Oct | 25°C (76°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) | 14°C (56°F) | 19 mm (0.7 in) |
| Nov | 20°C (68°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) |
| Dec | 16°C (61°F) | 24 mm (0.9 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.