Which place is cheaper, Chengdu 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 Chengdu?
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 Chengdu can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Guangzhou or Chengdu?
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.
Chengdu
Chengdu is in China's Sichuan Provence and is in what is known as the Red Basin. It is a particularly fertile region in China that is known for its agriculture. For this reason it is sometimes referred to as the "Land of Milk and Honey". The Funan River cuts through the city but has almost no boat traffic anymore. The city itself has a wonderful relaxed vibe compared to the rest of China and is filled with green parks and places to relax. It is considered one of the most livable cities in China.
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 PricesChengdu Prices
China Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayGuangzhou $111Chengdu $72
The average daily cost (per person) in Guangzhou is $111, while the average daily cost in Chengdu is $72. 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 Chengdu in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personGuangzhou $62Chengdu $23
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomGuangzhou $124Chengdu $46
Compare Hotels in Guangzhou and Chengdu
Looking for a hotel in Guangzhou or Chengdu? 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: Guangzhou Hotel Prices and Chengdu Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Guangzhou $15Chengdu $6.42
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Guangzhou
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Guangzhou:
- 1-Day Round-Trip Private Transfer to Gulong Gorge | Door-to-Door: $89
- Guangzhou : Private One-Way Transfers to/from Baiyun Airport(CAN): $30
- Guangzhou Airport (CAN) to Guangzhou - Arrival Private Transfer: $35
- Guangzhou Airport (CAN) to Guangzhou Round-Trip Private Transfer: $71
- Guangzhou Airport Transfer by 6 seat mpv: $74
- Guangzhou Airport to Hotel: Private Transfer for up to 5 pax: $130
- Guangzhou Airport: Private Transfer to/from Guangzhou: $24
- Guangzhou Baiyun Airport (CAN) Private Transfer to Hotel: $55
- Guangzhou Baiyun Airport (CAN) to Guangzhou City - Arrival Private Transfer: $35
- Guangzhou Baiyun Airport (CAN) to Guangzhou City - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $71
- Guangzhou Baiyun Airport Chauffeur Service , To Guangzhou Transfer,Pickup: $59
- Guangzhou Baiyun Airport to Shenzhen private Transfer service.: $100
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Chengdu
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Chengdu:
- 1-Day Chengdu Layover Tour: Panda Base, city central with Round Airport Transfer: $240
- Airport transfer between Tianfu(TFU) and Chengdu downtown: $45
- Authentic Chengdu Dining Experience with with Private Transfers: $60
- Chengdu 3-Day Self-Guided Jiuzhaigou&Huanglong with Transfer: $412
- Chengdu Airport (CTU) to Chengdu - Arrival Private Transfer: $30
- Chengdu Airport (CTU) to Chengdu - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $59
- Chengdu Airport (TFU) to Chengdu - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $62
- Chengdu Airport (TFU) to Chengdu city - Arrival Private Transfer: $31
- Chengdu City to Chengdu Shuangliu Airport (CTU) - Departure Private Transfer: $29
- Chengdu East Station Transfer with Private Car and Assistance: $60
- Chengdu Panda Base Ticket With Private Transfer & Guide opt: $17
- Chengdu Panda Breeding Base Ticket w/ Optional Transfer or Guide: $20
Is it cheaper to fly into Guangzhou or Chengdu?
Prices for flights to both Chengdu 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 $36Chengdu $41
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Guangzhou
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Guangzhou.
- Guangzhou Local Life Street Food Tour Hidden Spots and Markets: $39
- Old Town Guided Food Tour with Tastings: $79
- Half Day Cantonese Cooking Class for Chinese Culinary Experience: $80
- Food Tour - Eat Like Local + Rice Roll Workshop: $96
- Tanxiu Banquet Immersive Drama and Dinner Experience in Foshan: $98
- Guangzhou Night Tour with Pearl River Cruise & Dim Sum Dinner: $110
- Guangzhou Evening Walk: Canton Tower, Pearl River Cruise & Dinner: $140
- Guangzhou walking tour with dimsum dinner&Zhujiang river cruise: $160
- Morning Tea, Cantonese Opera, and Food Tour: $183
- Cantonese Dim Sum Dinner with Pearl River Night Cruise in Guangzhou: $199
- Guangzhou Pearl River Night Cruise and Din Tai Feng Dinner: $199
- Private Guangzhou Food Tour Yumcha and Local Food Market Explore: $200
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Chengdu
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Chengdu.
- Chengdu Night: VIP Seat Opera Show or Back Alley Food Tour: $40
- Chengdu Vegetarian Cooking Class at a Local Home: $45
- Chengdu Food Tour Local Delicacies and Ear Cleaning: $59
- Private Chengdu TukTuk Food Tour: Hidden Alleys & Local Eats: $59
- Eat Like a Local! Food Tour in the Hidden Alleys: $67
- Private Full Day Sichuan Gourmet Food Tour from Chengdu: $69
- Discovery more Chengdu evening food tour with locals: $69
- Half-Day Professional Mapo Tofu Cooking with a Local Market Visit: $69
- Tuktuk Food Tour Through Chengdu's Local Eats: $73
- Evening Food Tour with Local Guide: $78
- Eat with Locals Chengdu Dinner Tour: $79
- Chengdu Evening Food Tour: $79
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Guangzhou $19Chengdu $17
Tours and Activities in Guangzhou
Here are a few actual costs in Guangzhou for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Guangzhou：New Cultural Landmark Ticket -Explore Tang Style: $2.56
- 2,000-Year-Old Wonder-Nanyue King’s Tomb Ticket: $3.18
- Cantonese Heritage Tour with Key Cultural Stops: $6.72
- Guangzhou Hop-on Hop-off Double-Decker Sightseeing Bus: $8.60
- Guangzhou：XPENG AI Tech and Smart Manufacturing Entry Ticket: $22
- Guangzhou Pearl River Night Cruise Ticket with Deck Access: $23
- Lychee Bay River Cruise: $24
- Grandview Museum of Nature Science Ticket: $25
- Self-Driving Robotaxi Experience with Guide: $25
- Pick Up Service and Tour for Canton Culture and Food: $26
- Guangzhou Private Tour of Canton Tower and Pearl River Cruise: $29
- Roundtrip Cruise Night View from Canton Tower: $30
Tours and Activities in Chengdu
Here are a few actual costs in Chengdu for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Chengdu Giant Panda Breeding Research Base Ticket: $9.00
- Panda Research Base Ticket or Volunteer Day Trip: $9.50
- Free Walking Tour in Chengdu, Experience the city like a Local: $9.90
- Chengdu Museum Tours & Tickets: $10
- Chengdu Panda Base Ticket/Experiences from Chunxi Road: $12
- Chengdu Panda Research Base Tickets And Optional Private Tour: $14
- Chengdu Giant Panda Base Ticket / Optional Private Guide Service: $15
- Ticket reservation for Chengdu Giant Panda Breeding Base: $15
- Chengdu Panda Base Tickets with Optional Private Tour Upgrade: $16
- Giant Panda Breeding Research Base Ticket: $16
- Half-Day Panda Base Tour with Guide Option: $17
- Du Fu Thatched Cottage Museum Ticket for Adult: $18
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayGuangzhou $15Chengdu $4.25
Sample the Local Flavors in Chengdu
Also in Chengdu, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Chengdu Pub Crawl: $23
- Tipsy Travel: Chengdu Evening Food and Bar Crawl with Local Guide: $138
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Guangzhou and Chengdu, we can see that Guangzhou is more expensive. And not only is Chengdu much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Chengdu would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Chengdu 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 Guangzhou would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Guangzhou than you might in Chengdu.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Guangzhou Expensive? and Is Chengdu Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Guangzhou or Chengdu?
Chengdu has a larger population, and is about 25% larger than the population of Guangzhou. When comparing the sizes of Guangzhou and Chengdu, 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.