Which place is cheaper, Chengdu or Guangzhou?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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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.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayGuangzhou $88Chengdu $50
The average daily cost (per person) in Guangzhou is $88, while the average daily cost in Chengdu is $50. 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
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personGuangzhou $57Chengdu $21
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomGuangzhou $114Chengdu $42
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.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Guangzhou $14Chengdu $5.91
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Guangzhou
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Guangzhou:
- Fast Train Ticket from Guangzhou to Hong Kong with Station Transfer in Guanghou: $95
- Guangzhou Airport (CAN) to Guangzhou - Arrival Private Transfer: $34
- Guangzhou Airport Transfer by 6 seat mpv: $74
- Guangzhou Airport: Private Transfer to/from Guangzhou: $70
- Guangzhou Baiyun Airport (CAN) to Guangzhou City - Arrival Private Transfer: $34
- Guangzhou Baiyun Airport (CAN) to Guangzhou City - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $69
- Guangzhou Baiyun Airport Chauffeur Service , To Guangzhou Transfer,Pickup: $59
- Guangzhou Baiyun Airport Chauffeur Service , to Shenzhen Transfer: $100
- Guangzhou Baiyun Airport Chauffeur Service, To Dongguan Transfer: $120
- Guangzhou City to Guangzhou Baiyun Airport (CAN) - Departure Private Transfer: $34
- Guangzhou Downtown Hotel - Baiyun Airport OneWay Private Transfer: $35
- Pearl River Night Cruise in Guangzhou with Private Transfer: $69
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Chengdu
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Chengdu:
- 1-Day Chengdu Layover Tour: Leshan Giant buddha with Round Airport Transfer: $205
- 1-Day Chengdu Layover Tour: Panda Base, city central with Round Airport Transfer: $240
- Airport transfer between Tianfu(TFU) and Chengdu downtown: $40
- Arrival Transfer Chengdu Airport CTU to Chengdu City by Sedan: $52
- Arrival Transfer Chengdu Airport CTU to Chengdu by Luxury Sedan: $91
- Chengdu Airport (CTU) to Chengdu - Arrival Private Transfer: $21
- Chengdu Airport (CTU) to Chengdu - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $42
- Chengdu Airport to Hotel: Private Transfer for up to 40 pax: $230
- Chengdu City to Chengdu Shuangliu Airport (CTU) - Departure Private Transfer: $19
- Chengdu Panda & Giant Buddha Day Tour With Private Transfer: $240
- Chengdu Panda Breeding Base Ticket w/ Optional Transfer or Guide: $20
- Chengdu Private Transfer from Chengdu central to Chengdu Airport (CTU): $81
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
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Food Meals for one dayGuangzhou $19Chengdu $22
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Guangzhou
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Guangzhou.
- Guangzhou Evening Food Tour Through Local Neighborhood: $65
- Yum Cha Dim Sum Dinner and Pearl River Night Cruise Private Tour : $94
- Private Evening Food Tour with Pearl River Cruise: $107
- Private Guangzhou Evening Food Tour with Pearl River Night Cruise: $119
- Private Guangzhou Food Tour Michelin Restaurant&Local Food Market: $130
- Private Guangzhou Night Tour VIP Cruise and Dim-Sum Dinner Option: $146
- 3-Hour Guangzhou Private Cooking Class with Local Market Visit : $165
- Private Guangzhou Night Tour with Canton Tower and Dim-Sum Dinner: $176
- Cantonese Dim Sum Dinner with Pearl River Night Cruise in Guangzhou: $199
- Guangzhou Pearl River Night Cruise and Din Tai Feng Dinner: $199
- Guangzhou Private Night Tour: Lychee Bay, Beijing Road, Cruise, Dinner: $204
- Private City Tour with Lunch or Dinner: $215
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Chengdu
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Chengdu.
- Private Sichuan Cooking Class including Local Wet Market Visit: $59
- Chengdu evening food tour by local guide: $60
- Discovery more Chengdu evening food tour with locals : $65
- Half-Day Chengdu Cooking Class with Local Market Visit: $69
- Tuktuk Food Tour Through Chengdu's Local Eats: $69
- Half-Day Professional Mapo Tofu Cooking Class with Local Spice Market Visit: $69
- Sichuan Opera Show VIP Seat Tickets w/ Transfer or Dinner: $71
- Half-Day Chengdu Farm Cooking Class & Spice Market Exploration: $75
- Chengdu Evening Food Tour: $76
- Cooking Class with Fresh Market Half Day Experience: $79
- Tuk Tuk Food Tour with Unlimited Beer and Soda: $79
- Spicy Local Food Tour through Chengdu: $80
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Guangzhou $18Chengdu $16
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
- Guangzhou Pearl River Night Cruise Ticket (Redemption Required): $21
- Original Martial Arts Tour : $40
- Roundtrip Cruise Night View from Guangzhou Tower: $60
- Discovery more Guangzhou evening foodie tour with locals : $65
- Guangzhou Self-Guided Tour with Private Car and Driver Service: $75
- Guided Cycle Tour of Guangzhou: $76
- Flexible Private Guangzhou Shopping Tour with Local Shopping Guru: $77
- Small Group Guangzhou Layover Tour: $87
- Foodie Tour with a Guide: $88
- Guangzhou Walking Tour To Explore The Old Xiguan Area: $89
Tours and Activities in Chengdu
Here are a few actual costs in Chengdu for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Customize Your China Tour 2024/2025: $5.00
- Agent ticket booking service: Online ticket booking in China: $5.00
- Sichuan Opera night show Jinjiang theater tickets: $7.15
- local people's opera house experience: $10
- Chengdu Panda Research Base Tickets And Half Day Tour(Private): $16
- Chengdu Panda Base and Dujiangyan One-Day Private Tour: $17
- Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding e-Ticket: $19
- Private Tour of Chengdu's Top 3 Must-go Attractions w Photo Shoot: $20
- Skip the Line: Sichuan Opera Chengdu Ticket: $21
- Panda Breeding Base Tickets Booking: $21
- Chengdu Sichuan Opera Show Ticket - Shu Feng Ya Yun: $21
- Giant Panda Breeding Research Base Ticket: $21
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayGuangzhou $14Chengdu $3.91
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.