Which place is cheaper, Chongqing or Guangzhou?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Guangzhou or Chongqing?
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 Chongqing can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Guangzhou or Chongqing?
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.
Chongqing
Chongqing, China is a large city in central China and one of only four cities in the country that are not part of a province. While Chongqing is famous for being an economically important city, brush away its industrial surface and you'll find a naturally beautiful city with plenty of hidden wonders. Although you'll find many expats in the city, English is rarely spoken, meaning knowing some basic Mandarin will come in handy.
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 $88Chongqing $86
The average daily cost (per person) in Guangzhou is $88, while the average daily cost in Chongqing is $86. 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 Chongqing in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personGuangzhou $57Chongqing $49
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomGuangzhou $114Chongqing $98
Compare Hotels in Guangzhou and Chongqing
Looking for a hotel in Guangzhou or Chongqing? 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 $14Chongqing $18
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 Chongqing
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Chongqing:
- Private Departure Transfer: Hotel to Chongqing Jiangbei Airport (CKG): $22
- Chongqing Jiangbei Airport (CKG) private round-trip transfer: $24
- Chongqing Jiangbei Airport Chauffeur Service, Chongqing Airport Transfer, Pickup: $60
- Chongqing Jiangbei Airport Chauffeur Service, Chongqing Airport Transfer, Pickup: $50
- Chongqing Private Round Trip Transfer to Dazu Rock Carvings: $128
- Chongqing Private Round Trip Transfer to Wulong National Park: $168
- Dazu Rock Carvings Private Transfer or Tour: $278
- Datong Yungang Airport Chauffeur Service , to Datong Transfer: $40
- Private Arrival Transfer: Chongqing Chaotianmen Cruise Pier to Hotel: $39
- Private Arrival Transfer: Chongqing Jiangbei Airport (CKG) to Hotel: $22
- Private Arrival Transfer: Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport(CKG) to Hotel: $39
- Private Arrival Transfer:Any Chongqing Railway Station to Hotel: $24
Is it cheaper to fly into Guangzhou or Chongqing?
Prices for flights to both Chongqing 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 $19Chongqing $24
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 Chongqing
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Chongqing.
- Chongqing Local Flavors Walking Food Tour: $98
- 4 Hour Walking Historical Local Food Tour: $109
- Chongqing Liangjiang Night Cruise Including Authentic Hot Pot Dinner: $115
- CHONGQING:Strolling through the city(Include dinner): $127
- Chongqing City Private Night Tour with Hot Pot Dinner: $158
- Private Chongqing night tour with dinner hot pot: $170
- From Port Transfer with Half Day Tour and Hot Pot Dinner: $197
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Guangzhou $18Chongqing $13
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 Chongqing
Here are a few actual costs in Chongqing for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- 3-Hour Walking Tour of Chongqing Shancheng (Mountain City) Lane: $65
- Private Chongqing Day Tour: Panda, E'ling Park, Three Gorges Museum: $99
- city tour of Chongqing : $130
- Chongqing Half Day Morning Private Tour including Eling Park & Chongqing Museum: $135
- Private Chongqing Illuminated Night Tour : $138
- Private Amazing Chongqing City Day Tour in Your Way: $139
- Chongqing private city tour: Must-sees All in One: $141
- 1-Day Chongqing Dazu Rock Carvings Private Tour With the Lunch: $143
- From Full-Day Private Tour Dazu Rock Carvings: $143
- Half Day Afternoon Private Tour: General Stilwell Museum, Arhat Temple, Panda: $156
- 1-Day Chongqing City Private Tour with the Hot pot Lunch: $157
- Best of Chongqing One Day Tour: Stilwell Museum, Arhat Temple, Eling Park, Panda: $157
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayGuangzhou $14Chongqing $6.88
When comparing the travel costs between Guangzhou and Chongqing, 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 Chongqing Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Guangzhou or Chongqing?
Chongqing has a larger population, and is about 26% larger than the population of Guangzhou. When comparing the sizes of Guangzhou and Chongqing, 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.