Which place is cheaper, Chongqing 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 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.
-
Guangzhou Prices
China PricesChongqing Prices
China Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayGuangzhou $110Chongqing $111
The average daily cost (per person) in Guangzhou is $110, while the average daily cost in Chongqing is $111. 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
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personGuangzhou $61Chongqing $53
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomGuangzhou $122Chongqing $106
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
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Guangzhou $15Chongqing $20
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: $36
- Guangzhou Airport (CAN) to Guangzhou Round-Trip Private Transfer: $72
- Guangzhou Airport Arrival Assistance & Private Transfer: $89
- Guangzhou Airport to Hotel: Private Transfer for up to 15 Pax: $170
- Guangzhou Airport to Hotel: Private Transfer for up to 5 pax: $130
- Guangzhou Airport to Railway Station | Private, Seamless Transfer: $37
- Guangzhou Airport: Private Transfer to/from Guangzhou: $24
- Guangzhou Baiyun Airport (CAN) to Guangzhou City - Arrival Private Transfer: $36
- Guangzhou Baiyun Airport CAN Private Transfer: $34
- Guangzhou Baiyun Airport Chauffeur Service , To Guangzhou Transfer,Pickup: $59
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Chongqing
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Chongqing:
- Chongqing Airport Private Transfer: $22
- Chongqing Jiangbei Airport (CKG) private round-trip transfer: $25
- Chongqing Jiangbei Airport Chauffeur Service, Chongqing Airport Transfer, Pickup: $30
- Chongqing Jiangbei Airport Chauffeur Service, Chongqing Airport Transfer, Pickup: $60
- Chongqing Private Arrival Transfer: Airport to Hotel: $88
- Chongqing Private Arrival Transfer: Railway Station to Hotel: $88
- Chongqing Private Departure Transfer: Hotel to Airport: $55
- Chongqing Private Departure Transfer: Hotel to Railway Station: $55
- Chongqing Private Transfer Airport Train Station Hotel Luxury Car: $10
- 5-Day Private Tour with Hotel & Transfers: $497
- Jiangbei International Airport Transfer 24h Services: $57
- Wulong 3-Day Tour with Hotel & Transfers: $497
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
-
Food Meals for one dayGuangzhou $36Chongqing $45
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Guangzhou
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Guangzhou.
- Old Town Guided Food Tour with Tastings: $79
- Half Day Cantonese Cooking Class for Chinese Culinary Experience: $80
- Guangzhou Night Walking and Food Tour: Led by Local Cantonese: $82
- Food Tour - Eat Like Local + Rice Roll Workshop: $96
- Tanxiu Banquet Immersive Drama and Dinner Experience in Foshan: $98
- Private Guangzhou Night Tour Pearl River Cruise & Dim-Sum Dinner: $110
- Private Guangzhou Evening Food Tour with Pearl River Night Cruise: $140
- 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
- Private Guangzhou Food Tour Michelin Restaurant&Local Food Market: $180
- Private Guangzhou Food Tour Yumcha and Local Food Market Explore: $180
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Chongqing
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Chongqing.
- Qingyu Banquet Experience with Show and Dinner: $51
- Be a Chongqinger - wet market tour &cooking class & paper cutting: $59
- Half-Day Cultural Immersion with Cooking Class: $80
- Food Tour with Old Town and Magical Night Views: $93
- Chongqing Food Tour: $93
- Chongqing City Private Night Tour with Hot Pot Dinner or Massage: $150
- Chongqing Port Transfer Service with Half-Day Tour and Hot Pot Dinner: $245
- From Port Transfer with Half Day Tour and Hot Pot Dinner: $246
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Guangzhou $19Chongqing $14
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 Tour Guide and Car Service With Flexible Itinerary: $8.00
- Guangzhou Hop-on Hop-off Double-Decker Sightseeing Bus: $8.60
- Self-Driving Robotaxi Experience with Guide: $20
- Lychee Bay River Cruise: $24
- Grandview Museum of Nature Science Ticket: $25
- Guangzhou Private Tour of Canton Tower and Pearl River Cruise: $29
- Roundtrip Cruise Night View from Canton Tower: $30
- Chen Clan Academy In-Depth 2-Hour Guided Tour: $31
- Private Customizable City Tour with a Local: $35
Tours and Activities in Chongqing
Here are a few actual costs in Chongqing for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Premium Chongqing Private Tours: Highlights, Night View or Cruise: $9.50
- Wulong Private Tour All Inclusive: Premium Vehicle & local Lunch: $9.50
- Premium Chongqing Dazu Rock Carving Tour All Inclusive Best Guide: $10
- Chongqing Luxury Hot Spring and Massage Luxury Meal Private Tour: $10
- 520m-high Eye Skyview Deck Ticket for Adult: $26
- Chong Qing : 1949 theater historical Show Ticket: $39
- Two Rivers Night Cruise- Yangtze & Jialing Rivers: $40
- Chongqing 1949 Ticket Epic Historical Spectacle: $41
- Chinese calligraphy experience: $42
- Chongqing 1949 Grand Theater Immersive Show Ticket: $43
- Chongqing 8D Mountain City Full Day Join In Tour: $49
- Private Chongqing Tour by Car with English Guide: $50
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayGuangzhou $15Chongqing $7.39
When comparing the travel costs between Guangzhou and Chongqing, we can see that Chongqing 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.