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.
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.
The average daily cost (per person) in Guangzhou is $102, while the average daily cost in Chongqing is $103. 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
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
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
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Chongqing
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Chongqing:
-
Private Departure Transfer: Hotel to Chongqing Jiangbei Airport (CKG):
$27
-
Chongqing Jiangbei Airport (CKG) private round-trip transfer:
$24
-
Chongqing Jiangbei Airport Chauffeur Service, Chongqing Airport Transfer, Pickup:
$60
-
Chongqing Private Round Trip Transfer to Dazu Rock Carvings:
$128
-
Chongqing Private Round Trip Transfer to Wulong National Park:
$168
-
Private Arrival Transfer: Chongqing Chaotianmen Cruise Pier to Hotel:
$39
-
Private Arrival Transfer: Chongqing Jiangbei Airport (CKG) to Hotel:
$27
-
Private Transfer: Chongqing Jiangbei Airport (CKG) to Chaotianmen Cruise Pier:
$43
-
[Airport Transfer] Chongqing Airport ⇔ Chongqing City Transfer ☆ High reputation for service! <Charter charter>:
$23
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 day
Guangzhou $33
Chongqing $42
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
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Chongqing
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Chongqing.
-
3 HR Chongqing Food Tour:
$100
-
Chongqing Food Tour:
$108
-
CHONGQING:Strolling through the city(Include dinner):
$127
-
Chongqing City Private Night Tour with Hot Pot Dinner:
$158
-
From Port Transfer with Half Day Tour and Hot Pot Dinner:
$197
-
Private Chongqing Night View Tour with Hot Pot or Local Dinner:
$199
Entertainment
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
Tours and Activities in Chongqing
Here are a few actual costs in Chongqing for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
-
Chongqing Eye Skyview Deck Ticket for Adult:
$26
-
Two Rivers Night Cruise- Yangtze & Jialing Rivers:
$45
-
1 Day Chongqing Megacity Walking Tour:
$107
-
city tour of Chongqing :
$130
-
Chongqing Nanshan Mountain all-in-one-day sightseeing tour:
$130
-
Chongqing Half Day Morning Private Tour including Eling Park & Chongqing Museum:
$135
-
Private Chongqing Illuminated Night Tour :
$138
-
Private Chongqing Day Tour: Panda, E'ling Park, Three Gorges Museum:
$140
-
1-dayEssential CityTour (no car,licensed tourgde):
$142
-
From Full-Day Private Tour Dazu Rock Carvings:
$143
-
1-Day Chongqing Dazu Rock Carvings Private Tour With the Lunch:
$143
-
Chongqing Private Guided City Tour:
$148
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.
Related Articles for Guangzhou
Related Articles for Chongqing