Which place is cheaper, Hangzhou or Hanoi?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Hanoi or Hangzhou?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Hanoi and Hangzhou can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.
Where Should I go: Hanoi or Hangzhou?
Hanoi
Hanoi is the chaotic capital of Vietnam, and it serves as a great introduction to the country for many travelers. It's the second largest city in the country after Saigon and is an interesting combination of East meets West. There's traditional Vietnamese culture with subtle influences brought by the French. The city continues to grow and change rapidly and it's easy to get lost amidst the chaos.
Hangzhou
Hangzhou is a city in Eastern China, about an hour by train from Shanghai, renowned for its historic relics and natural beauty. Each year it attracts more than 20 million tourists who come to see what the city has to offer. Set amongst the natural scenery of lakes and mountains, Hangzhou is modern city that coexists with the old. Historic pagodas and cultural sites built around the central lake sit like they belong amidst the skyscrapers and bustling markets of today.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to Vietnam, The Best Eco Tours in Vietnam, The Best Adventure Tours to China, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in China.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayHanoi $49Hangzhou $65
The average daily cost (per person) in Hanoi is $49, while the average daily cost in Hangzhou is $65. 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 Hanoi and Hangzhou in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personHanoi $25Hangzhou $23
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomHanoi $50Hangzhou $46
Compare Hotels in Hanoi and Hangzhou
Looking for a hotel in Hanoi or Hangzhou? 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: Hanoi Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Hanoi $6.89Hangzhou $8.11
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Hanoi
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Hanoi:
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Taxi to Bus Station$1.20
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Shuttle Bus From Airport (for Two)$3.20
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Local Bus Ride (for Two)$0.40
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Short Taxi Ride$1.36
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Short Motorbike Ride (10 Minutes)$0.80
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Hanoi
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Hanoi:
- 1 Day Halong Cruise Tour with Transfer and early return to Hanoi: $24
- 1-Way Transfer between Hanoi and Ha Long via Limousine Bus: $22
- 2 Days 1 night Ba Be Lake BEST ADVENTURE: transfer,homestay,boat,kayak,swim,cave: $153
- 2 Days Halong Bay With Budget Cruise - Including Transfer From Hanoi: $148
- 2-Day Adenture Pu Luong Motorbike Tour with Transfer from HANOI : $125
- 2-Day Ninh Binh & Halong Bay With Transfer: $210
- 3-Day Halong Bay Cruise with Round-trip Transfer From Hanoi: $285
- 3-Day Hanoi - Ninh Binh - Halong Bay 5-Star Cruise & Transfer: $280
- 3-Day Pu Luong Jungle Ride Motorbike Tour Transfer from Hanoi: $200
- 3-Day Sapa Tour from Hanoi by Luxury Limousine Transfer: $201
- 3-Day Sapa Trekking Village With Local Guide & Transfer: $150
- 3-Night Sapa Trek and Homestay with Round Trip Transfer from Hanoi: $158
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Hangzhou
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Hangzhou:
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Local Bus for Two$0.55
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Hangzhou
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Hangzhou:
- Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport Private Arrival Transfer to City Area : $29
- 2-Day Putuo Mountain Self-Guided Tour from Hangzhou by Private Transfer: $282
- Enduring Memories of Hangzhou West Lake Show VIP Ticket with Private Transfer: $128
- Hangzhou Downtown transfer to Hangzhou Xiaoshan Airport: $35
- Hangzhou East Railway Station Transfer To Hangzhou Downtown City: $32
- Hangzhou International Airport Private Arrival Transfer to Shaoxing City : $84
- Hangzhou Private Transfer to Shanghai with Drop-off Options : $131
- Hangzhou Private Transfer to Shanghai with stop-over at Wuzhen Water Town: $165
- Hangzhou Private Transfer: City Hotels to Railway Station: $28
- Hangzhou Private Transfer: Railway Station to City Hotels: $33
- Hangzhou Railway Station Private Departure Transfer from City Area : $29
- Hangzhou West Lake Impression Ticket with Private Transfer: $122
Is it cheaper to fly into Hanoi or Hangzhou?
Prices for flights to both Hangzhou and Hanoi 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 dayHanoi $13Hangzhou $18
Typical Food Prices in Hanoi
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Hanoi:
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High End Dinner (for Two)$12
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Casual Lunch (for Two)$4.39
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Bowl of Pho$0.80
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Italian Dinner (for Food)$6.19
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Hanoi
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Hanoi.
- Street Food Tour (Group/Individual): $5.13
- (Group/Individual) HANOI STREET FOOD TOUR : $5.13
- Hanoi Street Food Tour Visit Train Street Add Old Quarter: $19
- Hanoi Walking Street Food Tour: $20
- Hanoi Street Food Tour: $22
- Hanoi Street Food Tour: $23
- Ngon ngon & Authentic Hanoi Food Tour: $23
- Mad Monkey Hoi An Cooking Class & Bamboo Boats: $23
- Vietnamese Street Food Tour with a Local Guide: $24
- Vietnamese Street Food Tour with Local Guide: $24
- Walking Street Food Tour Small Group with Local Guide: $24
- Guided Half-Day Hanoi Street Food Tour: $25
Typical Food Prices in Hangzhou
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Hangzhou:
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Breakfast Pastries$2.35
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Pizza Hut Lunch$11
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Hangzhou
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Hangzhou.
- All Inclusive Night Tour with Impression West Lake Show VIP Ticket and Dinner: $117
- Private Amazing Hangzhou Airport Layover Tour with Lunch or Dinner Option : $170
- Enduring Memories of Hangzhou West Lake Show VIP Ticket with Authentic Dinner: $191
- Hangzhou Private Tour to Wuzhen Water Town with Lunch or Dinner: $213
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Hanoi $8.51Hangzhou $20
Typical Entertainment Prices in Hanoi
Here are a few typical costs in Hanoi for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
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Puppet Theater$1.60
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The Hanoi Hilton Entrance$1.60
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National History Museum$1.60
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Puppet Theater Ticket$2.80
Tours and Activities in Hanoi
Here are a few actual costs in Hanoi for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Bus Ticket Cat Ba - Hanoi ( Bus+ Ferry ) - Best Selling: $0.02
- Hanoi Old Quarter Half-day Private Walking Tour : $5.00
- Private Walking City Tour in Hanoi : $5.00
- Private Hanoi Street Food Walking Tour: $5.00
- Hanoi Street Food Experience: $5.00
- Half-day Private Walking Tour of Hanoi's Old Quarter: $5.00
- Sightseeing Walking Tour in Hanoi: $5.00
- Street Food Walking Tour in Hanoi: $5.00
- Private Walking Tour of Hanoi City: $5.00
- Craft Village Tour (Quang Phu Cau, Bat Trang,...): $5.13
- Early Morning Tour | Free Private Tour Guide: $5.13
- Culture Exchange with Free Private Tour Guide: $5.13
Tours and Activities in Hangzhou
Here are a few actual costs in Hangzhou for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Hangzhou Lingyin Temple Tour : $28
- Hangzhou Longjing Tea Culture Experience Tour : $53
- Hangzhou Longjing Tea Plantation Culture Experience Tour: $53
- Best Price: Impression West Lake Show Ticket: $59
- Skip the Line: Impression West Lake Show Ticket: $65
- Zuiyi Hangzhou Impression West Lake Show Ticket: $69
- Hangzhou West Lake Highlights Half Day Tour : $85
- Enduring Memories of Hangzhou Show Ticket with Private Transport: $89
- Half-Day Hangzhou Tianzhu Buddhist Mountain Hiking Tour with Green Tea Village : $89
- One-day Hangzhou Lakeside Mountains Relics & Ruins Hiking – Guided Outdoor Tour : $90
- Hangzhou Private Amazing English Tour Guide Service: $90
- Independent Tour to Shaoxing City from Hangzhou: $94
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayHanoi $7.70Hangzhou $10
Sample the Local Flavors in Hanoi
Also in Hanoi, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Hanoi Beer and Brewery Tour: $48
- Half-Day Guided Tour Australian Beef with Wine Tasting & Rickshaw in Hanoi: $106
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Hanoi and Hangzhou, we can see that Hangzhou is more expensive. And not only is Hanoi much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Hanoi would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Hanoi 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 Hangzhou would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Hangzhou than you might in Hanoi.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Hanoi Expensive? and Is Hangzhou Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Hanoi or Hangzhou?
Hangzhou has a larger population, and is about 31% larger than the population of Hanoi. When comparing the sizes of Hanoi and Hangzhou, 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.
When is the best time to visit Hanoi or Hangzhou?
Hangzhou has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Hanoi experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Hanoi or Hangzhou in the Summer?
Both Hangzhou and Hanoi are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Hanoi throughout the year.
Hanoi is around the same temperature as Hangzhou in the summer. The daily temperature in Hanoi averages around 29°C (84°F) in July, and Hangzhou fluctuates around 29°C (85°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Hangzhou. It's quite rainy in Hanoi. In July, Hanoi usually receives more rain than Hangzhou. Hanoi gets 210 mm (8.3 in) of rain, while Hangzhou receives 129 mm (5.1 in) of rain each month for the summer. The rainy season in Hanoi is May to September.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyHanoi 29°C (84°F)Hangzhou 29°C (85°F)
Should I visit Hanoi or Hangzhou in the Autumn?
Both Hangzhou and Hanoi during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Hanoi because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In the autumn, Hanoi is a little warmer than Hangzhou. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Hanoi in October average around 25°C (77°F), and Hangzhou averages at about 19°C (66°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Hanoi. Hanoi usually gets more rain in October than Hangzhou. Hanoi gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Hangzhou receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain this time of the year. November to April is the dry season in Hanoi.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberHanoi 25°C (77°F)Hangzhou 19°C (66°F)
Should I visit Hanoi or Hangzhou in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Hanoi and Hangzhou. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Hanoi year-round.
Hangzhou can be very cold during winter. In January, Hanoi is generally much warmer than Hangzhou. Daily temperatures in Hanoi average around 17°C (63°F), and Hangzhou fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).
In January, Hanoi usually receives less rain than Hangzhou. Hanoi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Hangzhou receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryHanoi 17°C (63°F)Hangzhou 5°C (41°F)
Should I visit Hanoi or Hangzhou in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Hanoi as well as Hangzhou. Hanoi attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Hanoi is a little warmer than Hangzhou in the spring. The daily temperature in Hanoi averages around 24°C (75°F) in April, and Hangzhou fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).
It's quite rainy in Hangzhou. Hanoi receives a lot of rain in the spring. Hanoi usually gets less rain in April than Hangzhou. Hanoi gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Hangzhou receives 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, November to April in Hanoi is the dry season. May to September in Hanoi is the rainy season.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilHanoi 24°C (75°F)Hangzhou 16°C (61°F)
Typical Weather for Hangzhou and Hanoi
| Hanoi | Hangzhou | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 17°C (63°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 59 mm (2.3 in) |
| Feb | 17°C (63°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 6°C (42°F) | 88 mm (3.4 in) |
| Mar | 21°C (70°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 115 mm (4.5 in) |
| Apr | 24°C (75°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) |
| May | 28°C (82°F) | 150 mm (5.9 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 159 mm (6.3 in) |
| Jun | 29°C (84°F) | 190 mm (7.5 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 185 mm (7.3 in) |
| Jul | 29°C (84°F) | 210 mm (8.3 in) | 29°C (85°F) | 129 mm (5.1 in) |
| Aug | 29°C (84°F) | 200 mm (7.9 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 145 mm (5.7 in) |
| Sep | 28°C (82°F) | 160 mm (6.3 in) | 24°C (76°F) | 171 mm (6.7 in) |
| Oct | 25°C (77°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) |
| Nov | 22°C (72°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 13°C (56°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) |
| Dec | 18°C (64°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) |
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.