Which place is cheaper, Nanjing or Hanoi?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Hanoi or Nanjing?
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 Nanjing 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 Nanjing?
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.
Nanjing
Nanjing is the capital city of the Jiangsu Province on the central eastern coast of China, just north of Shanghai. This historically and culturally rich city lies at the lower end of the Yangtze river, resulting in lush and scenic landscapes. Nanjing is well-known for having many popular historical sites, some of which have been listed as UNESCO World Heritage sites.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to Vietnam, The Best G Adventures Tours to Vietnam, The Best Historical Tours in China, and The Best 10-Day Tours in China.
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Hanoi Prices
Vietnam PricesNanjing Prices
China Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayHanoi $57Nanjing $118
The average daily cost (per person) in Hanoi is $57, while the average daily cost in Nanjing is $118. 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 Nanjing in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personHanoi $25Nanjing $47
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomHanoi $50Nanjing $94
Compare Hotels in Hanoi and Nanjing
Looking for a hotel in Hanoi or Nanjing? 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 $6.54Nanjing $39
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$1.14
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Shuttle Bus From Airport (for Two)$3.03
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Local Bus Ride (for Two)$0.38
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Short Taxi Ride$1.29
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Short Motorbike Ride (10 Minutes)$0.76
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Hanoi
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Hanoi:
- Deluxe Cabin Doris Cruise 2days1night with roundtrip transfer : $250
- Luxury Halong Bay Day Tour - 6 hours cruising - Limousine transfers: $119
- Private Transfer From Hanoi to Mai Chau: $100
- Private Transfer From Hanoi to Ninh Binh: $75
- 1 Day Halong Bay Tour on Alova Cruise with Transfer & Lunch: $58
- 1 Day Halong Cruise Tour with Transfer and early return to Hanoi: $36
- 1 Day Tour to Halong Bay Cruise from 3 - 5 star Cruise & Transfer: $38
- 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 Days Sapa Trekking Transfer by Limousine from/to Hanoi: $150
- 2-Day Adenture Pu Luong Motorbike Tour with Transfer from HANOI : $125
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Nanjing
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Nanjing:
- Nanjing Airport (NKG) to Nanjing - Arrival Private Transfer : $45
- Nanjing Airport (NKG) to Nanjing - Round-Trip Private Transfer : $91
- Nanjing Downtown hotels to Lukou Intl Airport (NKG) - Departure Private Transfer: $47
- Nanjing Lukou Airport Chauffeur Service, Nanjing Airport Transfer, Pickup: $30
- Nanjing Lukou International Airport (NKG) to Nanjing - Arrival Private Transfer : $47
- Nanjing Lukou International Airport Private Arrival Transfer to City Center: $45
- Nanjing Private Round Trip Transfer to Niushoushan Cultural Park: $67
- Nanjing Private Transfer from Nanjing Lukou Airport (NKG) to central Nanjing: $125
- Nanjing Railway Station Private Arrival Transfer to City Hotels: $35
- Nanjing To Huangshan Bullet Train Ticket with Local Private Transfers: $129
- Nanjing to Hangzhou Bullet Train Ticket with Train Station Transfer: $52
- Nanjing to Shanghai Bullet Train Ticket with Train Station Transfer: $60
Is it cheaper to fly into Hanoi or Nanjing?
Prices for flights to both Nanjing 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 $23Nanjing $49
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)$11
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Casual Lunch (for Two)$4.17
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Bowl of Pho$0.76
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Italian Dinner (for Food)$5.88
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Hanoi
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Hanoi.
- (Group/Individual) HANOI STREET FOOD TOUR : $5.13
- Hanoi Old Quarter Cooking Class Tour With Local Market Shopping : $9.71
- Hanoi Walking Street Food Tour with Train-Street Visit: $18
- Hanoi Cooking Class: Pho/Bun Cha/Banh Xeo...+Free Egg/Salt Coffee: $19
- Hanoi local street food tour: $20
- Hanoi Street Food Tour with Train Street Visit: $22
- Hanoi food tour-Local street food tour (food&guide included): $22
- Hanoi Street Food Tour: $23
- Hanoi Street Food Tour with Experience Guide & Real Foodie: $24
- Hanoi Street Food Tour with Local Delicacies (3 Hours): $24
- Best Hanoi Day Street Food Tour with Real Foodie Tastings: $24
- Hanoi Food Tours: $24
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Nanjing
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Nanjing.
- 3-Hour Nanjing Authentic Local Food Tour by Public Transportation: $93
- Flexible Private Nanjing City Night Tour with Dinner Option : $112
- Private Amazing Nanjing Airport Layover Tour with Lunch or Dinner: $181
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Hanoi $8.07Nanjing $9.41
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$1.52
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The Hanoi Hilton Entrance$1.52
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National History Museum$1.52
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Puppet Theater Ticket$2.65
Tours and Activities in Hanoi
Here are a few actual costs in Hanoi for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Hanoi Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $4.52
- Vietnam 7 Day 30GB Tourist SIM Rental: $4.66
- Hanoi Old Quarter Street Food Experience: $5.00
- Hanoi Old Quarter Private Daily Street Food Experience: $5.00
- Private Walking City Tour in Hanoi : $5.00
- Hanoi Old Quarter Half-day Private Walking Tour : $5.00
- Hanoi Old Quarter Private Walking Tour Half Day: $5.00
- Small-group Hanoi Highlights Weekend Walking Tour: $5.00
- Half Day Hanoi Old Quarter Private Walking Tour in Vietnam: $5.00
- Craft Village Tour (Quang Phu Cau, Bat Trang, Chuong Conical,...): $5.00
- Hanoi Street Food Experience: $5.00
- Half Day Hanoi Old Quarter Private Walking Tour : $5.00
Tours and Activities in Nanjing
Here are a few actual costs in Nanjing for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Qixia Mountain Ticket for Adult: $20
- Night Cruise on Outer Qinhuai River for Adults: $20
- Flexible Private Nanjing Independent Tour : $63
- Nanjing Self-Guided Day Tour with Private Car and Driver Service: $72
- Nanjing Private English Tour Guide Service: $75
- Private Amazing Nanjing City Day Tour in Your Way: $75
- Nanjing Professional English Tour Guide Service: $91
- 3-Hour Local Food Tasting Tour: $93
- Nanjing Private Day Tour With Must-Visit Attractions: $100
- Half-Day Nanjing City Private Flexible Tour : $109
- 4-Hour Nanjing City Private Tailor-Made Tour in Your Way : $109
- 6-Hour Private Tour of Xiaoling Tomb,City Wall & Memorial Hall : $115
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayHanoi $7.30Nanjing $9.61
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Hanoi and Nanjing, we can see that Nanjing 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 Nanjing would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Nanjing 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 Nanjing Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Hanoi or Nanjing?
Nanjing has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Hanoi. When comparing the sizes of Hanoi and Nanjing, 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 Nanjing?
Nanjing 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 Nanjing in the Summer?
Both Nanjing 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 Nanjing in the summer. The daily temperature in Hanoi averages around 29°C (84°F) in July, and Nanjing fluctuates around 28°C (83°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Nanjing. It's quite rainy in Hanoi. In July, Hanoi usually receives more rain than Nanjing. Hanoi gets 210 mm (8.3 in) of rain, while Nanjing receives 174 mm (6.9 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)Nanjing 28°C (83°F)
Should I visit Hanoi or Nanjing in the Autumn?
Both Nanjing 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 Nanjing. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Hanoi in October average around 25°C (77°F), and Nanjing averages at about 17°C (63°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Hanoi. Hanoi usually gets more rain in October than Nanjing. Hanoi gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Nanjing receives 44 mm (1.7 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)Nanjing 17°C (63°F)
Should I visit Hanoi or Nanjing in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Hanoi and Nanjing. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Hanoi year-round.
The weather in Nanjing can be very cold. In January, Hanoi is generally much warmer than Nanjing. Daily temperatures in Hanoi average around 17°C (63°F), and Nanjing fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).
In January, Hanoi usually receives less rain than Nanjing. Hanoi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Nanjing receives 27 mm (1.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryHanoi 17°C (63°F)Nanjing 3°C (37°F)
Should I visit Hanoi or Nanjing in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Hanoi as well as Nanjing. Hanoi attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Hanoi is much warmer than Nanjing in the spring. The daily temperature in Hanoi averages around 24°C (75°F) in April, and Nanjing fluctuates around 15°C (60°F).
It's quite rainy in Nanjing. Hanoi receives a lot of rain in the spring. Hanoi usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Nanjing. Hanoi gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Nanjing receives 101 mm (4 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)Nanjing 15°C (60°F)
Typical Weather for Nanjing and Hanoi
| Hanoi | Nanjing | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 17°C (63°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 3°C (37°F) | 27 mm (1.1 in) |
| Feb | 17°C (63°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 4°C (40°F) | 52 mm (2 in) |
| Mar | 21°C (70°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) |
| Apr | 24°C (75°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 15°C (60°F) | 101 mm (4 in) |
| May | 28°C (82°F) | 150 mm (5.9 in) | 21°C (69°F) | 88 mm (3.5 in) |
| Jun | 29°C (84°F) | 190 mm (7.5 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 114 mm (4.5 in) |
| Jul | 29°C (84°F) | 210 mm (8.3 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 174 mm (6.9 in) |
| Aug | 29°C (84°F) | 200 mm (7.9 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 158 mm (6.2 in) |
| Sep | 28°C (82°F) | 160 mm (6.3 in) | 23°C (74°F) | 105 mm (4.1 in) |
| Oct | 25°C (77°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) |
| Nov | 22°C (72°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) |
| Dec | 18°C (64°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 25 mm (1 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.