Which place is cheaper, Beijing or Hefei?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Hefei or Beijing?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Hefei or Beijing? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.
Where Should I go: Hefei or Beijing?
Hefei
While most would consider the city of Hefei a pass-through destination, there are plenty of things to see in the capital city of China's Anhui province.
Beijing
Beijing is the capital of China and, with 21.5 million people, it is the second most populated city in the world after Shanghai. It is a city that keeps pockets of its history hidden in old neighborhoods or back alleys, despite the constant change and modernization that goes on around it. As the capital city of China, there is plenty of history and culture. You can still get yourself lost in one of the last remaining hutongs, which are old neighborhoods that remain untouched by the city's modernization. The alleys that weave between the old homes are lined with drying clothes, corner markets, and people going about their daily lives the way they have for centuries. Surrounding these hutongs you'll find modern buildings and a booming economy, all threatening to destroying these last bits of Beijing's history. Beijing offers a glimpse into a microcosm that represents the entire country of China. Make sure you give yourself enough time in China to truly experience Beijing. You can pass a lot of time soaking up life in the city, which remains as diverse as the country it resides within.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to China, The Best Sightseeing Tours in China, The Best Cultural Tours in China, and The Best Luxury Tours to China.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayHefei $62Beijing $77
The average daily cost (per person) in Hefei is $62, while the average daily cost in Beijing is $77. 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 Hefei and Beijing in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personHefei $28Beijing $39
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomHefei $56Beijing $78
Compare Hotels in Hefei and Beijing
Looking for a hotel in Hefei or Beijing? 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.Hefei $17Beijing $7.65
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Beijing
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Beijing:
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Taxi$4.72
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Train from Airport for Two$6.91
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Taxi to Hotel$8.29
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2 Metro Passes$2.21
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Metro$0.55
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Beijing
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Beijing:
- Jinshanling Great Wall Self-hiking Tour by Private Transfer Service : $98
- Private English Transfer to Shilin Gorge Platform And Ming City Wall : $140
- Private One-Way Transfer Between Beijing Railway Station and Hotel: $30
- Private Transfer to Daxing International Airport : $35
- 1-Day Beijing Layover Private Tour: Forbidden City with Round Airport transfers: $198
- 1-Day Beijing Layover Tour: Mutianyu Great Wall with Round Airport Transfers: $208
- 1-Day Bejing Layover Tour:Mutianyu Great Wall,Forbidden City & Airport Transfers: $250
- 1-Way Private Transfer between Beijing Airport and City Hotels: $30
- 4-Hour Huanghuacheng Great Wall Sunset Tour with Airport Transfer: $160
- Acrobatic Show at Red Theater With Private Transfer: $45
- Acrobatics Show with Private Driver Service and Hotel Round Transfer: $65
- Arrival Private Transfer: Capital Airport PEK to Beijing in Business Car: $72
Is it cheaper to fly into Hefei or Beijing?
Prices for flights to both Beijing and Hefei 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 dayHefei $21Beijing $21
Typical Food Prices in Beijing
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Beijing:
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Popcorn$0.83
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Hot Pot Dinner$6.91
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Dumpling Breakfast for Two$2.76
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Watermelon$1.94
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Peking Duck Dinner for 2$16
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Two Popsicles$0.83
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Beijing
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Beijing.
- Online Cooking Class Beijing Dumplings and Cuisine by Sunflowerli Renowned Chef : $20
- Beijing Acrobatic Show Tickets w/ Optional Dinner or Transfer: $48
- 3.5-Hour Walking Food Tour: A Bite of History at Beijing Niujie Street: $49
- Beijing Hutong Breakfast Food Tour: $55
- Beijing Hutong Breakfast Food Tour: $55
- Temple of Heaven Private Tour w/Option Show &Dinner: $60
- 3 hours Morning or Afternoon Tea Tasting on Maliandao Street and Tea Restaurant Lunch or Dinner Tour: $69
- Mogolian Hot Pot Dinner with no limit soft drink and local beer .: $70
- discovery more Beijing back street evening food tour with locals : $79
- Old Beijing Dinner Tour: $80
- Acrobatic Show with Peking Duck Dinner Private Tour: $80
- Authentic Lunch or Dinner Tour in Beijing's Best Hidden Spots: $80
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Hefei $19Beijing $24
Typical Entertainment Prices in Beijing
Here are a few typical costs in Beijing for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
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Entry to Summer Palace for Two$8.29
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Two Opera Tickets$59
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Temple of Heaven Park Entrance (for 2)$9.68
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Forbidden City (for 2)$17
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Forbidden City Tickets$17
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Audio Guides at Forbidden City$11
Tours and Activities in Beijing
Here are a few actual costs in Beijing for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Beijing's Old Hutongs: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $4.99
- Small Group Temple of Heaven Walking Tour: $5.00
- Small Group Hutongs Walking Tour : $5.00
- Summer Palace+Ming Tombs/Heaven Temple/China National Museum Tour: $8.00
- Beijing Temple of Heaven Entrance Ticket (with Optional Guided Service): $8.00
- Beijing Summer Palace Entrance Ticket (with Optional Guided Service): $8.00
- Summer Palace Admission Ticket Pre-booking Service: $8.80
- Forbidden City Ticket : $9.90
- Beijing Forbidden City Admission Ticket Pre Booking Service: $9.98
- Self-Guided Audio Tour: $11
- The Temple of Heaven OR Summer Palace Entry Ticket: $12
- The Temple of Heaven or Summer Palace Entry Ticket: $13
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayHefei $11Beijing $12
Sample the Local Flavors in Beijing
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Beijing:
- Beijing Brewery Bike Tour: $99
- Evening Food Private Tour with Brewery Taproom Hopping at Slow Boat in Beijing: $110
- Full Day Private Chateau Changyu Wine Tour from Beijing: $161
- Private Tour-Bejing Old Hutong Food Tasting+Local Brewery Beer: $165
- 5-Hour Private Changyu Chateau Wine Tasting Tour from Beijing: $178
- Private Changyu Chateau Wine Tasting Tour and Mutianyu Great Wall Visit: $238
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Hefei and Beijing, we can see that Beijing is more expensive. And not only is Hefei much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Hefei would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Hefei 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 Beijing would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Beijing than you might in Hefei.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Hefei Expensive? and Is Beijing Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Hefei or Beijing?
Beijing has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Hefei. When comparing the sizes of Hefei and Beijing, 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 Hefei or Beijing?
Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.
Should I visit Hefei or Beijing in the Summer?
Both Beijing and Hefei are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, most visitors come to Beijing for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months.
In the summer, Hefei is around the same temperature as Beijing. Typically, the summer temperatures in Hefei in July average around 29°C (83°F), and Beijing averages at about 27°C (80°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Beijing. It's quite rainy in Hefei. In July, Hefei usually receives around the same amount of rain as Beijing. Hefei gets 171 mm (6.7 in) of rain, while Beijing receives 176 mm (6.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyHefei 29°C (83°F)Beijing 27°C (80°F)
Should I visit Hefei or Beijing in the Autumn?
Both Beijing and Hefei during the autumn are popular places to visit. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Beijing because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
In October, Hefei is generally a little warmer than Beijing. Daily temperatures in Hefei average around 18°C (64°F), and Beijing fluctuates around 14°C (56°F).
Hefei usually gets more rain in October than Beijing. Hefei gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Beijing receives 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberHefei 18°C (64°F)Beijing 14°C (56°F)
Should I visit Hefei or Beijing in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Hefei and Beijing. Furthermore, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Beijing this time of year.
It's quite cold in Beijing in the winter. The weather in Hefei can be very cold. Hefei is much warmer than Beijing in the winter. The daily temperature in Hefei averages around 3°C (38°F) in January, and Beijing fluctuates around -4°C (26°F).
In January, Hefei usually receives more rain than Beijing. Hefei gets 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Beijing receives 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryHefei 3°C (38°F)Beijing -4°C (26°F)
Should I visit Hefei or Beijing in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Hefei as well as Beijing. Additionally, many travelers come to Beijing for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.
In the spring, Hefei is a little warmer than Beijing. Typically, the spring temperatures in Hefei in April average around 16°C (61°F), and Beijing averages at about 14°C (57°F).
Hefei usually gets more rain in April than Beijing. Hefei gets 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Beijing receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilHefei 16°C (61°F)Beijing 14°C (57°F)
Typical Weather for Beijing and Hefei
| Hefei | Beijing | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 3°C (38°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | -4°C (26°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) |
| Feb | 5°C (40°F) | 51 mm (2 in) | -1°C (30°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) |
| Mar | 10°C (50°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) | 6°C (42°F) | 9 mm (0.4 in) |
| Apr | 16°C (61°F) | 95 mm (3.7 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 26 mm (1 in) |
| May | 22°C (71°F) | 97 mm (3.8 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) |
| Jun | 25°C (78°F) | 121 mm (4.8 in) | 25°C (76°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) |
| Jul | 29°C (83°F) | 171 mm (6.7 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 176 mm (6.9 in) |
| Aug | 29°C (83°F) | 111 mm (4.4 in) | 25°C (78°F) | 182 mm (7.2 in) |
| Sep | 23°C (74°F) | 86 mm (3.4 in) | 20°C (69°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) |
| Oct | 18°C (64°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) | 14°C (56°F) | 19 mm (0.7 in) |
| Nov | 11°C (53°F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) |
| Dec | 5°C (42°F) | 25 mm (1 in) | -1°C (29°F) | 2 mm (0.1 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.