Which place is cheaper, Tainan City or Hong Kong?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
Should you visit Hong Kong or Tainan City?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Hong Kong or Tainan City, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.
Where Should I go: Hong Kong or Tainan City?
Hong Kong
In Hong Kong you will find a predominantly Cantonese population that has long been influenced by British occupation. Most residents speak English and you can see the obvious effects of years of capitalism. Shopping malls are everywhere and most are thriving. Along the waterfront every night the buildings light up in a dramatic and festive light show that highlights such businesses as Sony and Canon, which are fixtures in the city. The city is a major financial hub, and is very international in nature. The city itself is very densely packed and there are narrow high rises that look vulnerable due to their height. There are two main areas to the city, Hong Kong Island and Kowloon. Hong Kong Island is the location of the original British settlement. Today it is where you will find the highest skyscrapers, the most modern buildings, and the most popular shopping areas. Kowloon is located on a peninsula that is to the north of Hong Kong Island. The tip of the peninsula is a popular destination for backpackers as it has many of the city's hostels. This area is referred to as Tsim Sha Tsui. There are also a few high end hotels in the area. It is possible to head outside of the city so that you can escape into some rural regions where you can take a break from the crowds.
Tainan City
The oldest city in Taiwan, Tainan was once the nation's capital during imperial times and is today famous for its temples and historic buildings which speak to this distant past. Additionally Tainan has become known for its lively night markets and fantastic snack foods available from a large concentrate of street vendors located throughout the city.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to Taiwan, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in Taiwan.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayHong Kong $159Tainan City $111
The average daily cost (per person) in Hong Kong is $159, while the average daily cost in Tainan City 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 Hong Kong and Tainan City in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personHong Kong $75Tainan City $59
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomHong Kong $150Tainan City $118
Compare Hotels in Hong Kong and Tainan City
Looking for a hotel in Hong Kong or Tainan City? 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: Hong Kong Hotel Prices and Tainan City Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Hong Kong $8.70Tainan City $19
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Hong Kong
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Hong Kong:
-
MTR (for 2)$2.81
-
Local Bus$2.81
-
Ferry Ticket$0.26
-
Hong Kong Airport Express Train Ticket$14
Is it cheaper to fly into Hong Kong or Tainan City?
Prices for flights to both Tainan City and Hong Kong 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 dayHong Kong $33Tainan City $39
Typical Food Prices in Hong Kong
For Hong Kong, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
-
Dinner for 2$11
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Hong Kong $95Tainan City $11
Typical Entertainment Prices in Hong Kong
Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Hong Kong's activities, tours, and tickets:
-
Peak Tram$7.66
-
Madame Tussauds Hong Kong$24
Tours and Activities in Hong Kong
For Hong Kong, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Plover Cove Bicycling and Hiking Adventure: $110
- Ma On Shan Climbing Adventure: $115
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayHong Kong $21Tainan City $5.75
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Hong Kong and Tainan City, we can see that Hong Kong is more expensive. And not only is Tainan City much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Tainan City would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Tainan City 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 Hong Kong would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Hong Kong than you might in Tainan City.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Hong Kong Expensive? and Is Tainan City Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Hong Kong or Tainan City?
Hong Kong has a larger population, and is about 9 times larger than the population of Tainan City. When comparing the sizes of Hong Kong and Tainan City, 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.