A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Jakarta vs. Xi'an for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Jakarta or Xi'an?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Jakarta and Xi'an. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Where Should I go: Jakarta or Xi'an?

Jakarta

As Indonesia's capital and largest city, Jakarta rests on the northwest coast of the island of Java. It is the country's economic, cultural, and political center with plenty of opportunities for sightseeing, nightlife, shopping, and entertainment.

Xi'an

Xi'an is an ancient city in the Shaanxi Province in China. Today it is most notable as the location of the Terracotta Warriors, but for visitors who choose to linger, there is so much more to see and do in the area. The city itself is more than 3,000 years old and for about one thousand years, through 13 dynasties and 73 emperors, it was the capital. Because of its rich history there are many historical ruins and a strong culture in the city. Today the city is a pleasant place to visit, although much of it's influence and power has dwindled. The city has both cosmopolitan and modern areas as well as historic and culturally rich areas. The neighborhoods are diverse and by exploring the city in depth you can learn a little more about what China really has to offer.

For some great organized tour ideas, see Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Indonesia, The Best Adventure Tours to Indonesia, The Best 10-Day Tours in China, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in China.


Which place is cheaper, Xi'an or Jakarta?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Jakarta is $64, while the average daily cost in Xi'an is $94. 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 Jakarta and Xi'an in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Jakarta $33
    Xi'an $60
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Jakarta $66
    Xi'an $120
Compare Hotels in Jakarta and Xi'an

Looking for a hotel in Jakarta or Xi'an? 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.

Hotels in Jakarta


Hotels in Xian


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: Jakarta Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Jakarta $20
    Xi'an $12
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Jakarta

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Jakarta are as follows:


  • Taxi to Station
    $1.09

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Jakarta

Also for Jakarta, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Airport Jakarta Soekarno - Hatta ( Private Transfer ): $22
  • Airport Private Transfer Jakarta, Best Price: $19
  • Airport Transfer Jakarta ( Private Car ): $30
  • Airport Transfer Jakarta - Bogor: $27
  • BEST PRICE Private Airport Transfer per CAR with Tax & Insurance (Oneway): $30
  • CGK - Private Airport Transfer Service: $20
  • Easy & Simple Transfer Airport Jakarta: $17
  • Jakarta Airport (CGK) to Bandung/Lembang Arrival Transfer: $63
  • Jakarta Airport CGK to Bandung or Lembang Round Trip Transfer: $126
  • Jakarta Airport Private Transfer To Bandung ( Private Service ): $90
  • Jakarta Airport Transfer Service: $20
  • Jakarta Airport Transfer for Small/Big Group: $29

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Xi'an

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Xi'an:

  • Xi'an Airport to Hotel: Private Transfer for up to 40 pax: $300
  • Private Round-trip Airport Transfer to Terracotta Army & City Wall with A Guide: $259
  • Xian Terracotta Warriors and City Wall Tour with Airport Transfer: $224
  • Xi'an Airport to Hotel: Private Transfer for up to 15 pax: $200
  • Full-Day Layover Private Tour: Essence of Xi'an With Airport Transfer: $197
  • Xian Terracotta Warriors Tour with Airport Transfer: $176
  • One Day Private Xian Tour to Terracotta Warriors with Airport Transfers: $170
  • Terracotta Warriors Museum Tour with Airport Pickup or Drop-off Transfer: $162
  • Xi'an Layover: City Wall and Big Wild Goose Pagoda With Airport Transfer: $153
  • Xi'an Private Round Trip Transfer to Mount Huashan: $115
  • Private Round-trip Airport Transfer: Xi'an International Airport and Xi'an Hotel: $99
  • One-Way Airport Transfer From Xi'an Xianyang International Airport to Xi'an Hotel: $75

Is it cheaper to fly into Jakarta or Xi'an?

Prices for flights to both Xi'an and Jakarta 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
    Jakarta $17
    Xi'an $12
Typical Food Prices in Jakarta

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Jakarta:


  • Dinner
    $2.73
  • Dinner
    $0.74

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Jakarta

For Jakarta, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Fun Food Tour Jakarta: $30
  • Mangga Besar Food Tour: $49
  • Cikini Heritage Food Tour: $49
  • Jakarta Night Life Tour with highlight and food tour: $54
  • Jakarta Night Tour: Guided Sightseeing & Street food tour: $56
  • Kota Tua Food Tour: $64
  • Melawai Night Street Food Tour: $67
  • 10-Tasting Private Food Tour with a Local Host: $96

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Xi'an

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Xi'an.

  • Skip the Line: Xi'an Tang Dynasty Show Ticket & Dumpling Dinner or Royal Banquet: $32
  • Dinner and Show of Tang Dynasty Palace in Xian: $40
  • Private Home Cooking Class:Dumpling Cooking Class Tour in Xi'an: $50
  • Xi'an Food Tour by Tuk Tuk: $62
  • Private Xi’an Night & Food Tour by Tuk Tuk and Public Transportation: $67
  • Xi'an Evening Food Tour by TukTuk: $69
  • 4 Hours Food Tours in Xi'an: $72
  • 3-Hour Biang Biang Noodles Cooking Class in Xi'an: $75
  • Authentic Muslim Alley Food Tour in Xi'an: $75
  • Authentic Old Xi'an Back Street Food Tour : $75
  • Xi'an Tang Dynasty Show and Dumpling Dinner with Hotel Transfer: $76
  • Half-day Xi'an Steamed Buns(Baozi) Cooking Class with Market Visit: $78

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Jakarta $13
    Xi'an $35

Tours and Activities in Jakarta

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Jakarta.

  • Jakarta City Center: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.20
  • Jakarta Walkingtour : Explore Jakarta as the locals do: $19
  • Private custom tour with a local guide: $33
  • Private Custom Walking Tour with a Local Guide in Jakarta: $34
  • Like a Local Customized Guided Tour: $35
  • Half-Day Highlights Tour: $38
  • Highlight Noon Batavia Tour By Walk : $40
  • guided tour of highlights in german language: $42
  • 3 Hours Jakarta City Tour (Jakarta's Iconic Places): $45
  • Highlights of Jakarta City: Half-Day Tour: $45
  • Best Jakarta Tours, your best friend in travelling.: $47
  • Private Half-Day Tour Highlight of Jakarta: $49

Tours and Activities in Xi'an

Here are a few actual costs in Xi'an for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Group Tour to the Terra-cotta Warriors Museum & Lunch : $65
  • Private Half Day Tour to See The Big Wild Goose Pagoda&City Wall:: $185
  • Xi'an Morning Food & Market Tour by TukTuk: $55
  • #1 Bestselling Private Terracotta Army Tours + Customized Xian Tours: $109
  • 1 Day Xian Group Tour: Terracotta Warriors & City Wall: $138
  • 1-Day Xi'an City Highlights and Hanyangling Museum Private Tour: $100
  • 2 Days Beijing Xian Tour by Bullet Train with Hotel: $287
  • 2 Days Classic Xian Group Tour: $234
  • 2 Days Xian Flexible Tour Including Hotel to Explore Xian Your Own Way: $256
  • 2 Days Xian Small Group Tour: Terracotta Army, Hanyangling Museum, and Xian City: $228
  • 2-Day Classic Xi'an Tour Combo Package: Terracotta Warriors and Downtown Sightseeing: $234
  • 2-Day Highlights Xi'an Private Tour Combo Package: Terracotta Warriors and City Sightseeing: $240

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Jakarta $4.23
    Xi'an $7.23


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Jakarta and Xi'an, we can see that Xi'an is more expensive. And not only is Jakarta much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Jakarta would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Jakarta 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 Xi'an would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Xi'an than you might in Jakarta.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Jakarta Expensive? and Is Xi'an Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Jakarta or Xi'an?

Jakarta has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Xi'an. When comparing the sizes of Jakarta and Xi'an, 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.