A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Kao-hsiung vs. Taiyuan for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Kao-hsiung or Taiyuan?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Kao-hsiung and Taiyuan 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: Kao-hsiung or Taiyuan?

Kao-hsiung

Kaohsiung is the second-most populated city and also the largest port city in the country, located in the south of Taiwan. Compared to Taipei, the lifestyle in Kaohsiung is laid-back and noticeably slower, populated with friendly locals. However, with Taipei in the spotlight, Kaohsiung is often overlooked, though it offers so much in the way of art and culture, history, and delicious food.

Taiyuan

With sleek architectural designs and blossoming businesses, this metropolis is simply brimming with invigorating excitement and once-in-a-lifetime entertainment. Despite its glimmering skyscrapers and gorgeous fountains, Taiyuan, China has an extensive history of nearly 2,500 years. During ancient China, Taiyuan, or the "Dragon City," was a major military town. Presently, this city is now one of China's most important industrial cities, producing more than half of the national coal mining output. Taiyuan is both the capital and largest city of the Shanxi province of North China. It is bounded by mountains on three of its sides, allowing this great city to be surrounded by fantastic views of its landscape. Besides its economic significance, Taiyuan also achieves tourist significance due to its plethora of landmarks and sights. Some of these attractions include Jinci Temple, Forest Park, Mengshan Giant Buddha, and Shanxi Museum. Taiyuan is also celebrated internationally for holding their annual Shanxi Taiyuan International Folk Arts Festival, a celebration held in September that hosts exhibition of fine arts, painting, paper-cutting, sculpture, drama, acrobatic and the culture of costume. With such a great deal to do in such a limited window of time, it is best to make the most Taiyuan while you visit!

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Historical Tours in Taiwan, The Best Adventure Tours to Taiwan, The Best Budget Tours to China, and The Best Tours for Seniors to China.


Which place is cheaper, Taiyuan or Kao-hsiung?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Kao-hsiung is $102, while the average daily cost in Taiyuan is $90. 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 Kao-hsiung and Taiyuan in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Kao-hsiung $56
    Taiyuan $42
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Kao-hsiung $112
    Taiyuan $84
Compare Hotels in Kao-hsiung and Taiyuan

Looking for a hotel in Kao-hsiung or Taiyuan? 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 Kao-hsiung


Hotels in Taiyuan


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: Kao-hsiung Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Kao-hsiung $11
    Taiyuan $47

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kao-hsiung

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Kao-hsiung:

  • Explore Kaohsiung - 8 Hours Private Transfers - Best of Kaohsiung Sites: $179
  • Kaohsiung Airport (KHH) to Taitung Resorts - Round-Trip Transfer: $152
  • Kaohsiung Airport (KHH) to Guanziling Resorts-Round-Trip Transfer: $98
  • Private Transfer from Kaohsiung Airport (KHH) to Kaohsiung Port: $79
  • Private Transfer from Kaohsiung Port to Kaohsiung Airport (KHH): $79
  • Private Kaohsiung Airport to Taitung Resorts Arrival Transfer: $76
  • Private Transfer from Kaohsiung Port to Kaohsiung Airport (KHH): $71
  • Private Transfer from Kaohsiung Airport (KHH) to Kaohsiung Port : $71
  • Guanziling Resorts to Kaohsiung Airport KHH Departure Transfer: $49
  • Kaohsiung Airport (KHH) to Guanziling Resorts - Arrival Transfer: $49
  • Kaohsiung International Airport and Kaohsiung City Transfer: $41
  • Kaohsiung Airport -> Kaohsiung Hotel Private Transfer (Large room for luggage) : $35

Is it cheaper to fly into Kao-hsiung or Taiyuan?

Prices for flights to both Taiyuan and Kao-hsiung 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
    Kao-hsiung $32
    Taiyuan $20

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Kao-hsiung $20
    Taiyuan $15

Tours and Activities in Kao-hsiung

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Kao-hsiung are as follows:

  • 1 day tour - Kaohsiung: $160
  • Day Tour to Qigu Salt Mountain, Chikan Tower and Anping Castle : $87
  • Food and Culture Walking Tour in Tainan: $78
  • Half-day tour Kaohsiung: $103
  • Kaohsiung /Pingtung Day Tour : $150
  • Kaohsiung Like a Local: Customized Private Tour: $48
  • Kaohsiung Suburbs Full-Day Tour: $150
  • Kaohsiung Walking Day Tour: $130
  • Kaohsiung: Experience the Riverside : $159
  • Private Classic Kaohsiung Day Tour: $75
  • Private Custom Kaohsiung Day Tour: $100
  • Private Tour Alishan Culture and Ecology from Kaohsiung: $156

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Kao-hsiung $10
    Taiyuan $6.31


When comparing the travel costs between Kao-hsiung and Taiyuan, we can see that Kao-hsiung is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Asia, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Kao-hsiung Expensive? and Is Taiyuan Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Kao-hsiung or Taiyuan?

Taiyuan has a larger population, and is about 79% larger than the population of Kao-hsiung. When comparing the sizes of Kao-hsiung and Taiyuan, 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.