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

Should you visit Krabi or Xi'an?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Krabi and Xi'an can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: Krabi or Xi'an?

Krabi

Krabi is both a large town and region in southern Thailand. While the region is covered in beaches, if you're more interested in immersion in Thai culture than the salty ocean, consider a trip to "Krabi Town". Pronounced "Grabee," this small, but bustling city is just up the river from the coast, and is the gateway to the beaches in the surrounding Province of Krabi (where you'll find famous places such as Railay, Ao Nang, Haad Yao, and plenty of others). Krabi Town is full of hotels, agencies, and western restaurants, but if you look hard enough, you'll easily see the energy and life of Thailand. While there are no beaches in the town itself, there is plenty of Thai culture to experience. There's a good chance you'll be passing through on your way to one of the famous beaches, so take advantage of your brief time here.

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 The Best 10-Day Tours in Thailand, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Thailand, The Best 10-Day Tours in China, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in China.


Which place is cheaper, Xi'an or Krabi?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in Krabi is $72, while the average daily cost in Xi'an 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 Krabi and Xi'an in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Krabi $41
    Xi'an $65
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Krabi $82
    Xi'an $130
Compare Hotels in Krabi and Xi'an

Looking for a hotel in Krabi 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 Krabi


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: Krabi Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Krabi $4.27
    Xi'an $13
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Krabi

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


  • Scooter Rental
    $9.21
  • Short Tuk-Tuk Ride
    $3.07
  • 2 Bottles of Gasoline
    $2.46
  • Longboat Taxi from Town
    $6.14

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Krabi

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

  • ATV Jungle Adventure in Krabi with Roundtrip Transfer: $38
  • Air-Conditioned Van Charter for Krabi Airport Transfers & More: $29
  • Ao Nang to Krabi Private Transfer: $30
  • Aonang any hotel to Khao Lak Private transfer: $105
  • Aonang any hotel to Koh Lanta any hotel Private transfer: $98
  • Aonang any hotel to Krabi airport Private transfer: $27
  • Aonang any hotel to Phuket Airport Private transfer: $91
  • Full Day Krabi Jungle Tour With Elephant Trekking Transfers: $82
  • Full-Day Ao Thalane Kayaking Tour with Lunch and Hotel Transfers: $49
  • Private Van (3-8 Pers) R/T Transfer Airport-Krabi-Airport: $59
  • KRABI:PVT Car (1-2 Per)Transfer KBV Airport-Aonang, Krabi Town: $30
  • KRABI:Private Car Round Trip Transfer Airport-Krabi Hotel-Airport: $59

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Xi'an

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Xi'an:

  • Xianyang/Xi'An to Xianyang Airport(XIY)-Deparure Private Transfer: $49
  • Xianyang/Xi'An to Xianyang Airport XIY-Departure Private Transfer: $28
  • Xianyang Airport(XIY) to Xianyang/Xi'An -Arrival Private Transfer: $49
  • Xianyang Airport(XIY) to Xianyang/Xi'An -Arrival Private Transfer: $28
  • Xianyang Airport XIY to Xianyang/Xi'An-Roundtrip Private Transfer: $97
  • Xian: Terracotta Army Ticket (Guided & Transfer Tour Option): $97
  • Xian Xianyang International Airport (XIY) Private Departure Transfer: $40
  • Xian Xianyang International Airport (XIY) Private Arrival Transfer: $40
  • Xian Terracotta Warriors and City Wall Tour with Airport Transfer: $254
  • Xian Terracotta Warriors Tour with Airport Transfer: $216
  • Xian Terracotta Warriors Museum Tour with Airport Transfer: $214
  • Xian Private Departure Transfer: Hotel to Railway Station: $77

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

Prices for flights to both Xi'an and Krabi 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
    Krabi $24
    Xi'an $23
Typical Food Prices in Krabi

For Krabi, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Casual Lunch (for Two)
    $7.67
  • Drinks on the Beach
    $7.37
  • Sit Down Dinner (for Two)
    $19
  • Nice Dinner (for Two)
    $34
  • Mango Shake
    $1.53
  • Pad Thai
    $3.07
  • Fruit from the Market
    $1.84
  • Pancakes
    $3.07
  • Coffee & Cake
    $2.30

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Krabi

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

  • Half Day Thai Cooking Class in Ao Nang, Krabi: $32
  • Krabi 7 Islands Sunset Island Hopping with BBQ Dinner by Big Boat: $36
  • Krabi 7 Islands Sunset Cruise with Buffet Dinner: $37
  • 7 Islands Sunset Tour with Buffet Dinner & Night Snorkeling: $40
  • Small-Group Smart Thai Cooking Class in Krabi: $40
  • Half Day Thai Cooking Class in Ao Nang: $40
  • Krabi Best of 7 islands Adventure Tour with Beachside BBQ Dinner: $42
  • Krabi 7 Island Sunset Tour By Long Tail Boat with BBQ Dinner: $43
  • Krabi 7 Island Sunset & BBQ Dinner (Join Tour): $44
  • Krabi 7 Islands Snorkeling, Sunset Dinner & Plankton Night: $44
  • Authentic Thai Cooking Class in Ao Nang: $45
  • Traditional Thai Cooking Class with Smart Cook: $46

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Xi'an

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

  • Xi’an:City Wall Multi-Entry or Night Food Tour with Show: $21
  • Dinner and Show of Tang Dynasty Palace in Xian: $32
  • Xi'An: Tang Dynasty Show Ticket w/ Transfer or Dinner: $33
  • Top 3 Xian Sites to Terracotta Army & Dinner Show w/ Options: $35
  • Xi'an Tang Dynasty Show Ticket Optional Dumplings or Royal Dinner: $37
  • Xian Tang Dynasty Show -Optional Dumpling Dinner or Royal Banquet: $38
  • Xi'an Tang Dynasty Music Dance Show or Dinner Show with Transfer: $39
  • Xi'an: Tang Dynasty Music and Dance Show with Dinner Option: $40
  • Xi'an Tang Dynasty Show Ticket with Optional Dinner: $57
  • Xi’an: Market Tour and Cooking Class with Local Family: $59
  • Xi'an Vegetarian Food Tour: $60
  • Xian: Morning Food Tour of the Muslim Quarter: $67

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Krabi $11
    Xi'an $38
Typical Entertainment Prices in Krabi

Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Krabi's activities, tours, and tickets:


  • Thai-English Book
    $10
  • Thai Massages (for Two)
    $25
  • Bikini & Sarong
    $18
  • Yoga Class (1 Hour)
    $13
  • Backgammon Set (travel size)
    $7.67
  • Kayak Trip (for Two)
    $58

Tours and Activities in Krabi

For Krabi, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • DIY tour - Finest selection of Krabi Hidden Gems: $8.05
  • 4 Island Tour by Longtail Boat Krabi + Lunch + Pick Up + Drop Off: $20
  • Blue Dragon Cabaret Show Tickets Krabi: $22
  • Jurassic World Filming Tour Kayak and ATV Adventure in Krabi: $24
  • Klong Root Kayaking and Swimming with ATV Tour From Krabi: $24
  • Krabi 4 Islands Tour and Snorkeling with Shared boat: $25
  • Blue Dragon Cabaret Ticket Dazzling Night from Krabi: $26
  • Kayaking Tour at Klong Root (Crystal Lake), Krabi: $26
  • Shooting Range Experience in Krabi: $27
  • Saitai Mountain Tail ATV Adventure From Krabi: $27
  • Railay Beach Golden Sunset and Glowing Plankton Tour from Krabi: $27
  • Krabi Jungle Escape Emerald Pool and Hot Springs Tour: $28

Tours and Activities in Xi'an

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

  • 1 Day Beijing to Xi'an Terracotta Warriors Tour by Air: $779
  • 1 Day Xian City Highlights Private Tour: $148
  • 1 day Adventure Tour of Mount Hua in Xi'an: $85
  • 1 day Xi'an Culture and History Discovery Mini Group tour: $112
  • 1-Day Private Tour: Mount Huashan With the Lunch from Xi'an: $190
  • 1-Day Xi'an City Highlights and Hanyangling Museum Private Tour: $100
  • 1-Day Xi'an Terracotta Warriors Museum and Banpo Neolithic Village Museum Tour: $100
  • 1-Day Xi'an Terracotta Warriors,Wild Goose Pagoda and Banpo Village Museum Tour: $100
  • 1-Day Xi'an Tour with Wild Goose Pagoda, Shaanxi History Museum and City Wall: $100
  • 2 Day Private Terracotta Warriors and Mount Huashan Tour: $265
  • 2 Days Xi'an City Tour: $292
  • 2 Days Xian Customized Tour for Terracotta Warriors and More: $235

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Krabi $4.89
    Xi'an $7.74
Typical Alcohol Prices in Krabi

Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Krabi are as follows:


  • Beer
    $2.76
  • Cocktails (for Two)
    $9.21

Sample the Local Flavors in Krabi

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Krabi:

  • Krabi Pub Crawl: $16
  • Railay Pub Crawl: $16

Sample the Local Flavors in Xi'an

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Xi'an:

  • Xi'an Bar Crawl: Drink, Gaming, Snacks & Meet with Locals: $29


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Krabi and Xi'an, we can see that Xi'an is more expensive. And not only is Krabi much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Krabi would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Krabi 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 Krabi.

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


Which is Bigger, Krabi or Xi'an?

Xi'an has a larger population, and is about 100 times larger than the population of Krabi. When comparing the sizes of Krabi 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.