Which place is cheaper, Beijing or Lahore?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Lahore or Beijing?
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 Lahore and Beijing. 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: Lahore or Beijing?
Lahore
As Pakistan's second largest city and the capital of the north-eastern Punjab province, Lahore is widely considered the country's cultural capital. Some of its best-known features include the Lahore Fort, Badshahi Mosque and Gurdwara, a mall surrounded by buildings from the British Raj, and many unique markets and neighborhoods.
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 Pakistan, The Best Cultural Tours in Pakistan, The Best 2-Week Tours from Beijing, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to China.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayLahore $57Beijing $75
The average daily cost (per person) in Lahore is $57, while the average daily cost in Beijing is $75. 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 Lahore and Beijing in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personLahore $37Beijing $39
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomLahore $74Beijing $78
Compare Hotels in Lahore and Beijing
Looking for a hotel in Lahore 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.
Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Lahore Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Lahore $9.97Beijing $7.68
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Lahore
Also for Lahore, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Airport Transfer : $60
- Chauffeur: Lahore International Airport Transfer - Arrival : $30
- Chauffeur: Lahore International Airport Transfer - Departure: $30
- Transit Trip: Lahore Guided Day Trip With Round Trip Airport Transfers: $140
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Beijing
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Beijing:
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Taxi$4.69
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Train from Airport for Two$6.88
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Taxi to Hotel$8.25
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2 Metro Passes$2.20
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Metro$0.55
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Beijing
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Beijing:
- Private Beijing Downtown Transfer for 10 hours Up to 30pax: $850
- Private Beijing Downtown Transfer for 10 hours Up to 15pax: $490
- Tank Driving Experience (hotel pickup & Roundtrip Transfer): $450
- Private Beijing Downtown Transfer for 10 hours Up to 5pax: $323
- Beijing to Zun Hua Explore Qing Emperor's Tombs By Car Transfer : $285
- Beijing Private Transfer: Mutianyu Great Wall Slow-Paced Visit: $280
- Private Transfer to Beidaihe Summer Resort from Beijing: $272
- 1 Day Pass for Universal Beijing and Private Transfer Package: $265
- Private Transfer to Mutianyu Great Wall and Summer Palace with A Guide: $259
- 1-Day Bejing Layover Tour:Mutianyu Great Wall,Forbidden City & Airport Transfers: $250
- Beijing Layover of Comprehensive City Tour With Airport Transfer: $240
- Beijing Hutong Culture Experience with Airport Transfer: $236
Is it cheaper to fly into Lahore or Beijing?
Prices for flights to both Beijing and Lahore 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 dayLahore $14Beijing $19
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Lahore
For Lahore, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Street Food Tour of Lahore's Walled City : $85
- Lahore's Complete Night Food Tour: Local Culinary Experience: $110
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$6.88
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Dumpling Breakfast for Two$2.75
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Watermelon$1.93
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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
- Online Cooking Class Kungpao Chicken: $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
- Temple of Heaven Private Tour w/Option Show &Dinner: $60
- Gulou (the Drum Tower) of Beijing Dinner & Beer Walking Tour: $68
- 3 hours Morning or Afternoon Tea Tasting on Maliandao Street and Tea Restaurant Lunch or Dinner Tour: $69
- Beijing Gulou Night Market Food Tour: $75
- 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
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Lahore $5.07Beijing $24
Tours and Activities in Lahore
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Lahore.
- Lahore Big Bus City Tour: $20
- Lahori Food Experience: $65
- Wahga Border Flag Ceremony & Shalimar Garden Private Tour: $70
- Guided Walking Tour: Walled City of Lahore : $90
- Full Day Private Guided Lahore Sightseeing Tour : $95
- Lahore Walled City Walking Tour: $102
- Rangeela Rickshaw Walled City Guided Tour Lahore : $110
- Private Guided Lahore City Full Day Tour: $110
- Rangeela Rikshaw Walled City Guided Tour Lahore : $110
- Private Tour: Lahore Full Day Customized Guided Trip : $120
- Private Lahore Full Day Sightseeing Tour with Local Guide: $120
- Lahore City, Fort, Museums and Walled City Exploration Tour: $120
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$8.25
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Two Opera Tickets$58
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Temple of Heaven Park Entrance (for 2)$9.63
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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:
- 2-Day Small-Group Tour of Beijing Highlights, No Shopping: $258
- 4-Hour Beijing Layover Tour to Hutong from Daxing Airport: $145
- 9 Day Shared Tour from Beijing to Shanghai: $299
- All Inclusive Private Summer Palace, Mutianyu Great Wall Day Tour: $204
- All Inclusive Private Tour: Juyongguan Greatwall, Sacred Road, MingTombs : $176
- Beijing 2 Summer Palace Private Garden Tour: $140
- Beijing Art Tour: Seeing Fantastic Ming Murals at Fa Hai Temple : $220
- Beijing Layover Tour: Mutianyu Great Wall with English Driver : $121
- Beijing Private Tour of Ming Tombs, Summer Palace, Bird's Nest and Water Cube: $297
- China Art Museum and 798 Art Zone Private Tour: $137
- China National Museum Ticket Pre-booking and Tiananmen Square : $50
- Classic One Day Beijing Tour: $228
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayLahore $4.89Beijing $11
Sample the Local Flavors in Beijing
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Beijing:
- Evening Food Private Tour with Brewery Taproom Hopping at Slow Boat in Beijing: $110
- 5-Hour Private Changyu Chateau Wine Tasting Tour from Beijing: $178
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Lahore and Beijing, we can see that Beijing is more expensive. And not only is Lahore much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Lahore would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Lahore 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 Lahore.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Lahore Expensive? and Is Beijing Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Lahore or Beijing?
Beijing has a larger population, and is about 19% larger than the population of Lahore. When comparing the sizes of Lahore 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 Lahore or Beijing?
Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.
Should I visit Lahore or Beijing in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Lahore as well as Beijing. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Beijing because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.
Lahore can become quite hot in the summer. In July, Lahore is generally a little warmer than Beijing. Daily temperatures in Lahore average around 33°C (91°F), and Beijing fluctuates around 27°C (80°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Beijing. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Lahore this time of the year. In the summer, Lahore often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Beijing. Lahore gets 228 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Beijing receives 224 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Beijing. Lahore receives a lot of rain in the summer. Lahore usually gets more rain in July than Beijing. Lahore gets 202 mm (8 in) of rain, while Beijing receives 176 mm (6.9 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyLahore 33°C (91°F)Beijing 27°C (80°F)
Should I visit Lahore or Beijing in the Autumn?
Both Beijing and Lahore are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Beijing this time of year.
Lahore is much warmer than Beijing in the autumn. The daily temperature in Lahore averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and Beijing fluctuates around 14°C (56°F).
It's quite sunny in Beijing. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Lahore. Lahore usually receives more sunshine than Beijing during autumn. Lahore gets 290 hours of sunny skies, while Beijing receives 227 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In October, Lahore usually receives less rain than Beijing. Lahore gets 12 mm (0.5 in) of rain, while Beijing receives 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberLahore 27°C (81°F)Beijing 14°C (56°F)
Should I visit Lahore or Beijing in the Winter?
Both Beijing and Lahore during the winter are popular places to visit. Furthermore, many travelers come to Beijing for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Beijing. In the winter, Lahore is much warmer than Beijing. Typically, the winter temperatures in Lahore in January average around 14°C (58°F), and Beijing averages at about -4°C (26°F).
In Beijing, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Lahore. In the winter, Lahore often gets more sunshine than Beijing. Lahore gets 220 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Beijing receives 201 hours of full sun.
Lahore usually gets more rain in January than Beijing. Lahore gets 23 mm (0.9 in) of rain, while Beijing receives 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryLahore 14°C (58°F)Beijing -4°C (26°F)
Should I visit Lahore or Beijing in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Lahore and Beijing. Furthermore, many visitors come to Beijing in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.
In April, Lahore is generally much warmer than Beijing. Daily temperatures in Lahore average around 28°C (83°F), and Beijing fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Beijing this time of the year. In Lahore, it's very sunny this time of the year. Lahore usually receives more sunshine than Beijing during spring. Lahore gets 278 hours of sunny skies, while Beijing receives 247 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Lahore usually receives less rain than Beijing. Lahore gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Beijing receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilLahore 28°C (83°F)Beijing 14°C (57°F)
Typical Weather for Beijing and Lahore
| Lahore | Beijing | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 14°C (58°F) | 23 mm (0.9 in) | -4°C (26°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) |
| Feb | 17°C (62°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) | -1°C (30°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) |
| Mar | 22°C (72°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) | 6°C (42°F) | 9 mm (0.4 in) |
| Apr | 28°C (83°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 26 mm (1 in) |
| May | 33°C (91°F) | 22 mm (0.9 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) |
| Jun | 35°C (96°F) | 36 mm (1.4 in) | 25°C (76°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) |
| Jul | 33°C (91°F) | 202 mm (8 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 176 mm (6.9 in) |
| Aug | 32°C (90°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) | 25°C (78°F) | 182 mm (7.2 in) |
| Sep | 31°C (88°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 20°C (69°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 12 mm (0.5 in) | 14°C (56°F) | 19 mm (0.7 in) |
| Nov | 21°C (70°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) |
| Dec | 16°C (60°F) | 14 mm (0.5 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.