Which place is cheaper, Chongqing or Mandalay?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Mandalay or Chongqing?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Mandalay or Chongqing, 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: Mandalay or Chongqing?
Mandalay
Located in Myanmar (formerly known as Burma) on the banks of the Irawaddy River, Mandalay is the nation's second largest city behind Yangon. It is centered on the restored Royal Palace and has a large population of Buddhist monks who frequent the city's many temples and monasteries.
Chongqing
Chongqing, China is a large city in central China and one of only four cities in the country that are not part of a province. While Chongqing is famous for being an economically important city, brush away its industrial surface and you'll find a naturally beautiful city with plenty of hidden wonders. Although you'll find many expats in the city, English is rarely spoken, meaning knowing some basic Mandarin will come in handy.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in China, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in China.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayMandalay $15Chongqing $86
The average daily cost (per person) in Mandalay is $15, while the average daily cost in Chongqing is $86. 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 Mandalay and Chongqing in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personMandalay $8.65Chongqing $49
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomMandalay $17Chongqing $98
Compare Hotels in Mandalay and Chongqing
Looking for a hotel in Mandalay or Chongqing? 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.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Mandalay -Chongqing $19
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Mandalay
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Mandalay:
- Airport Transfer, Paleik Snake Pagoda, a little bit of Bagan and to AVA: $50
- Around Mandalay in 2 Day and Next Day to Transfer Bagan: $200
- From Private Transfer to Bagan: $150
- Inle Lake Land transfer from Mandalay: $213
- Inle [Heho] Airport Private Transfer : $46
- Mandalay To Bagan Transfer Tour: $150
- Private Land Transfer : Mandalay to Bagan: $139
- Private Mandalay Airport Transfer: $27
- Private Transfer Of Mandalay To Bagan: $150
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Chongqing
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Chongqing:
- Chongqing Jiangbei Airport (CKG) private round-trip transfer: $24
- Chongqing Jiangbei Airport Chauffeur Service, Chongqing Airport Transfer, Pickup: $60
- Chongqing Private Round Trip Transfer to Dazu Rock Carvings: $128
- Dazu Rock Carvings Private Transfer or Tour: $278
- Datong Yungang Airport Chauffeur Service , to Datong Transfer: $40
- Private Arrival Transfer: Chongqing Jiangbei Airport (CKG) to Hotel: $22
- Private Arrival Transfer: Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport(CKG) to Hotel: $25
- Private Arrival Transfer:Any Chongqing Railway Station to Hotel: $24
- Private Departure Transfer: Hotel to Any Railway Station in Chongqing: $24
- Private Transfer from Chongqing hotel to Chongqing Train Station : $27
Is it cheaper to fly into Mandalay or Chongqing?
Prices for flights to both Chongqing and Mandalay 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 dayMandalay $5.95Chongqing $24
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Mandalay
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Mandalay.
- Myanmar traditional cooking class with local: $26
- Bamboo Bike Food Tour: $42
- Bicycle Food Tour in Mandalay: $45
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Chongqing
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Chongqing.
- Chongqing Liangjiang Night Cruise Including Authentic Hot Pot Dinner: $115
- CHONGQING:Strolling through the city(Include dinner): $127
- Chongqing City Private Night Tour with Hot Pot Dinner: $158
- Private Chongqing night tour with dinner hot pot: $170
- Chongqing Port Transfer Service with Half-Day Tour and Hot Pot Dinner: $193
- From Port Transfer with Half Day Tour and Hot Pot Dinner: $197
- Private Chongqing Night View Tour with Hot Pot or Local Dinner: $199
- Chongqing Night view private tour with hot-pot dinner: $200
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Mandalay -Chongqing $13
Tours and Activities in Mandalay
Here are a few actual costs in Mandalay for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- A Little Adventure Village Explore: $17
- Morning Cycling Tour in Mandalay: $35
- Private Tour in Mandalay and Amarapura: $41
- Private Full-Day Mandalay Heritage Charter Car Tour: $45
- Mandalay Half-Day Tour: $45
- Half-Day Private Tour to Mingun: $48
- Mandalay Half-Day Sightseeing: $53
- Half-Day Sightseeing Tour: $53
- Mandalay Full-Day Tour: $60
- Mandalay Fullday Sightseeing: $65
- Half day to Mandalay city tour: $65
- Private Full-Day Sightseeing Tour: $65
Tours and Activities in Chongqing
Here are a few actual costs in Chongqing for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- 3-Hour Walking Tour of Chongqing Shancheng (Mountain City) Lane: $65
- Private Chongqing Day Tour: Panda, E'ling Park, Three Gorges Museum: $99
- city tour of Chongqing : $130
- Private Chongqing Illuminated Night Tour : $138
- Private Amazing Chongqing City Day Tour in Your Way: $139
- 1-Day Chongqing Dazu Rock Carvings Private Tour With the Lunch: $143
- From Full-Day Private Tour Dazu Rock Carvings: $144
- Half Day Afternoon Private Tour: General Stilwell Museum, Arhat Temple, Panda: $156
- Best of Chongqing One Day Tour: Stilwell Museum, Arhat Temple, Eling Park, Panda: $157
- Chongqing Yangtze River Cruise and Illuminated Night Tour: $158
- Chongqing Private Day Tour Of Meet popular Chongqing: $160
- Full-Day Private Tour of Chongqing Highlights: $180
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayMandalay -Chongqing $6.90
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Mandalay and Chongqing, we can see that Chongqing is more expensive. And not only is Mandalay much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Mandalay would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Mandalay 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 Chongqing would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Chongqing than you might in Mandalay.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Mandalay Expensive? and Is Chongqing Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Mandalay or Chongqing?
Chongqing has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Mandalay. When comparing the sizes of Mandalay and Chongqing, 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.