Which place is cheaper, Beijing or Minsk?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Minsk or Beijing?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Minsk or Beijing, 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: Minsk or Beijing?
Minsk
Minsk is the capital city of Belarus, centrally located. Situated on the Svislac and Niamiha rivers, it is also capital of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), and was the capital of the former Byelorussian Soviet Socialist Republic from 1919-1991. It is a modern city dominated by monumental Stalinist architecture with many of its museums, theaters, and other cultural attractions.
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 2-Week Tours from Beijing, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to China.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayMinsk $64Beijing $77
The average daily cost (per person) in Minsk is $64, while the average daily cost in Beijing is $77. 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 Minsk and Beijing in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personMinsk $32Beijing $39
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomMinsk $64Beijing $78
Compare Hotels in Minsk and Beijing
Looking for a hotel in Minsk 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.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Minsk $12Beijing $7.63
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Beijing
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Beijing:
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Taxi$4.71
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Train from Airport for Two$6.90
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Taxi to Hotel$8.28
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2 Metro Passes$2.21
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Metro$0.55
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Beijing
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Beijing:
- Private Mutianyu Great Wall Day Tour w/ Optional Guide/Transfer: $15
- From Mutianyu Great Wall Transfer with Pick-Up: $17
- Beijing Daxing International Airport shuttle bus transfer service: $20
- Beijing Airport Transfer: $21
- Private Arrival Transfer: Beijing Train Stations to Hotel: $22
- Private Departure Transfer: Hotel to Beijing Train Stations: $22
- Beijing Railway Station Departure Transfer: Hotel/Apartment to Railway Station: $23
- Private Airport Pick Up or Drop Off Transfer: $26
- Private Departure Transfer: Hotel to Beijing Airport (PEK or PKX): $27
- Private Arrival Transfer: Beijing Airport (PEK or PKX) to Hotel: $27
- Private Arrival Transfer: Beijing Airport (PEK or PKX) to Hotel: $27
- Private Departure Transfer: Hotel to Beijing Airport (PEK or PKX): $27
Is it cheaper to fly into Minsk or Beijing?
Prices for flights to both Beijing and Minsk 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 dayMinsk $21Beijing $21
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$6.90
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Dumpling Breakfast for Two$2.76
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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 Handmade Noodles by Sunflower Li: $20
- Online Cooking Class Beijing Dumplings and Cuisine by Sunflowerli Renowned Chef : $20
- Online Cooking Class Orange Chicken by Sunflower Li: $20
- Deal 20% off Beijing Nango HotSpring Water World with Dinner: $38
- 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
- 3 hours Morning or Afternoon Tea Tasting on Maliandao Street and Tea Restaurant Lunch or Dinner Tour: $69
- Mogolian Hot Pot Dinner with no limit soft drink and local beer .: $70
- Old Beijing Dinner Tour: $80
- Acrobatic Show with Peking Duck Dinner Private Tour: $80
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Minsk $20Beijing $24
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$8.28
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Two Opera Tickets$59
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Temple of Heaven Park Entrance (for 2)$9.66
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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:
- Beijing's Old Hutongs: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $4.99
- Summer Palace Free Walking Tour: $5.00
- Temple of Heaven Free Walking Tour: $5.00
- Hutongs Free Walking Tour : $5.00
- Beijing's Old Hutongs: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.34
- Panda House+City Attractions or Mutianyu Day Tour: $7.19
- Temple of Heaven Ticket: $7.90
- Beijing Summer Palace Entrance Ticket (with Optional Guided Service): $8.00
- The Old Summer Palace (Yuanmingyuan) Entrance Ticket: $8.00
- Summer Palace+Ming Tombs/Heaven Temple/China National Museum Tour: $8.00
- Beijing Temple of Heaven Entrance Ticket (with Optional Guided Service): $8.00
- Confucius Temple and Imperial College Entrance Ticket : $8.00
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayMinsk $14Beijing $12
Sample the Local Flavors in Beijing
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Beijing:
- Beijing Brewery Bike Tour: $99
- Evening Food Private Tour with Brewery Taproom Hopping at Slow Boat in Beijing: $110
- Private Tour-Drum Tower, Hutong Food Taste and Local Brewery Beer: $150
- Full Day Private Chateau Changyu Wine Tour from Beijing: $162
- 5-Hour Private Changyu Chateau Wine Tasting Tour from Beijing: $178
- Private Changyu Chateau Wine Tasting Tour and Mutianyu Great Wall Visit: $238
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Minsk and Beijing, we can see that Beijing is more expensive. And not only is Minsk much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Minsk is in Europe and Beijing is in Asia, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Minsk would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Minsk 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 Minsk.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Minsk Expensive? and Is Beijing Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Minsk or Beijing?
Beijing has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Minsk. When comparing the sizes of Minsk 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 Minsk or Beijing?
Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.
Should I visit Minsk or Beijing in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Minsk and Beijing. Furthermore, many travelers come to Beijing for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Minsk is cooler than Beijing. Typically, the summer temperatures in Minsk in July average around 19°C (66°F), and Beijing averages at about 27°C (80°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Beijing this time of the year. In Minsk, it's very sunny this time of the year. Minsk usually receives more sunshine than Beijing during summer. Minsk gets 258 hours of sunny skies, while Beijing receives 224 hours of full sun in the summer.
Beijing receives a lot of rain in the summer. In July, Minsk usually receives less rain than Beijing. Minsk gets 88 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Beijing receives 176 mm (6.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyMinsk 19°C (66°F)Beijing 27°C (80°F)
Should I visit Minsk or Beijing in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Minsk as well as Beijing. Additionally, many visitors come to Beijing in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
In October, Minsk is generally much colder than Beijing. Daily temperatures in Minsk average around 8°C (47°F), and Beijing fluctuates around 14°C (56°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Beijing. In the autumn, Minsk often gets less sunshine than Beijing. Minsk gets 99 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Beijing receives 227 hours of full sun.
Minsk usually gets more rain in October than Beijing. Minsk gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Beijing receives 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberMinsk 8°C (47°F)Beijing 14°C (56°F)
Should I visit Minsk or Beijing in the Winter?
Both Beijing and Minsk are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, most visitors come to Beijing for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.
Beijing can be very cold during winter. Minsk can get quite cold in the winter. Minsk is much colder than Beijing in the winter. The daily temperature in Minsk averages around -5°C (22°F) in January, and Beijing fluctuates around -4°C (26°F).
It's quite sunny in Beijing. Minsk usually receives less sunshine than Beijing during winter. Minsk gets 46 hours of sunny skies, while Beijing receives 201 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Minsk usually receives more rain than Beijing. Minsk gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Beijing receives 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryMinsk -5°C (22°F)Beijing -4°C (26°F)
Should I visit Minsk or Beijing in the Spring?
Both Beijing and Minsk during the spring are popular places to visit. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Beijing because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty.
In the spring, Minsk is much colder than Beijing. Typically, the spring temperatures in Minsk in April average around 8°C (46°F), and Beijing averages at about 14°C (57°F).
In Beijing, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the spring, Minsk often gets less sunshine than Beijing. Minsk gets 176 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Beijing receives 247 hours of full sun.
Minsk usually gets more rain in April than Beijing. Minsk gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Beijing receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilMinsk 8°C (46°F)Beijing 14°C (57°F)
Typical Weather for Beijing and Minsk
| Minsk | Beijing | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | -5°C (22°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | -4°C (26°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) |
| Feb | -4°C (25°F) | 34 mm (1.3 in) | -1°C (30°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) |
| Mar | 0°C (33°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) | 6°C (42°F) | 9 mm (0.4 in) |
| Apr | 8°C (46°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 26 mm (1 in) |
| May | 15°C (58°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) |
| Jun | 18°C (64°F) | 83 mm (3.3 in) | 25°C (76°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) |
| Jul | 19°C (66°F) | 88 mm (3.5 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 176 mm (6.9 in) |
| Aug | 18°C (65°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) | 25°C (78°F) | 182 mm (7.2 in) |
| Sep | 14°C (57°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 20°C (69°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) |
| Oct | 8°C (47°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) | 14°C (56°F) | 19 mm (0.7 in) |
| Nov | 3°C (37°F) | 52 mm (2 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) |
| Dec | -2°C (28°F) | 53 mm (2.1 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.