Which place is cheaper, Xi'an or Mount Everest?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Mount Everest or Xi'an?
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 Mount Everest and Xi'an. 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: Mount Everest or Xi'an?
Mount Everest
More commonly known as Mount Everest, Qomolangma is the highest mountain in the world with a peak reaching 8,848 meters above sea level. Pilgrims trek long distances to worship its divine aura, climbing enthusiasts run great risks to challenge its high altitude, and visitors from all over come to see where the tallest reaches of earth meet the heavens.
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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Kathmandu, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Pokhara, 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 dayMount Everest $40Xi'an $94
The average daily cost (per person) in Mount Everest is $40, while the average daily cost in Xi'an is $94. 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 Mount Everest and Xi'an in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personMount Everest $6.84Xi'an $60
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomMount Everest $14Xi'an $120
Compare Hotels in Mount Everest and Xi'an
Looking for a hotel in Mount Everest 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.
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.Mount Everest -Xi'an $12
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Xi'an
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Xi'an:
- Xi'an Airport Transfer: $17
- Private Departure Transfer: Hotel to Xi'an Central Train Station: $21
- Private Departure Transfer to Xi'an International Airport from City Hotels: $22
- Private Transfer from Xi'an hotel to Xi'an train station: $27
- Airport Transfer] Xi'an Airport Xi'an City Transfer High reputation for service! : $27
- Xi'an Terracotta Army Tickets with Optional Guide/Transfer: $28
- Xian City to Xian Xianyang Airport (XIY) - Departure Private Transfer: $28
- Private Airport Transfer:Xi'an Xianyang International Airport to Xi'an Hotel: $29
- Private Airport Transfer: Xi'an Hotel to Xianyang International Airport: $29
- Xi’an Railway Station Private Arrival Transfer to City Area: $29
- Xi’an Railway Station Private Departure Transfer from City Area: $29
- Xi’an Xianyang International Airport Private Departure Transfer from City Area : $29
Is it cheaper to fly into Mount Everest or Xi'an?
Prices for flights to both Xi'an and Mount Everest 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 dayMount Everest $26Xi'an $12
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Xi'an
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Xi'an.
- Skip the Line: Xi'an Tang Dynasty Show Ticket & Dumpling Dinner or Royal Banquet: $32
- Dinner and Show of Tang Dynasty Palace in Xian: $40
- Private Home Cooking Class:Dumpling Cooking Class Tour in Xi'an: $50
- Xi'an Twilight Sightseeing and Food Tour: $51
- Tang Dynasty Dinner Show: $55
- Xi'an Vegetarian Food Tour: $60
- Xi'an Food Tour by Tuk Tuk: $62
- Private Xi'an Food Tour: $65
- Private Xi’an Night & Food Tour by Tuk Tuk and Public Transportation: $67
- Xi'an Evening Food Tour by TukTuk: $69
- 4 Hours Food Tours in Xi'an: $72
- 3-Hour Biang Biang Noodles Cooking Class in Xi'an: $75
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Mount Everest $18Xi'an $35
Tours and Activities in Xi'an
Here are a few actual costs in Xi'an for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Xi'an Virtual Tour: Emperor Qin Shi Huang and His Terracotta Army: $15
- Xi'an: Terracotta Warriors Group Walking Tour(NO Shopping): $26
- Terra-cotta Warriors Entrance Ticket with Optional Guided Service: $26
- Terracotta Warriors 5-Hour Private Tour w/ Optional Pickup Point: $26
- Terracotta Army Ticket: $28
- Group Bus Tour to Terracotta Warriors with Hotel Pickup & Lunch: $35
- Terracotta Warriors Tickets Booking: $35
- Tang Dynasty Palace Show Tickets Booking: $37
- Terra-cotta Warriors Ticket with Optional Car & Guided Service: $38
- Xi'an City Wall: Guided Tour with Cycling Option: $43
- Xi'an Religions Tour: $45
- Guided Leisure Walking Tour to Muslim Quarter in Xi'an: $46
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayMount Everest -Xi'an $7.23
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Mount Everest and Xi'an, we can see that Xi'an is more expensive. And not only is Mount Everest much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Mount Everest would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Mount Everest 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 Mount Everest.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Mount Everest Expensive? and Is Xi'an Expensive?.
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.