Which place is cheaper, Beijing or Nanjing?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Nanjing or Beijing?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Nanjing or Beijing? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.
Where Should I go: Nanjing or Beijing?
Nanjing
Nanjing is the capital city of the Jiangsu Province on the central eastern coast of China, just north of Shanghai. This historically and culturally rich city lies at the lower end of the Yangtze river, resulting in lush and scenic landscapes. Nanjing is well-known for having many popular historical sites, some of which have been listed as UNESCO World Heritage sites.
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 Budget Tours to China, The Best Tours for Seniors to China, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Beijing, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Lhasa.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayNanjing $97Beijing $77
The average daily cost (per person) in Nanjing is $97, 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 Nanjing and Beijing in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personNanjing $47Beijing $40
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomNanjing $94Beijing $80
Compare Hotels in Nanjing and Beijing
Looking for a hotel in Nanjing 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.Nanjing $39Beijing $7.86
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Nanjing
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Nanjing:
- Huangshan Tunxi International Airport Private Arrival Transfer to City Area: $20
- Nanjing Lukou Int Airport (NKG): Private Transfer to Nanjing: $182
- Nanjing Lukou International Airport (NKG) to Nanjing - Arrival Private Transfer : $34
- Nanjing Lukou International Airport Private Arrival Transfer to City Center: $45
- Nanjing Lukou Intl Airport (NKG) to Nanjing hotels - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $68
- Nanjing Private Transfer from Nanjing Lukou Airport (NKG) to central Nanjing: $119
- Nanjing Private Transfer from Nanjing central to Nanjing Lukou Airport (NKG): $119
- Nanjing Railway Station Private Arrival Transfer to City Hotels: $35
- Nanjing To Huangshan Bullet Train Ticket with Local Private Transfers: $129
- Nanjing to Suzhou Bullet Train Ticket with Train Station Transfer: $96
- Private Arrival Transfer to Nanjing City from Railway Station : $32
- Private Day Tour: Nanjing City Highlights with Hotel or Railway Station Transfer: $232
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Beijing
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Beijing:
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Taxi$4.80
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Train from Airport for Two$7.04
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Taxi to Hotel$8.45
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2 Metro Passes$2.25
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Metro$0.56
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Beijing
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Beijing:
- Jinshanling Great Wall Self-hiking Tour by Private Transfer Service : $98
- Private One-Way Transfer Between Beijing Railway Station and Hotel: $30
- Private Transfer to Daxing International Airport : $35
- 1-Day Beijing Layover Private Tour: Forbidden City with Round Airport transfers: $198
- 1-Day Beijing Layover Tour: Mutianyu Great Wall with Round Airport Transfers: $208
- 1-Day Bejing Layover Tour:Mutianyu Great Wall,Forbidden City & Airport Transfers: $250
- 1-Way Private Transfer between Beijing Airport and City Hotels: $35
- 4-Hour Huanghuacheng Great Wall Sunset Tour with Airport Transfer: $160
- Acrobatics Show with Private Driver Service and Hotel Round Transfer: $75
- Arrival Private Transfer: Capital Airport PEK to Beijing in Business Car: $75
- transfer from the airport to the hotel: $65
- Beijing Airport (PEK) to Mutianyu Great Wall Round Trip Transfers: $199
Is it cheaper to fly into Nanjing or Beijing?
Prices for flights to both Beijing and Nanjing 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 dayNanjing $29Beijing $20
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Nanjing
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Nanjing.
- 3-Hour Nanjing Authentic Local Food Tour by Public Transportation: $93
- Flexible Private Nanjing City Night Tour with Dinner Option : $112
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$0.84
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Hot Pot Dinner$7.04
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Dumpling Breakfast for Two$2.82
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Watermelon$1.97
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Peking Duck Dinner for 2$17
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Two Popsicles$0.84
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Beijing
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Beijing.
- Online Cooking Class Orange Chicken by Sunflower Li: $20
- Online Cooking Class Handmade Noodles by Sunflower Li: $20
- Online Cooking Class Kungpao Chicken: $20
- Temple of Heaven Private Tour w/Option Show &Dinner: $54
- Hutong Breakfast Food Tour: $55
- Beijing Hutong Breakfast Food Tour: $55
- Beijing Gulou Night Market Food Tour: $75
- Hidden Gems Guided Food Tour with Beer and Tastings: $75
- Authentic Lunch or Dinner Tour in Beijing's Best Hidden Spots: $80
- Acrobatic Show with Peking Duck Dinner Private Tour: $80
- Beijing Hutong Neighborhood: Food and Dinner Tour: $80
- Authentic Local Food Tour in Center Beijing: $81
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Nanjing $9.45Beijing $25
Tours and Activities in Nanjing
Here are a few actual costs in Nanjing for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Presidential Palace (A must-see) Entry Ticket: $21
- Flexible Private Nanjing Independent Tour : $63
- Nanjing Self-Guided Day Tour with Private Car and Driver Service: $70
- Nanjing Private English Tour Guide Service: $75
- Private Amazing Nanjing City Day Tour in Your Way: $75
- Nanjing Professional English Tour Guide Service: $91
- Half-Day Nanjing Purple Mountain Private Tour in Your Way: $94
- Yangzhou Self-Guided Tour from Nanjing with Private Car and Driver Service : $94
- Zhenjiang Self-Guided Tour from Nanjing with Private Car and Driver service : $101
- 4-Hour Nanjing City Private Tailor-Made Tour in Your Way : $109
- Half-Day Nanjing City Private Flexible Tour : $109
- 4-Hour Nanjing Private Tour: Xiaoling Tomb, Ming City Wall and Memorial Hall : $115
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$8.45
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Two Opera Tickets$60
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Temple of Heaven Park Entrance (for 2)$9.85
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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:
- Tiananmen Square Ticket Fast and Smooth: $4.99
- Beijing Lama Temple Entrance Ticket with Optional Guided Service: $7.00
- Temple of Earth ticket; Serene, Majestic, Ancient: $7.19
- Confucius Temple and the Impercial College E-ticket: $7.20
- Beijing：Jingshan Park (Palace Museum Garden) Ticket: $7.34
- Beijing Summer Palace Entrance Ticket (with Optional Guided Service): $7.88
- Beijing Temple of Heaven Entrance Ticket (with Optional Guided Service): $7.88
- Agent ticket booking service: Temple of heaven: $8.00
- Summer Palace Ticket Booking: $8.80
- Summer Palace Ticket: $8.80
- Summer Palace Tickets Booking: $9.00
- Private Audio Guided Walking Tour in Beijing: $9.03
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayNanjing $9.65Beijing $12
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
- Private Changyu Chateau Wine Tasting Tour and Mutianyu Great Wall Visit: $238
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Nanjing and Beijing, we can see that Nanjing is more expensive. And not only is Beijing much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Beijing would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Beijing 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 Nanjing would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Nanjing than you might in Beijing.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Nanjing Expensive? and Is Beijing Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Nanjing or Beijing?
Beijing has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Nanjing. When comparing the sizes of Nanjing 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 Nanjing 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 Nanjing or Beijing in the Summer?
Both Beijing and Nanjing are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, most visitors come to Beijing for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months.
In the summer, Nanjing is around the same temperature as Beijing. Typically, the summer temperatures in Nanjing in July average around 28°C (83°F), and Beijing averages at about 27°C (80°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Beijing. It's quite rainy in Nanjing. In July, Nanjing usually receives around the same amount of rain as Beijing. Nanjing gets 174 mm (6.9 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 JulyNanjing 28°C (83°F)Beijing 27°C (80°F)
Should I visit Nanjing or Beijing in the Autumn?
Both Beijing and Nanjing during the autumn are popular places to visit. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Beijing because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
In October, Nanjing is generally a little warmer than Beijing. Daily temperatures in Nanjing average around 17°C (63°F), and Beijing fluctuates around 14°C (56°F).
Nanjing usually gets more rain in October than Beijing. Nanjing gets 44 mm (1.7 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 OctoberNanjing 17°C (63°F)Beijing 14°C (56°F)
Should I visit Nanjing or Beijing in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Nanjing and Beijing. Furthermore, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Beijing this time of year.
It's quite cold in Beijing in the winter. The weather in Nanjing can be very cold. Nanjing is much warmer than Beijing in the winter. The daily temperature in Nanjing averages around 3°C (37°F) in January, and Beijing fluctuates around -4°C (26°F).
In January, Nanjing usually receives more rain than Beijing. Nanjing gets 27 mm (1.1 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 JanuaryNanjing 3°C (37°F)Beijing -4°C (26°F)
Should I visit Nanjing or Beijing in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Nanjing as well as Beijing. Additionally, many travelers come to Beijing for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.
In the spring, Nanjing is around the same temperature as Beijing. Typically, the spring temperatures in Nanjing in April average around 15°C (60°F), and Beijing averages at about 14°C (57°F).
Nanjing receives a lot of rain in the spring. Nanjing usually gets more rain in April than Beijing. Nanjing gets 101 mm (4 in) of rain, while Beijing receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilNanjing 15°C (60°F)Beijing 14°C (57°F)
Typical Weather for Beijing and Nanjing
| Nanjing | Beijing | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 3°C (37°F) | 27 mm (1.1 in) | -4°C (26°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) |
| Feb | 4°C (40°F) | 52 mm (2 in) | -1°C (30°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) |
| Mar | 9°C (48°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) | 6°C (42°F) | 9 mm (0.4 in) |
| Apr | 15°C (60°F) | 101 mm (4 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 26 mm (1 in) |
| May | 21°C (69°F) | 88 mm (3.5 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) |
| Jun | 25°C (77°F) | 114 mm (4.5 in) | 25°C (76°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (83°F) | 174 mm (6.9 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 176 mm (6.9 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (83°F) | 158 mm (6.2 in) | 25°C (78°F) | 182 mm (7.2 in) |
| Sep | 23°C (74°F) | 105 mm (4.1 in) | 20°C (69°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) |
| Oct | 17°C (63°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) | 14°C (56°F) | 19 mm (0.7 in) |
| Nov | 11°C (52°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) |
| Dec | 5°C (41°F) | 25 mm (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.