Which place is cheaper, Chongqing or Nanjing?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Nanjing or Chongqing?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Nanjing or Chongqing? 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 Chongqing?
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.
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 Historical Tours in China, The Best 10-Day Tours in China, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in China, and The Best 2-Week Tours in China.
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Nanjing Prices
China PricesChongqing Prices
China Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayNanjing $123Chongqing $111
The average daily cost (per person) in Nanjing is $123, while the average daily cost in Chongqing is $111. 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 Chongqing in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personNanjing $49Chongqing $52
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomNanjing $98Chongqing $104
Compare Hotels in Nanjing and Chongqing
Looking for a hotel in Nanjing 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.Nanjing $41Chongqing $20
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 Downtown hotels to Lukou Intl Airport (NKG) - Departure Private Transfer: $46
- Nanjing Lukou Airport Chauffeur Service, Nanjing Airport Transfer, Pickup: $30
- Nanjing Lukou International Airport (NKG) to Nanjing - Arrival Private Transfer: $46
- Nanjing Lukou International Airport Private Arrival Transfer to City Center: $45
- Nanjing Private Arrival Transfer: Airport to Hotel: $67
- Nanjing Private Arrival Transfer: Railway Station to Hotel: $88
- Nanjing Private Departure Transfer: Hotel to Airport: $67
- Nanjing Private Round Trip Transfer to Niushoushan Cultural Park: $67
- Nanjing Private Transfer from Nanjing Lukou Airport (NKG) to central Nanjing: $125
- Nanjing Railway Station Private Transfer to Lukou International Airport: $45
- Nanjing Tangshan Hot Spring Spa Experience with Private Transfer: $103
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Chongqing
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Chongqing:
- Chongqing Airport Private Transfer: $22
- Chongqing Jiangbei Airport (CKG) private round-trip transfer: $25
- Chongqing Jiangbei Airport Chauffeur Service, Chongqing Airport Transfer, Pickup: $60
- Chongqing Jiangbei Airport Chauffeur Service, Chongqing Airport Transfer, Pickup: $30
- Chongqing Private Arrival Transfer: Airport to Hotel: $88
- Chongqing Private Arrival Transfer: Railway Station to Hotel: $88
- Chongqing Private Round Trip Transfer to Wulong National Park: $158
- 5-Day Private Tour with Hotel & Transfers: $497
- Jiangbei International Airport Transfer 24h Services: $44
- Wulong 3-Day Tour with Hotel & Transfers: $497
- Wulong 5-Day Tour with Hotel & Transfers: $687
- Datong Yungang Airport Chauffeur Service , to Datong Transfer: $40
Is it cheaper to fly into Nanjing or Chongqing?
Prices for flights to both Chongqing 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 $52Chongqing $45
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
- Nanjing City Private Night Tour with Qinghuai River Cruise and Dinner Option: $114
- Private Amazing Nanjing Airport Layover Tour with Lunch or Dinner: $181
- Nanjing Private Tour: Ming Mausoleum, Night View & Local Dinner: $198
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Chongqing
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Chongqing.
- Qingyu Banquet Experience with Show and Dinner: $51
- Be a Chongqinger - wet market tour &cooking class & paper cutting: $59
- Half-Day Cultural Immersion with Cooking Class: $80
- Food Tour with Old Town and Magical Night Views: $93
- Chongqing Food Tour: $93
- Chongqing Local Food Tour Adventure: $99
- Chongqing City Private Night Tour with Hot Pot Dinner or Massage: $150
- Chongqing Port Transfer Service with Half-Day Tour and Hot Pot Dinner: $245
- From Port Transfer with Half Day Tour and Hot Pot Dinner: $246
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Nanjing $9.86Chongqing $14
Tours and Activities in Nanjing
Here are a few actual costs in Nanjing for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Qixia Mountain Ticket for Adult: $20
- Night Cruise on Outer Qinhuai River for Adults: $20
- Flexible Private Nanjing Independent Tour: $63
- Nanjing Self-Guided Day Tour with Private Car and Driver Service: $72
- Nanjing Private English Tour Guide Service: $75
- Nanjing Professional English Tour Guide Service: $91
- 3-Hour Local Food Tasting Tour: $93
- Yangzhou Self-Guided Tour from Nanjing with Private Car and Driver Service: $94
- Half-Day Nanjing City Private Flexible Tour: $109
- 4-Hour Nanjing City Private Tailor-Made Tour in Your Way: $109
- Nanjing Private Flexible Day Tour with Ancient and Modern History: $119
- Private Nanjing Historical tour with Fuzimiao food sancks street: $120
Tours and Activities in Chongqing
Here are a few actual costs in Chongqing for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Premium Chongqing Private Tours: Highlights, Night View or Cruise: $9.50
- Wulong Private Tour All Inclusive: Premium Vehicle & local Lunch: $9.50
- Chongqing Luxury Hot Spring and Massage Luxury Meal Private Tour: $10
- Premium Chongqing Dazu Rock Carving Tour All Inclusive Best Guide: $10
- Ultimate Chongqing City Highlights+Hidden Gems Private Tour: $10
- 520m-high Eye Skyview Deck Ticket for Adult: $26
- Chongqing Private Guided Tour: $31
- Chong Qing City Show Ticket Experience: $39
- Two Rivers Night Cruise- Yangtze & Jialing Rivers: $40
- Chongqing 1949 Ticket Epic Historical Spectacle: $41
- Chongqing 1949 Grand Theater Immersive Show Ticket: $43
- Chongqing 8D Mountain City Full Day Join In Tour: $49
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayNanjing $10Chongqing $7.34
When comparing the travel costs between Nanjing and Chongqing, we can see that Nanjing is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Asia, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Nanjing Expensive? and Is Chongqing Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Nanjing or Chongqing?
Chongqing has a larger population, and is about 29% larger than the population of Nanjing. When comparing the sizes of Nanjing 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.