Which place is cheaper, Hefei or Nanjing?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Nanjing or Hefei?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Nanjing or Hefei? 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 Hefei?
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.
Hefei
While most would consider the city of Hefei a pass-through destination, there are plenty of things to see in the capital city of China's Anhui province.
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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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayNanjing $96Hefei $62
The average daily cost (per person) in Nanjing is $96, while the average daily cost in Hefei is $62. 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 Hefei in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personNanjing $46Hefei $28
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomNanjing $92Hefei $56
Compare Hotels in Nanjing and Hefei
Looking for a hotel in Nanjing or Hefei? 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 $38Hefei $17
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Nanjing
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Nanjing:
- Nanjing Railway Station Private Transfer from City Center: $32
- Nanjing Airport (NKG) to Nanjing - Arrival Private Transfer : $36
- Nanjing Airport (NKG) to Nanjing - Round-Trip Private Transfer : $72
- Nanjing Lukou Airport Chauffeur Service, Nanjing Airport Transfer, Pickup: $63
- Nanjing Lukou Int Airport (NKG): Private Transfer to Nanjing: $175
- Nanjing Lukou International Airport Private Arrival Transfer to City Center: $45
- Nanjing Lukou Intl Airport (NKG) to Nanjing hotels - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $65
- Nanjing Private Round Trip Transfer to Niushoushan Cultural Park: $67
- Nanjing Private Transfer from Nanjing Lukou Airport (NKG) to central Nanjing: $114
- Nanjing Railway Station Private Arrival Transfer to City Hotels: $35
- Nanjing Railway Station Private Transfer to Lukou International Airport: $45
- Nanjing Tangshan Hot Spring Spa Experience with Private Transfer: $103
Is it cheaper to fly into Nanjing or Hefei?
Prices for flights to both Hefei 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 $28Hefei $21
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
- Private Amazing Nanjing Airport Layover Tour with Lunch or Dinner: $181
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Nanjing $9.28Hefei $19
Tours and Activities in Nanjing
Here are a few actual costs in Nanjing for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Flexible Private Nanjing Independent Tour : $63
- Nanjing Self-Guided Day Tour with Private Car and Driver Service: $70
- Private Amazing Nanjing City Day Tour in Your Way: $75
- Nanjing Private English Tour Guide Service: $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
- Half-Day Nanjing City Private Flexible Tour : $109
- 4-Hour Nanjing Private Tour: Xiaoling Tomb, Ming City Wall and Memorial Hall : $115
- Nanjing Private Night Tour: Confucian Temple Area, Ming City Wall, Laomendong: $116
- Nanjing Private Flexible Day Tour with Ancient and Modern History: $119
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayNanjing $9.48Hefei $11
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Nanjing and Hefei, we can see that Nanjing is more expensive. And not only is Hefei much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Hefei would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Hefei 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 Hefei.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Nanjing Expensive? and Is Hefei Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Nanjing or Hefei?
Nanjing has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Hefei. When comparing the sizes of Nanjing and Hefei, 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 Hefei?
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 Hefei in the Summer?
Both Hefei and Nanjing are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities.
Nanjing is around the same temperature as Hefei in the summer. The daily temperature in Nanjing averages around 28°C (83°F) in July, and Hefei fluctuates around 29°C (83°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Hefei. It's quite rainy in Nanjing. In July, Nanjing usually receives around the same amount of rain as Hefei. Nanjing gets 174 mm (6.9 in) of rain, while Hefei receives 171 mm (6.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyNanjing 28°C (83°F)Hefei 29°C (83°F)
Should I visit Nanjing or Hefei in the Autumn?
Both Hefei and Nanjing during the autumn are popular places to visit.
In the autumn, Nanjing is around the same temperature as Hefei. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Nanjing in October average around 17°C (63°F), and Hefei averages at about 18°C (64°F).
Nanjing usually gets less rain in October than Hefei. Nanjing gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Hefei receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberNanjing 17°C (63°F)Hefei 18°C (64°F)
Should I visit Nanjing or Hefei in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Nanjing and Hefei.
Hefei can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Nanjing. In January, Nanjing is generally cooler than Hefei. Daily temperatures in Nanjing average around 3°C (37°F), and Hefei fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).
In January, Nanjing usually receives less rain than Hefei. Nanjing gets 27 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Hefei receives 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryNanjing 3°C (37°F)Hefei 3°C (38°F)
Should I visit Nanjing or Hefei in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Nanjing as well as Hefei.
Nanjing is around the same temperature as Hefei in the spring. The daily temperature in Nanjing averages around 15°C (60°F) in April, and Hefei fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).
Nanjing receives a lot of rain in the spring. Nanjing usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Hefei. Nanjing gets 101 mm (4 in) of rain, while Hefei receives 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilNanjing 15°C (60°F)Hefei 16°C (61°F)
Typical Weather for Hefei and Nanjing
| Nanjing | Hefei | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 3°C (37°F) | 27 mm (1.1 in) | 3°C (38°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) |
| Feb | 4°C (40°F) | 52 mm (2 in) | 5°C (40°F) | 51 mm (2 in) |
| Mar | 9°C (48°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) |
| Apr | 15°C (60°F) | 101 mm (4 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 95 mm (3.7 in) |
| May | 21°C (69°F) | 88 mm (3.5 in) | 22°C (71°F) | 97 mm (3.8 in) |
| Jun | 25°C (77°F) | 114 mm (4.5 in) | 25°C (78°F) | 121 mm (4.8 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (83°F) | 174 mm (6.9 in) | 29°C (83°F) | 171 mm (6.7 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (83°F) | 158 mm (6.2 in) | 29°C (83°F) | 111 mm (4.4 in) |
| Sep | 23°C (74°F) | 105 mm (4.1 in) | 23°C (74°F) | 86 mm (3.4 in) |
| Oct | 17°C (63°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) |
| Nov | 11°C (52°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) | 11°C (53°F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) |
| Dec | 5°C (41°F) | 25 mm (1 in) | 5°C (42°F) | 25 mm (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.