Which place is cheaper, Xi'an or Santorini?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Santorini or Xi'an?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Santorini or Xi'an, 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: Santorini or Xi'an?
Santorini
Santorini is a volcanic island that is part of the Cyclades group of the Greek Islands. It has some spectacular views, beautiful sunsets, and excellent beaches. As one of the most popular of the Greek Islands to visit, Santorini sees many tourists every year. However, it's for a good reason, as the famous white-washed buildings that spill down the hill, some with blue domes that match the gorgeous color of the water, are set against the beautiful mountainous backdrop of one of the most scenic areas of the Mediterranean. Home to several of these small and scenic towns such as Oia, Kamari, Perissa, and Fira, visitors can explore the large island, enjoy delicious food, swim at the beaches, hike the hills, and sail the blue waters.
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 Luxury Tours to Greece, The Best Budget Tours to Greece, 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 daySantorini €175Xi'an €88
The average daily cost (per person) in Santorini is €175, while the average daily cost in Xi'an is €88. 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 Santorini and Xi'an in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSantorini €93Xi'an €57
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSantorini €186Xi'an €114
Compare Hotels in Santorini and Xi'an
Looking for a hotel in Santorini 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.
Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Santorini Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Santorini €28Xi'an €11
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Santorini
Also for Santorini, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Skip Cable Car! Santorini Shore Excursion with Boat Transfers: $137
- 24h Luxury Santorini Transfer.Arrival/Departure one way: $76
- Arrival Private Transfer Santorini Airport JTR or Port to Santorini by Minibus: $46
- Arrival Private Transfer Santorini Airport JTR or Port to Santorini by Sprinter: $32
- Arrival Shared Transfer in Santorini Island: $22
- Blue Dome And Oia Sunset Small Group Transfer: $38
- Blue Dome and Oia Sunset Small Group Transfer: $38
- Departure Private Transfer Santorini to Santorini Airport JTR by Sedan Car: $23
- Departure Private Transfer Santorini to Santorini Airport JTR or Port by Van: $32
- Departure Private Transfer Santorni to Santorini Airport JTR or Port by Sprinter: $46
- Departure Shared Transfer in Santorini Island: $22
- Economy Transfers From & To Santorini Port: $24
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Xi'an
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Xi'an:
- Xi'an Airport to Hotel: Private Transfer for up to 40 pax: $300
- Private Round-trip Airport Transfer to Terracotta Army & City Wall with A Guide: $259
- 2-Day Customized Private Tour With Transfer in Historical Xi'an: $231
- Xian Terracotta Warriors and City Wall Tour with Airport Transfer: $224
- Mt. Hua Entrance Ticket w/ Shuttle Bus&Cable Car&Private Transfer: $224
- Xi'an Airport to Hotel: Private Transfer for up to 15 pax: $200
- Full-Day Layover Private Tour: Essence of Xi'an With Airport Transfer: $197
- Xian Private Day Tour with Airport Transfer: Terracotta Warriors and City Wall: $186
- Xian Terracotta Warriors Tour with Airport Transfer: $176
- One Day Private Xian Tour to Terracotta Warriors with Airport Transfers: $170
- Terracotta Warriors Museum Tour with Airport Pickup or Drop-off Transfer: $162
- Xi'an Layover: Terracotta Warriors and Horses Museum With Airport Transfer: $162
Is it cheaper to fly into Santorini or Xi'an?
Prices for flights to both Xi'an and Santorini 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 daySantorini €48Xi'an €12
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Santorini
For Santorini, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Traditional Greek Night live Music & Dinner Show in Santorini: $55
- Santorini Caldera: Sunset Cruise with Dinner: $70
- Romantic Sunset Caldera Cruise with Dinner: $70
- Volcanic Sunset Cruise with Dinner: $81
- Catamaran Tour with BBQ Dinner, Drinks, and Music: $85
- Santorini Caldera Sunset Sailing Cruise with Dinner and Wine: $87
- Volcano and Hot Springs Sunset Dinner Cruise: $97
- Santorini Cooking Class with Wine Tasting: $108
- Santorini Volcano Sunset Cruise Including Dinner on Board: $108
- The Aegean Cooking Class: $109
- Cooking Class in Traditional cave house in Santorini!: $120
- Fira: 4-Hour Walking Food Tour With Tastings: $124
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.Santorini €36Xi'an €33
Tours and Activities in Santorini
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Santorini.
- Authentic A Self-Guided Audio Tour of Oia: $6.99
- Megalochori: Lost Atlantis 9D Experience Museum Entry Ticket: $15
- Skip the Line Lost Atlantis Experience Ticket: $15
- Akrotiri Archaeological Site Entry Ticket: $16
- E-Ticket to Akrotiri with Audio Tour on your Phone: $24
- Santorini Volcano and Hot Springs Cruise Tour from Fira Old Port: $27
- Volcanic Islands Cruise with Hot Springs Visit: $28
- Kayak Rental Adventure in Watersports Santorini: $33
- Santorini Caldera Cruise Tour (Volcano, Hot Springs, Thirassia): $33
- Santorini Volcano and Hot Springs Tour: $38
- Santorini Volcano & Hot Springs Tour : $40
- Santorini Volcano Half Day Tour: $44
Tours and Activities in Xi'an
Here are a few actual costs in Xi'an for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Group Tour to the Terra-cotta Warriors Museum & Lunch : $65
- Private Half Day Tour to See The Big Wild Goose Pagoda&City Wall:: $185
- Xi'an Morning Food & Market Tour by TukTuk: $55
- #1 Bestselling Private Terracotta Army Tours + Customized Xian Tours: $109
- 1 Day Xian City Highlights Private Tour: $148
- 1 Day Xian Group Tour: Terracotta Warriors & City Wall: $138
- 1 day The Terracotta Army+Xi'an City Wall+Yongxing Square Mini Group Tour: $106
- 1 day Xi'an Culture and History Discovery Mini Group tour: $112
- 1 day private tour to Xi'an Terra Cotta Warriors by Metro/Subway: $110
- 1-Day Xi'an City Highlights and Hanyangling Museum Private Tour: $100
- 1-Day Xi'an Terracotta Warriors Museum and Banpo Neolithic Village Museum Tour: $100
- 1-Day Xi'an Terracotta Warriors,Wild Goose Pagoda and Banpo Village Museum Tour: $100
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one daySantorini €26Xi'an €6.78
Sample the Local Flavors in Santorini
Also in Santorini, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Top Sights Day Trip, Wine Tasting, & Oia Sunset: $63
- Fira Town Walking Tour with Wine Tasting: $75
- Visit to a Wine Museum and Wine Tasting in Santorini : $76
- 2 Hours Private Wine Tasting Tour in Santorini With Pick Up: $87
- Notos Day Tour through History & Wine Tasting: $98
- Wine Tour with Sunset in Oia: $107
- Santorini Highlights Small-Group Tour with Wine Tasting from Fira: $109
- 5 towns in 5 hours: Santorini Most Popular Tour with Wine tasting: $117
- 3-Hour Wine Tasting in Santorini : $126
- Santorini Wine Adventure with 12 Wine Tastings, Tapas and Sunset: $131
- Santorini wine tasting and Traditional Cave Settlement Tour: $142
- Intimate Santorini - Small Group Shore Excursion and Wine Tasting: $142
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Santorini and Xi'an, we can see that Santorini is more expensive. And not only is Xi'an much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Santorini is in Europe and Xi'an 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 Xi'an would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Xi'an 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 Santorini would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Santorini than you might in Xi'an.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Santorini Expensive? and Is Xi'an Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Santorini or Xi'an?
Xi'an has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Santorini. When comparing the sizes of Santorini and Xi'an, 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.