Which place is cheaper, Xi'an or Sukhothai?
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 Sukhothai or Xi'an?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Sukhothai and Xi'an can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Sukhothai or Xi'an?
Sukhothai
If you are the kind of wandering traveler looking to find calm and inner peace, you will want to add Sukhothai to your list. Also known as "the dawn of happiness," this area is best known for the ruins of the ancient city of Sukhothai – the capital of Thailand during the 13th century. As the first capital of Siam, the area's temples and monuments are restored and ready for visitors from around the world.
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 10-Day Tours in Thailand, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Thailand, The Best 10-Day Tours in China, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in China.
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Sukhothai Prices
Thailand PricesXi'an Prices
China Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySukhothai $78Xi'an $110
The average daily cost (per person) in Sukhothai is $78, while the average daily cost in Xi'an is $110. 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 Sukhothai and Xi'an in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSukhothai $25Xi'an $64
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSukhothai $50Xi'an $128
Compare Hotels in Sukhothai and Xi'an
Looking for a hotel in Sukhothai 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: Sukhothai Hotel Prices and Xi'an Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Sukhothai $18Xi'an $13
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Xi'an
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Xi'an:
- seat in coach Terracotta army within 3rd ring transfers W lunch: $70
- Xianyang/Xi'An to Xianyang Airport(XIY)-Deparure Private Transfer: $48
- Xianyang/Xi'An to Xianyang Airport XIY-Departure Private Transfer: $28
- Xianyang Airport(XIY) to Xianyang/Xi'An -Arrival Private Transfer: $48
- Xianyang Airport(XIY) to Xianyang/Xi'An -Arrival Private Transfer: $28
- Xianyang Airport XIY to Xianyang/Xi'An-Roundtrip Private Transfer: $95
- Xian: Terracotta Army Ticket （Guided & Transfer Tour Option）: $97
- Xian Xianyang International Airport (XIY) Private Departure Transfer: $40
- Xian Terracotta Warriors Tour with Airport Transfer: $216
- Xian Terracotta Warriors Museum Tour with Airport Transfer: $214
- Xian Terracotta Army Tickets Optional Tour Guide and Transfer: $22
- Xian Private Departure Transfer: Hotel to Railway Station: $77
Is it cheaper to fly into Sukhothai or Xi'an?
Prices for flights to both Xi'an and Sukhothai 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 daySukhothai $35Xi'an $23
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Xi'an
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Xi'an.
- Xi’an：City Wall Multi-Entry or Night Food Tour with Show: $21
- Xi'An: Tang Dynasty Show Ticket w/ Transfer or Dinner: $33
- Top 3 Xian Sites to Terracotta Army & Dinner Show w/ Options: $35
- Xi'an Tang Dynasty Show Ticket Optional Dumplings or Royal Dinner: $37
- Xian Tang Dynasty Show -Optional Dumpling Dinner or Royal Banquet: $38
- Tang Dynasty Royal Show Optinal Dinner With Round-trip Transfers: $38
- Skip The Line Xi'an Tang Dynasty Show Or Dinner With Transfer: $39
- Xi'an: Tang Dynasty Music and Dance Show with Dinner Option: $40
- Tang Dynasty Dinner Show with Private transfer: $55
- Xi'an Tang Dynasty Show Ticket with Optional Dinner: $57
- Xi’an: Market Tour and Cooking Class with Local Family: $59
- Xian: Morning Food Tour of the Muslim Quarter: $67
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Sukhothai $36Xi'an $38
Tours and Activities in Xi'an
Here are a few actual costs in Xi'an for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- #1 Bestselling Private Terracotta Army Tours + Customized Xian Tours: $108
- 1 Day Beijing to Xi'an Terracotta Warriors Tour by Air: $779
- 1 Day Xian City Highlights Private Tour: $148
- 1 Day Xian Group Tour: Terracotta Warriors & City Wall: $196
- 1 day Xi'an Culture and History Discovery Mini Group tour: $112
- 1-Day Xi'an Terracotta Warriors Museum and Banpo Neolithic Village Museum Tour: $100
- 1-Day Xi'an Tour with Wild Goose Pagoda, Shaanxi History Museum and City Wall: $100
- 2 Days Xi'an City Tour: $292
- 2 Days Xian Flexible Tour Including Hotel to Explore Xian Your Own Way: $256
- 2 Days Xian Small Group Tour: Terracotta Army and City Sightseeing: $226
- 2-Day Highlights Xi'an Private Tour Combo Package: Terracotta Warriors and City Sightseeing: $240
- 2-Day tour fromBeijing to Xi'an Discovery by Bullet Train: $699
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one daySukhothai $14Xi'an $7.73
Sample the Local Flavors in Xi'an
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Xi'an:
- Xi'an Bar Crawl: Drink, Gaming, Snacks & Meet with Locals: $29
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Sukhothai and Xi'an, we can see that Xi'an is more expensive. And not only is Sukhothai much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Sukhothai would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Sukhothai 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 Sukhothai.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Sukhothai Expensive? and Is Xi'an Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Sukhothai or Xi'an?
Xi'an has a larger population, and is about 90 times larger than the population of Sukhothai. When comparing the sizes of Sukhothai 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.