Which place is cheaper, Xi'an or Tel Aviv?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Tel Aviv or Xi'an?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Tel Aviv 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: Tel Aviv or Xi'an?
Tel Aviv
Tel Aviv is the second largest city in Israel and is situated on the Mediterranean coast 60 kilometers north of Jerusalem. It's a rapidly growing city and is one of the most modern and cosmopolitan cities in Israel. The official name is Tel Aviv-Yafo because the city has grown to include the ancient port city of Yafo. If you're looking for an embassy, you are likely to find it in Tel Aviv, despite Jerusalem being the official capital of Israel.
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 Israel, The Best Budget Tours to Israel, 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 dayTel Aviv $138Xi'an $94
The average daily cost (per person) in Tel Aviv is $138, while the average daily cost in Xi'an is $94. 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 Tel Aviv and Xi'an in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personTel Aviv $85Xi'an $60
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomTel Aviv $170Xi'an $120
Compare Hotels in Tel Aviv and Xi'an
Looking for a hotel in Tel Aviv 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: Tel Aviv Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Tel Aviv $8.66Xi'an $12
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Tel Aviv
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Tel Aviv are as follows:
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Local Bus to Central Bus Station$1.56
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Taxi to Airport$40
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Tel Aviv
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Tel Aviv:
- From Biblical Highlights Tour with Transfer: $124
- From Jerusalem Day Trip with Transfer: $124
- Herzliya to Tel Aviv Ben Gurion Airport Private Departure Transfer: $56
- Jerusalem: Private Airport Transfer - Great Service !: $117
- Netanya: Private Airport Transfer - Great Service !: $117
- Private Airport Arrival Transfer to Jerusalem to your Hotel/Accommodation: $47
- Private Airport Transfer - TLV Airport to Tel Aviv Hotel/Accommodation: $89
- Private Airport Transfer - Tel Aviv (TLV) Airport from or to Tel Aviv City: $34
- Private Arrival Transfer: From Ben Gurion Airport to Tel Aviv City Center: $48
- Private Haifa Transfer - from/to Tel Aviv City or (TLV) Airport : $239
- Private Intercity Transfer - from your Tel Aviv Hotel to your Jerusalem Hotel: $80
- Private Jerusalem Arrival Transfer - Airport to Hotel/Accommodation: $68
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Xi'an
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Xi'an:
- Airport Transfer] Xi'an Airport Xi'an City Transfer High reputation for service! : $27
- From Xian: Terracotta Army and City Wall Tour with Airport Transfer: $194
- Mt. Hua Entrance Ticket w/ Shuttle Bus&Cable Car&Private Transfer: $224
- One-Way Airport Transfer From Xi'an Xianyang International Airport to Xi'an Hotel: $75
- Private 1-way Transfer: Xi'an North Station/Airport to City Hotel: $58
- Private Departure Transfer to Xi'an International Airport from City Hotels: $22
- Private Departure Transfer: Hotel to Xi'an Xianyang International Airport (XIY): $34
- Private Departure Transfer: Xi'an Hotels to Xi'an Airport (XIY): $43
- Private Departure Transfer:Xi'an City Hotel to Any Xi'an Railway Station: $30
- Private Guided Transfer to Terracotta Warriors, City Wall, Small Wild Pagoda: $189
- Private High-speed Train Arrival Transfer: Xi'an Bei (North) Station to Hotel: $30
- Private High-speed Train Departure Transfer: Hotel to Xi'an Bei (North) Station: $30
Is it cheaper to fly into Tel Aviv or Xi'an?
Prices for flights to both Xi'an and Tel Aviv 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 dayTel Aviv $27Xi'an $12
Typical Food Prices in Tel Aviv
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Tel Aviv:
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Dinner for Two$22
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Dinner for 2 at Vatroshka$129
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Lunch at Segev Sarona$34
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Aroma Iced Coffee$3.71
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Lunch at the airport$31
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Tel Aviv
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Tel Aviv.
- Carmel Market Food Tour: $45
- Carmel Market Food Tour: $49
- Tel Aviv Food Tour: The Magic of Carmel Market: $49
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
- Xi'an Twilight Sightseeing and Food Tour: $51
- Half-day Xi'an Biang Biang Noodles Cooking Class with Spice Market Visit: $65
- 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
- 3-Hour Biang Biang Noodles Cooking Class in Xi'an: $75
- Authentic Old Xi'an Back Street Food Tour : $75
- Authentic Muslim Alley Food Tour in Xi'an: $75
- Xi'an Tang Dynasty Show and Dumpling Dinner with Hotel Transfer: $76
- Tang Dynasty Dance Show and Dumpling Dinner: $87
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Tel Aviv $23Xi'an $35
Typical Entertainment Prices in Tel Aviv
Here are a few typical costs in Tel Aviv for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
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Masada tour from Tel Aviv$78
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Etzel museum$3.98
Tours and Activities in Tel Aviv
Here are a few actual costs in Tel Aviv for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- The Story of Gan HaHashmal: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.00
- The Trail of Independence: A Self-Guided Audio Tour of Tel Aviv: $5.99
- Self-Guided Audio Tour: $11
- Self-guided Graffiti tour in Tel Aviv in your own time and your own pace: $24
- All the Best of Tel Aviv Walking Tour: $28
- Sightseeing Cruise of Tel Aviv and Jaffa Skyline: $29
- Jaffa Walking Tour: Old Jaffa, Jaffa Port & the Flea Market: $35
- Tel Aviv Street Art Tour: $39
- Jaffa and Neve Tzedek walking tour: $39
- Jaffa and Neve Tzedek Neighborhoods Walking Tour: $39
- Tel Aviv Street Art Tour: $39
- Exclusive Private Tour in The Israel Diamond Exchange: $40
Tours and Activities in Xi'an
Here are a few actual costs in Xi'an for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Xi'an: Terracotta Warriors Group Walking Tour(NO Shopping): $18
- Terracotta Warriors 5-Hour Private Tour w/ Optional Pickup Point: $26
- Terra-cotta Warriors Entrance Ticket with Optional Guided Service: $26
- Terracotta Army Ticket: $28
- Group Bus Tour to Terracotta Warriors with Hotel Pickup & Lunch: $35
- Terracotta Warriors Tickets Booking: $35
- Tang Dynasty Palace Show Tickets Booking: $37
- Half Day Walking Tour around Xi'an Peaceful Old Downtown Area: $38
- Terra-cotta Warriors Ticket with Optional Car & Guided Service: $38
- Xi'an City Wall: Guided Tour with Cycling Option: $43
- Leisure Night Walking Tour of Xi’an: $46
- Guided Leisure Walking Tour to Muslim Quarter in Xi'an: $46
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayTel Aviv $22Xi'an $7.24
Sample the Local Flavors in Tel Aviv
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Tel Aviv:
- Pub Crawl with Clubs, dance bars and free shots: $21
- Pub Crawl and Nightlife Tour with Shots: $21
- Guided Pub Crawl Night Tour at Tel Aviv: $24
- Pub Crawl with 4 Stops and Free Shots: $30
- Tel Aviv Craft Beers Pub Crawl: $42
- Bar Crawl tour with local in Tel-Aviv: $150
- Wine Tour North of Israel from Tel Aviv: $959
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Tel Aviv and Xi'an, we can see that Tel Aviv is more expensive. And not only is Xi'an much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Tel Aviv is in Middle East 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 Tel Aviv would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Tel Aviv 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 Tel Aviv Expensive? and Is Xi'an Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Tel Aviv or Xi'an?
Xi'an has a larger population, and is about 9 times larger than the population of Tel Aviv. When comparing the sizes of Tel Aviv 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.