Which place is cheaper, Beijing or Tianjin?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Tianjin or Beijing?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Tianjin or Beijing? 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: Tianjin or Beijing?
Tianjin
Tianjin is a large metropolis on the north east coast of China. This ancient city, which dates back to prehistoric times, is one of five National Central Cities of China and is rich in culture and history. Tianjin is most famous for its beautiful walking streets and history of European concession territories.
Tianjin experiences hot and humid summers, with temperatures reaching 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Winters are cool and dry with temperatures around 15° (F). Spring and Autumn tend to be the best times to visit as weather is a little more mild, although Spring has a tendency to be a little rainy.
Beijing
Beijing is the capital of China and, with 21.5 million people, it is the second most populated city in the world after Shanghai. It is a city that keeps pockets of its history hidden in old neighborhoods or back alleys, despite the constant change and modernization that goes on around it. As the capital city of China, there is plenty of history and culture. You can still get yourself lost in one of the last remaining hutongs, which are old neighborhoods that remain untouched by the city's modernization. The alleys that weave between the old homes are lined with drying clothes, corner markets, and people going about their daily lives the way they have for centuries. Surrounding these hutongs you'll find modern buildings and a booming economy, all threatening to destroying these last bits of Beijing's history. Beijing offers a glimpse into a microcosm that represents the entire country of China. Make sure you give yourself enough time in China to truly experience Beijing. You can pass a lot of time soaking up life in the city, which remains as diverse as the country it resides within.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Sightseeing Tours in China, The Best Cultural Tours in China, The Best Luxury Tours to China, and The Best Budget Tours to China.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayTianjin $76Beijing $77
The average daily cost (per person) in Tianjin is $76, while the average daily cost in Beijing is $77. 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 Tianjin and Beijing in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personTianjin $34Beijing $39
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomTianjin $68Beijing $78
Compare Hotels in Tianjin and Beijing
Looking for a hotel in Tianjin or Beijing? 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.Tianjin $37Beijing $7.65
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Tianjin
Also for Tianjin, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Beijing Airport Transfer from Tianjin International Cruise Port: $130
- Beijing Daxing or Capital Int’l Airport Private Departure Transfer from Tianjin : $128
- Beijing: Private Roundtrip Transfer to Great Wall of China: $66
- Binhai Airport Private Transfer to Tianjin Cruise Port: $80
- Cruise Transfer:Tianjin International Home Port to Beijing PEK or Daxing Airport: $106
- One Way Private Transfer from Tianjin Cruise Port To Beijing with Guide: $216
- Port Arrival Transfer: Tianjin Cruise Home Port to Beijing Hotels: $100
- Private 1-Way Transfer Between Tianjin Port to Beijing: $138
- Private Arrival Transfer: Tianjin Binhai International Airport (TSN) to Hotel: $39
- Private Arrival Transfer:Any Tianjin Railway Station to City Hotel: $30
- Private Departure Transfer: Bejing City Hotel to Airport: $32
- Private Departure Transfer: Hotel to Tianjin Binhai International Airport (TSN): $39
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Beijing
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Beijing:
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Taxi$4.72
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Train from Airport for Two$6.91
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Taxi to Hotel$8.29
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2 Metro Passes$2.21
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Metro$0.55
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Beijing
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Beijing:
- Beijing to Zun Hua Explore Qing Emperor's Tombs By Car Transfer : $285
- Beijing Layover Private Tour: City Highlights With Airport Transfer: $250
- Private Day Tour of Beijing City Overview with Airport Transfer: $245
- Beijing Layover of Comprehensive City Tour With Airport Transfer: $240
- Private Transfer from Tianjin Cruise Port to Beijing with stop at Great Wall : $221
- Private Transfer from Tianjin Cruise port to Mutianyu Great Wall of China : $221
- Mutianyu Great Wall Hiking Private Tour With Airport Transfer: $213
- 1-Day Beijing Layover Tour: Mutianyu Great Wall with Round Airport Transfers: $208
- Private Round Trip Transfer to Chengde from Beijing with English speaking driver: $208
- Private Transfer between Beijing and Bashang Grassland in Mulan Weichang: $208
- Private Transfer between Beijing and Qinhuangdao: $208
- Private Transfer between Beijing and Beidaihe: $208
Is it cheaper to fly into Tianjin or Beijing?
Prices for flights to both Beijing and Tianjin 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 dayTianjin $20Beijing $21
Typical Food Prices in Beijing
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Beijing:
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Popcorn$0.83
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Hot Pot Dinner$6.91
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Dumpling Breakfast for Two$2.76
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Watermelon$1.94
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Peking Duck Dinner for 2$16
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Two Popsicles$0.83
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Beijing
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Beijing.
- Online Cooking Class Handmade Noodles by Sunflower Li: $20
- Online Cooking Class Beijing Dumplings and Cuisine by Sunflowerli Renowned Chef : $20
- Online Cooking Class Kungpao Chicken: $20
- Online Cooking Class Orange Chicken by Sunflower Li: $20
- Beijing Acrobatic Show Tickets w/ Optional Dinner or Transfer: $48
- 3.5-Hour Walking Food Tour: A Bite of History at Beijing Niujie Street: $49
- Beijing Hutong Breakfast Food Tour: $55
- Temple of Heaven Private Tour w/Option Show &Dinner: $60
- 3 hours Morning or Afternoon Tea Tasting on Maliandao Street and Tea Restaurant Lunch or Dinner Tour: $69
- Mogolian Hot Pot Dinner with no limit soft drink and local beer .: $70
- discovery more Beijing back street evening food tour with locals : $79
- Authentic Lunch or Dinner Tour in Beijing's Best Hidden Spots: $80
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Tianjin $10Beijing $24
Tours and Activities in Tianjin
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Tianjin.
- 4- Hour Tianjin Local Food & Tea Tour: $49
- 4-Hour Tianjin Shore Excursion Private Shopping Tour: $120
- 5-Hour Private Tianjin Shopping Tour from Tianjin Cruise Port: $179
- Private Tianjin City Highlight Day Tour: $188
- Tianjin Port-up To Beijing City Self-Guide Tour and Drop-off at Beijing Hotel: $192
- Tianjin Cruise Port To Beijing Daxing Airport With the English Speaking Driver: $203
- Bullet Train Private Tour: Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City & Temple of Heaven: $219
- 1 Day Tianjin City Essence Tour from Tianjin Port: $235
- Tianjin Private Tour to Eastern Qing Tombs with Flexible Departure time: $237
- Private Tianjin Day Tour to Huangyaguan Great Wall and Dule Temple: $238
- Tianjin Shore Excursion: Huangyaguan Great Wall Private Day Tour: $238
- Bullet Train Private Tour: Beijing Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City & Great Wall: $239
Typical Entertainment Prices in Beijing
Here are a few typical costs in Beijing for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
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Entry to Summer Palace for Two$8.29
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Two Opera Tickets$59
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Temple of Heaven Park Entrance (for 2)$9.68
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Forbidden City (for 2)$17
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Forbidden City Tickets$17
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Audio Guides at Forbidden City$11
Tours and Activities in Beijing
Here are a few actual costs in Beijing for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- 4 hours Deep Forbidden City Private Tour by Knowledgeable Guide.: $80
- 4-Hour Beijing Layover Tour to Hutong from Daxing Airport: $145
- All Inclusive Mutianyu Great Wall & Summer Palace Private Tour: $188
- All Inclusive Private Tour: Juyongguan Greatwall, Sacred Road, MingTombs : $176
- Beijing 2 Summer Palace Private Garden Tour: $140
- Beijing Layover Tour: Mutianyu Great Wall with English Driver : $100
- Beijing Private Tour of Ming Tombs, Summer Palace, Bird's Nest and Water Cube: $297
- China Art Museum and 798 Art Zone Private Tour: $137
- Classic One Day Beijing Tour: $290
- Forbidden City Tour : $110
- Full Day Private Tour Incredible Beijing City Highlights: $179
- Jinshanling&Gubeikou Great Wall Private Guided Tour : $140
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayTianjin $11Beijing $12
Sample the Local Flavors in Beijing
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Beijing:
- Beijing Brewery Bike Tour: $99
- Private Tour-Bejing Old Hutong Food Tasting+Local Brewery Beer: $110
- Full Day Private Chateau Changyu Wine Tour from Beijing: $162
- 5-Hour Private Changyu Chateau Wine Tasting Tour from Beijing: $178
- Private Changyu Chateau Wine Tasting Tour and Mutianyu Great Wall Visit: $238
When comparing the travel costs between Tianjin and Beijing, we can see that Beijing 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 Tianjin Expensive? and Is Beijing Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Tianjin or Beijing?
Beijing has a larger population, and is about 99% larger than the population of Tianjin. When comparing the sizes of Tianjin and Beijing, 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 Tianjin or Beijing?
Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.
Should I visit Tianjin or Beijing in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Tianjin as well as Beijing. Also, most visitors come to Beijing for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months.
In July, Tianjin is generally around the same temperature as Beijing. Daily temperatures in Tianjin average around 27°C (80°F), and Beijing fluctuates around 27°C (80°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Beijing. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Tianjin this time of the year. In the summer, Tianjin often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Beijing. Tianjin gets 224 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Beijing receives 224 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Beijing. Tianjin receives a lot of rain in the summer. Tianjin usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Beijing. Tianjin gets 185 mm (7.3 in) of rain, while Beijing receives 176 mm (6.9 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyTianjin 27°C (80°F)Beijing 27°C (80°F)
Should I visit Tianjin or Beijing in the Autumn?
Both Beijing and Tianjin are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Beijing because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
Tianjin is around the same temperature as Beijing in the autumn. The daily temperature in Tianjin averages around 15°C (58°F) in October, and Beijing fluctuates around 14°C (56°F).
It's quite sunny in Beijing. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Tianjin. Tianjin usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Beijing during autumn. Tianjin gets 227 hours of sunny skies, while Beijing receives 227 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In October, Tianjin usually receives more rain than Beijing. Tianjin gets 21 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Beijing receives 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberTianjin 15°C (58°F)Beijing 14°C (56°F)
Should I visit Tianjin or Beijing in the Winter?
Both Beijing and Tianjin during the winter are popular places to visit. Furthermore, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Beijing this time of year.
It's quite cold in Beijing in the winter. The weather in Tianjin can be very cold. In the winter, Tianjin is a little warmer than Beijing. Typically, the winter temperatures in Tianjin in January average around -3°C (27°F), and Beijing averages at about -4°C (26°F).
In Beijing, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Tianjin. In the winter, Tianjin often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Beijing. Tianjin gets 201 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Beijing receives 201 hours of full sun.
Tianjin usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Beijing. Tianjin gets 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Beijing receives 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryTianjin -3°C (27°F)Beijing -4°C (26°F)
Should I visit Tianjin or Beijing in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Tianjin and Beijing. Furthermore, many travelers come to Beijing for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.
In April, Tianjin is generally around the same temperature as Beijing. Daily temperatures in Tianjin average around 14°C (58°F), and Beijing fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Beijing this time of the year. In Tianjin, it's very sunny this time of the year. Tianjin usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Beijing during spring. Tianjin gets 247 hours of sunny skies, while Beijing receives 247 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Tianjin usually receives around the same amount of rain as Beijing. Tianjin gets 25 mm (1 in) of rain, while Beijing receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilTianjin 14°C (58°F)Beijing 14°C (57°F)
Typical Weather for Beijing and Tianjin
| Tianjin | Beijing | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | -3°C (27°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) | -4°C (26°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) |
| Feb | -1°C (31°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) | -1°C (30°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) |
| Mar | 6°C (43°F) | 9 mm (0.3 in) | 6°C (42°F) | 9 mm (0.4 in) |
| Apr | 14°C (58°F) | 25 mm (1 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 26 mm (1 in) |
| May | 21°C (69°F) | 33 mm (1.3 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) |
| Jun | 25°C (77°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) | 25°C (76°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) |
| Jul | 27°C (80°F) | 185 mm (7.3 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 176 mm (6.9 in) |
| Aug | 26°C (79°F) | 155 mm (6.1 in) | 25°C (78°F) | 182 mm (7.2 in) |
| Sep | 21°C (70°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) | 20°C (69°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) |
| Oct | 15°C (58°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) | 14°C (56°F) | 19 mm (0.7 in) |
| Nov | 6°C (43°F) | 11 mm (0.4 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) |
| Dec | -1°C (31°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) | -1°C (29°F) | 2 mm (0.1 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.