A Travel Price Comparison for China Tianjin vs. Chongqing for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Tianjin or Chongqing?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Should I visit Tianjin or Chongqing? 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 Chongqing?

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.

Chongqing

Chongqing, China is a large city in central China and one of only four cities in the country that are not part of a province. While Chongqing is famous for being an economically important city, brush away its industrial surface and you'll find a naturally beautiful city with plenty of hidden wonders. Although you'll find many expats in the city, English is rarely spoken, meaning knowing some basic Mandarin will come in handy.

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.


Which place is cheaper, Chongqing or Tianjin?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

  • Tianjin Prices
    China Prices
    Chongqing Prices
    China Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Tianjin $97
    Chongqing $111

The average daily cost (per person) in Tianjin is $97, while the average daily cost in Chongqing is $111. 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 Chongqing in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Tianjin $37
    Chongqing $53
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Tianjin $74
    Chongqing $106
Compare Hotels in Tianjin and Chongqing

Looking for a hotel in Tianjin or Chongqing? 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.

Hotels in Tianjin


Hotels in Chongqing


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
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Tianjin $39
    Chongqing $20

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Tianjin

Also for Tianjin, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Arrival Transfer from Tianjin Airport TSN to Tianjin City: $60
  • Beijing Downtown to Tianjin Cruise Port Private Transfer drop off: $105
  • Binhai Airport Private Transfer from Tianjin Cruise Port: $80
  • Binhai Airport Private Transfer to Tianjin Cruise Port: $80
  • Cruise Transfer from Tianjin Port to Beijing Hotels: $225
  • Cruise Transfer:Tianjin International Home Port to Beijing PEK or Daxing Airport: $118
  • Departure Transfer from Tianjin City to Tianjin Airport TSN: $60
  • 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: Tianjin Cruise Port to Train Stations (Tianjin/Tanggu): $63
  • Private Departure Transfer: Hotel to Tianjin Binhai International Airport (TSN): $39

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Chongqing

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Chongqing:

  • Wulong 5-Day Tour with Hotel & Transfers: $687
  • 5-Day Private Tour with Hotel & Transfers: $497
  • Wulong 3-Day Tour with Hotel & Transfers: $497
  • Chongqing Private Arrival Transfer: Airport to Hotel: $88
  • Chongqing Private Arrival Transfer: Railway Station to Hotel: $88
  • Chongqing Jiangbei Airport Chauffeur Service, Chongqing Airport Transfer, Pickup: $60
  • Private Round-Trip Transfer: Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport(CKG): $60
  • Jiangbei International Airport Transfer 24h Services: $57
  • Chongqing Private Departure Transfer: Hotel to Railway Station: $55
  • Chongqing Private Departure Transfer: Hotel to Airport: $55
  • Private Transfer from Chongqing Railway Station to City Hotel: $52
  • Private Chongqing International Airport Departure Transfer from City Hotels: $49

Is it cheaper to fly into Tianjin or Chongqing?

Prices for flights to both Chongqing 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
  • Food Meals for one day
    Tianjin $38
    Chongqing $45

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Chongqing

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Chongqing.

  • Qingyu Banquet Experience with Show and Dinner: $51
  • Be a Chongqinger - wet market tour &cooking class & paper cutting: $59
  • Half-Day Cultural Immersion with Cooking Class: $80
  • Food Tour with Old Town and Magical Night Views: $93
  • Chongqing Food Tour: $93
  • Chongqing City Private Night Tour with Hot Pot Dinner or Massage: $150
  • Chongqing Port Transfer Service with Half-Day Tour and Hot Pot Dinner: $245
  • From Port Transfer with Half Day Tour and Hot Pot Dinner: $246

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Tianjin $11
    Chongqing $14

Tours and Activities in Tianjin

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Tianjin.

  • Guided Day Tour to Tianjin Downtown with Lunch: $148
  • Private Tianjin City Night Tour with Haihe River Cruise: $169
  • Tianjin Cruise Port To Beijing Capital Airport With the English Speaking Driver: $187
  • Private Tianjin City Highlight Day Tour: $188
  • Tianjin Cruise Port To Beijing Daxing Airport With the English Speaking Driver: $203
  • Tianjin Private Walking Tour Guided by a Lady Worked in Europe: $215
  • 4-Hour Tianjin Shore Excursion Private Shopping Tour: $228
  • 1 Day Tianjin City Essence Tour from Tianjin Port: $235
  • Private Tianjin Day Tour to Huangyaguan Great Wall and Dule Temple: $238
  • Tianjin Shore Excursion: Huangyaguan Great Wall Private Day Tour: $238
  • Tian jin harbor cruise to Beijng all-inclusive day trip: $239
  • Bullet Train Private Tour: Beijing Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City & Great Wall: $239

Tours and Activities in Chongqing

Here are a few actual costs in Chongqing for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • 1 Day Chongqing Adventures 18 Steps Laojun Cave and Huangjueya: $195
  • 1 Day Private Tour to UNESCO Dazu Rock Carvings from Chongqing: $166
  • 1 Day Private tour to Chongqing Wulong National Geology Park: $179
  • 1-Day Chongqing City Private Tour with the Hot pot Lunch: $157
  • 3Days Chongqing Cyber City✖ Wulong Karst Cave Adventure: $750
  • 4D3N Yangtze River Victoria Cruise: Chongqing to Yichang: $628
  • All-In-One Chongqing Trendy Spots Private Tour: $230
  • Authentic Chongqing Walking Tour: Explore History & Local Vibe: $98
  • Best of Chongqing One Day Tour: Stilwell Museum, Arhat Temple, Eling Park, Panda: $197
  • Century Cruises Chongqing to Yichang Yangzte River Tour: $61
  • Chinese calligraphy experience: $42
  • Chong Qing : 1949 theater historical Show Ticket: $39

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Tianjin $12
    Chongqing $7.39


When comparing the travel costs between Tianjin and Chongqing, we can see that Chongqing 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 Chongqing Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Tianjin or Chongqing?

Chongqing has a larger population, and is about 5% larger than the population of Tianjin. When comparing the sizes of Tianjin and Chongqing, 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.

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