Which place is cheaper, Hefei or Tianjin?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
Should you visit Tianjin or Hefei?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Tianjin or Hefei? 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 Hefei?
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.
Hefei
While most would consider the city of Hefei a pass-through destination, there are plenty of things to see in the capital city of China's Anhui province.
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.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayTianjin $76Hefei $62
The average daily cost (per person) in Tianjin is $76, while the average daily cost in Hefei is $62. 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 Hefei in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personTianjin $34Hefei $28
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomTianjin $68Hefei $56
Compare Hotels in Tianjin and Hefei
Looking for a hotel in Tianjin or Hefei? 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
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Tianjin $37Hefei $17
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Tianjin
Also for Tianjin, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- 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
- 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 Departure Transfer: Bejing City Hotel to Airport: $32
- Private Departure Transfer:City Hotel to Any Tianjin Railway Station: $28
- Private PEK Airport Departure Transfer from Tianjin with Bullet Train Experience: $168
- Private Tianjin Airport Arrival Transfer to Beijing Hotels: $98
- Private Tianjin Port Transfer to Huangyaguan Great Wall: $178
- Private Tianjin Transfer to Xingang International Cruise Port from City Hotels: $60
Is it cheaper to fly into Tianjin or Hefei?
Prices for flights to both Hefei 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 dayTianjin $20Hefei $21
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Tianjin $10Hefei $19
Tours and Activities in Tianjin
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Tianjin.
- 4-Hour Tianjin Shore Excursion Private Shopping Tour: $120
- Tianjin Private Walking Tour Guided by a Lady Worked in Europe: $151
- Private Tianjin City Night Tour with Haihe River Cruise: $156
- 4-Hour Private Tianjin Walking Tour with Dim Sum: $168
- 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
- 4-Hour Tianjin Shore Excursion to Shijia Mansion with Bullet Train Experience: $210
- Bullet Train Private Tour: Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City & Temple of Heaven: $219
- 1 Day Tianjin City Essence Tour from Tianjin Port: $235
- Private Tianjin Day Tour to Huangyaguan Great Wall and Dule Temple: $238
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayTianjin $11Hefei $11
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Tianjin and Hefei, we can see that Tianjin is more expensive. And not only is Hefei much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Hefei would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Hefei 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 Tianjin would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Tianjin than you might in Hefei.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Tianjin Expensive? and Is Hefei Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Tianjin or Hefei?
Tianjin has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Hefei. When comparing the sizes of Tianjin and Hefei, 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 Hefei?
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 Hefei in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Tianjin as well as Hefei.
In the summer, Tianjin is around the same temperature as Hefei. Typically, the summer temperatures in Tianjin in July average around 27°C (80°F), and Hefei averages at about 29°C (83°F).
It's quite rainy in Hefei. Tianjin receives a lot of rain in the summer. Tianjin usually gets more rain in July than Hefei. Tianjin gets 185 mm (7.3 in) of rain, while Hefei receives 171 mm (6.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyTianjin 27°C (80°F)Hefei 29°C (83°F)
Should I visit Tianjin or Hefei in the Autumn?
Both Hefei and Tianjin are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities.
In October, Tianjin is generally cooler than Hefei. Daily temperatures in Tianjin average around 15°C (58°F), and Hefei fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).
In October, Tianjin usually receives less rain than Hefei. Tianjin gets 21 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Hefei receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberTianjin 15°C (58°F)Hefei 18°C (64°F)
Should I visit Tianjin or Hefei in the Winter?
Both Hefei and Tianjin during the winter are popular places to visit.
Hefei can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Tianjin. Tianjin is much colder than Hefei in the winter. The daily temperature in Tianjin averages around -3°C (27°F) in January, and Hefei fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).
Tianjin usually gets less rain in January than Hefei. Tianjin gets 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Hefei receives 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryTianjin -3°C (27°F)Hefei 3°C (38°F)
Should I visit Tianjin or Hefei in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Tianjin and Hefei.
In the spring, Tianjin is cooler than Hefei. Typically, the spring temperatures in Tianjin in April average around 14°C (58°F), and Hefei averages at about 16°C (61°F).
In April, Tianjin usually receives less rain than Hefei. Tianjin gets 25 mm (1 in) of rain, while Hefei receives 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilTianjin 14°C (58°F)Hefei 16°C (61°F)
Typical Weather for Hefei and Tianjin
| Tianjin | Hefei | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | -3°C (27°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) | 3°C (38°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) |
| Feb | -1°C (31°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) | 5°C (40°F) | 51 mm (2 in) |
| Mar | 6°C (43°F) | 9 mm (0.3 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) |
| Apr | 14°C (58°F) | 25 mm (1 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 95 mm (3.7 in) |
| May | 21°C (69°F) | 33 mm (1.3 in) | 22°C (71°F) | 97 mm (3.8 in) |
| Jun | 25°C (77°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) | 25°C (78°F) | 121 mm (4.8 in) |
| Jul | 27°C (80°F) | 185 mm (7.3 in) | 29°C (83°F) | 171 mm (6.7 in) |
| Aug | 26°C (79°F) | 155 mm (6.1 in) | 29°C (83°F) | 111 mm (4.4 in) |
| Sep | 21°C (70°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) | 23°C (74°F) | 86 mm (3.4 in) |
| Oct | 15°C (58°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) |
| Nov | 6°C (43°F) | 11 mm (0.4 in) | 11°C (53°F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) |
| Dec | -1°C (31°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) | 5°C (42°F) | 25 mm (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.