Which place is cheaper, Xi'an or Ubud?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Ubud or Xi'an?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Ubud and Xi'an. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.
Where Should I go: Ubud or Xi'an?
Ubud
Made popular by the film Eat Pray Love, Ubud is located in the uplands of Bali, Indonesia. Beautiful Hindu temples and iconic rice fields are the sight to see in this popular cultural, artistic and religious hub on the island.
Though Ubud is hot and humid during the day, it is still cooler than coastal areas. Still, temperatures linger between mid-70's and low 90's year-round, so it is likely you'll experience warm weather, regardless of when you visit.
Ubud's wet season is from November to June, which makes it an unpopular time for travelers. January and February are when Ubud experiences the heaviest rainfall, so it may be wise to avoid visiting at this time, especially since weather will limit activities, bring out insects, and cause landslides and possible flooding.
Dry season runs from July through October, which is high season for travel. Even during dry season, Ubud is extremely humid, so pack lightweight clothing that breathes and lots of sunblock.
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 Romantic Tours for Couples in Indonesia, The Best Budget Tours to Indonesia, 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 dayUbud $150Xi'an $94
The average daily cost (per person) in Ubud is $150, 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 Ubud and Xi'an in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personUbud $133Xi'an $60
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomUbud $266Xi'an $120
Compare Hotels in Ubud and Xi'an
Looking for a hotel in Ubud 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: Ubud Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Ubud $1.82Xi'an $12
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Ubud
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Ubud:
- Bali Airport Private Hotel Transfer : $8.00
- (Less Stairs) Bali Telaga Waja Rafting & Zipline -Lunch, Transfer: $10
- 1 DAY Enjoy Lembongan Island! Snorkeling + mangrove exploration + sightseeing on the island such as the scenic spot "Devil's Tears" / marine sports enjoyment banana boat / transfer included: $131
- 2 Days 1 Night Bali Nusa Penida Private Tour with Transfer: $165
- 2 hours Bali Lulur Massage & Spa Treatment Including Hotel Transfers: $56
- 2 hours Bali Lulur Massage & Spa Treatment Including Transfers: $49
- 2 hours Bali Lulur Massage & Spa Treatment Including Transfers: $50
- 3 Days Bali Tour Package with Airport Transfer: $164
- 4 Days Bali Tour with ATV Ride and Airport Transfer: $262
- 4 Hours Pampering Spa Treatment in Seminyak including Hotel or Airport Transfer: $82
- A1 Airport Transfer Service - Ubud/Tanah Lot/Uluwatu/Ungasan Area: $24
- A1 Airport Transfer Service Kuta/Seminyak Area: $14
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Xi'an
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Xi'an:
- Xi’an Xianyang International Airport Private Arrival Transfer to City Area: $29
- 1-way Private Transfer: Xi'an City Hotel to Airport/Train Station: $55
- Airport Transfer] Xi'an Airport Xi'an City Transfer High reputation for service! : $27
- Full-Day Layover Private Tour: Essence of Xi'an With Airport Transfer: $197
- One Day Private Xian Tour to Terracotta Warriors with Airport Transfers: $170
- One-Way Airport Transfer From Xi'an Xianyang International Airport to Xi'an Hotel: $75
- Private Airport Transfer: Xi'an Hotel to Xianyang International Airport: $29
- Private Airport Transfer:Xi'an Xianyang International Airport to Xi'an Hotel: $29
- Private Departure Transfer to Xi'an International Airport from City Hotels: $22
- Private Departure Transfer: Hotel to Xi'an Central Train Station: $21
- Private Departure Transfer: Xi'an Hotels to Xi'an Airport (XIY): $43
- Private High-speed Train Arrival Transfer: Xi'an Bei (North) Station to Hotel: $30
Is it cheaper to fly into Ubud or Xi'an?
Prices for flights to both Xi'an and Ubud 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 dayUbud $12Xi'an $12
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Ubud
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Ubud.
- Canggu: Drag Show with Dinner: $10
- Jimbaran Bay Sunset Dinner with Discount Voucher and Return Transport : $12
- Munduk authentic cooking class & banyumala waterfall: $19
- Uluwatu Sunset & Romantic Dinner: $20
- Balinese Traditional Cooking Classes with Market Tour: $22
- Balinese Traditional Cooking Class with Market Tour: $22
- Ubud Cooking : All Inclusive Cooking Class: $23
- Balinese Cooking Class and Market Tour with Transfers: $23
- Cooking Class with Transfers and Optional Market Visit: $23
- Balinese Cooking Class with Hotel Transfers: $26
- Best of Ubud with Cooking Class Experience: $26
- Jimbaran Beach Candle Light Dinner : $26
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
- Private Home Cooking Class:Dumpling Cooking Class Tour in Xi'an: $50
- Xi'an Food Tour by Tuk Tuk: $62
- Private Xi’an Night & Food Tour by Tuk Tuk and Public Transportation: $67
- Xi'an Evening Food Tour by TukTuk: $69
- 4 Hours Food Tours in Xi'an: $72
- 3-Hour Biang Biang Noodles Cooking Class in Xi'an: $75
- Authentic Muslim Alley Food Tour in Xi'an: $75
- Authentic Old Xi'an Back Street Food Tour : $75
- Xi'an Tang Dynasty Show and Dumpling Dinner with Hotel Transfer: $76
- Half-day Xi'an Steamed Buns(Baozi) Cooking Class with Market Visit: $78
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Ubud $10Xi'an $35
Tours and Activities in Ubud
Here are a few actual costs in Ubud for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- ATV Tandem or single Adventure Experience With Guaded: $1.54
- ATV Single or Tandem Guided Jungle Adventure: $2.56
- Ubud ATV Single Ride Adventure Guided: $3.16
- Ubud : ATV Single & Tandem Ride Adventure Local Guided: $3.59
- ATV Single & Tandem Ride and Zipline Adventure: $4.61
- Seminyak Driver ( Customized Tour): $5.00
- Mount Batur 4WD Jeep Sunrise Combo Experience in Bali: $5.00
- Bali Sightseeing Tours - Top Things to Do: $5.00
- Gorilla Face Atv Quad Bike Adventure: $5.00
- Bali Gate Of Heaven, Jungle Swing & Waterfall Private Tour: $5.00
- Bali: Ubud Palace Legong Dance Show Ticket: $6.40
- Private Full-Day Tour in Bali & FREE WIFI: $7.00
Tours and Activities in Xi'an
Here are a few actual costs in Xi'an for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Xi'an Virtual Tour: Emperor Qin Shi Huang and His Terracotta Army: $15
- Terra-cotta Warriors Entrance Ticket with Optional Guided Service: $26
- Terracotta Warriors 5-Hour Private Tour w/ Optional Pickup Point: $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
- Terra-cotta Warriors Ticket with Optional Car & Guided Service: $38
- Xi'an City Wall: Guided Tour with Cycling Option: $43
- Xi'an Religions Tour: $45
- Leisure Night Walking Tour of Xi’an: $46
- Xi'an City Walking Tour: $46
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayUbud $6.88Xi'an $7.23
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Ubud and Xi'an, we can see that Ubud is more expensive. And not only is Xi'an much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. 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 Ubud would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Ubud 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 Ubud Expensive? and Is Xi'an Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Ubud or Xi'an?
Xi'an has a larger population, and is about 110 times larger than the population of Ubud. When comparing the sizes of Ubud 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.