Which place is cheaper, Xi'an or Ubud?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
Jump to 
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.
-
Ubud Prices
Indonesia PricesXi'an Prices
China Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayUbud $153Xi'an $105
The average daily cost (per person) in Ubud is $153, while the average daily cost in Xi'an is $105. 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
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personUbud $128Xi'an $61
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomUbud $256Xi'an $122
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
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Ubud $1.75Xi'an $12
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Ubud
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Ubud:
- Bali Airport Private Hotel Transfer : $15
- Eco Friendly Premium Electric Vehicle Airport Transfers : $6.76
- 240 Minutes Romantic Healing Spa Treatment - Free Transfer: $115
- A1 Airport Transfer Service - Ubud/Tanah Lot/Uluwatu/Ungasan Area: $24
- A1 Airport Transfer Service Nusadua/Sanur/Canggu Area: $19
- ATV Quad Bike Track Tunnel & Waterfall Includes Private Transfer: $79
- ATV Quad Bike and Rafting with Private Transfer, Lunch: $76
- Actively enjoy marine sports / Seawalker + Selectable marine sports (parasailing, etc.) / Round trip hotel transfer included: $171
- Airport Transfer to Nusa Dua: $40
- Airport Transfer to Seminyak: $40
- Airport Transfer to Ubud: $25
- Airport transfer to seminyak/ kuta: $10
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
- Essential Xian Tour with Airport Train Station or Hotel Transfer: $229
- From Xian: Terracotta Army and City Wall Tour with Airport Transfer: $245
- Mt. Huashan Private Roundtrip Transfer with Driver's Tickets Help: $113
- One Day Private Xian Tour to Terracotta Warriors with Airport Transfers: $149
- Private 1-way Transfer: Xi'an North Station/Airport to City Hotel: $58
- Private Arrival Transfer: Xi'an Central Train Station to Hotel: $21
- Private Arrival Transfer:Any Xi'an Railway Station to Xi'an City Hotel: $30
- Private Arrival Transfer:Xi'an Xianyang International Airport(XIY) to City Hotel: $46
- 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): $49
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
-
Food Meals for one dayUbud $20Xi'an $22
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Ubud
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Ubud.
- Ubud Mystic Dinner at Oracle of Spice Lemuria The Lost City: $17
- Uluwatu Sunset & Romantic Dinner: $20
- Cooking Class and Dinner in Traditional House by Food Lover Tour: $25
- Ubud Cooking Class by Lemon Grass Cooking Class: $26
- Afternoon Cooking Class & Making Bali Offering with Dinner: $29
- Uluwatu Sunset Trip with Kecak Dance Show and Jimbaran Dinner: $30
- Amazing Half-Day Uluwatu Sunset Tour with Jimbaran Seafood Dinner: $30
- Be a real Balinese with Traditional Balinese Cooking Class: $30
- Private Traditional Bali Cooking Class in Sidemen: $31
- Cultural Evening Dinner: $31
- Uluwatu Sunset Experience: Kecak Dance and Dinner at Jimbaran: $34
- Ubud Cooking : All Inclusive Cooking Class: $35
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Xi'an
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Xi'an.
- Xi’an：City Wall Multi-Entry or Night Food Tour with Show: $21
- Xi'An: Tang Dynasty Show Ticket w/ Transfer or Dinner: $33
- Top 3 Xian Sites to Terracotta Army & Dinner Show w/ Options: $35
- Xi'an Tang Dynasty Show Ticket Optional Dumplings or Royal Dinner: $37
- Skip the Line: Xi'an Tang Dynasty Show Ticket & Dumpling Dinner or Royal Banquet: $37
- Xian Tang Dynasty Show -Optional Dumpling Dinner or Royal Banquet: $38
- Xi'an: Tang Dynasty Music and Dance Show with Dinner Option: $40
- Xi'an Homemade Food Cooking Dumplings / BIANGBIANGNoodles: $58
- Xi’an: Market Tour and Cooking Class with Local Family: $59
- Xi'an Vegetarian Food Tour: $60
- Xi'an Muslim Quarter Walking Food Tour: $61
- Private Xi'an Food Tour: $65
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Ubud $9.84Xi'an $36
Tours and Activities in Ubud
Here are a few actual costs in Ubud for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Mangrove Tour at Nusa Lembongan : Kayak, Paddle and Boat: $8.00
- Batur Natural Hot Springs Entrance Ticket - Swim: $8.81
- One Way Ticket Fast Boat from Sanur Bali and Nusa Penida : $8.92
- Bali Tour Customized with Private Tour Driver: $9.00
- ATV Adventure with Private Tracks and Guide in Ubud: $9.18
- Hike and Heal Mount Batur Sunrise Tour with Hot Springs Add On: $9.18
- Full-Day Private North Bali Tour with Free WiFi: $9.32
- Self-Guided Tour in Bali's Pura Ulun Danu Beratan Temple Complex: $9.99
- Sea to Summit Trekking Adventure on Mount Agung: $10
- 1 Hour Mangrove Tour From Lembongan with Kayak, Paddle, or Boat: $11
- Bali Blue Lagoon Snorkeling with optional Tours and Activity: $12
- Trans Studio Bali Admission Ticket: $12
Tours and Activities in Xi'an
Here are a few actual costs in Xi'an for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Xi'an: Daci'en Temple(Great Wild Goose Pagoda) E-ticket: $9.99
- Xi'an: City Wall & Old Town Walking Tour w/ 10+ Food Tasting: $14
- Xi’an City Wall – E-Ticket: $15
- Xi'an: Xi’an City Wall South Gate(Yongningmen) Entry Ticket: $15
- Xi'an Virtual Tour: Emperor Qin Shi Huang and His Terracotta Army: $15
- Xi'an: City Wall Moat Smart Boat Tour: $17
- Xian: Terracotta Army Ticket & Guided Bus Tour with Options: $20
- Private Car Tour to Terra-cotta Army and Xi'an Ctiy Attrations: $22
- Terracotta Warriors Tickets Booking: $24
- Xian Day Tour, Terracotta Army, City Wall, Pagoda, Muslim Bazaar: $24
- Xi'an Exclusive Terracotta Army Tour with Local Family Lunch: $24
- Terracotta Army Ticket Booking - Optional Guide Service: $25
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayUbud $6.62Xi'an $7.34
Sample the Local Flavors in Xi'an
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Xi'an:
- Xi'an Bar Crawl: Drink, Gaming, Snacks & Meet with Locals: $29
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.