A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Udaipur vs. Xi'an for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Udaipur 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 Udaipur 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: Udaipur or Xi'an?

Udaipur

Udaipur, also known as the "Venice of the East," is becoming increasingly popular as an Indian wedding destination as well as with travelers searching for a romantic and picturesque city, rich with history, scenic areas, and palaces.

The "City of Lakes" is located in south of Rajasthan. There are a total of ten lakes in the lake system, which are connected and sustain water for drinking, irrigation and industrial use, which contributes to another reason for Udaipur's booming tourism: alcohol.

Udaipur has ideal climate and available water to support a liquor plant while a number of other Indian states ban the consumption of liquor altogether. Many local tourists, such as those from the neighboring dry state of Gujarat on the west, visit Udaipur specifically for this reason, especially considering that Gujarati alcohol prices are much higher and liquor must be purchased through the black market. It's no wonder why Udaipur is the destination for celebrations and vacation.

Udaipur has tropical weather and three main seasons, which are summer, monsoon, and winter. Winter, which takes place between September to March, is the most pleasant time to visit for sunny and warm days and cool nights.

Udaipur was also made famous in the James Bond film Octopussy. Several local hotels show the film nightly.

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 Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in India, The Best Adventure Tours to India, The Best 10-Day Tours in China, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in China.


Which place is cheaper, Xi'an or Udaipur?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Udaipur is $33, 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 Udaipur and Xi'an in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Udaipur $16
    Xi'an $60
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Udaipur $32
    Xi'an $120
Compare Hotels in Udaipur and Xi'an

Looking for a hotel in Udaipur 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.

Hotels in Udaipur


Hotels in Xian


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: Udaipur Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Udaipur $6.98
    Xi'an $12
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Udaipur

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Udaipur:


  • Tuk Tuk Ride
    $0.48

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Udaipur

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Udaipur:

  • Dilwara Temples & Mount Abu: Private Day Trip with Transfer: $105
  • From Udaipur : Private Transfer To Jaipur Via Pushkar: $85
  • From Udaipur : Private Transfer To Mount Abu: $48
  • From Udaipur : Private Transfer To Ranthmbore: $118
  • From Udaipur Transfer To Jaisalmer Via Ranakpur Jain Temple: $101
  • From Private Transfer to Delhi, Jaipur, or Pushkar: $180
  • Guided Tour to Kumbhalgarh on Udaipur to Ranakpur Transfer: $62
  • Jagmandir Island And Sunset Boat Ride On Lake Pichola, Udaipur Without Transfers: $146
  • Jodhpur To Udaipur Transfer: $85
  • Jodhpur to Udaipur one Way Transfer: $49
  • Lake Pichola: Evening Boat ride with Private Transfers: $40
  • One Way Transfer From Udaipur To Jaipur: $84

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Xi'an

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Xi'an:

  • 2-Day Customized Private Tour With Transfer in Historical Xi'an: $231
  • Airport Transfer] Xi'an Airport Xi'an City Transfer High reputation for service! : $27
  • From Xian: Terracotta Army and City Wall Tour with Airport Transfer: $194
  • Mt. Hua Entrance Ticket w/ Shuttle Bus&Cable Car&Private Transfer: $224
  • 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 1-way Transfer: Xi'an North Station/Airport to City Hotel: $58
  • Private Arrival Transfer: Xi'an Central Train Station to Hotel: $21
  • Private Departure Transfer to Xi'an International Airport from City Hotels: $22
  • Private Departure Transfer: Hotel to Xi'an Xianyang International Airport (XIY): $34
  • Private Departure Transfer: Xi'an Hotels to Xi'an Airport (XIY): $43
  • Private Departure Transfer:Xi'an City Hotel to Any Xi'an Railway Station: $30

Is it cheaper to fly into Udaipur or Xi'an?

Prices for flights to both Xi'an and Udaipur 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
    Udaipur $11
    Xi'an $12

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Udaipur

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

  • Private Traditional Dinner with an Indian Family in Udaipur: $8.99
  • 4-Hour Indian Food Cooking Class with full Meals: $12
  • Enjoyable,homely & mom 's delicious cooking classes: $13
  • Durga Cooking Class: $17
  • mamta cooking class awarded by tripadvisor : $23
  • Guided Street Food Tour with Tastings: $25
  • Culinary Adventure: Make Pizza, Sip Wine At Royal Repast: $39
  • 3 Hours Indian Cooking Session at Local Home (Udaipur): $50
  • Private Rajasthani Cooking Class in an Udaipur Home: $51
  • Jodhpur to Osian camel safari / Dinner At Dhani: $60
  • Jodhpur, Osian camel ride &Dinner At Dhani (country side): $60
  • Evening Cooking Session and Dinner with an Indian Family: $72

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 Twilight Sightseeing and Food Tour: $51
  • Tang Dynasty Dinner Show: $55
  • Half-day Xi'an Biang Biang Noodles Cooking Class with Spice Market Visit: $65
  • Private Xi'an Food Tour: $65
  • Private Xi’an Night & Food Tour by Tuk Tuk and Public Transportation: $67
  • Xi'an Evening Food Tour by TukTuk: $69
  • 3-Hour Biang Biang Noodles Cooking Class in Xi'an: $75
  • Authentic Old Xi'an Back Street Food Tour : $75
  • Authentic Muslim Alley Food Tour in Xi'an: $75

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Udaipur $10
    Xi'an $35
Typical Entertainment Prices in Udaipur

Here are a few typical costs in Udaipur for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:


  • Palace Entrance Fee
    $1.20
  • Lake Boat Tour
    $2.39

Tours and Activities in Udaipur

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

  • Private Udaipur Sightseeing Tour by Tuk-Tuk or Car with Driver: $8.00
  • Delwara Handicraft Experience: $9.23
  • Udaipur Half Day City Tour by Tuk Tuk: $9.60
  • Udaipur Walking Tour(2 Hours Guided Walk): $9.84
  • Udaipur Night Walk (2 Hours Guided Walking Tour): $9.84
  • Jaipur: Immerse yourself in a full day private tour by tuk-tuk: $9.84
  • Experience Indian Food: Learn To Cook with Rekha with full meals: $11
  • Private day tours: $11
  • Local Market Walking Tour: $11
  • Non Touristy Walk, old city & local market walking tour: $11
  • Udaipur Guided sightseeing Tour in Three wheeled Tuk Tuk : $12
  • Udapiur: Night Walking Tour: $13

Tours and Activities in Xi'an

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

  • Xi'an: Terracotta Warriors Group Walking Tour(NO Shopping): $18
  • 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
  • Half Day Walking Tour around Xi'an Peaceful Old Downtown Area: $38
  • Terra-cotta Warriors Ticket with Optional Car & Guided Service: $38
  • Xi'an City Wall: Guided Tour with Cycling Option: $43
  • Xi'an City Walking Tour: $46
  • Guided Leisure Walking Tour to Muslim Quarter in Xi'an: $46

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Udaipur $8.92
    Xi'an $7.23

Sample the Local Flavors in Udaipur

Also in Udaipur, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Pub Crawl Uaipur (3 Hours Guided Nightlife Experience): $20
  • Pub Crawl Udaipur (3 Hours Guided Nightlife Experience): $35
  • 3-Hour Pub Crawl: $39
  • Pub Crawl Udaipur: $39


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Udaipur and Xi'an, we can see that Xi'an is more expensive. And not only is Udaipur much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Udaipur would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Udaipur 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 Xi'an would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Xi'an than you might in Udaipur.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Udaipur Expensive? and Is Xi'an Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Udaipur or Xi'an?

Xi'an has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Udaipur. When comparing the sizes of Udaipur 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.