Which place is cheaper, Hangzhou or Xiamen?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Xiamen or Hangzhou?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Xiamen and Hangzhou can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.
Where Should I go: Xiamen or Hangzhou?
Xiamen
Xiamen is a coastal city in the Fujian Province of China and has been a major port city and gateway to China for centuries. This vibrant and modern city was named the most livable city in the world in 2002 and one of the first cities to be named a Special Economic Zone. Xiamen is best known for being home to Gulangyu Island, a beautiful island full of historic colonial buildings and lovely walking paths.
Hangzhou
Hangzhou is a city in Eastern China, about an hour by train from Shanghai, renowned for its historic relics and natural beauty. Each year it attracts more than 20 million tourists who come to see what the city has to offer. Set amongst the natural scenery of lakes and mountains, Hangzhou is modern city that coexists with the old. Historic pagodas and cultural sites built around the central lake sit like they belong amidst the skyscrapers and bustling markets of today.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in China, The Best Historical Tours in China, 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 dayXiamen $65Hangzhou $67
The average daily cost (per person) in Xiamen is $65, while the average daily cost in Hangzhou is $67. 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 Xiamen and Hangzhou in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personXiamen $31Hangzhou $24
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomXiamen $62Hangzhou $48
Compare Hotels in Xiamen and Hangzhou
Looking for a hotel in Xiamen or Hangzhou? 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
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Xiamen $6.10Hangzhou $8.27
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Xiamen
Also for Xiamen, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer Service between Xiamen City and Yongding Hakka Tulou : $115
- Private Arrival Transfer from Gaoqi Airport to Xiamen City Hotel: $10
- Private Transfer Between Xiamen City and HongKeng Hakka Tulou Cluster: $89
- Private Transfer Between Xiamen City and Yun Shui Yao Ancient Town: $89
- Private Transfer Service between Xiamen and Anxi : $89
- Private Transfer between Riyue Gu Hotspring Resort and Xiamen City : $32
- Private Transfer between Xiamen City and Hua’an Earth Building: $89
- Private Transfer between Xiamen City and Hui'an county in Quanzhou: $89
- Private Transfer between Xiamen City and Tianluokeng Tulou Cluster : $89
- Private Transfer between Xiamen City and Tianluokeng Tulou Village: $115
- Private Transfer from Railway Station to Xiamen City: $10
- Private Transfer to Gaobei Tulou and Hongkeng Tulou from Xiamen City: $98
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Hangzhou
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Hangzhou:
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Local Bus for Two$0.56
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Hangzhou
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Hangzhou:
- Wuzhen Water Town Self-Guided Tour with Private Transfer from Hangzhou : $87
- Water Town and West Lake Sightseeing with Hangzhou Hotel or Railway Station Transfer: $217
- VIP Seated Impression West Lake Show with Private Hassel-Free Transfer Service: $85
- VIP Seated Enduring Memories of Hangzhou Show with Private Transfer: $83
- Skip the Line: Impression West Lake Show VIP Seat Ticket with Pick-up Transfer: $82
- Private Transfer to Yiwu City from Hangzhou Xiaoshan Airport: $125
- Private Transfer to Yellow Mountain from Hangzhou: $196
- Private Transfer to Wuzhen Water Town from Hangzhou: $88
- Private Transfer to Suzhou City from Hangzhou: $113
- Private Transfer to Shanghai Pudong Airport from Hangzhou: $129
- Private Transfer to Shanghai City from Hangzhou: $119
- Private Transfer to Qiandao Lake from Hangzhou: $125
Is it cheaper to fly into Xiamen or Hangzhou?
Prices for flights to both Hangzhou and Xiamen 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 dayXiamen $27Hangzhou $18
Typical Food Prices in Hangzhou
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Hangzhou:
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Breakfast Pastries$2.39
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Pizza Hut Lunch$11
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Hangzhou
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Hangzhou.
- All Inclusive Night Tour with Impression West Lake Show VIP Ticket and Dinner: $117
- Private Amazing Hangzhou Airport Layover Tour with Lunch or Dinner Option : $170
- Wuzhen Ancient Water Town Private Night Tour from Hangzhou with Dinner Option: $185
- Xitang Water Town Private Night Tour from Hangzhou with Dinner: $203
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Xiamen $16Hangzhou $20
Tours and Activities in Xiamen
For Xiamen, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Xiamen Private English Tour Guide Service: $93
- Private Xiamen Half Day Tour to Gulangyu Island and the Hi Heaven Villa: $97
- Xiamen Private Half Day Tour of Gulangyu Island and Shuzhuang Garden: $97
- A Night Tour to Xiamen Gulang Island: $100
- Xiamen Private Highlight Tour-Gulangyu Island, Shuzhuang Garden And Piano Museum: $103
- 4-Hour Xiamen Private Local Food Market Experience: $103
- Private Half-Day Tour to the Most Famous Scenic Jimei School Village in Xiamen: $106
- 4-hour Xiamen Private Flexible Tour in Your Way: $113
- 4-Hour Xiamen Private Shore Excursion Tour in Your Way: $121
- Xiamen Layover Day Tour-Gulangyu,Shuzhuang Garden And Piano Museum: $132
- Xiamen Half-Day Private Tour include Gulang Yu Island and Garden : $135
- Private Xiamen Local Market Tour with Shopping and Food Experience: $140
Tours and Activities in Hangzhou
Here are a few actual costs in Hangzhou for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- West Lake Private Tour with Boat Ride and Enduring Memories Night Show VIP Seat: $242
- 2-Day Huangshan Mountain Sunset Climb & Sunrise Camp Guided Tour from Hangzhou : $162
- 2-Day Live-in Temple Buddhist Monk Mediation Experience from Hangzhou: $252
- 3 days tour Shanghai Huangshan & Hangzhou by bullet trains: $830
- 4-Hour Hangzhou City Private Customized Tour with Options: $112
- 4-Hour Hangzhou Highlights Tour of Lingyin Temple and West Lake: $188
- 4-Hour Hangzhou Summit and Former Residence of Xueyan Hu Private Tour: $141
- 5 hours Hangzhou Tour Itinerary: $159
- A Depth-Tour to Explore Xixi Wetland Park including Fishing experience: $205
- All Inclusive Tour of Lingyin Temple and Pagoda of Six Harmonies: $199
- All-inclusive Customized Hangzhou Layover Tour: $190
- All-inclusive Customized Hangzhou Private Day Tour: $216
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayXiamen $17Hangzhou $10
When comparing the travel costs between Xiamen and Hangzhou, we can see that Hangzhou 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 Xiamen Expensive? and Is Hangzhou Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Xiamen or Hangzhou?
Hangzhou has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Xiamen. When comparing the sizes of Xiamen and Hangzhou, 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 Xiamen or Hangzhou?
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 Xiamen or Hangzhou in the Summer?
Both Hangzhou and Xiamen during the summer are popular places to visit.
In July, Xiamen is generally around the same temperature as Hangzhou. Daily temperatures in Xiamen average around 30°C (86°F), and Hangzhou fluctuates around 29°C (85°F).
Hangzhou gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Xiamen. Xiamen usually gets more rain in July than Hangzhou. Xiamen gets 140 mm (5.5 in) of rain, while Hangzhou receives 129 mm (5.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyXiamen 30°C (86°F)Hangzhou 29°C (85°F)
Should I visit Xiamen or Hangzhou in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Xiamen and Hangzhou.
Xiamen is a little warmer than Hangzhou in the autumn. The daily temperature in Xiamen averages around 25°C (77°F) in October, and Hangzhou fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).
In October, Xiamen usually receives less rain than Hangzhou. Xiamen gets 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Hangzhou receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberXiamen 25°C (77°F)Hangzhou 19°C (66°F)
Should I visit Xiamen or Hangzhou in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Xiamen as well as Hangzhou.
Hangzhou can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Xiamen is much warmer than Hangzhou. Typically, the winter temperatures in Xiamen in January average around 14°C (58°F), and Hangzhou averages at about 5°C (41°F).
Xiamen usually gets less rain in January than Hangzhou. Xiamen gets 37 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Hangzhou receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryXiamen 14°C (58°F)Hangzhou 5°C (41°F)
Should I visit Xiamen or Hangzhou in the Spring?
Both Hangzhou and Xiamen are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities.
In April, Xiamen is generally a little warmer than Hangzhou. Daily temperatures in Xiamen average around 20°C (69°F), and Hangzhou fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Hangzhou. It's quite rainy in Xiamen. In April, Xiamen usually receives more rain than Hangzhou. Xiamen gets 147 mm (5.8 in) of rain, while Hangzhou receives 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilXiamen 20°C (69°F)Hangzhou 16°C (61°F)
Typical Weather for Hangzhou and Xiamen
| Xiamen | Hangzhou | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 14°C (58°F) | 37 mm (1.4 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 59 mm (2.3 in) |
| Feb | 14°C (57°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) | 6°C (42°F) | 88 mm (3.4 in) |
| Mar | 16°C (61°F) | 99 mm (3.9 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 115 mm (4.5 in) |
| Apr | 20°C (69°F) | 147 mm (5.8 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) |
| May | 24°C (76°F) | 152 mm (6 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 159 mm (6.3 in) |
| Jun | 27°C (81°F) | 197 mm (7.7 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 185 mm (7.3 in) |
| Jul | 30°C (86°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) | 29°C (85°F) | 129 mm (5.1 in) |
| Aug | 30°C (85°F) | 149 mm (5.9 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 145 mm (5.7 in) |
| Sep | 28°C (83°F) | 116 mm (4.6 in) | 24°C (76°F) | 171 mm (6.7 in) |
| Oct | 25°C (77°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) |
| Nov | 21°C (69°F) | 37 mm (1.4 in) | 13°C (56°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) |
| Dec | 16°C (61°F) | 25 mm (1 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 49 mm (1.9 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.