A Travel Price Comparison for China Xiamen vs. Hefei for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Xiamen or Hefei?

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 Hefei 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 Hefei?

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.

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 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.


Which place is cheaper, Hefei or Xiamen?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Xiamen is $64, 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 Xiamen and Hefei in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Xiamen $31
    Hefei $28
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Xiamen $62
    Hefei $56
Compare Hotels in Xiamen and Hefei

Looking for a hotel in Xiamen 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.

Hotels in Xiamen


Hotels in Hefei


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.
    Xiamen $5.99
    Hefei $17

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 Departure Transfer to North Railway Station from Downtown Xiamen: $15
  • 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 City and Nanjing Tulou : $115
  • Private Transfer Service between Xiamen and Anxi : $89
  • Private Transfer between Xiamen City and Hua’an Earth Building: $89
  • Private Transfer from Railway Station to Xiamen City: $10
  • Private Transfer to Gaobei Tulou and Hongkeng Tulou from Xiamen City: $98
  • Private Transfer to Gaobei Tulou and Yunshuiyao Village from Xiamen City: $98
  • Private Transfer to Hongkeng Tulou and Yunshuiyao Village from Xiamen City: $98

Is it cheaper to fly into Xiamen or Hefei?

Prices for flights to both Hefei 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
  • Food Meals for one day
    Xiamen $26
    Hefei $21

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Xiamen $16
    Hefei $19

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
  • Xiamen Private Half Day Tour of Gulangyu Island and Shuzhuang Garden: $97
  • Private Xiamen Half Day Tour to Gulangyu Island and the Hi Heaven Villa: $97
  • A Night Tour to Xiamen Gulang Island: $100
  • Flexible Xiamen Private Half Day Tour with Meal Option: $109
  • Flexible Private Half-Day Tour to Visit the Top Attraction Xiamen Yuanbo Garden: $110
  • Day Tour to Admire the Panorama of Gulangyu Island and Visit the Precious Birds: $110
  • 4-hour Xiamen Private Flexible Tour in Your Way: $113
  • Xiamen Half-Day Private Tour include Gulang Yu Island and Garden : $119
  • 4-Hour Xiamen Private Shore Excursion Tour in Your Way: $121
  • Shanghai Metro Tour: $127
  • Xiamen Layover Day Tour-Gulangyu,Shuzhuang Garden And Piano Museum: $132

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Xiamen $17
    Hefei $11


When comparing the travel costs between Xiamen and Hefei, we can see that Xiamen 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 Hefei Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Xiamen or Hefei?

Hefei has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Xiamen. When comparing the sizes of Xiamen 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 Xiamen 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 Xiamen or Hefei in the Summer?

Both Hefei and Xiamen during the summer are popular places to visit.

In July, Xiamen is generally around the same temperature as Hefei. Daily temperatures in Xiamen average around 30°C (86°F), and Hefei fluctuates around 29°C (83°F).

Hefei gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Xiamen. Xiamen usually gets less rain in July than Hefei. Xiamen gets 140 mm (5.5 in) of rain, while Hefei receives 171 mm (6.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Xiamen 30°C (86°F) 
    Hefei 29°C (83°F)

Should I visit Xiamen or Hefei in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Xiamen and Hefei.

Xiamen is a little warmer than Hefei in the autumn. The daily temperature in Xiamen averages around 25°C (77°F) in October, and Hefei fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

In October, Xiamen usually receives less rain than Hefei. Xiamen gets 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Hefei receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Xiamen 25°C (77°F) 
    Hefei 18°C (64°F)

Should I visit Xiamen or Hefei in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Xiamen as well as Hefei.

The weather in Hefei can be very cold. In the winter, Xiamen is much warmer than Hefei. Typically, the winter temperatures in Xiamen in January average around 14°C (58°F), and Hefei averages at about 3°C (38°F).

Xiamen usually gets more rain in January than Hefei. Xiamen gets 37 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Hefei receives 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Xiamen 14°C (58°F) 
    Hefei 3°C (38°F)

Should I visit Xiamen or Hefei in the Spring?

Both Hefei and Xiamen are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities.

In April, Xiamen is generally a little warmer than Hefei. Daily temperatures in Xiamen average around 20°C (69°F), and Hefei fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

It's quite rainy in Xiamen. In April, Xiamen usually receives more rain than Hefei. Xiamen gets 147 mm (5.8 in) of rain, while Hefei receives 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Xiamen 20°C (69°F) 
    Hefei 16°C (61°F)

Typical Weather for Hefei and Xiamen

Xiamen Hefei
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 14°C (58°F) 37 mm (1.4 in) 3°C (38°F) 30 mm (1.2 in)
Feb 14°C (57°F) 65 mm (2.6 in) 5°C (40°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Mar 16°C (61°F) 99 mm (3.9 in) 10°C (50°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Apr 20°C (69°F) 147 mm (5.8 in) 16°C (61°F) 95 mm (3.7 in)
May 24°C (76°F) 152 mm (6 in) 22°C (71°F) 97 mm (3.8 in)
Jun 27°C (81°F) 197 mm (7.7 in) 25°C (78°F) 121 mm (4.8 in)
Jul 30°C (86°F) 140 mm (5.5 in) 29°C (83°F) 171 mm (6.7 in)
Aug 30°C (85°F) 149 mm (5.9 in) 29°C (83°F) 111 mm (4.4 in)
Sep 28°C (83°F) 116 mm (4.6 in) 23°C (74°F) 86 mm (3.4 in)
Oct 25°C (77°F) 29 mm (1.1 in) 18°C (64°F) 66 mm (2.6 in)
Nov 21°C (69°F) 37 mm (1.4 in) 11°C (53°F) 57 mm (2.2 in)
Dec 16°C (61°F) 25 mm (1 in) 5°C (42°F) 25 mm (1 in)