Which place is cheaper, Kunming or Xiamen?
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 Xiamen or Kunming?
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 Kunming 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 Kunming?
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.
Kunming
Kunming, located in southern China, is the modern capital city of the Yunnan province. It is a transportation hub for visitors entering the region, and good transfer point to just about everywhere else in the province by train or bus. Within the city itself there are many things to see and do with a full range of parks and zoos, museums, temples, theatres, and scenic areas.
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.
-
Xiamen Prices
China PricesKunming Prices
China Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayXiamen $84Kunming $85
The average daily cost (per person) in Xiamen is $84, while the average daily cost in Kunming is $85. 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 Kunming in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personXiamen $31Kunming $33
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomXiamen $62Kunming $66
Compare Hotels in Xiamen and Kunming
Looking for a hotel in Xiamen or Kunming? 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
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Xiamen $6.08Kunming $14
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Xiamen
Also for Xiamen, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer between Xiamen City and Fujian Tulou: $116
- Private Transfer between Xiamen City and Tianluokeng Tulou Village: $115
- Private Transfer between Xiamen City and Yongding Hakka Tulou: $110
- Round Trip Transfer Between the Most Picturesque Chuxi Tulou Cluster and Xiamen: $106
- Private Transfer to Gaobei Tulou and Yunshuiyao Village from Xiamen City: $98
- Private Transfer to Gaobei Tulou and Hongkeng Tulou from Xiamen City: $98
- Private Transfer to Hongkeng Tulou and Yunshuiyao Village from Xiamen City: $98
- Private Transfer to Tianluokeng Tulou and Hekeng Hakka Tulou from Xiamen City : $98
- Private Transfer to Tianluokeng Tulou and HongKeng Hakka Tulou from Xiamen City : $98
- Private Transfer to Tianluokeng Tulou and Yunshuiyao Village from Xiamen City: $93
- Private Transfer to Tianluokeng and HekengHakka Tulou fromXiamen: $90
- Private Transfer between Xiamen City and Hui'an county in Quanzhou: $89
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Kunming
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Kunming:
-
Taxi Ride$1.54
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kunming
Also for Kunming, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- [Airport Transfer] Kunming Changshui Airport ⇔ Kunming City Transfer ☆ High reputation for service! <Charter charter>: $36
- Private Transfer from Kunming hotel to Guizhou Xingyi hotel: $240
- One way Kunming airport to hotel private transfer: $41
- Kunming Private Round Trip Transfer to Fuxianhu Lake: $90
- Kunming Changshui Airport Chauffeur Service, Kunming Airport Transfer, Pick up: $71
- Kunming Airport Private Transfer - Charge by Vehicle: $48
Is it cheaper to fly into Xiamen or Kunming?
Prices for flights to both Kunming 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 dayXiamen $46Kunming $39
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Kunming
For Kunming, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Private Kunming Night Tour with Dinner: $88
- Half Day Private Tour of Kunming Flower Market and Flower Pastry Cooking Class: $165
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Xiamen $16Kunming $18
Tours and Activities in Xiamen
For Xiamen, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Fujian Tulou Private Day Tour to World Heritage Site Tianluokeng Tulou Cluster: $178
- Xiamen Private One Day Tailor Made Tour with Gulangyu and City Highlights : $176
- 1-Day Xiamen City Highlights and Gulangyu Island Private Tour: $244
- 1-day Xiapu Photography Tour: East Route: $273
- 4-Hour Xiamen Private Local Food Market Experience: $103
- 4-hour Xiamen Private Flexible Tour in Your Way: $115
- A Night Tour to Xiamen Gulang Island: $100
- Dongshan Island Highlights Full-Day Private Tour: $232
- Flexible Private Half-Day Tour to Visit the Top Attraction Xiamen Yuanbo Garden: $110
- Flexible Private Xiamen Layover Tour from Cruise Port or Airport : $155
- Flexible Xiamen Private Half Day Tour to Experience Xiamen Botanical Garden: $105
- Flexible Xiamen Private Half Day Tour with Meal Option: $164
Tours and Activities in Kunming
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Kunming.
- 1-Day Self-Guided Stone Forest Geological Park Tour from Kunming: $106
- 1-Day Stone Forest Geological Park Private Tour with the Lunch from Kunming: $201
- Kunming Private Day Tour to Jiuxiang Cave with Boat Ride : $209
- 1 Day Stone Forest & Jiuxiang Cave Tour: $290
- 1- Day Kunming Short Hiking Tour: $122
- 1-Day Kunming Civil Culture Tour: $112
- 1-Day Kunming Culture Tour: $156
- 1-Day Kunming tour with the Green Lake,Bird & Flower market and Yuantong Temple: $201
- 1-Day Kunming tour with the West Hill,Dragon Gate and Bamboo Temple: $222
- 1-Day Private Tour:Stone Forest and Western Hill(Dragon Gate) from Kunming: $245
- 2 Days Honghe Yuanyang Hani Rice Terraces Private Tour: $215
- 2 Days Kunming City Tour with Professional Private Tour Guide: $226
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayXiamen $17Kunming $18
When comparing the travel costs between Xiamen and Kunming, we can see that Kunming 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 Kunming Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Xiamen or Kunming?
Kunming has a larger population, and is about 77% larger than the population of Xiamen. When comparing the sizes of Xiamen and Kunming, 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.