Which place is cheaper, Taiyuan or Xiamen?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Xiamen or Taiyuan?
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 Taiyuan 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 Taiyuan?
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.
Taiyuan
With sleek architectural designs and blossoming businesses, this metropolis is simply brimming with invigorating excitement and once-in-a-lifetime entertainment. Despite its glimmering skyscrapers and gorgeous fountains, Taiyuan, China has an extensive history of nearly 2,500 years. During ancient China, Taiyuan, or the "Dragon City," was a major military town. Presently, this city is now one of China's most important industrial cities, producing more than half of the national coal mining output. Taiyuan is both the capital and largest city of the Shanxi province of North China. It is bounded by mountains on three of its sides, allowing this great city to be surrounded by fantastic views of its landscape. Besides its economic significance, Taiyuan also achieves tourist significance due to its plethora of landmarks and sights. Some of these attractions include Jinci Temple, Forest Park, Mengshan Giant Buddha, and Shanxi Museum. Taiyuan is also celebrated internationally for holding their annual Shanxi Taiyuan International Folk Arts Festival, a celebration held in September that hosts exhibition of fine arts, painting, paper-cutting, sculpture, drama, acrobatic and the culture of costume. With such a great deal to do in such a limited window of time, it is best to make the most Taiyuan while you visit!
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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Xiamen Prices
China PricesTaiyuan Prices
China Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayXiamen $89Taiyuan $112
The average daily cost (per person) in Xiamen is $89, while the average daily cost in Taiyuan is $112. 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 Taiyuan in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personXiamen $33Taiyuan $45
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomXiamen $66Taiyuan $90
Compare Hotels in Xiamen and Taiyuan
Looking for a hotel in Xiamen or Taiyuan? 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: Xiamen Hotel Prices and Taiyuan Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Xiamen $6.40Taiyuan $50
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Xiamen
Also for Xiamen, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Combo: Overnight in Hakka Tulou plus 2-way transfers from Xiamen: $119
- Private Transfer Service between Xiamen City and Nanjing Tulou: $115
- Private Transfer Service between Xiamen City and Yongding Hakka Tulou: $115
- 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 Tianluokeng Tulou and Hekeng Hakka Tulou from Xiamen City: $98
- Private Transfer to Hongkeng Tulou and Yunshuiyao Village from Xiamen City: $98
- Private Transfer to Gaobei Tulou and Hongkeng 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
Is it cheaper to fly into Xiamen or Taiyuan?
Prices for flights to both Taiyuan 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 $49Taiyuan $38
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Xiamen $17Taiyuan $16
Tours and Activities in Xiamen
For Xiamen, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- 4-Hour Xiamen Private Local Food Market Experience: $103
- 4-hour Xiamen Private Flexible Tour in Your Way: $115
- 4h-8h Private Layover Adventures: Xiamen’s Urban & Island Gems: $188
- A Night Tour to Xiamen Gulang Island: $140
- Flexible Private Xiamen Layover Tour from Cruise Port or Airport: $155
- Flexible Xiamen Private Half Day Tour to Experience Xiamen Botanical Garden: $105
- From 3-Day Tulou and Gulangyu Island Tour: $589
- From One-Day Nanjing Tulou Tour - A Living World Heritage: $286
- Fujian Hakka Tulou Private Day Tour of Tianluokeng and Daping Lou: $194
- Fujian Tulou Private Day Tour to World Heritage Site Tianluokeng Tulou Cluster: $178
- Full-Day Yongding Hakka Tulou Private Tour from Xiamen: $298
- Full-Day Yongding Tulou Tour from Xiamen with Chinese lunch: $278
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayXiamen $18Taiyuan $6.75
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Xiamen and Taiyuan, we can see that Taiyuan is more expensive. And not only is Xiamen much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Xiamen would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Xiamen 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 Taiyuan would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Taiyuan than you might in Xiamen.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Xiamen Expensive? and Is Taiyuan Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Xiamen or Taiyuan?
Taiyuan has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Xiamen. When comparing the sizes of Xiamen and Taiyuan, 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.