A Travel Price Comparison for China Xi'an vs. Chengdu for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Xi'an or Chengdu?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Xi'an and Chengdu 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: Xi'an or Chengdu?

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.

Chengdu

Chengdu is in China's Sichuan Provence and is in what is known as the Red Basin. It is a particularly fertile region in China that is known for its agriculture. For this reason it is sometimes referred to as the "Land of Milk and Honey". The Funan River cuts through the city but has almost no boat traffic anymore. The city itself has a wonderful relaxed vibe compared to the rest of China and is filled with green parks and places to relax. It is considered one of the most livable cities in China.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in China, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in China, The Best 2-Week Tours in China, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in China.


Which place is cheaper, Chengdu or Xi'an?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Xi'an is $95, while the average daily cost in Chengdu is $51. 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 Xi'an and Chengdu in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Xi'an $61
    Chengdu $21
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Xi'an $122
    Chengdu $42
Compare Hotels in Xi'an and Chengdu

Looking for a hotel in Xi'an or Chengdu? 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 Xian


Hotels in Chengdu


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.
    Xi'an $12
    Chengdu $5.97

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Xi'an

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Xi'an:

  • Xi’an Xianyang International Airport Private Arrival Transfer to City Area: $29
  • 1-way Private Transfer: Xi'an City Hotel to Airport/Train Station: $55
  • 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
  • Essential Xian Tour with Airport Train Station or Hotel Transfer: $197
  • From Xian: Terracotta Army and City Wall Tour with Airport Transfer: $194
  • Full-Day Layover Private Tour: Essence of Xi'an With Airport Transfer: $197
  • 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 Airport Transfer Xi'an Airport to Hotel up to 5pax: $110
  • Private Airport Transfer: Xi'an Hotel to Xianyang International Airport: $29

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Chengdu

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Chengdu:

  • 1-Day Chengdu Layover Tour: Leshan Giant buddha with Round Airport Transfer: $205
  • 1-Day Chengdu Layover Tour: Panda Base, city central with Round Airport Transfer: $192
  • Arrival Transfer Chengdu Airport CTU to Chengdu City by Sedan: $52
  • Arrival Transfer Chengdu Airport CTU to Chengdu by Luxury Sedan: $91
  • Chengdu Airport (CTU) to Chengdu - Arrival Private Transfer: $21
  • Chengdu Airport (CTU) to Chengdu - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $42
  • Chengdu Panda & Giant Buddha Day Tour With Private Transfer: $240
  • Chengdu Private Transfer from Chengdu central to Chengdu Airport (CTU): $81
  • Chengdu Shuangliu Airport Chauffeur Service, Chengdu Airport Transfer, Pickup: $53
  • Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport Transfer to Downtown Hotel: $32
  • Chengdu to Xi'an/Chongqing Bullet Train Ticket with Transfer: $56
  • Departure Transfer from City Hotel to Chengdu Railway Station: $30

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

Prices for flights to both Chengdu and Xi'an 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
    Xi'an $12
    Chengdu $22

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
  • Xian Muslim Quarter: 2-Hour Small Group Walking Food Tour : $36
  • Xi'an Tang Dynasty Show and Dumpling Dinner with Hotel Transfer: $40
  • Dinner and Show of Tang Dynasty Palace in Xian: $40
  • Private Home Cooking Class:Dumpling Cooking Class Tour in Xi'an: $50
  • Tang Dynasty Show with Optional Dinner: $51
  • Xi'an Twilight Sightseeing and Food Tour: $51
  • Xi'an Authentic Food Tour with Local Beverages: $54
  • Xi'an Vegetarian Food Tour: $60
  • Xi'an Food Tour by Tuk Tuk: $62
  • Private Xi'an Food Tour: $65
  • Xi'an Evening Food Tour by TukTuk: $69

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Chengdu

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

  • Half-Day Chinese Bun Cooking Class with Local Spice Market Visit: $56
  • Private Sichuan Cooking Class including Local Wet Market Visit: $59
  • Half day Chengdu Dumpling making Cooking Class: Make from Scratch: $62
  • Discovery more Chengdu evening food tour with locals : $65
  • Tuktuk Food Tour Through Chengdu's Local Eats: $69
  • Half-Day Professional Mapo Tofu Cooking Class with Local Spice Market Visit: $69
  • Half-Day Dandan Noodles Cooking Class with Local Spice Market Visit: $70
  • Half Day Chengdu Tofu Making Class with Mapo Tofu Cooking: $72
  • Half-Day Chengdu Farm Cooking Class & Spice Market Exploration: $75
  • Half-Day Chengdu Courtyard Cooking Class with Local Market Visit: $80
  • Half-Day Private Sichuan Hot-Pot Cooking Class with Local Spice Market Visit: $80
  • Half-Day Sichuan Cooking Class Experience in Chengdu: $84

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Xi'an $35
    Chengdu $16

Tours and Activities in Xi'an

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

  • Xi'an Virtual Tour: Emperor Qin Shi Huang and His Terracotta Army: $15
  • Xi'an: Terra Cotta Warriors Private Tour or Only Tickets Booking: $26
  • Terra-cotta Warriors Entrance Ticket with Optional Guided Service: $26
  • Terracotta Army Ticket: $28
  • Terracotta Warriors Tickets Booking: $35
  • Tang Dynasty Palace Show Tickets Booking: $37
  • Terra-cotta Warriors Ticket with Optional Car & Guided Service: $38
  • Xi'an City Wall: Guided Tour with Cycling Option: $43
  • Leisure Night Walking Tour of Xi’an: $46
  • Guided Leisure Walking Tour to Muslim Quarter in Xi'an: $46
  • Xi'an Evening food Walk tour : $50
  • Xi'an Private 1.5-hour Whole Body Massage Ticket: $50

Tours and Activities in Chengdu

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

  • local people's opera house experience: $10
  • Chengdu Panda Research Base Half Day Tour(Private): $16
  • Skip the Line: Best Sichuan Opera Show in Chengdu Ticket: $19
  • Chengdu Giant Panda Breeding Research Base Ticket: $22
  • Panda Breeding Center (Panda Base) & Taoism temple tour: $28
  • Chengdu Sichuan Opera Evening Show Ticket-Shu Feng Yan Yun : $29
  • Sichuan Opera Night show Tickets at sichuan opera Museum : $30
  • Private Half-Day Walking Tour Unveil Night Life of Chengdu: $30
  • Sichuan Opera Tickets Booking: $33
  • Private Bamboo Bicycle Tour in Chengdu: $41
  • Small Group Half Day Chengdu Panda Breeding Center Tour: $42
  • Private Chengdu Dining Experience in Chilli Cool House: $46

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Xi'an $7.28
    Chengdu $3.96


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Xi'an and Chengdu, we can see that Xi'an is more expensive. And not only is Chengdu much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Chengdu would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Chengdu 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 Chengdu.

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


Which is Bigger, Xi'an or Chengdu?

Chengdu has a larger population, and is about 22% larger than the population of Xi'an. When comparing the sizes of Xi'an and Chengdu, 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.