Should you visit Xi'an or Chongqing?
Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel cost comparison between Xi'an and Chongqing can help. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.
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.
Chongqing
Chongqing, China is a large city in central China and one of only four cities in the country that are not part of a province. While Chongqing is famous for being an economically important city, brush away its industrial surface and you'll find a naturally beautiful city with plenty of hidden wonders. Although you'll find many expats in the city, English is rarely spoken, meaning knowing some basic Mandarin will come in handy.
Which city is cheaper, Chongqing or Xi'an?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
The average daily cost (per person) in Xi'an is $84, while the average daily cost in Chongqing is $77. 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 city. Below is a breakdown of travel costs for Xi'an and Chongqing in more detail.
Accommodation
The average price for accommodation for two people in Xi'an is $108. This is for two people sharing a typical double occupancy hotel room.
Accommodation prices vary by location and style, but travelers pay on average about $88 for a double occupancy room in Chongqing.
Food
In Xi'an travelers spend around $11 a day on food. You can save money by choosing casual restaurants or food stalls, or you can spend plenty more by dining in nicer restaurants at every meal.
In Chongqing travelers spend around $22 a day on food. You can save money by choosing casual restaurants or food stalls, or you can spend plenty more by dining in nicer restaurants at every meal.
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Food
Meals for one day
Xi'an $11
Chongqing $22
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Chongqing
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Chongqing.
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Chongqing Liangjiang Night Cruise Including Authentic Hot Pot Dinner:
$86
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Chongqing City private night tour with Hot Pot dinner:
$148
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Chongqing Port Transfer Service with Half-Day Tour and Hot Pot Dinner:
$193
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From Port Transfer with Half Day Tour and Hot Pot Dinner:
$197
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250 USD Per Group Private Chongqing Night Tour with Hot-pot Dinner:
$213
Local Transportation
While taxis and private drivers typically cost much more than public transportation, people usually spend around $11 per day to get around in Xi'an.
While taxis and private drivers typically cost much more than public transportation, people usually spend around $17 per day to get around in Chongqing.
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Chongqing
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Chongqing:
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Arrival Private Transfer Chongqing Airport CKG to Chongqing City by Minivan:
$72
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Arrival Private Transfer Chongqing Airport CKG to Chongqing City by Standar Car:
$54
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Arrival Private Transfer Chongqing Airport CKG to Chongqing by Executive Sedan:
$124
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China Private Jiangbei Airport(CKG) transfer to/from Chongqing city:
$36
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Chongqing Private Arrival Transfer: Airport to Hotel:
$89
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Chongqing Private Departure Transfer: Hotel to Airport:
$56
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Chongqing Private Departure Transfer: Hotel to Railway Station:
$56
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Chongqing Private Round Trip Transfer to Dazu Rock Carvings:
$136
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Chongqing Private Round Trip Transfer to Wulong National Park:
$178
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Datong Yungang Airport Chauffeur Service , to Datong Transfer:
$40
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Departure Private Transfer Chongqing City to Chongqing Airport CKG by Minivan:
$72
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Departure Private Transfer Chongqing to Chongqing Airport CKG by Executive Sedan:
$124
Is it cheaper to fly into Xi'an or Chongqing?
Prices for flights to both Chongqing 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.
Entertainment
Activities, things to do, and other forms of entertainment usually cost around $31 per person, per day in Xi'an. This cost includes the price of admission tickets to attractions and museums as well as daily tours.
Activities, things to do, and other forms of entertainment usually cost around $12 per person, per day in Chongqing. This cost includes the price of admission tickets to attractions and museums as well as daily tours.
Tours and Activities in Chongqing
Here are a few actual costs in Chongqing for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
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Private Chongqing Day Tour: Panda, E'ling Park, Three Gorges Museum:
$99
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One-Day Tour: Classic Chongqing:
$110
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1 Day Private Tour of Chongqing Highlights Including lunch and Optional Photo in Sichuan Opera Costume:
$114
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Chongqing Tour: Ciqikou Old Town, Hongya Dong and People’s Auditorium:
$117
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Private Chongqing Illuminated Night Tour:
$118
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city tour of chongqing:
$120
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Flexible Private Chongqing Layover Tour:
$124
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Private Dazu Day Tour from Chongqing:
$124
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Private Amazing Chongqing City Day Tour in Your Way:
$130
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Chongqing Half Day Morning Private Tour including Eling Park & Chongqing Museum:
$135
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Private Sightseeing Tour of Chongqing City Including Hot Pot Lunch:
$138
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Private Tour:One-day Chongqing Highlights Tour with a Hot Pot Lunch:
$138
Alcohol
While the amount that someone spends on alcohol while visiting Xi'an may vary from person to person, on average a person spends $6.47 per day on alcoholic beverages.
While the amount that someone spends on alcohol while visiting Chongqing may vary from person to person, on average a person spends $6.17 per day on alcoholic beverages.
When comparing the travel costs between Xi'an and Chongqing, we can see that Xi'an 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.
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