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 $85, 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 Xi'an
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Xi'an.
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Chengdu Private Food Tour (With Visit to Kuanzhai Alley and Hotpot Experience):
$32
-
Chengdu Jinsha Site Museum and Sanxingdui Museum Private Day Tour with Hotpot Dinner:
$76
-
Dim Sum Cooking Class and Wet Market Visit in Shanghai:
$78
-
Beijing Hutong Evening Food Tour by Tuk Tuk:
$80
-
Chengdu Panda Base Private Day Tour and Sichuan Cooking Class:
$83
-
Beijing Food Culture & Cooking Class:
$137
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Chongqing
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Chongqing.
-
Chengdu Private Food Tour (With Visit to Kuanzhai Alley and Hotpot Experience):
$32
-
Chengdu Jinsha Site Museum and Sanxingdui Museum Private Day Tour with Hotpot Dinner:
$76
-
Dim Sum Cooking Class and Wet Market Visit in Shanghai:
$78
-
Beijing Hutong Evening Food Tour by Tuk Tuk:
$80
-
Chengdu Panda Base Private Day Tour and Sichuan Cooking Class:
$83
-
Chongqing Liangjiang Night Cruise Including Authentic Hot Pot Dinner:
$86
-
Beijing Food Culture & Cooking Class:
$137
-
Chongqing City private night tour with Hot Pot dinner:
$148
-
Chongqing Port Transfer Service with Half-Day Tour and Hot Pot Dinner:
$193
-
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 Xi'an
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Xi'an:
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Airport Transfers (SHA/PVG) for Shanghai (Multiple Car Models):
$38
-
Badaling Great Wall in Beijing Private Transfer:
$43
-
Longji Rice Terraced Fields and Minority Villages Tour with Transfer from Guilin or Yangshuo:
$108
-
Luxury Private Shanghai Pudong International Airport Transfers (PVG) for Downtown Shanghai:
$118
-
Luxury private Baiyun International Airport Transfers (CAN) for Guangzhou :
$74
-
Luxury private Bao'an International Airport Transfers (SZX) for Downtown Shenzhen:
$67
-
Luxury private Beijing Capital International Airport Transfers (PEK) for Downtown Beijing:
$74
-
Luxury private Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport Transfers (SHA) for Downtown Shanghai:
$59
-
One Way Private Transfer between Shanghai City and Xitang Scenic Area:
$119
-
One Way Private Transfer between Shanghai and Zhujiajiao Scenic Area :
$94
-
One Way Private Transfers between Shanghai and Zhouzhuang Scenic Area:
$94
-
Private 7-seater SHA/PVG Airport Transfers for Shanghai:
$34
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Chongqing
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Chongqing:
-
Airport Transfers (SHA/PVG) for Shanghai (Multiple Car Models):
$38
-
Arrival Private Transfer Chongqing Airport CKG to Chongqing City by Minivan:
$72
-
Arrival Private Transfer Chongqing Airport CKG to Chongqing City by Standar Car:
$54
-
Arrival Private Transfer Chongqing Airport CKG to Chongqing by Executive Sedan:
$124
-
Badaling Great Wall in Beijing Private Transfer:
$43
-
China Private Jiangbei Airport(CKG) transfer to/from Chongqing city:
$36
-
Chongqing Private Arrival Transfer: Airport to Hotel:
$89
-
Chongqing Private Departure Transfer: Hotel to Airport:
$56
-
Chongqing Private Departure Transfer: Hotel to Railway Station:
$56
-
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
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 $32 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 Xi'an
Here are a few actual costs in Xi'an for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
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Hupao Park Ticket in Hangzhou (For Mainland China ID Holders):
$2.35
-
China Red Sandalwood Museum Ticket in Beijing :
$2.79
-
Simatai Great Wall Admission with Cable Car Ticket in Beijing:
$3.09
-
Giant Panda Breeding Research Base Ticket Chengdu - ID Card Direct Entry:
$4.19
-
Evergreen Resort Ticket in Shenzhen:
$6.19
-
Jinxi Ancient Town Attractions Combo Ticket:
$6.99
-
Gulangyu Seashell Museum Ticket:
$7.45
-
Ferry Round Trip Ticket between Xiamen City and Gulangyu Sanqiutian Pier:
$8.55
-
Wuyishan Xiamei Ancient Village Admission Ticket:
$8.55
-
Ferry Round Trip Ticket between Xiamen City and Gulangyu Neicuoao Pier:
$8.55
-
Shanghai Joy City Rooftop Ferris Wheel - Sky Ring Ticket:
$9.29
-
Beijing Palace Museum Ticket (The Forbidden City):
$9.29
Tours and Activities in Chongqing
Here are a few actual costs in Chongqing for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
-
Hupao Park Ticket in Hangzhou (For Mainland China ID Holders):
$2.35
-
China Red Sandalwood Museum Ticket in Beijing :
$2.79
-
Simatai Great Wall Admission with Cable Car Ticket in Beijing:
$3.09
-
Giant Panda Breeding Research Base Ticket Chengdu - ID Card Direct Entry:
$4.19
-
Evergreen Resort Ticket in Shenzhen:
$6.19
-
Jinxi Ancient Town Attractions Combo Ticket:
$6.99
-
Gulangyu Seashell Museum Ticket:
$7.45
-
Ferry Round Trip Ticket between Xiamen City and Gulangyu Sanqiutian Pier:
$8.55
-
Ferry Round Trip Ticket between Xiamen City and Gulangyu Neicuoao Pier:
$8.55
-
Wuyishan Xiamei Ancient Village Admission Ticket:
$8.55
-
Beijing Palace Museum Ticket (The Forbidden City):
$9.29
-
Guangdong First Peak Ticket:
$9.29
Alcohol
While the amount that someone spends on alcohol while visiting Xi'an may vary from person to person, on average a person spends $6.50 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 $6.20 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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