Should you visit Xi'an or Chongqing?
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 Chongqing 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 Chongqing?
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 place 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 $94, while the average daily cost in Chongqing is $86. 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 Chongqing in more detail.
Accommodation
Looking for a hotel in Xi'an or Chongqing? 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
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-Day Xi'an Layover Tour: Terracotta Army with Round Airport transfers(XIY):
$191
-
2-Day Customized Private Tour With Transfer in Historical Xi'an:
$231
-
24/7 Private Arrival Transfer: Xi'an Xianyang International Airport to Hotel:
$23
-
3-Day Xi'an Private Tour including Mt Huashan and Airport Transfer:
$454
-
4-Hour Private Xian Tour to Terracotta Warriors with Airport Transfer Option:
$124
-
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 Xi'an airport to hotel transfer :
$62
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Chongqing
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Chongqing:
-
Private Departure Transfer: Hotel to Chongqing Jiangbei Airport (CKG):
$22
-
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
-
Chongqing Jiangbei Airport Chauffeur Service, Chongqing Airport Transfer, Pickup:
$60
-
Chongqing Jiangbei Airport Chauffeur Service, Chongqing Airport Transfer, Pickup:
$50
-
Chongqing Private Round Trip Transfer to Dazu Rock Carvings:
$136
-
Datong Yungang Airport Chauffeur Service , to Datong Transfer:
$40
-
Departure Private Transfer Chongqing City to Chongqing Airport CKG by Minivan:
$72
-
Departure Private Transfer Chongqing to Chongqing Airport CKG by Executive Sedan:
$124
-
Departure Private Transfer Chongqing to Chongqing Airport CKG by Standard Sedan:
$54
-
Private Arrival Transfer: Chongqing Chaotianmen Cruise Pier to Hotel:
$39
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.
Food
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Food
Meals for one day
Xi'an $12
Chongqing $24
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 Private Hotel Transfer:
$40
-
Dinner and Show of Tang Dynasty Palace in Xian:
$40
-
Half-day Xi'an Biang Biang Noodles Cooking Class with Spice Market Visit:
$50
-
Private Home Cooking Class:Dumpling Cooking Class Tour in Xi'an:
$50
-
Xi'an Twilight Sightseeing and Food Tour:
$51
-
Tang Dynasty Show with Optional Dinner:
$51
-
Xi'an Authentic Food Tour with Local Beverages:
$54
-
Tang Dynasty Dinner Show:
$55
-
Xi'an Vegetarian Food Tour:
$60
-
Xi'an Food Tour by Tuk Tuk:
$62
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Chongqing
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Chongqing.
-
Chongqing Liangjiang Night Cruise Including Authentic Hot Pot Dinner:
$115
-
Chongqing City Private Night Tour with Hot Pot Dinner:
$151
-
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
-
Chongqing Night View Private Tour with Hot-pot Dinner:
$200
Entertainment
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
-
Terra-cotta Warriors Entrance Ticket with Optional Guided Service:
$26
-
Terracotta Warriors Tickets Booking:
$30
-
Xi'an Religions Tour:
$41
-
Xi'an City Wall: Guided Tour with Cycling Option:
$43
-
Guided Leisure Walking Tour to Muslim Quarter in Xi'an:
$46
-
Leisure Night Walking Tour of Xi’an:
$46
-
Xi'an Walking Tour:
$46
-
3-Hour City Wall Park Walking and Foodie Experience at Yongxingfang:
$51
-
Terracotta Warriors Museum Ticket with Professional English-speaking tour guide:
$51
-
Skip the Line: Xian Dumplings Banquet and Tang Dynasty Show Ticket:
$54
-
Xi'an Big Wild Goose Pagoda: 2-hour Small Group Walking Tour:
$54
Tours and Activities in Chongqing
Here are a few actual costs in Chongqing for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
-
3-Hour Walking Tour to Chongqing Mountain City Lane and The Felting Museum:
$65
-
Private Chongqing Day Tour: Panda, E'ling Park, Three Gorges Museum:
$99
-
Private Chongqing Illuminated Night Tour :
$118
-
Flexible Private Chongqing Layover Tour:
$129
-
city tour of Chongqing :
$130
-
Chongqing Half Day Morning Private Tour including Eling Park & Chongqing Museum:
$135
-
Private Amazing Chongqing City Day Tour in Your Way:
$139
-
Chongqing Yangtze River Cruise and Illuminated Night Tour:
$148
-
Half Day Afternoon Private Tour: General Stilwell Museum, Arhat Temple, Panda:
$156
-
1-Day Chongqing City Private Tour with the Hot pot Lunch:
$157
-
Best of Chongqing One Day Tour: Stilwell Museum, Arhat Temple, Eling Park, Panda:
$157
-
Full Day Chongqing Highlights Private Tour:
$180
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.
Which is Bigger, Xi'an or Chongqing?
Chongqing is bigger, and its population is about 23% larger than the population of Xi'an. When comparing the population of Xi'an vs. Chongqing, 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 and the activities that interest you.
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