Which place is cheaper, Hangzhou or Xi'an?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Xi'an or Hangzhou?
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 Hangzhou 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 Hangzhou?
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.
Hangzhou
Hangzhou is a city in Eastern China, about an hour by train from Shanghai, renowned for its historic relics and natural beauty. Each year it attracts more than 20 million tourists who come to see what the city has to offer. Set amongst the natural scenery of lakes and mountains, Hangzhou is modern city that coexists with the old. Historic pagodas and cultural sites built around the central lake sit like they belong amidst the skyscrapers and bustling markets of today.
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.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayXi'an $94Hangzhou $65
The average daily cost (per person) in Xi'an is $94, while the average daily cost in Hangzhou is $65. 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 Hangzhou in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personXi'an $60Hangzhou $23
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomXi'an $120Hangzhou $46
Compare Hotels in Xi'an and Hangzhou
Looking for a hotel in Xi'an or Hangzhou? 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
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Xi'an $12Hangzhou $8.08
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): $100
- 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
- Bullet Train Station Transfer Service: $31
- Essential Xian Tour with Airport Train Station or Hotel Transfer: $197
- Mt. Hua Entrance Ticket w/ Shuttle Bus&Cable Car&Private Transfer: $224
- One Day Private Xian Tour to Terracotta Warriors with Airport Transfers: $149
- One-Way Airport Transfer From Xi'an Xianyang International Airport to Xi'an Hotel: $75
- Private Airport Transfer:Xi'an Xianyang International Airport to Xi'an Hotel: $29
- Private Arrival Transfer:Any Xi'an Railway Station to Xi'an City Hotel: $56
- Private Arrival Transfer:Xi'an Xianyang International Airport(XIY) to City Hotel: $83
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Hangzhou
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Hangzhou:
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Local Bus for Two$0.55
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Hangzhou
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Hangzhou:
- Enduring Memories of Hangzhou West Lake Show VIP Ticket with Private Transfer: $128
- Hangzhou East Railway Station Transfer To Hangzhou Downtown City: $32
- Hangzhou International Airport Private Arrival Transfer to Shaoxing City : $84
- Hangzhou Private Transfer to Shanghai with Drop-off Options : $131
- Hangzhou Private Transfer to Shanghai with stop-over at Wuzhen Water Town: $165
- Hangzhou Private Transfer to Shanghai with stop-over at Xitang Water Town: $177
- Hangzhou Private Transfer: City Hotels to Railway Station: $28
- Hangzhou Private Transfer: Railway Station to City Hotels: $33
- Hangzhou West Lake Impression Ticket with Private Transfer: $122
- Hangzhou Xiaoshan Airport Chauffeur Service,Hangzhou Airport Transfer: $59
- Hangzhou Xiaoshan Airport To Hangzhou downtown city one way private transfer: $35
- Hangzhou Xiaoshan Airport To Shanghai City one way private transfer: $140
Is it cheaper to fly into Xi'an or Hangzhou?
Prices for flights to both Hangzhou 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 dayXi'an $12Hangzhou $18
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
- Dinner and Show of Tang Dynasty Palace in Xian: $40
- Private Home Cooking Class:Dumpling Cooking Class Tour in Xi'an: $50
- Xi'an Twilight Sightseeing and Food Tour: $51
- Tang Dynasty Dinner Show with Private transfer: $55
- Half-day Xi'an Biang Biang Noodles Cooking Class with Spice Market Visit: $65
- Private Xi'an Food Tour: $65
- Private Old Xi'an Authentic Local Beer Dinner Tour: $68
- Xi'an Evening Food Tour by TukTuk: $69
- 4 Hours Food Tours in Xi'an: $72
- Authentic Old Xi'an Back Street Food Tour : $75
Typical Food Prices in Hangzhou
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Hangzhou:
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Breakfast Pastries$2.34
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Pizza Hut Lunch$11
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Hangzhou
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Hangzhou.
- All Inclusive Night Tour with Impression West Lake Show VIP Ticket and Dinner: $117
- Private Amazing Hangzhou Airport Layover Tour with Lunch or Dinner Option : $170
- Wuzhen Ancient Water Town Private Night Tour from Hangzhou with Dinner Option: $185
- Hangzhou Private Tour to Wuzhen Water Town with Lunch or Dinner: $213
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Xi'an $35Hangzhou $20
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
- 6 Hour Bus Tour: From Xi'an to Terra Cotta Warriors Museum Round Trip (8:30am): $20
- Terra-cotta Warriors Entrance Ticket with Optional Guided Service: $26
- Terracotta Army Ticket: $28
- Terracotta Army Tickets Booking: $28
- Terracotta Warriors Tickets Booking: $28
- Terracotta Army Tickets Booking: $28
- Terracotta Warriors 5-Hour Private Tour w/ Pickup: $30
- Group Bus Tour to Terracotta Warriors with Hotel Pickup & Lunch: $35
- Tang Dynasty Palace Show Tickets Booking: $37
- Half Day Walking Tour around Xi'an Peaceful Old Downtown Area: $38
- Xi'an Religions Tour: $45
Tours and Activities in Hangzhou
Here are a few actual costs in Hangzhou for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Fei Lai Peak (Lingyin Temple) E-Ticket: $12
- Hangzhou Longjing Tea Plantation Culture Experience Tour: $53
- Authentic Hangzhou Longjing Tea Culture Experience Tour : $53
- Best Price: Impression West Lake Show Ticket: $59
- Skip the Line: Impression West Lake Show Ticket: $65
- Skip the Line Impression West Lake VIP Seat Ticket: $75
- Zuiyi Hangzhou Impression West Lake Show Ticket: $75
- Hangzhou West Lake Highlights Half Day Tour : $85
- Enduring Memories of Hangzhou Show Ticket with Private Transport: $89
- Half-Day Hangzhou Tianzhu Buddhist Mountain Hiking Tour with Green Tea Village : $89
- Hangzhou Private Amazing English Tour Guide Service: $90
- One-day Hangzhou Lakeside Mountains Relics & Ruins Hiking – Guided Outdoor Tour : $90
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayXi'an $7.20Hangzhou $10
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Xi'an and Hangzhou, we can see that Xi'an is more expensive. And not only is Hangzhou much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Hangzhou would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Hangzhou 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 Hangzhou.
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 Hangzhou Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Xi'an or Hangzhou?
Xi'an has a larger population, and is about 72% larger than the population of Hangzhou. When comparing the sizes of Xi'an and Hangzhou, 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.