A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Xi'an vs. Havana for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Xi'an or Havana?

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 Havana 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 Havana?

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.

Havana

The city of Havana is at the top of most peoples' bucket list - mostly because of the allure of a forbidden land. Before the Communist revolution, Cuba was a popular tourist destination. Since it has reopened in the 1990s, it has drawn tourists from all over the world (except the US).

This capital city is a land trapped in the past. With 50 years of neglect, when you step off the plane, prepare to step back in time. A trip to Havana is meant for those with truly open minds - and when they arrive they'll be swept away.

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


Which place is cheaper, Havana 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 Havana 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 Havana in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Xi'an $60
    Havana $40
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Xi'an $120
    Havana $80
Compare Hotels in Xi'an and Havana

Looking for a hotel in Xi'an or Havana? 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 Havana


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
    Havana $19

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
  • 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
  • Full-Day Layover Private Tour: Essence of Xi'an With Airport 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: $170
  • One-Way Airport Transfer From Xi'an Xianyang International Airport to Xi'an Hotel: $75
  • Private Airport Transfer: Xi'an Hotel to Xianyang International Airport: $29
  • Private Airport Transfer:Xi'an Xianyang International Airport to Xi'an Hotel: $29
  • Private Departure Transfer to Xi'an International Airport from City Hotels: $22

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Havana

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Havana:


  • Short Taxi Ride
    $0.68

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

Prices for flights to both Havana 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
    Havana $10

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
  • 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: $55
  • Xi'an Vegetarian Food Tour: $60
  • Xi'an Food Tour by Tuk Tuk: $62
  • Private Xi'an Food Tour: $65
  • Private Xi’an Night & Food Tour by Tuk Tuk and Public Transportation: $67
  • Xi'an Evening Food Tour by TukTuk: $69
  • 4 Hours Food Tours in Xi'an: $72
  • 3-Hour Biang Biang Noodles Cooking Class in Xi'an: $75

Typical Food Prices in Havana

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Havana:


  • Pizza
    $0.03

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Xi'an $35
    Havana $11

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: Terracotta Warriors Group Walking Tour(NO Shopping): $26
  • Terra-cotta Warriors Entrance Ticket with Optional Guided Service: $26
  • Terracotta Warriors 5-Hour Private Tour w/ Optional Pickup Point: $26
  • Terracotta Army Ticket: $28
  • Group Bus Tour to Terracotta Warriors with Hotel Pickup & Lunch: $35
  • 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
  • Xi'an Religions Tour: $45
  • Guided Leisure Walking Tour to Muslim Quarter in Xi'an: $46

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Xi'an $7.23
    Havana $5.76

Typical Alcohol Prices in Havana

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Havana:


  • Mojito
    $0.15


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Xi'an and Havana, we can see that Xi'an is more expensive. And not only is Havana much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Xi'an is in Asia and Havana is in Caribbean Islands, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Havana would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Havana 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 Havana.

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 Havana Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Xi'an or Havana?

Xi'an has a larger population, and is about 49% larger than the population of Havana. When comparing the sizes of Xi'an and Havana, 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.