Which place is cheaper, Hong Kong or Xi'an?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Xi'an or Hong Kong?
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 Hong Kong 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 Hong Kong?
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.
Hong Kong
In Hong Kong you will find a predominantly Cantonese population that has long been influenced by British occupation. Most residents speak English and you can see the obvious effects of years of capitalism. Shopping malls are everywhere and most are thriving. Along the waterfront every night the buildings light up in a dramatic and festive light show that highlights such businesses as Sony and Canon, which are fixtures in the city. The city is a major financial hub, and is very international in nature. The city itself is very densely packed and there are narrow high rises that look vulnerable due to their height. There are two main areas to the city, Hong Kong Island and Kowloon. Hong Kong Island is the location of the original British settlement. Today it is where you will find the highest skyscrapers, the most modern buildings, and the most popular shopping areas. Kowloon is located on a peninsula that is to the north of Hong Kong Island. The tip of the peninsula is a popular destination for backpackers as it has many of the city's hostels. This area is referred to as Tsim Sha Tsui. There are also a few high end hotels in the area. It is possible to head outside of the city so that you can escape into some rural regions where you can take a break from the crowds.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in China, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in China.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayXi'an $94Hong Kong $159
The average daily cost (per person) in Xi'an is $94, while the average daily cost in Hong Kong is $159. 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 Hong Kong in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personXi'an $60Hong Kong $75
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomXi'an $120Hong Kong $150
Compare Hotels in Xi'an and Hong Kong
Looking for a hotel in Xi'an or Hong Kong? 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.
Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Hong Kong Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Xi'an $12Hong Kong $8.70
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Xi'an
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Xi'an:
- Xian Xianyang International Airport (XIY) Private Departure Transfer: $40
- Xian Xianyang International Airport (XIY) Private Arrival Transfer: $40
- Xian Xianyang Airport (XIY) to Xian - Arrival Private Transfer: $32
- Xian Terracotta Warriors Tour with Airport Transfer: $176
- Xian Terracotta Warriors Museum Tour with Airport Transfer: $184
- Xian Highlights Private Tour With Airport Transfer: $195
- Xian City to Xian Xianyang Airport (XIY) - Departure Private Transfer: $28
- Xi’an Terracotta Warriors Private Round-Trip Transfer from City Area : $69
- Xi’an Railway Station Private Departure Transfer from City Area: $29
- Xi’an Railway Station Private Arrival Transfer to City Area: $29
- Xi'an Xianyang Airport Transfer Hotels: $31
- Xi'an Terracotta Army Tickets with Optional Guide/Transfer: $26
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Hong Kong
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Hong Kong:
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MTR (for 2)$2.81
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Local Bus$2.81
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Ferry Ticket$0.26
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Hong Kong Airport Express Train Ticket$14
Is it cheaper to fly into Xi'an or Hong Kong?
Prices for flights to both Hong Kong 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 $12Hong Kong $33
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
- Xi'an Twilight Sightseeing and Food Tour: $51
- Tang Dynasty Show with Optional Dinner: $51
- Xi'an Authentic Food Tour with Local Beverages: $54
- Xi'an Food Tour by Tuk Tuk: $62
- Half-day Xi'an Biang Biang Noodles Cooking Class with Spice Market Visit: $65
- 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
Typical Food Prices in Hong Kong
For Hong Kong, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
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Dinner for 2$11
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Xi'an $35Hong Kong $95
Tours and Activities in Xi'an
Here are a few actual costs in Xi'an for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Private Half Day Tour to See The Big Wild Goose Pagoda&City Wall:: $185
- 1 Day Xian City Highlights Private Tour: $148
- 1 day Xi'an Culture and History Discovery Mini Group tour: $112
- 1 day private tour to Xi'an Terra Cotta Warriors by Metro/Subway: $110
- 1-Day Private Tour: Mount Huashan With the Lunch from Xi'an: $190
- 1-Day Xi'an City Highlights and Hanyangling Museum Private Tour: $100
- 1-Day Xi'an Terracotta Warriors Museum and Banpo Neolithic Village Museum Tour: $100
- 1-Day Xi'an Tour with the Terracotta Warriors, Cave Dwelling and City Wall : $236
- 2 Days Xian Small Group Tour: Terracotta Army and City Sightseeing: $226
- 2 Days Xian Small Group Tour: Terracotta Army, Hanyangling Museum, and Xian City: $228
- 2-Day Highlights Xi'an Private Tour Combo Package: Terracotta Warriors and City Sightseeing: $240
- 2-Day Transit Private Tour of Xi'an Highlights: $300
Typical Entertainment Prices in Hong Kong
Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Hong Kong's activities, tours, and tickets:
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Peak Tram$7.66
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Madame Tussauds Hong Kong$24
Tours and Activities in Hong Kong
For Hong Kong, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Plover Cove Bicycling and Hiking Adventure: $109
- Ma On Shan Climbing Adventure: $115
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayXi'an $7.24Hong Kong $21
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Xi'an and Hong Kong, we can see that Hong Kong is more expensive. And not only is Xi'an much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Xi'an would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Xi'an 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 Hong Kong would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Hong Kong than you might in Xi'an.
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 Hong Kong Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Xi'an or Hong Kong?
Hong Kong has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Xi'an. When comparing the sizes of Xi'an and Hong Kong, 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.