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

Should you visit Xi'an or Koh Phi Phi?

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 Koh Phi Phi 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 Koh Phi Phi?

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.

Koh Phi Phi

The islands of Koh Phi Phi, off the coast of southwestern Thailand, are very popular with travelers because of their unrivaled tropical scenery, clear blue waters, relaxing atmosphere, and undersea attractions. However, in the last decade, Koh Phi Phi has seen a huge surge in tourism, adding to the crowds and pollution of the main (and only populated) island, known as Koh Phi Phi Don.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in China, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in China, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Thailand, and The Best Coach Bus Tours in Thailand.


Which place is cheaper, Koh Phi Phi or Xi'an?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in Xi'an is $105, while the average daily cost in Koh Phi Phi is $95. 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 Koh Phi Phi in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Xi'an $61
    Koh Phi Phi $50
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Xi'an $122
    Koh Phi Phi $100
Compare Hotels in Xi'an and Koh Phi Phi

Looking for a hotel in Xi'an or Koh Phi Phi? 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 Koh Phi Phi


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: Koh Phi Phi Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Xi'an $12
    Koh Phi Phi $7.93

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Xi'an

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Xi'an:

  • Xi'an: 5-Day Guided Tour with Meals and Transfers: $574
  • Xi'an Airport to Hotel: Private Transfer for up to 40 pax: $300
  • 2-Day Customized Private Tour With Transfer in Historical Xi'an: $269
  • From Xian: Terracotta Army and City Wall Tour with Airport Transfer: $245
  • Xi'an Layover: Terracotta Warriors and Horses Museum With Airport Transfer: $229
  • Xian Private Day Tour with Airport Transfer: Terracotta Warriors and City Wall: $225
  • Xian Terracotta Warriors Tour with Airport Transfer: $216
  • Xian City Wall and Big Wild Goose Pagoda Tour With Airport Transfer: $206
  • Xi'an Airport to Hotel: Private Transfer for up to 15 pax: $200
  • Terracotta Warriors Museum Tour with Airport Pickup or Drop-off Transfer: $199
  • One Day Private Xian Tour to Terracotta Warriors with Airport Transfers: $149
  • Xi'an:Terracotta Army Guided Tour by Expert Guide w/Transfer: $141

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Koh Phi Phi

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Koh Phi Phi:


  • Ferry to Maya Beach (for 2)
    $17
  • Longboat Taxi
    $3.14

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Koh Phi Phi

Also for Koh Phi Phi, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Easy Island Transfer from Phi Phi Island to Koh Tao: $80
  • Speedboat Transfer Phi Phi Tonsai to Phuket with Dropoff Service: $28

Is it cheaper to fly into Xi'an or Koh Phi Phi?

Prices for flights to both Koh Phi Phi 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 $22
    Koh Phi Phi $23

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Xi'an

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Xi'an.

  • Xi’an:City Wall Multi-Entry or Night Food Tour with Show: $21
  • Xi'An: Tang Dynasty Show Ticket w/ Transfer or Dinner: $33
  • Top 3 Xian Sites to Terracotta Army & Dinner Show w/ Options: $35
  • Xi'an Tang Dynasty Show Ticket Optional Dumplings or Royal Dinner: $37
  • Skip the Line: Xi'an Tang Dynasty Show Ticket & Dumpling Dinner or Royal Banquet: $37
  • Xi'an: Tang Dynasty Music and Dance Show with Dinner Option: $40
  • Xi’an: Market Tour and Cooking Class with Local Family: $59
  • Xi'an Muslim Quarter Walking Food Tour: $61
  • Xian: Morning Food Tour of the Muslim Quarter: $67
  • Private Old Xi'an Authentic Local Beer Dinner Tour: $68
  • Authentic Old Xi'an Back Alley Food Tour: $69
  • Xi'an Evening Food Tour by TukTuk: $69

Typical Food Prices in Koh Phi Phi

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Koh Phi Phi:


  • Crepe
    $1.88
  • Sit Down Lunch
    $11
  • Casual Lunch
    $6.59
  • Coconut Donut
    $0.31
  • Lunch at Mexican Restaurant (for 2)
    $13
  • Sit Down Dinner
    $16

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Koh Phi Phi

For Koh Phi Phi, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • International Dinner & Cabaret Show - Ala Carte Package: $22
  • International Dinner & Cabaret Show - Set Menu Package: $80

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Xi'an $36
    Koh Phi Phi $52

Tours and Activities in Xi'an

Here are a few actual costs in Xi'an for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • All Inclusive Terracotta Army Group Tour: $110
  • Group Tour to the Terra-cotta Warriors Museum & Lunch : $65
  • Private Half Day Tour to The Terracotta Warriors Museum: $88
  • #1 Bestselling Private Terracotta Army Tours + Customized Xian Tours: $91
  • 1 Day Beijing to Xi'an Terracotta Warriors Tour by Air: $779
  • 1 Day Private Tour to Terracotta Army & Huaqing Pool, No Shopping: $129
  • 1-Day Xi'an Terracotta Warriors Museum and Banpo Neolithic Village Museum Tour: $100
  • 1-Day Xi'an Terracotta Warriors,Wild Goose Pagoda and Banpo Village Museum Tour: $100
  • 2 Day Private Terracotta Warriors and Mount Huashan Tour: $265
  • 2 Days Beijing Xian Private Tour by Bullet Trains with Hotel: $287
  • 2 Days Xian Customized Tour for Terracotta Warriors and More: $235
  • 2 Days Xian Small Group Tour: Terracotta Army and City Sightseeing: $226

Typical Entertainment Prices in Koh Phi Phi

For Koh Phi Phi, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:


  • Kayak Rental
    $9.42

Tours and Activities in Koh Phi Phi

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Koh Phi Phi.

  • Ferry from Phi Phi Islands to Phuket with Dropoff Service by Royal Jet Cruiser: $15
  • Phi Phi Island Half Day Tour From Phi Phi by Longtail Boat: $18
  • Phi Phi Sunset Longtail Boat Cruise to Maya Bay and Snorkeling: $18
  • Phuket Trick Eye Museum Admission Ticket: $19
  • Phi Phi Island To Phuket By Phi Phi Cruiser: $19
  • Half-Day Phi Phi Island Longtail Boat Tour with Maya Bay Visit: $19
  • Koh Phi Phi to Phuket by Phi Phi Cruiser: $19
  • Snorkeling Phi Phi Islands Tour From Phi Phi by Longtail Boat: $20
  • Phuket Trick Eye Museum Admission Ticket (SHA Plus): $22
  • Trick Eye Museum at Phuket Admission Ticket: $24
  • Half-Day Morning Bamboo Island Tour from Phi Phi by Longtail Boat: $25
  • Phi Phi Islands Sunset Tour From Phi Phi by Longtail Boat: $25

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Xi'an $7.34
    Koh Phi Phi $6.51

Sample the Local Flavors in Xi'an

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Xi'an:

  • Xi'an Bar Crawl: Drink, Gaming, Snacks & Meet with Locals: $29

Typical Alcohol Prices in Koh Phi Phi

Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Koh Phi Phi from other travelers:


  • Mojito Bucket
    $16
  • Banana Daiquiri
    $6.28


When comparing the travel costs between Xi'an and Koh Phi Phi, 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.

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 Koh Phi Phi Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Xi'an or Koh Phi Phi?

Xi'an has a larger population, and is about 3230 times larger than the population of Koh Phi Phi. When comparing the sizes of Xi'an and Koh Phi Phi, 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.