Which place is cheaper, Los Angeles or Xi'an?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Xi'an or Los Angeles?
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 Los Angeles 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 Los Angeles?
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.
Los Angeles
Los Angeles, California is probably one of the most well known cities in the United States. It is the second most populated metro area in the country with more than 17 million people. The city's diversity is wide reaching, giving it a character that is unique from any other place in the country. LA has many world famous sights and neighborhoods including Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Rodeo Drive, and Santa Monica, but there is really so much more to this city.
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 from Los Angeles, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United States of America.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayXi'an $94Los Angeles $258
The average daily cost (per person) in Xi'an is $94, while the average daily cost in Los Angeles is $258. 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 Los Angeles in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personXi'an $60Los Angeles $140
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomXi'an $120Los Angeles $280
Compare Hotels in Xi'an and Los Angeles
Looking for a hotel in Xi'an or Los Angeles? 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: Los Angeles Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Xi'an $12Los Angeles $42
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Xi'an
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Xi'an:
- Xian to Xian Xianyang Airport (XIY) - Departure Private Transfer: $32
- Xian Xianyang International Airport (XIY) Private Departure Transfer: $40
- Xian Xianyang International Airport (XIY) Private Arrival Transfer: $40
- Xian Xianyang Airport (XIY) to Xian City - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $57
- Xian Xianyang Airport (XIY) to Xian - Arrival Private Transfer: $32
- Xian Terracotta Warriors and City Wall Tour with Airport Transfer: $224
- Xian Terracotta Warriors Tour with Airport Transfer: $176
- Xian Private Day Tour with Airport Transfer: Terracotta Warriors and City Wall: $186
- Xian City to Xian Xianyang Airport (XIY) - Departure Private Transfer: $28
- Xian Best Day Tour with Airport / Railway Station Transfer: $132
- Xi’an Xianyang International Airport Private Departure Transfer from City Area : $29
- Xi’an Terracotta Warriors Private Round-Trip Transfer from City Area : $69
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Los Angeles
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Los Angeles:
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Hotel Parking for a Day$22
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Taxi to Airport$55
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Los Angeles
Also for Los Angeles, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Sta. Monica Private Transfer To or From Los Angeles Airport/Cruise Port.: $71
- Airport Transfer: $220
- Airport transfer/transfer to any place: $150
- Arrival Private Transfer: LAX Airport to Anaheim Resort Area: $195
- Beverly Hills Transfers: $150
- Cruise Terminal to Los Angeles Airport (LAX) - Departure Private Transfer: $63
- Departure Private Transfer: Los Angeles to Airport LAX in Luxury Car: $272
- Departure Private Transfer: Los Angeles to Airport LAX in Luxury SUV: $195
- Departure Private Transfer: Los Angeles to Ontario Airport ONT in Luxury Van: $272
- Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR) to Los Angeles - Round-Trip Private Transfer : $164
- Hollywood Private Transfer to/from Universal Studios or Burbank.: $39
- Hollywood to Long Beach Airport (LGB) - Departure Private Transfer: $80
Is it cheaper to fly into Xi'an or Los Angeles?
Prices for flights to both Los Angeles 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 $12Los Angeles $60
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 Los Angeles
For Los Angeles, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
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Mexican Dinner (family of 4)$32
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Burritos for Two$15
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Coffee and Danish$7.70
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Los Angeles
For Los Angeles, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Venice Beach Food Tour with Tastings: $75
- Santa Monica Delicious Donut Adventure & Walking Food Tour: $82
- 3-Hour Secret Food Tour: $88
- Downtown Los Angeles Food Tour: $89
- West Hollywood Food Tour: $89
- Venice Beach LA Food Tour: $89
- Downtown Food Tour: $89
- Venice Beach Food Tour: $89
- LA Venice Beach Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours: $99
- Original Downtown Los Angeles Walking Food Tour with Six Taste: $110
- Night Cruise in Marina del Rey with Dinner: $124
- Vegan African Dinner Party in Playa Del Ray: $132
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Xi'an $35Los Angeles $82
Tours and Activities in Xi'an
Here are a few actual costs in Xi'an for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Group Tour to the Terra-cotta Warriors Museum & Lunch : $65
- Private Half Day Tour to See The Big Wild Goose Pagoda&City Wall:: $185
- Xi'an Morning Food & Market Tour by TukTuk: $55
- #1 Bestselling Private Terracotta Army Tours + Customized Xian Tours: $109
- 1 Day Xian City Highlights Private Tour: $148
- 1 Day Xian Group Tour: Terracotta Warriors & City Wall: $138
- 1 day The Terracotta Army+Xi'an City Wall+Yongxing Square Mini Group Tour: $106
- 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 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 Terracotta Warriors,Wild Goose Pagoda and Banpo Village Museum Tour: $100
Typical Entertainment Prices in Los Angeles
Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Los Angeles's activities, tours, and tickets:
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Santa Monica Pier Rides (family of 4)$37
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Bowling$13
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Hollywood Tour for Two$30
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Six Flags for 2$96
Tours and Activities in Los Angeles
For Los Angeles, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Los Ángeles self-guided tour App - multilingual AudioGuide: $4.31
- Gambling Built the Sunset Strip: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $4.99
- Hollywood Secrets: In App Audio Tour at the Famous District: $5.00
- Gambling Built the Sunset Strip: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.13
- Chinatown Self-Guided Audio Tour (ENG): $5.40
- The Heart of Los Angeles’ Dreamland: A Self-Guide Tour in Culver City: $5.99
- LA: Broad Museum & Downtown Walk In-App Audio Tour: $7.00
- Lost Souls of Hollywood Smartphone Ghost Tour: $7.31
- Pacific Coast Hwy (LA Santa Maria): Smartphone Audio Tour: $7.31
- Lost Souls of Hollywood Blvd: a Smartphone Audio Ghost Tour: $7.99
- Beverly Hills Walking In-App Audio Tour: $9.00
- Getty Center In-App Audio Tour (ENG, ES): $9.00
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayXi'an $7.23Los Angeles $15
Sample the Local Flavors in Los Angeles
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Los Angeles:
- LA Ghosts Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $40
- Salsa Lesson, Burlesque and Mojitos : $149
- Salsa Lesson and Burlesque Show: $149
- Malibu: Vintage VW Sightseeing Tour and Wine Tasting: $195
- Wine Tour at Fess Parker Winery by Helicopter: $4,299
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Xi'an and Los Angeles, we can see that Los Angeles is more expensive. And not only is Xi'an much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Xi'an is in Asia and Los Angeles is in North America, 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 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 Los Angeles would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Los Angeles 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 Los Angeles Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Xi'an or Los Angeles?
Los Angeles has a larger population, and is about 15% larger than the population of Xi'an. When comparing the sizes of Xi'an and Los Angeles, 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.