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

Should you visit Xi'an or Mashiko?

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 Mashiko 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 Mashiko?

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.

Mashiko

Mashiko is a town in Japan famous for its pottery, called "Mashiko yaki." Large noborigama kilns were first brought to the area in 1853 by immigrant potters from a neighboring community in the Ibaraki prefecture. It is also home to the site of Saimyoji temple, one of the oldest temples in Tochigi prefecture, as well as the shrine of the Utsunomiya han.

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 Coach Bus Tours in Japan, and The Best Adventure Tours to Japan.


Which place is cheaper, Mashiko 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 Mashiko is $64. 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 Mashiko in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Xi'an $60
    Mashiko $33
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Xi'an $120
    Mashiko $66
Compare Hotels in Xi'an and Mashiko

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


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
    Mashiko $11

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Xi'an

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Xi'an:

  • Xi'an Airport to Hotel: Private Transfer for up to 40 pax: $300
  • Private Round-trip Airport Transfer to Terracotta Army & City Wall with A Guide: $259
  • Xian Terracotta Warriors and City Wall Tour with Airport Transfer: $224
  • Xi'an Airport to Hotel: Private Transfer for up to 15 pax: $200
  • Full-Day Layover Private Tour: Essence of Xi'an With Airport Transfer: $197
  • Xian Terracotta Warriors Tour with Airport Transfer: $176
  • One Day Private Xian Tour to Terracotta Warriors with Airport Transfers: $170
  • Terracotta Warriors Museum Tour with Airport Pickup or Drop-off Transfer: $162
  • Xi'an Layover: City Wall and Big Wild Goose Pagoda With Airport Transfer: $153
  • Xi'an Private Round Trip Transfer to Mount Huashan: $115
  • Private Round-trip Airport Transfer: Xi'an International Airport and Xi'an Hotel: $99
  • One-Way Airport Transfer From Xi'an Xianyang International Airport to Xi'an Hotel: $75

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

Prices for flights to both Mashiko 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
    Mashiko $23

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 Food Tour by Tuk Tuk: $62
  • 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
  • Authentic Muslim Alley Food Tour in Xi'an: $75
  • Authentic Old Xi'an Back Street Food Tour : $75
  • Xi'an Tang Dynasty Show and Dumpling Dinner with Hotel Transfer: $76
  • Half-day Xi'an Steamed Buns(Baozi) Cooking Class with Market Visit: $78

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Xi'an $35
    Mashiko $8.85

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 Group Tour: Terracotta Warriors & City Wall: $138
  • 1-Day Xi'an City Highlights and Hanyangling Museum Private Tour: $100
  • 2 Days Beijing Xian Tour by Bullet Train with Hotel: $287
  • 2 Days Classic Xian Group Tour: $234
  • 2 Days Xian Flexible Tour Including Hotel to Explore Xian Your Own Way: $256
  • 2 Days Xian Small Group Tour: Terracotta Army, Hanyangling Museum, and Xian City: $228
  • 2-Day Classic Xi'an Tour Combo Package: Terracotta Warriors and Downtown Sightseeing: $234
  • 2-Day Highlights Xi'an Private Tour Combo Package: Terracotta Warriors and City Sightseeing: $240

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Xi'an $7.23
    Mashiko $5.13


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Xi'an and Mashiko, we can see that Xi'an is more expensive. And not only is Mashiko much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Mashiko would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Mashiko 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 Mashiko.

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 Mashiko Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Xi'an or Mashiko?

Xi'an has a larger population, and is about 120 times larger than the population of Mashiko. When comparing the sizes of Xi'an and Mashiko, 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.