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

Should you visit Xi'an or Nagano?

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 Nagano 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 Nagano?

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.

Nagano

Nagano city and its surrounding prefecture of Japan is a temple region built around Zenkoji, a 7th century Buddhist temple that overlooks the city. Nagano was also home to the Winter Olympic Games in 1998, with some facilities still existing around town. And then there is the forested mountain Togakushi area to the northwest, which is another draw of Nagano, known for its shrines and status as the home of the Togakure Ninja School.

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 One Week (7-Day) Tours in Japan, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Japan.


Which place is cheaper, Nagano 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 Nagano is $90. 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 Nagano in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Xi'an $60
    Nagano $61
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Xi'an $120
    Nagano $122
Compare Hotels in Xi'an and Nagano

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


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: Nagano Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Xi'an $12
    Nagano $9.79

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

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Nagano

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

  • Private Transfer Between Station & Snow Monkey Park: $685

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

Prices for flights to both Nagano 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
    Nagano $22

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
    Nagano $8.16

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

Tours and Activities in Nagano

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

  • Nagano Sake Tasting Walking Tour: $47
  • Welcome to Private Tour with a Local: $55
  • Food & Cultural Walking Tour around Zenkoji temple in Nagano: $85
  • Izakaya Food Night Tour in Nagano: $98
  • Full-Day Tour: Matsumoto Castle & Kamikochi Alpine Valley: $177
  • Zenkoji Experience Tour: Overnight 'Shukubo' (Temple Lodge): $221
  • Snow Monkey & ZinkoJi With Sake Tasting Private Tour: $537
  • 4 Day - From Nagano to Kanazawa: Ultimate Central Japan tour: $782
  • Private Snow Monkey Tour: From Nagano City / Ski Resorts: $1,334

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Xi'an $7.23
    Nagano -


When comparing the travel costs between Xi'an and Nagano, 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 Nagano Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Xi'an or Nagano?

Xi'an has a larger population, and is about 9 times larger than the population of Nagano. When comparing the sizes of Xi'an and Nagano, 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.