Should you visit Xi'an or Nagoya?
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 Nagoya 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 Nagoya?
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.
Nagoya
Nagoya is Japan's fourth-largest city after Tokyo, Yokohama, and Osaka, as well as one of the nation's major economic centers, being the home of auto giants like Toyota, Honda, and Mitsubishi Motors. With a history that dates back to samurai and ninja, Nagoya has evolved over the years into a trade center and hub for automobile and aircraft manufacturing. And it's also home to the Legoland resort!
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 Luxury Tours to Japan, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Japan.
Which place is cheaper, Nagoya 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 Nagoya is $113. 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 Nagoya in more detail.
Accommodation
Looking for a hotel in Xi'an or Nagoya? 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:
Nagoya Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Xi'an
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Xi'an:
-
seat in coach Terracotta army within 3rd ring transfers W lunch:
$70
-
Xian: Terracotta Army Ticket (Guided & Transfer Tour Option):
$97
-
Xian to Xian Xianyang Airport (XIY) - Departure Private Transfer:
$29
-
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 - Arrival Private Transfer:
$28
-
Xian Xianyang Airport (XIY) to Xian - Round-Trip Private Transfer:
$58
-
Xian Xianyang Airport (XIY) to Xian - Arrival Private Transfer:
$29
-
Xian Terracotta Warriors and City Wall Tour with Airport Transfer:
$254
-
Xian Terracotta Warriors Tour with Airport Transfer:
$216
-
Xian Terracotta Warriors Museum Tour with Airport Transfer:
$214
-
Xian Private Day Tour with Airport Transfer: Terracotta Warriors and City Wall:
$225
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Nagoya
Also for Nagoya, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
-
Japan Railway Station Shared Departure Transfer : Nagoya City to Nagoya Station:
$71
-
Nagoya Private Transfer To or From Suzuka Service:
$292
-
Nagoya to Nagoya Int Airport (NGO) - Departure Private Transfer:
$151
-
Nagoya to Nagoya Int Airport NGO, Departure Private Transfer:
$91
-
Private Departure Transfer Nagoya City to Chubu Centrair International Airport:
$208
-
Private Transfer - Nagoya Cruise Port to Nagoya Int Airport (NGO):
$285
-
Private Transfer - Nagoya Int Airport (NGO) to Nagoya Cruise Port:
$201
-
Private Transfer between Chubu Centrair Int'l Airport and Nagoya:
$296
-
Private Transfer from Nagoya Airport (NGO) to Toyama Port:
$235
-
Private Transfer from Nagoya Cruise Port to Nagoya Airport (NGO):
$201
-
Private Transfer from Nagoya Cruise Port to Nagoya City Hotels:
$126
-
Private Transfer from Nagoya Cruise Port to Nagoya hotels:
$139
Is it cheaper to fly into Xi'an or Nagoya?
Prices for flights to both Nagoya 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
Nagoya $49
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
-
Xian Tang Dynasty Show -Optional Dumpling Dinner or Royal Banquet:
$38
-
Xi'an: Tang Dynasty Music and Dance Show with Dinner Option:
$40
-
Xi'an Homemade Food Cooking Dumplings / BIANGBIANGNoodles:
$58
-
Xi’an: Market Tour and Cooking Class with Local Family:
$59
-
Xi'an Vegetarian Food Tour:
$60
-
Xi'an Muslim Quarter Walking Food Tour:
$61
-
Private Xi'an Food Tour:
$65
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Nagoya
For Nagoya, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
-
Nagoya Night Bar & Food Tour with Locals 【Private Tour】:
$59
-
Osu Kannon Temple & Street Food Tour in Nagoya's Osu District:
$83
-
Specialties of Nagoya Food Tour:
$159
-
Traditional Ukai Watching Private Tour from Nagoya With Dinner:
$221
Entertainment
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 The Terracotta Warriors Museum:
$88
-
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 Xian Group Tour: Terracotta Warriors & City Wall:
$138
-
1 day Adventure Tour of Mount Hua in Xi'an:
$85
-
1 day Xi'an Culture and History Discovery Mini Group tour:
$112
-
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
-
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
Tours and Activities in Nagoya
For Nagoya, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
-
Ramen Making Experience:
$38
-
Experience Being a Shinto Priest or Shrine Maiden at NAGOYA:
$45
-
English-Guided Jogging Tour of the City (2 hours):
$50
-
Shirakawago and Takayama Bus Tour from Nagoya:
$58
-
Hida Takayama & Shirakawa-go Bus Tour w/Optional Lunch:
$59
-
Shiragawa-go, Hida Takayama UNESCO Full-Day Tour from Nagoya:
$61
-
Nagoya Castle Private Guided Tour:
$64
-
Gujo, Hida Takayama, and Shirakawa-go Day Tour from Nagoya:
$65
-
Shirakawa-go + Hida Takayama Day Tour from Nagoya Station:
$66
-
Nagoya Tour in Inuyama Castle, Ena George, Magome and Tsumagojuku:
$68
-
Private Japanese Martial Arts and Samurai Experience in Gifu:
$68
-
Legoland Resort ticket in Japan :
$69
Alcohol
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
Sample the Local Flavors in Nagoya
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Nagoya:
-
The Nagoya Restaurant and Bar Crawl:
$40
When comparing the travel costs between Xi'an and Nagoya, we can see that Nagoya 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 Nagoya Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Xi'an or Nagoya?
Xi'an has a larger population, and is about 47% larger than the population of Nagoya. When comparing the sizes of Xi'an and Nagoya, 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.
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