A Travel Price Comparison for China Xi'an vs. Nanjing for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Xi'an or Nanjing?

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 Nanjing 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 Nanjing?

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.

Nanjing

Nanjing is the capital city of the Jiangsu Province on the central eastern coast of China, just north of Shanghai. This historically and culturally rich city lies at the lower end of the Yangtze river, resulting in lush and scenic landscapes. Nanjing is well-known for having many popular historical sites, some of which have been listed as UNESCO World Heritage sites.

Which place is cheaper, Nanjing or Xi'an?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Xi'an is $97, while the average daily cost in Nanjing is $98. 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 Nanjing in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Xi'an $62
    Nanjing $47
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Xi'an $124
    Nanjing $94
Compare Hotels in Xi'an and Nanjing

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


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
    Nanjing $39

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Nanjing

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Nanjing:

  • Huangshan Tunxi International Airport Private Arrival Transfer to City Area: $18
  • NANJING Train Station(North South) Transfer /Transport: $37
  • Nanjing Airport To City Transport /Transfer: $53
  • Nanjing Lukou International Airport Private Arrival Transfer to City Center: $45
  • Nanjing Private Arrival Transfer: Airport to Hotel: $68
  • Nanjing Private Departure Transfer: Hotel to Airport: $68
  • Nanjing Private Departure Transfer: Hotel to Railway Station: $68
  • Nanjing Private Round Trip Transfer to Niushoushan Cultural Park: $74
  • Nanjing Private Transfer from Nanjing central to Nanjing Lukou Airport (NKG): $131
  • Nanjing Railway Station Private Transfer from City Center: $32
  • Nanjing Tangshan Hot Spring Spa Experience with Private Transfer: $103
  • Nanjing To Huangshan Bullet Train Ticket with Local Private Transfers: $121

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

Prices for flights to both Nanjing 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 $13
    Nanjing $29

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Nanjing

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Nanjing.

  • 3-Hour Nanjing Authentic Local Food Tour by Public Transportation: $93
  • Nanjing City Private Night Tour with Qinghuai River Cruise and Dinner Option: $101
  • Flexible Private Nanjing City Night Tour with Dinner Option: $107
  • Private Nanjing Local Street Food Tour with Night River Cruise: $112
  • Half-Day Nanjing City Private Flexible Tour with Lunch or Dinner Option: $137
  • Nanjing Tangshan Mountain Hot Spring Experience and Hot Pot Dinner: $175

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Xi'an $36
    Nanjing $9.50

Tours and Activities in Nanjing

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

  • Shanghai Must-See and Foodie Bike Tour: $45
  • Nanjing Self-Guided Day Tour with Private Car and Driver Service: $65
  • Flexible Private Nanjing Independent Tour: $71
  • Private Amazing Nanjing City Day Tour in Your Way: $71
  • Nanjing Private English Tour Guide Service: $71
  • Panda Park (Zi Qin Lake) Tour/Nanjing: $75
  • Independent Tour to Yangzhou from Nanjing: $84
  • Yangzhou Self-Guided Tour from Nanjing with Private Car and Driver Service: $94
  • Independent Tour to Zhenjiang from Nanjing: $94
  • Zhenjiang Self-Guided Tour from Nanjing with Private Car and Driver service: $101
  • 4-Hour Nanjing City Private Tailor-Made Tour in Your Way: $104
  • Private Self-Guided Day Tour of Wuxi from Nanjing: $108

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Xi'an $7.41
    Nanjing $9.70


When comparing the travel costs between Xi'an and Nanjing, we can see that Nanjing 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.

Budget Your Trip

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Xi'an vs. Nanjing Travel Comparison

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