Which place is cheaper, Nara 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.
Jump to 
Should you visit Xi'an or Nara?
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 Nara 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 Nara?
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.
Nara
As Japan's first capital, Nara offers a world of tradition and culture second only to the city of Kyoto. It is home to eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites, which are largely concentrated in the area of Nara Park. Here, it is also common to see many deer wandering freely amongst the temples and shrines.
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 Sightseeing Tours in Japan, and The Best Cultural Tours in Japan.
-
Xi'an Prices
China PricesNara Prices
Japan Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayXi'an $105Nara $111
The average daily cost (per person) in Xi'an is $105, while the average daily cost in Nara is $111. 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 Nara in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personXi'an $61Nara $54
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomXi'an $122Nara $108
Compare Hotels in Xi'an and Nara
Looking for a hotel in Xi'an or Nara? 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: Nara Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Xi'an $12Nara $6.04
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Xi'an
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Xi'an:
- Private Departure Transfer: Hotel to Xi'an Central Train Station: $21
- Private Arrival Transfer: Xi'an Central Train Station to Hotel: $21
- Private Departure Transfer to Xi'an International Airport from City Hotels: $22
- Xian Xianyang Airport (XIY) to Xian City - Arrival Private Transfer: $28
- Xian City to Xian Xianyang Airport (XIY) - Departure Private Transfer: $28
- Xian to Xian Xianyang Airport (XIY) - Departure Private Transfer: $29
- Xian Xianyang Airport (XIY) to Xian - Arrival Private Transfer: $29
- Xi’an Railway Station Private Departure Transfer from City Area: $29
- Xi’an Xianyang International Airport Private Arrival Transfer to City Area: $29
- Private Arrival Transfer:Any Xi'an Railway Station to Xi'an City Hotel: $30
- Private Transfer from Xi'an Hotel to Xi'an Xianyang International Airport (XIY): $30
- Xi'an Terracotta Army Tickets with Optional Guide/Transfer: $30
Is it cheaper to fly into Xi'an or Nara?
Prices for flights to both Nara 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 dayXi'an $22Nara $51
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: 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 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
- Xian: Morning Food Tour of the Muslim Quarter: $67
- Private Old Xi'an Authentic Local Beer Dinner Tour: $68
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Nara
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Nara.
- Handmade Soba and Tempura Cooking Class in Nara: $49
- Udon and Tempura Cooking Class in Nara: $52
- Nara Personalized Half Day Food Tour with a Local Guide: $160
- Taste of Nara A Guided Half Day Food Tour Tailored to Your Taste: $160
- Full Day Nara E bike Tour and Osaka History Food Tour: $199
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Xi'an $36Nara $8.09
Tours and Activities in Xi'an
Here are a few actual costs in Xi'an for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Xi'an: Daci'en Temple(Great Wild Goose Pagoda) E-ticket: $9.99
- Xi'an: City Wall & Old Town Walking Tour w/ 10+ Food Tasting: $14
- Xi’an City Wall – E-Ticket: $15
- Xi'an: Xi’an City Wall South Gate(Yongningmen) Entry Ticket: $15
- Xi'an Virtual Tour: Emperor Qin Shi Huang and His Terracotta Army: $15
- Xi'an: City Wall Moat Smart Boat Tour: $17
- Xian: Terracotta Army Ticket & Guided Bus Tour with Options: $20
- Xi'an ：City Wall Entry Electronic Ticket: $20
- Private Car Tour to Terra-cotta Army and Xi'an Ctiy Attrations: $22
- Terracotta Warriors Tickets Booking: $24
- Xi'an Exclusive Terracotta Army Tour with Local Family Lunch: $24
- Xian Day Tour, Terracotta Army, City Wall, Pagoda, Muslim Bazaar: $24
Tours and Activities in Nara
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Nara are as follows:
- Gripped Sumi Ink Experience at a Historic Workshop in Nara: $23
- Tea Ceremony Experience in Nara 3 Minutes from Nara Station: $28
- Nara Craft Tours - local Craft beers tour experience in Nara City: $28
- Naramachi walking tour with Local: $31
- Nara Highlight Walking Tour with Furoshiki Experience with Lunch: $35
- Samurai Spirit Kendo Experience【Nara】: $41
- All must-sees in 3 hours - Nara Park Classic Tour! From JR Nara!: $45
- Traditional Kimono Experience in Historic Nara(with Hair Styling): $48
- Uji Tea Ceremony and UNESCO Heritage Walking Tour: $56
- Nara English Guided Walking Tour (All Entrance Fee Included): $62
- Perfect Nara Park Half-Day Bus Tour with English Speaking Guide: $69
- Kyoto: Tea Museum and Tsuen Teahouse Guided Tour: $73
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayXi'an $7.34Nara $12
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
When comparing the travel costs between Xi'an and Nara, we can see that Nara 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 Nara Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Xi'an or Nara?
Xi'an has a larger population, and is about 9 times larger than the population of Nara. When comparing the sizes of Xi'an and Nara, 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.