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

Should you visit Xi'an or Paris?

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 Paris 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 Paris?

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.

Paris

Paris is a dream destination for many people. It's location on the river Seine contributes to its stunning beauty and you can spend many days wandering through its wonderfully diverse neighborhoods. It's known as a city of culture, fashion, food and fun. There is never a shortage of entertainment and activities around town and a highlight of many people's trips to Paris is to explore the city at night, when it truly comes to life. It is not hard to see why this city has received the nickname as the "City of Lights."

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 Historical Tours in France, and The Best 10-Day Tours in France.


Which place is cheaper, Paris 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 Paris is $311. 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 Paris in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Xi'an $61
    Paris $180
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Xi'an $122
    Paris $360
Compare Hotels in Xi'an and Paris

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


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: Paris Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Xi'an $12
    Paris $25

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Xi'an

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Xi'an:

  • Xi'an: 5-Day Guided Tour with Meals and Transfers: $574
  • Xi'an Airport to Hotel: Private Transfer for up to 40 pax: $300
  • Xian Terracotta Warriors and City Wall Tour with Airport Transfer: $254
  • From Xian: Terracotta Army and City Wall Tour with Airport Transfer: $245
  • Xian Highlights Private Tour With Airport Transfer: $245
  • Essential Xian Tour with Airport Train Station or Hotel Transfer: $229
  • Xi'an Layover: Terracotta Warriors and Horses Museum With Airport Transfer: $229
  • Xian Private Day Tour with Airport Transfer: Terracotta Warriors and City Wall: $225
  • Xian Terracotta Warriors Tour with Airport Transfer: $216
  • Xian Terracotta Warriors Museum Tour with Airport Transfer: $214
  • Xian City Wall and Big Wild Goose Pagoda Tour With Airport Transfer: $206
  • Terracotta Warriors Museum Tour with Airport Pickup or Drop-off Transfer: $199

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Paris

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Paris are as follows:


  • Metro
    $7.51
  • Train from Airport
    $11
  • Metro tickets
    $7.98
  • Train
    $23

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Paris

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

  • Bus Transfer : Paris to the Palace of Versailles Round-Trip : $48
  • One Way Private Transfer to Louvre Musuem: $89
  • Private Roundtrip Airport Transfer for 1 to 3 Persons in Paris: $214
  • Private Transfer from Paris to Charles de Gaulle Airport: $92
  • Private transfer from Beauvais airport to Paris or back: $292
  • 1 Way Private Transfer from Your Paris Hotel to Versailles Palace: $94
  • Airport Transfer Paris - Disneyland - Minivan 1-8 Passengers: $143
  • Airport Transfer at Paris (Mercedes E), From/to Paris-CDG: $216
  • Airport Transfer: Paris City to Paris Airport CDG by Business Car: $112
  • Airport Transfer: Paris City to Paris Airport CDG by Luxury EQS: $165
  • Airport transfer CDG - Paris | Driver Professional: $189
  • Airport transfer from Paris to Disneyland Paris/Parc Asterix (8pax): $237

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

Prices for flights to both Paris 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
    Paris $85

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

Typical Food Prices in Paris

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Paris:


  • Ice Cream
    $9.39
  • Breakfast
    $8.21
  • Breakfast for 2
    $35
  • Dinner on River Cruise
    $101
  • Dinner
    $67
  • Cheese
    $15

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Paris

For Paris, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Authentic Indian Dinner in Paris : $65
  • Paris Capitaine Fracasse 3 Course Seine River Dinner Cruise: $68
  • Paris Seine River dinner cruise from Alexandre III bridge: $70
  • Paris Prestige Dinner Cruise from Eiffel Tower Area: $74
  • Paris en Scene 3 Course Seine River Dinner Cruise: $77
  • Paris Vegan Street Food Tour: $77
  • Paris Food Tour: $82
  • Seine River Sightseeing Cruise and Dinner at Le Bistro Parisien: $84
  • #1 Montmartre Pastries & Chocolate Food Tour with 6+ Tastings: $89
  • Champagne & Oysters Paris Food Tour: $96
  • Dinner Paris by Night EN Bus Panoramic: $101
  • Amazing Sweet Crêpe Cooking Class Paris: $105

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Xi'an $36
    Paris $89

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

Typical Entertainment Prices in Paris

For Paris, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:


  • Louvre Entry for Two
    $21
  • Admission to Pantheon
    $5.87
  • Catacombs (2)
    $27

Tours and Activities in Paris

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

  • Paris Hidden Gems: Self Guided Secret Spots Tour: $0.57
  • Paris Montmartre Free Walking Tour in English : $2.86
  • Paris - Free Walking Tour in English (Tip-Based): $3.56
  • Paris - Latin Quarter Free Tour in English (Tip-Based): $3.56
  • Paris Scavenger Hunt and Highlights Self-Guided Tour: $3.57
  • Rude Bastards Tour of Paris: $3.59
  • Central Paris Highlights Walking Tour: $4.76
  • Montmartre Scavenger Hunt and Highlights Self-Guided Tour: $4.76
  • Private Audio Guided Walking Tour in Paris: $4.80
  • Marais Walk Self Guided Audio Tour: $5.36
  • Paris (Marais District) Scavenger Hunt and Self-Guided Tour: $5.77
  • Paris (Montmartre) Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $5.77

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Xi'an $7.34
    Paris $29

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

Typical Alcohol Prices in Paris

Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Paris are as follows:


  • Wine
    $16

Sample the Local Flavors in Paris

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Paris:

  • Original Paris Pub Crawl : $24
  • Paris Nation wine tasting: $46
  • Paris St Germain Wine Tasting: $46
  • Vegan Wine Tasting in Paris right next to Père Lachaise: $54
  • Wine Tasting in Paris right next to Père Lachaise & l'Atelier des lumières: $54
  • Wine tasting Paris Saint Germain des Pres: $56
  • Cheese and Wine Tasting in the Latin Quarter with Chef Alex: $58
  • Natural Wine Tasting with Cheese Pairings in Paris: $72
  • French Wine Tasting and Pairing Experience in Montmartre: $90
  • The only Paris Wine Tasting experience you need to do - 2 hours : $95
  • Left Bank Gastronomy & Wine tour with a Culinary School : $113
  • Walk & Wine Tour in the Latin Quarter: $118


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Xi'an and Paris, we can see that Paris is more expensive. And not only is Xi'an much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Xi'an is in Asia and Paris is in Europe, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Xi'an would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Xi'an 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 Paris would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Paris than you might in Xi'an.

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 Paris Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Xi'an or Paris?

Xi'an has a larger population, and is about 51% larger than the population of Paris. When comparing the sizes of Xi'an and Paris, 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.