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

Should you visit Xi'an or Sado?

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 Sado 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 Sado?

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.

Sado

Sado Island, Japan is located just off the coast of Niigata and is an old gold mining town that has since developed into a quiet summer holiday destination. The island is home to two mountain ranges, O-Sado in the north and Ko-sado in the south, with the popular Kuninaka plain in between the mountain ranges. With the remoteness of the island, it has become a popular destination for tourists to experience old Japan and get away from the busy mainland.

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 Adventure Tours to Japan, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in Japan.


Which place is cheaper, Sado 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 Sado is $62. 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 Sado in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Xi'an $60
    Sado $30
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Xi'an $120
    Sado $60
Compare Hotels in Xi'an and Sado

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


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: Sado Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Xi'an $12
    Sado $14

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Xi'an

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Xi'an:

  • Xi'an Airport Transfer: $17
  • Private Departure Transfer: Hotel to Xi'an Central Train Station: $21
  • Private Departure Transfer to Xi'an International Airport from City Hotels: $22
  • Private Transfer from Xi'an hotel to Xi'an train station: $27
  • Airport Transfer] Xi'an Airport Xi'an City Transfer High reputation for service! : $27
  • Xi'an Terracotta Army Tickets with Optional Guide/Transfer: $28
  • Xian City to Xian Xianyang Airport (XIY) - Departure Private Transfer: $28
  • Private Airport Transfer:Xi'an Xianyang International Airport to Xi'an Hotel: $29
  • Private Airport Transfer: Xi'an Hotel to Xianyang International Airport: $29
  • Xi’an Railway Station Private Arrival Transfer to City Area: $29
  • Xi’an Railway Station Private Departure Transfer from City Area: $29
  • Xi’an Xianyang International Airport Private Departure Transfer from City Area : $29

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

Prices for flights to both Sado 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
    Sado $23

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
    Sado $8.43

Tours and Activities in Xi'an

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

  • Xi'an Virtual Tour: Emperor Qin Shi Huang and His Terracotta Army: $15
  • Terra-cotta Warriors Entrance Ticket with Optional Guided Service: $26
  • Terracotta Warriors 5-Hour Private Tour w/ Optional Pickup Point: $26
  • Terracotta Army Ticket: $28
  • Group Bus Tour to Terracotta Warriors with Hotel Pickup & Lunch: $35
  • Terracotta Warriors Tickets Booking: $35
  • Tang Dynasty Palace Show Tickets Booking: $37
  • Terra-cotta Warriors Ticket with Optional Car & Guided Service: $38
  • Xi'an City Wall: Guided Tour with Cycling Option: $43
  • Xi'an Religions Tour: $45
  • Leisure Night Walking Tour of Xi’an: $46
  • Xi'an City Walking Tour: $46

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Xi'an $7.23
    Sado $66


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Xi'an and Sado, we can see that Xi'an is more expensive. And not only is Sado much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Sado would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Sado 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 Xi'an would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Xi'an than you might in Sado.

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 Sado Expensive?.