Which place is cheaper, Taiyuan 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.
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Should you visit Xi'an or Taiyuan?
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 Taiyuan 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 Taiyuan?
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.
Taiyuan
With sleek architectural designs and blossoming businesses, this metropolis is simply brimming with invigorating excitement and once-in-a-lifetime entertainment. Despite its glimmering skyscrapers and gorgeous fountains, Taiyuan, China has an extensive history of nearly 2,500 years. During ancient China, Taiyuan, or the "Dragon City," was a major military town. Presently, this city is now one of China's most important industrial cities, producing more than half of the national coal mining output. Taiyuan is both the capital and largest city of the Shanxi province of North China. It is bounded by mountains on three of its sides, allowing this great city to be surrounded by fantastic views of its landscape. Besides its economic significance, Taiyuan also achieves tourist significance due to its plethora of landmarks and sights. Some of these attractions include Jinci Temple, Forest Park, Mengshan Giant Buddha, and Shanxi Museum. Taiyuan is also celebrated internationally for holding their annual Shanxi Taiyuan International Folk Arts Festival, a celebration held in September that hosts exhibition of fine arts, painting, paper-cutting, sculpture, drama, acrobatic and the culture of costume. With such a great deal to do in such a limited window of time, it is best to make the most Taiyuan while you visit!
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 2-Week Tours in China, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in China.
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Xi'an Prices
China PricesTaiyuan Prices
China Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayXi'an $104Taiyuan $106
The average daily cost (per person) in Xi'an is $104, while the average daily cost in Taiyuan is $106. 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 Taiyuan in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personXi'an $61Taiyuan $43
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomXi'an $122Taiyuan $86
Compare Hotels in Xi'an and Taiyuan
Looking for a hotel in Xi'an or Taiyuan? 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.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Xi'an $12Taiyuan $48
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Xi'an
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Xi'an:
- 2-Day Customized Private Tour With Transfer in Historical Xi'an: $269
- From Xian: Terracotta Army and City Wall Tour with Airport Transfer: $245
- Xian Highlights Private Tour With Airport Transfer: $245
- Full-Day Layover Private Tour: Essence of Xi'an With Airport Transfer: $229
- Xi'an Layover: Terracotta Warriors and Horses Museum With Airport Transfer: $229
- Essential Xian Tour with Airport Train Station or Hotel 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
- Xi'an Layover: City Wall and Big Wild Goose Pagoda With Airport Transfer: $209
- 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
Is it cheaper to fly into Xi'an or Taiyuan?
Prices for flights to both Taiyuan 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
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Food Meals for one dayXi'an $22Taiyuan $36
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 Optional Dumplings or Royal Dinner: $31
- Xian Tang Dynasty Show -Optional Dumpling Dinner or Royal Banquet: $32
- Skip the Line: Xi'an Tang Dynasty Show Ticket & Dumpling Dinner or Royal Banquet: $32
- Xi'An: Tang Dynasty Show Ticket w/ Transfer or Dinner: $33
- Xi'an: Tang Dynasty Music and Dance Show with Dinner Option: $33
- Xi'an Tang Dynasty Music Dance Show or Dinner Show with Transfer: $35
- Top 3 Xian Sites to Terracotta Army & Dinner Show w/ Options: $35
- Xian Food Tour in Muslim Quarter: $36
- Tang Dynasty Dinner Show with Private transfer: $55
- Xi’an: Market Tour and Cooking Class with Local Family: $58
- Xi'an Homemade Food Cooking Dumplings / BIANGBIANGNoodles: $58
- Xi'an Vegetarian Food Tour: $60
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Xi'an $36Taiyuan $15
Tours and Activities in Xi'an
Here are a few actual costs in Xi'an for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- All Inclusive Terracotta Army Group Tour: $110
- Group Tour to the Terra-cotta Warriors Museum & Lunch : $65
- Qin Terra-cotta Warrior Tour by Bus: $18
- Tang Dynasty Car Tour of Xi an: $266
- Terracotta Army Day Tour with Biangbiang Noodles Making Class: $225
- Xi'an City Half Day Private Tour : $120
- 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 City Highlights Private Tour: $148
- 1 Day Xian Group Tour: Terracotta Warriors & City Wall: $138
- 1 day Xi'an Culture and History Discovery Mini Group tour: $112
- 1-Day Private Tour: Mount Huashan With the Lunch from Xi'an: $190
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayXi'an $7.31Taiyuan $6.38
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: Drinking, Gaming, and Meeting with Locals: $29
When comparing the travel costs between Xi'an and Taiyuan, we can see that Taiyuan 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 Taiyuan Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Xi'an or Taiyuan?
Xi'an has a larger population, and is about 18% larger than the population of Taiyuan. When comparing the sizes of Xi'an and Taiyuan, 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.