Should you visit Xi'an or Taiyuan?
Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel cost comparison between Xi'an and Taiyuan can help. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.
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!
Which city is cheaper, Taiyuan or Xi'an?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
The average daily cost (per person) in Xi'an is $85, while the average daily cost in Taiyuan is $81. 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 city. Below is a breakdown of travel costs for Xi'an and Taiyuan in more detail.
Accommodation
The average price for accommodation for two people in Xi'an is $108. This is for two people sharing a typical double occupancy hotel room.
For a normal double-occupancy room in Taiyuan, $76 is the average cost for a hotel room. Also in Taiyuan, the typical price for a place to stay for one person is $38, such as in a hostel.
Food
In Xi'an travelers spend around $11 a day on food. You can save money by choosing casual restaurants or food stalls, or you can spend plenty more by dining in nicer restaurants at every meal.
On average, meal and food prices in Taiyuan cost around $18 per person, per day. While this price can vary widely by location, the type of restaurant, and the amount of food ordered, a typical meal often costs around $7.20.
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Food
Meals for one day
Xi'an $11
Taiyuan $18
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Xi'an
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Xi'an.
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Chengdu Private Food Tour (With Visit to Kuanzhai Alley and Hotpot Experience):
$32
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Chengdu Jinsha Site Museum and Sanxingdui Museum Private Day Tour with Hotpot Dinner:
$76
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Dim Sum Cooking Class and Wet Market Visit in Shanghai:
$78
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Beijing Hutong Evening Food Tour by Tuk Tuk:
$80
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Chengdu Panda Base Private Day Tour and Sichuan Cooking Class:
$83
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Beijing Food Culture & Cooking Class:
$137
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Taiyuan
For Taiyuan, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
-
Chengdu Private Food Tour (With Visit to Kuanzhai Alley and Hotpot Experience):
$32
-
Chengdu Jinsha Site Museum and Sanxingdui Museum Private Day Tour with Hotpot Dinner:
$76
-
Dim Sum Cooking Class and Wet Market Visit in Shanghai:
$78
-
Beijing Hutong Evening Food Tour by Tuk Tuk:
$80
-
Chengdu Panda Base Private Day Tour and Sichuan Cooking Class:
$83
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Beijing Food Culture & Cooking Class:
$137
Local Transportation
While taxis and private drivers typically cost much more than public transportation, people usually spend around $11 per day to get around in Xi'an.
To get around in Taiyuan, the average visitor spends $42 per day, per person. This includes the costs of taxi rides and private drivers as well as public transportation, which tends to be much more affordable.
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Xi'an
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Xi'an:
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Private City Transfers between Zhongshan and Hong Kong:
$313
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Private City Transfers between Foshan and Hong Kong:
$296
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Private City Transfers between Guangzhou and Hong Kong:
$283
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Private City Transfers between Huizhou and Hong Kong :
$230
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Private MPV City Transfer between Guangdong & Hong Kong:
$187
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Private Transfers Between Xiamen City and Gaobei Tulou Cluster & Chuxi Tulou Cluster:
$186
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Private Changsha Huanghua International Airport Transfers (CSX) for Downtown Zhangjiajie or Wulingyuan District:
$186
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Private Transfers between Dongguan and Hong Kong :
$159
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Private City Transfers Between Xiamen and Zhangzhou Volcanic Island Resort:
$147
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Private Transfer Between Xiamen City and Tianluokeng Tulou Cluster & Yun Shui Yao Ancient Town:
$147
-
Private Transfers Between Xiamen City and Yongding Tulou:
$147
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Private City Transfers between Shenzhen and Hong Kong Island, Kowloon & New Territories:
$134
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Taiyuan
Also for Taiyuan, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
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Airport Transfers (SHA/PVG) for Shanghai (Multiple Car Models):
$38
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Badaling Great Wall in Beijing Private Transfer:
$43
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Longji Rice Terraced Fields and Minority Villages Tour with Transfer from Guilin or Yangshuo:
$108
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Luxury Private Shanghai Pudong International Airport Transfers (PVG) for Downtown Shanghai:
$118
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Luxury private Baiyun International Airport Transfers (CAN) for Guangzhou :
$74
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Luxury private Bao'an International Airport Transfers (SZX) for Downtown Shenzhen:
$67
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Luxury private Beijing Capital International Airport Transfers (PEK) for Downtown Beijing:
$74
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Luxury private Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport Transfers (SHA) for Downtown Shanghai:
$59
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One Way Private Transfer between Shanghai City and Xitang Scenic Area:
$119
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One Way Private Transfer between Shanghai and Zhujiajiao Scenic Area :
$94
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One Way Private Transfers between Shanghai and Zhouzhuang Scenic Area:
$94
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Private 7-seater SHA/PVG Airport Transfers for Shanghai:
$34
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.
Entertainment
Activities, things to do, and other forms of entertainment usually cost around $32 per person, per day in Xi'an. This cost includes the price of admission tickets to attractions and museums as well as daily tours.
In Taiyuan, the costs for things to do, activities, admission tickets, and other sightseeing expenses are on average $14 per person, per day.
Tours and Activities in Xi'an
Here are a few actual costs in Xi'an for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
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Lionsgate Entertainment World Ticket in Henqin Zhuhai :
$31
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2 Days Shanghai Private Tour:
$178
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2D1N Mount Emei Monastery Cultural Tour:
$51
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2D1N Mount Emei Tour from Chengdu:
$199
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2D1N Mount Emei and the Leshan Giant Buddha Tour from Chengdu:
$216
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3 Day Essential Hangzhou Private Tour:
$297
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3 Day Guilin Highlights & Rice Terraces Private Tour:
$222
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4 Day Guilin and Yangshuo Private Tour:
$348
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Anchang Ancient Town and Yangshan Stone Quarry Day Private Tour from Hangzhou:
$61
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Baofeng Lake Admission Ticket in Zhangjiajie (with Boat Ride) :
$16
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Barca Experience Ticket in Haikou:
$20
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Beijing Alleys, Beihai Park, and Prince Gong's Mansion Private Day Tour:
$76
Tours and Activities in Taiyuan
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Taiyuan.
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Hupao Park Ticket in Hangzhou (For Mainland China ID Holders):
$2.35
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China Red Sandalwood Museum Ticket in Beijing :
$2.79
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Simatai Great Wall Admission with Cable Car Ticket in Beijing:
$3.09
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Giant Panda Breeding Research Base Ticket Chengdu - ID Card Direct Entry:
$4.19
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Evergreen Resort Ticket in Shenzhen:
$6.19
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Jinxi Ancient Town Attractions Combo Ticket:
$6.99
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Gulangyu Seashell Museum Ticket:
$7.45
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Wuyishan Xiamei Ancient Village Admission Ticket:
$8.55
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Ferry Round Trip Ticket between Xiamen City and Gulangyu Neicuoao Pier:
$8.55
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Ferry Round Trip Ticket between Xiamen City and Gulangyu Sanqiutian Pier:
$8.55
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Beijing Palace Museum Ticket (The Forbidden City):
$9.29
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Shanghai Joy City Rooftop Ferris Wheel - Sky Ring Ticket:
$9.29
Alcohol
While the amount that someone spends on alcohol while visiting Xi'an may vary from person to person, on average a person spends $6.50 per day on alcoholic beverages.
Alcoholic beverages can often be a significant portion of a traveler's budget, and the costs can vary greatly from person to person. In Taiyuan, the average amount that a visitor spends on alcoholic beverages per day is $5.68.
When comparing the travel costs between Xi'an and Taiyuan, we can see that Xi'an 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.
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