Which place is cheaper, Tokyo or Xi'an?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Xi'an or Tokyo?
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 Tokyo 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 Tokyo?
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.
Tokyo
Tokyo, the capital of Japan, is by far the most populous city in the world with a staggering 37 million people. As a worldwide hub for technology and business, it hosts millions of visitors annually. But Tokyo is not just a place for business trips. With its incredible mixture of historical temples and shrines, remarkably beautiful parks, endless shopping malls, and genuinely wonderful people, Tokyo is a terrific place to visit and to explore.
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 Japan, and The Best Bicycle Tours in Japan.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayXi'an $94Tokyo $157
The average daily cost (per person) in Xi'an is $94, while the average daily cost in Tokyo is $157. 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 Tokyo in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personXi'an $60Tokyo $76
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomXi'an $120Tokyo $152
Compare Hotels in Xi'an and Tokyo
Looking for a hotel in Xi'an or Tokyo? 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: Tokyo Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Xi'an $12Tokyo $17
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Xi'an
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Xi'an:
- Xi'an Airport to Hotel: Private Transfer for up to 40 pax: $300
- Private Round-trip Airport Transfer to Terracotta Army & City Wall with A Guide: $259
- Xian Terracotta Warriors and City Wall Tour with Airport Transfer: $224
- Xi'an Airport to Hotel: Private Transfer for up to 15 pax: $200
- Full-Day Layover Private Tour: Essence of Xi'an With Airport Transfer: $197
- Xian Terracotta Warriors Tour with Airport Transfer: $176
- One Day Private Xian Tour to Terracotta Warriors with Airport Transfers: $170
- Terracotta Warriors Museum Tour with Airport Pickup or Drop-off Transfer: $162
- Xi'an Layover: City Wall and Big Wild Goose Pagoda With Airport Transfer: $153
- Xi'an Private Round Trip Transfer to Mount Huashan: $115
- Private Round-trip Airport Transfer: Xi'an International Airport and Xi'an Hotel: $99
- One-Way Airport Transfer From Xi'an Xianyang International Airport to Xi'an Hotel: $75
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Tokyo
Also for Tokyo, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer from Tokyo to Narita Airport: $221
- Airport transfer between Haneda and Tokyo or Disney or Yokohama: $122
- Departure Private Transfer: Tokyo to Haneda Airport HND in Sedan: $278
- Departure Transfer from Tokyo City to Haneda Airport HND by van: $76
- From Haneda Airport: 1-Way Private Transfer to Tokyo City: $88
- From Tokyo:Private tour to Kamakura with Round-way transfer: $599
- Fuji-Q Highland 1-Day Pass with Private Transfer: $239
- Hakuba: Private transfer from/to Tokyo/HND by minibus max 9: $815
- Haneda Airport (HND) Private Transfer to Central Tokyo: $107
- Haneda Airport (HND) to/from Tokyo 23 Ward Private Transfer: $107
- Haneda Airport (HND): Private One-Way Transfer to/from Tokyo: $165
- Haneda Airport (HND): Private Transfer to/from Fuji Area: $407
Is it cheaper to fly into Xi'an or Tokyo?
Prices for flights to both Tokyo 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 $12Tokyo $37
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
Typical Food Prices in Tokyo
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Tokyo:
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Late Night Noodles$5.22
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Conveyor Belt Sushi Snack$5.22
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Meal at Airport$6.80
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Tokyo
For Tokyo, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Takoyaki cooking experience in Kabukicho, Shinjuku: $22
- Easy Ramen Cooking Experience in Kabukicho, Shinjuku: $25
- 2 Hours Japanese Style Pub and Food Tour in Ueno: $32
- 【Contemporary Culture】Food tour I Always Visit in Shibuya: $38
- 【Contemporary Culture】food tour I Always Visit in Shibuya: $39
- Tokyo Best Cooking Class! Sushi Making Experience in Tsukiji: $52
- Tokyo Best Cooking Class！ Sushi making class in Tsukiji: $55
- Japanese Traditional Cooking Class: $58
- Wagyu and 7 Japanese Dishes Cooking Class: $59
- Tokyo Wagyu Culinary Tour Cooking Culture and Tasting: $65
- Small-Group Wagyu Beef and 7 Japanese Dishes Tokyo Cooking Class: $68
- Private Food Tour in Downtown Yanesen and Nezu Shrine: $72
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Xi'an $35Tokyo $68
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 See The Big Wild Goose Pagoda&City Wall:: $185
- Xi'an Morning Food & Market Tour by TukTuk: $55
- #1 Bestselling Private Terracotta Army Tours + Customized Xian Tours: $109
- 1 Day Xian Group Tour: Terracotta Warriors & City Wall: $138
- 1-Day Xi'an City Highlights and Hanyangling Museum Private Tour: $100
- 2 Days Beijing Xian Tour by Bullet Train with Hotel: $287
- 2 Days Classic Xian Group Tour: $234
- 2 Days Xian Flexible Tour Including Hotel to Explore Xian Your Own Way: $256
- 2 Days Xian Small Group Tour: Terracotta Army, Hanyangling Museum, and Xian City: $228
- 2-Day Classic Xi'an Tour Combo Package: Terracotta Warriors and Downtown Sightseeing: $234
- 2-Day Highlights Xi'an Private Tour Combo Package: Terracotta Warriors and City Sightseeing: $240
Tours and Activities in Tokyo
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Tokyo.
- Japan: Zen and Tea Ceremony Audio Guided Tour: $3.16
- Asakusa Walking Tour with an Experienced Japanese Comedian: $3.25
- Ancient Orient Museum Admission Ticket: $3.79
- Samurai and Bushido Audio Guided Tour: $4.55
- 24-hour, 48-hour, or 72-hour Subway Ticket: $5.05
- Akihabara Walking Tour with Otaku and Photography: $6.31
- Local Food and Bar Tour in Ginza: $6.32
- Shibuya Sightseeing with an Audio Guide: $6.32
- Ueno: Self-Guided Tour of Ameyoko and Hidden Gems: $6.32
- Audio Guide Tour: Deeper Experience of Shinjuku Sightseeing: $6.32
- Asakusa（Tokyo）: Smartphone Audio Guide Tour: $6.32
- Harajuku: Audio Guide Tour of Takeshita Street: $6.32
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayXi'an $7.23Tokyo $33
Typical Alcohol Prices in Tokyo
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Tokyo:
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Sake$3.91
Sample the Local Flavors in Tokyo
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Tokyo:
- Tokyo Pub Crawl: $25
- 3-Hour Tokyo Pub Crawl Weekly Welcome Guided Tour in Shibuya: $52
- Private Shinjuku Nightlife Walking Tour & Golden-Gai Bar Crawl: $78
- barhopping tour&bar crawl in Retro Town Shimokitazawa: $82
- Toshimaya Sake Brewery Tour with Sake Tasting: $88
- Tokyo | 3 Hours Brewery Tour with Sake Sommelier: $101
- Private Sake Tasting at 300 Years Old Sake Brewery in Tokyo : $104
- Sake Brewery and Spiritual Nature Tour in Okutama Tokyo: $133
- Private Local Craft Brewery Tour in Tokyo: $150
- Wooden Barrel Sake Brewery Tour and Unlimited Tasting Near Tokyo: $161
- Private Walking Tour with Sake Brewery Visit in Chichibu: $190
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Xi'an and Tokyo, we can see that Tokyo is more expensive. And not only is Xi'an much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. 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 Tokyo would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Tokyo 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 Tokyo Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Xi'an or Tokyo?
Tokyo has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Xi'an. When comparing the sizes of Xi'an and Tokyo, 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.