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

Should you visit Xi'an or Wellington?

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 Wellington 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 Wellington?

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.

Wellington

Wellington is the capital and second largest city in New Zealand. It sits on the southwestern edge of the North Island between Cook Strait and the Rimutaka Range. It's a beautiful setting that is encircled by mountains giving it a beautiful backdrop. There are also many cultural sights and attractions around town. Wellington really is the perfect mix of New Zealand's natural beauty and a vibrant urban core. The film industry is also prevelant in the city. The city's production centers have helped create Lord of the Rings, The Hobbit trilogies, Avatar, Tin Tin, and District 9.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in China, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in China, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in New Zealand, and The Best Adventure Tours to New Zealand.


Which place is cheaper, Wellington 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 Wellington is $103. 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 Wellington in more detail.



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

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


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: Wellington Hotel Prices.

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

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Xi'an

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Xi'an:

  • Xian Xianyang International Airport (XIY) Private Departure Transfer: $40
  • Xian Xianyang International Airport (XIY) Private Arrival Transfer: $40
  • Xian Xianyang Airport (XIY) to Xian City - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $57
  • Xian Xianyang Airport (XIY) to Xian - Arrival Private Transfer: $32
  • Xian Terracotta Warriors and City Wall Tour with Airport Transfer: $224
  • Xian Terracotta Warriors Tour with Airport Transfer: $176
  • Xian City to Xian Xianyang Airport (XIY) - Departure Private Transfer: $28
  • Xi’an Xianyang International Airport Private Departure Transfer from City Area : $29
  • Xi’an Terracotta Warriors Private Round-Trip Transfer from City Area : $69
  • Xi’an Railway Station Private Departure Transfer from City Area: $29
  • Xi’an Railway Station Private Arrival Transfer to City Area: $29
  • Xi'an Xianyang Airport Transfer Hotels: $31

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Wellington

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

  • Arrival Transfer: Wellington Airport to Central Wellington City Centre Hotels: $13
  • Departure Transfer: Wellington Central City Centre Hotels to Wellington Airport: $13
  • Private Airport Transfer: $78
  • Private Transfer from Wellington Airport (WLG) to Wellington Port: $11
  • Private Transfer from Wellington Cruise Port to Wellington Hotels: $26
  • Private Transfer from Wellington hotels to Wellington Cruise Port: $26
  • Private Transfer with Wellington Dial a Driver: $72
  • Wellington Airport (WLG) to Wellington - Arrival Private Transfer: $28
  • Wellington Airport Transfer to Wellington Hotels and Vice versa: $75
  • Wellington Airport(WLG) to Wellington-Round-Trip Private Transfer: $57
  • Wētā Workshop Experience with Guided Transfers: $62

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

Prices for flights to both Wellington 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
    Wellington $29

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 Wellington

For Wellington, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Dinner
    $8.91

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Wellington

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

  • Walking Food Tour Of Wellington: $152
  • A Taste Of Wellington Food Tour (half Day): $185

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Xi'an $35
    Wellington $16

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 Wellington

For Wellington, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Return Cable Car Ticket: $6.53
  • Museum of NZ Te Papa Tongarewa: Gallipoli Early Entry Ticket: $8.91
  • Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa Guided Tour: $12
  • Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa: Mana Māori Tour: $12
  • Museum of NZ Te Papa Tongarewa Twilight Express Tour: $12
  • Museum of New Zealand Te Papa: Mana Māori Tour: $14
  • Wellington Self-Guided Audio Tour: $14
  • Skip the Line: Staglands Wildlife Reserve Entry Ticket: $16
  • Private Group Puzzle-Solving Adventure Game: Temple: $27
  • Private Group Puzzle-Solving Adventure Game: Spaceship: $27
  • Wētā Workshop Experience in Wellington: $33
  • Wētā Workshop Experience and Guided Tour: $35

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Xi'an $7.23
    Wellington $12

Sample the Local Flavors in Wellington

Also in Wellington, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Wellington Craft Brewery Half Day Tour: $93
  • Wellington Craft Brewery Half-Day Guided Tour with Tastings: $95
  • 5 hour Martinborough shared Chefs Wine Tour with Gourmet lunch: $140
  • Martinborough Full Day Wine Tour: $169
  • Full Day Martinborough Wine Tour: $175
  • 1/2 Day Martinborough Private Chefs wine tastings tour with lunch: $241
  • Martinborough Private 5 hour Food & Wine tour with Gourmet lunch: $259
  • Chefs Private Martinborough wine tour with Gourmet Lunch: $356


When comparing the travel costs between Xi'an and Wellington, we can see that Wellington 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. Even though Xi'an is in Asia and Wellington is in Pacific, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.

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 Wellington Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Xi'an or Wellington?

Xi'an has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Wellington. When comparing the sizes of Xi'an and Wellington, 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.