A Travel Price Comparison for China Xigatse vs. Guangzhou for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Xigatse or Guangzhou?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Xigatse and Guangzhou 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: Xigatse or Guangzhou?

Xigatse

The second largest city in Tibet behind Lhasa, Xigatse, commonly known as Shigatse, is home to sights and attractions like the Tashilhunpo Monastery, plenty of markets, and the ruins of Shigatse temple. All places of interest are fairly walkable, though auto-rickshaws are also available.

Guangzhou

With a population of more than 12 million, Guangzhou is the third largest city in China after Beijing and Shanghai. Though it has a long history, founded in 214 BC, the city has also many modern attractions, a mix of the old and new with temples and parks as well as skyscrapers and shopping centers. Its location on the Pearl River has contributed to this growth, making Guangzhou a major port and commercial hub.

For some great organized tour ideas, see Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in China, The Best Adventure Tours to China, The Best Sightseeing Tours in China, and The Best Cultural Tours in China.


Which place is cheaper, Guangzhou or Xigatse?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Xigatse is $62, while the average daily cost in Guangzhou is $89. 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 Xigatse and Guangzhou in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Xigatse $28
    Guangzhou $58
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Xigatse $56
    Guangzhou $116
Compare Hotels in Xigatse and Guangzhou

Looking for a hotel in Xigatse or Guangzhou? 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 Xigatse


Hotels in Guangzhou


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
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Xigatse $13
    Guangzhou $14

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Guangzhou

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Guangzhou:

  • Private Day Tour to Zhuhai from Guangzhou by Private Transfer: $230
  • Private Round-Trip Airport Transfers in English-speaking Services: $197
  • Guangzhou Layover Visa-Free Private Tour with Airport Transfer: $190
  • Pearl River Night Cruise with Private Transfers in Guangzhou: $129
  • Guangzhou Baiyun Airport Chauffeur Service, To Dongguan Transfer: $120
  • Private Airport Transfer Guangzhou Airport to Hotel up to 5pax: $120
  • Private Departure Transfer in English-speaking: Hotel to Airport: $99
  • Fast Train Ticket from Guangzhou to Hong Kong with Station Transfer in Guanghou: $95
  • Guangzhou Airport Transfer by 6 seat mpv: $74
  • Guangzhou Baiyun Airport Chauffeur Service , To Guangzhou Transfer,Pickup: $71
  • Guangzhou Airport: Private Transfer to/from Guangzhou: $70
  • Pearl River Night Cruise in Guangzhou with Private Transfer: $69

Is it cheaper to fly into Xigatse or Guangzhou?

Prices for flights to both Guangzhou and Xigatse 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
    Xigatse $24
    Guangzhou $19

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Guangzhou

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Guangzhou.

  • Guangzhou Evening Food Tour Through Local Neighborhood: $65
  • 3-Hour Guangzhou Private Cooking Class with Local Market Visit : $165
  • Private Guangzhou Food Tour Michelin Restaurant&Local Food Market: $170
  • Private Guangzhou Night Tour with Canton Tower and Dim-Sum Dinner: $176
  • Cantonese Dim Sum Dinner with Pearl River Night Cruise in Guangzhou: $199
  • Guangzhou Pearl River Night Cruise and Din Tai Feng Dinner: $199
  • Guangzhou Private Night Tour: Lychee Bay, Beijing Road, Cruise, Dinner: $204
  • Private Cooking Canton Cuisine Cooking Class in Guangzhou : $266

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Xigatse $14
    Guangzhou $18

Tours and Activities in Guangzhou

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

  • Guangzhou Self-Guided Tour with Private Car and Driver Service: $75
  • Liuxihe National Forest Park Private Day Tour from Guangzhou: $266
  • 1 Day Guangzhou City Highlight Layover Tour from Airport: $276
  • 3-Hour Private Tour to Museum of Nanyue King Tomb in Guangzhou: $91
  • 4 Hours Half Day Guangzhou Airport Layover Visa-Free Private Tour: $175
  • 4-Hour Guangzhou Walking Tour in Xiguan Area: $89
  • 4-Hour Private Flexible Guangzhou City Tour with Dim-Sum Option: $95
  • 4-Hour Private Tour to Museum of Nanyue King & Academy of Clan Chen in Guangzhou: $91
  • 7 Day Private Tour in Guangzhou: $150
  • All Inclusive Private Day Tour to Lotus Hill and Shawan Old Town from Guangzhou: $229
  • All-inclusive Guangzhou Historic City Private Day Tour: $192
  • Ancient Foshan Day Tour from Guangzhou: $201

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Xigatse $3.18
    Guangzhou $14


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

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Xigatse Expensive? and Is Guangzhou Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Xigatse or Guangzhou?

Guangzhou has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Xigatse. When comparing the sizes of Xigatse and Guangzhou, 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.