Which place is cheaper, Harbin or Xigatse?
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 Xigatse or Harbin?
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 Harbin 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 Harbin?
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.
Harbin
Harbin, China is the northernmost major city in the country, with a population of over 10 million. Harbin was founded in 1897 by Russia, which has resulted in a lot of Russian influence throughout the city and many Russian citizens. The city is most famous for their annual International Snow and Ice Festival, a two-month-long festival running from January through February of each year.
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.
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Xigatse Prices
China PricesHarbin Prices
China Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayXigatse $84Harbin $69
The average daily cost (per person) in Xigatse is $84, while the average daily cost in Harbin is $69. 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 Harbin in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personXigatse $30Harbin $22
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomXigatse $60Harbin $44
Compare Hotels in Xigatse and Harbin
Looking for a hotel in Xigatse or Harbin? 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.Xigatse $13Harbin $1.60
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Harbin
Also for Harbin, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Harbin Volga Manor Private Transfer Service with Entry Tickets: $300
- Shared Transfer Service to Ice and Snow World, Sun Island Snow Festival: $250
- Harbin City Car Transfer Service with Driver: $198
- Harbin Ice Festival Tickets and Transfer Service: $148
- Harbin Sun Island Snow Fair tickets and Transfer Service: $128
- Private Departure Transfer to Harbin North Railway Station from Harbin City: $100
- 4 Hour Private Transfer to Sun Island Snow Sculptures: $100
- Harbin Private Departure Transfer: Hotel to Airport: $88
- Private Arrival Transfer from Harbin South Railway Station to Harbin City Hotel: $80
- Private HRB Airport Arrival Transfer to Harbin City Hotel: $70
- Private HRB Airport Departure Transfer from Harbin City Hotel: $70
- Private Arrival Transfer from Harbin West Railway Station to Harbin City Hotel: $65
Is it cheaper to fly into Xigatse or Harbin?
Prices for flights to both Harbin 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
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Food Meals for one dayXigatse $44Harbin $26
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Harbin
For Harbin, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Dinner Show with Costumes and Performances: $29
- Central Street, Baluoke Village, and Dinner Tour: $90
- Harbin Cultural Tour at Zhongyang Dajie to Baluoke with Dinner: $150
- Harbin Private City and Food Tour: $200
- Private Full Day Tour to Harbin Beifang Forest Zoo and Optional Seafood Dinner: $261
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Xigatse $14Harbin $56
Tours and Activities in Harbin
For Harbin, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- 1-Day Harbin Private Tour: $168
- 2-Day Harbin City Private Tour in Your Way in Winter Season: $280
- 4Hour Tour Heilongjiang Museum to Sacred Heart of Jesus Cathedral: $250
- Admission Ticket to Ice and Snow World: $75
- All-Inclusive Harbin City History and Local Culture Private Day Tour: $300
- Group Tour to Harbin Ice and Snow World plus Sun Island Snow Sculpture Festival: $298
- Harbin China's Pavilion Garden and Gogol Street Private Tour with Chunbing Lunch: $300
- Harbin City Day Tour Songhua River Ropeway and Ice Swimming Show: $280
- Harbin City Group Tour including Crossing Songhua River by Ropeway and Ice Swimming Show: $290
- Harbin City Private Day Tour in Your Way in Winter Season: $200
- Harbin City Walking Sightseeing: $198
- Harbin Ice Festival New Year Eve Countdown Group Tour on December 31: $200
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayXigatse $3.38Harbin $8.39
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Xigatse and Harbin, we can see that Xigatse is more expensive. And not only is Harbin much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Harbin would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Harbin 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 Xigatse would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Xigatse than you might in Harbin.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Xigatse Expensive? and Is Harbin Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Xigatse or Harbin?
Harbin has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Xigatse. When comparing the sizes of Xigatse and Harbin, 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.