Which place is cheaper, Lhasa 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 Lhasa?
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 Lhasa 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 Lhasa?
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.
Lhasa
Lhasa is the famed capital of Tibet, and is one of the most fascinating cities in the world to visit. It's name means "Land of the Gods" and the city dates back more than 1,300 years. It's elevation is 3,650 meters above sea level, making it one of the highest cities in the world. It sits on the northern slopes of the Himalayan Mountains by the Lhasa River and is the second largest city on the Tibetan Plateau after Xining.
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 PricesLhasa Prices
China Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayXigatse $78Lhasa $90
The average daily cost (per person) in Xigatse is $78, while the average daily cost in Lhasa is $90. 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 Lhasa in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personXigatse $28Lhasa $39
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomXigatse $56Lhasa $78
Compare Hotels in Xigatse and Lhasa
Looking for a hotel in Xigatse or Lhasa? 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 $12Lhasa $2.56
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Lhasa
Also for Lhasa, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Lhasa Kongga Airport Chauffeur Service, Lhasa Airport Transfer, Pickup: $260
- Lhasa Kongga Airport Chauffeur Service, Lhasa Airport Transfer, Pickup: $170
Is it cheaper to fly into Xigatse or Lhasa?
Prices for flights to both Lhasa 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 $41Lhasa $45
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Xigatse $13Lhasa $17
Tours and Activities in Lhasa
For Lhasa, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- 10 Days Everest Base Camp with Lake Namtso Small Group Tour: $6,753
- 15 Days Mount Kailash and Lake Manasarovar Small Group Tour: $3,069
- 15-Day Small Group Sightseeing Tour from Lhasa to EBC: $3,069
- 17 Days Kailash Mansarovar Tour & Guge Kingdom Exploration: $3,223
- 4 Days Best of Lhasa Tour - Discover the Holy City: $859
- 4 Days Lhasa City Essence Tour: $644
- 4 Days Lhasa City Tibet Tour included Permit issued: $850
- 4 Days Lhasa Small Group Tour - Wandering in Sunlight City: $1,036
- 5 Days Classic Lhasa Tour with Yamdrok Lake in Tibet: $999
- 5 Days Lhasa and Ganden Monastery Small Group Tour: $689
- 5 Days Lhasa to Drak Yerpa Tour: $802
- 6 Days Lhasa and Namtso Lake Small Group Tour: $1,535
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayXigatse $3.15Lhasa $6.89
When comparing the travel costs between Xigatse and Lhasa, we can see that Lhasa 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.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Xigatse Expensive? and Is Lhasa Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Xigatse or Lhasa?
Lhasa has a larger population, and is about 48% larger than the population of Xigatse. When comparing the sizes of Xigatse and Lhasa, 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.