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

Should you visit Xigatse or Nanjing?

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 Nanjing 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 Nanjing?

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.

Nanjing

Nanjing is the capital city of the Jiangsu Province on the central eastern coast of China, just north of Shanghai. This historically and culturally rich city lies at the lower end of the Yangtze river, resulting in lush and scenic landscapes. Nanjing is well-known for having many popular historical sites, some of which have been listed as UNESCO World Heritage sites.

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, Nanjing or Xigatse?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

  • Xigatse Prices
    China Prices
    Nanjing Prices
    China Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Xigatse $78
    Nanjing $116

The average daily cost (per person) in Xigatse is $78, while the average daily cost in Nanjing is $116. 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 Nanjing in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Xigatse $28
    Nanjing $46
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Xigatse $56
    Nanjing $92
Compare Hotels in Xigatse and Nanjing

Looking for a hotel in Xigatse or Nanjing? 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 Nanjing


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 $12
    Nanjing $38

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Nanjing

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Nanjing:

  • Nanjing Airport (NKG) to Nanjing - Round-Trip Private Transfer : $237
  • Private Day Tour: Nanjing City Highlights with Hotel or Railway Station Transfer: $232
  • Nanjing Lukou Int Airport (NKG): Private Transfer to Nanjing: $173
  • Nanjing To Huangshan Bullet Train Ticket with Local Private Transfers: $129
  • Nanjing Airport (NKG) to Nanjing - Arrival Private Transfer : $118
  • Nanjing Private Transfer from Nanjing central to Nanjing Lukou Airport (NKG): $113
  • Nanjing Private Transfer from Nanjing Lukou Airport (NKG) to central Nanjing: $113
  • Private Nanjing Airport Transfer to Zhenjiang City: $110
  • Private Transfer to Yangzhou City from Nanjing Lukou Airport : $109
  • Nanjing Tangshan Hot Spring Spa Experience with Private Transfer: $103
  • Nanjing to Suzhou Bullet Train Ticket with Train Station Transfer: $96
  • Private Transfer to Zhenjiang from Nanjing City Center: $94

Is it cheaper to fly into Xigatse or Nanjing?

Prices for flights to both Nanjing 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 $41
    Nanjing $48

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Nanjing

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

  • 3-Hour Nanjing Authentic Local Food Tour by Public Transportation: $93
  • Flexible Private Nanjing City Night Tour with Dinner Option : $112
  • Nanjing City Private Night Tour with Qinghuai River Cruise and Dinner Option: $114

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Xigatse $13
    Nanjing $9.25

Tours and Activities in Nanjing

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

  • Half-Day Nanjing City Private Flexible Tour : $109
  • 2-Day Unlimited Nanjing Private Flexible Tour with Lunch Option : $295
  • 4-Hour Nanjing City Private Tailor-Made Tour in Your Way : $109
  • 4-Hour Nanjing Private Tour: Sun Yatsen Mausoleum, Xiaoling Tomb and City Wall: $190
  • 6-Hour Private Tour of Xiaoling Tomb,City Wall & Memorial Hall : $115
  • All Inclusive Amazing Nanjing City Highlights Private Day Tour: $193
  • All Inclusive Nanjing City Private Day Tour with Tailor-Made Highlights: $213
  • All-Inclusive Nanjing Purple Mountain Scenic Area Private Day Tour: $187
  • All-inclusive Customized Nanjing Layover Tour: $201
  • By round way bullet train from Shanghai to Nanjing city tour: $650
  • Enchanting Night Cruise on Outer Qinhuai River for Adults: $20
  • Flexible Private Nanjing City Highlights Day Tour: $164

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Xigatse $3.15
    Nanjing $9.45


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Xigatse and Nanjing, we can see that Nanjing 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 Nanjing would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Nanjing 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 Nanjing Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Xigatse or Nanjing?

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