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

Should you visit Xigatse or Xiamen?

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 Xiamen 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 Xiamen?

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.

Xiamen

Xiamen is a coastal city in the Fujian Province of China and has been a major port city and gateway to China for centuries. This vibrant and modern city was named the most livable city in the world in 2002 and one of the first cities to be named a Special Economic Zone. Xiamen is best known for being home to Gulangyu Island, a beautiful island full of historic colonial buildings and lovely walking paths.

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, Xiamen or Xigatse?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Xigatse is $83, while the average daily cost in Xiamen is $88. 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 Xiamen in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Xigatse $30
    Xiamen $32
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Xigatse $60
    Xiamen $64
Compare Hotels in Xigatse and Xiamen

Looking for a hotel in Xigatse or Xiamen? 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 Xiamen


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
    Xiamen $6.37

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Xiamen

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

  • Combo: Overnight in Hakka Tulou plus 2-way transfers from Xiamen: $119
  • Private Transfer Service between Xiamen City and Yongding Hakka Tulou: $115
  • Private Transfer between Xiamen City and Tianluokeng Tulou Village: $115
  • Private Transfer between Xiamen City and Yongding Hakka Tulou: $110
  • Round Trip Transfer Between the Most Picturesque Chuxi Tulou Cluster and Xiamen: $106
  • Private Transfer to Gaobei Tulou and Yunshuiyao Village from Xiamen City: $98
  • Private Transfer to Gaobei Tulou and Hongkeng Tulou from Xiamen City: $98
  • Private Transfer to Tianluokeng Tulou and Hekeng Hakka Tulou from Xiamen City: $98
  • Private Transfer to Tianluokeng and HekengHakka Tulou fromXiamen: $90
  • Private Transfer Service between Xiamen and Anxi: $89
  • Private Transfer between Xiamen City and Tianluokeng Tulou Cluster: $89
  • Private Transfer Between Xiamen City and Yun Shui Yao Ancient Town: $89

Is it cheaper to fly into Xigatse or Xiamen?

Prices for flights to both Xiamen 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 $43
    Xiamen $48

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Xigatse $14
    Xiamen $17

Tours and Activities in Xiamen

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

  • 1-Day Xiamen City Highlights and Gulangyu Island Private Tour: $244
  • 1-day Xiapu Photography Tour: East Route: $273
  • 4-Hour Xiamen Private Local Food Market Experience: $103
  • 4-Hour Xiamen Private Shore Excursion Tour in Your Way: $135
  • 4-hour Xiamen Private Flexible Tour in Your Way: $115
  • 4h-8h Private Layover Adventures: Xiamen’s Urban & Island Gems: $188
  • A Night Tour to Xiamen Gulang Island: $140
  • All Inclusive Xiamen Private Layover Tour to Hakka Tulou Village with Options: $234
  • Flexible Private Half-Day Tour to Visit the Top Attraction Xiamen Yuanbo Garden: $110
  • Flexible Private Xiamen Layover Tour from Cruise Port or Airport: $155
  • Flexible Private Xiamen Layover Tour with Meal: $176
  • Flexible Xiamen Private Half Day Tour to Experience Xiamen Botanical Garden: $105

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Xigatse $3.36
    Xiamen $18


When comparing the travel costs between Xigatse and Xiamen, we can see that Xiamen 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 Xiamen Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Xigatse or Xiamen?

Xiamen has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Xigatse. When comparing the sizes of Xigatse and Xiamen, 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.