Which place is cheaper, Nanjing or Zhengzhou?
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 Zhengzhou or Nanjing?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Zhengzhou and Nanjing can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Zhengzhou or Nanjing?
Zhengzhou
Along the Yellow River, a city from the future and the past resides. Ancient pagodas, futuristic domes, verdant gardens - Zhengzhou is a myriad of many worlds in one urban area. The provincial capital of the Henan Province, Zhengzhou is the encapsulation of a perfect city from its delicate balance of the natural and urban spheres. It was born during the Sui Dynasty, and its actual location was in the modern-day Chenggao. Moreover, Zhengzhou works as the political, economic, technological, and educational center of the province. The city is also one of the eight great ancient capitals of China, with a collection of architecture and art originating during iconic dynasties. These relics of the old world include the Shaolin Monastery, Henan Museum, the Pagoda Forest, the Gaocheng Astronomical Observatory, the Songyue Pagoda, the Emperors of Yan and Huang, and the scenic views of the Yellow River. With over nine million inhabitants, Zhengzhou continues to grow at a thriving rate. It also should be noted that in June 2012, Greater Zhengzhou was named one of the thirteen emerging megacities in China according to the Economist Intelligent Unit. Known internationally for its amazing culmination of culture and history, Zhengzhou is the ideal city for travelers and inhabitants alike.
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 The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Shanghai, The Best 2-Week Tours from Beijing, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to China, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in China.
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Zhengzhou Prices
China PricesNanjing Prices
China Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayZhengzhou $68Nanjing $123
The average daily cost (per person) in Zhengzhou is $68, while the average daily cost in Nanjing is $123. 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 Zhengzhou and Nanjing in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personZhengzhou $22Nanjing $49
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomZhengzhou $44Nanjing $98
Compare Hotels in Zhengzhou and Nanjing
Looking for a hotel in Zhengzhou 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.
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.Zhengzhou $15Nanjing $41
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Zhengzhou
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Zhengzhou:
- One-Way Private Transfer from Zhengzhou to Kaifeng: $70
- One-Way Private Transfer from Zhengzhou to Luoyang: $80
- Private Transfer to Guoliang Village and Tunnel from Zhengzhou: $160
- Private Transfer to Shaolin Temple or Dengfeng from Zhengzhou Train station: $132
- Private transfer to Shaolin Temple from Zhengzhou: $108
- Zhengzhou Airport Transfer( Hotel to Airport): $59
- Zhengzhou Private Arrival Transfer: Airport to Hotel: $55
- Zhengzhou Private Departure Transfer: Hotel to Airport: $55
- Zhengzhou Xinzheng Airport Chauffeur Transfer, Zhengzhou Airport Transfer: $27
- Zhengzhou airport or Train Staion Transfer Service: $150
- Private Guided Tour/Transfer to Shaolin Temple: $98
- Private Transfer to Shaolin Temple & Longmen Grottoes: $98
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Nanjing
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Nanjing:
- Huangshan Tunxi International Airport Private Arrival Transfer to City Area: $20
- Nanjing Airport (NKG) to Nanjing - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $90
- Nanjing Downtown hotels to Lukou Intl Airport (NKG) - Departure Private Transfer: $46
- Nanjing Lukou Airport Chauffeur Service, Nanjing Airport Transfer, Pickup: $30
- Nanjing Lukou International Airport (NKG) to Nanjing - Arrival Private Transfer: $46
- Nanjing Lukou International Airport Private Arrival Transfer to City Center: $45
- Nanjing Lukou Intl Airport (NKG) to Nanjing hotels - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $92
- Nanjing Private Arrival Transfer: Airport to Hotel: $67
- Nanjing Private Arrival Transfer: Railway Station to Hotel: $88
- Nanjing Private Departure Transfer: Hotel to Airport: $67
- Nanjing Private Departure Transfer: Hotel to Railway Station: $67
- Nanjing Private Round Trip Transfer to Niushoushan Cultural Park: $67
Is it cheaper to fly into Zhengzhou or Nanjing?
Prices for flights to both Nanjing and Zhengzhou 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 dayZhengzhou $38Nanjing $52
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
- Private Amazing Nanjing Airport Layover Tour with Lunch or Dinner: $181
- Nanjing Private Tour: Ming Mausoleum, Night View & Local Dinner: $198
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Zhengzhou $5.27Nanjing $9.86
Tours and Activities in Zhengzhou
Here are a few actual costs in Zhengzhou for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Private tour to Shaolin temple start from Zhengzhou or luoyang: $18
- Kaifeng City Highlights Independant Tour from Zhengzhou: $80
- Kaifeng city highlights tour with delicious lunch from Zhengzhou: $120
- Shaolin Temple One Day Tour: $125
- Private Independent Tour to Shaolin Temple from Zhengzhou: $126
- Zhengzhou By Night: Erqi Square and Market Tour: $137
- All inclusive Anyang Yin Xu ruins and Character Museum day tour from Zhengzhou: $140
- Private Independent Tour to Guoliangcun from Zhengzhou: $158
- Half Day Tour to Shaolin Temple from Zhengzhou with Entry Tickets: $159
- Shaolin Temple Kung Fu Experience: $160
- Private Independent Tour to Yuntai Mountain from Zhengzhou: $169
- Zhengzhou Private Day Tour to Shaolin Temple and Longmen Grottoes: $175
Tours and Activities in Nanjing
Here are a few actual costs in Nanjing for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Qixia Mountain Ticket for Adult: $20
- Night Cruise on Outer Qinhuai River for Adults: $20
- Flexible Private Nanjing Independent Tour: $63
- Nanjing Self-Guided Day Tour with Private Car and Driver Service: $72
- Nanjing Private English Tour Guide Service: $75
- Nanjing Professional English Tour Guide Service: $91
- 3-Hour Local Food Tasting Tour: $93
- Yangzhou Self-Guided Tour from Nanjing with Private Car and Driver Service: $94
- 4-Hour Nanjing City Private Tailor-Made Tour in Your Way: $109
- Half-Day Nanjing City Private Flexible Tour: $109
- Nanjing Private Flexible Day Tour with Ancient and Modern History: $119
- Private Nanjing Historical tour with Fuzimiao food sancks street: $120
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayZhengzhou $4.23Nanjing $10
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Zhengzhou and Nanjing, we can see that Nanjing is more expensive. And not only is Zhengzhou much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Zhengzhou would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Zhengzhou 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 Zhengzhou.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Zhengzhou Expensive? and Is Nanjing Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Zhengzhou or Nanjing?
Nanjing has a larger population, and is about 53% larger than the population of Zhengzhou. When comparing the sizes of Zhengzhou 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.
When is the best time to visit Zhengzhou or Nanjing?
Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.
Should I visit Zhengzhou or Nanjing in the Summer?
Both Nanjing and Zhengzhou are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities.
In the summer, Zhengzhou is around the same temperature as Nanjing. Typically, the summer temperatures in Zhengzhou in July average around 28°C (83°F), and Nanjing averages at about 28°C (83°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Nanjing. It's quite rainy in Zhengzhou. In July, Zhengzhou usually receives less rain than Nanjing. Zhengzhou gets 137 mm (5.4 in) of rain, while Nanjing receives 174 mm (6.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyZhengzhou 28°C (83°F)Nanjing 28°C (83°F)
Should I visit Zhengzhou or Nanjing in the Autumn?
Both Nanjing and Zhengzhou during the autumn are popular places to visit.
In October, Zhengzhou is generally around the same temperature as Nanjing. Daily temperatures in Zhengzhou average around 16°C (61°F), and Nanjing fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).
Zhengzhou usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Nanjing. Zhengzhou gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Nanjing receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberZhengzhou 16°C (61°F)Nanjing 17°C (63°F)
Should I visit Zhengzhou or Nanjing in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Zhengzhou and Nanjing.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Nanjing. It's quite cold in Zhengzhou in the winter. Zhengzhou is much colder than Nanjing in the winter. The daily temperature in Zhengzhou averages around 1°C (34°F) in January, and Nanjing fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).
In January, Zhengzhou usually receives less rain than Nanjing. Zhengzhou gets 15 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Nanjing receives 27 mm (1.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryZhengzhou 1°C (34°F)Nanjing 3°C (37°F)
Should I visit Zhengzhou or Nanjing in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Zhengzhou as well as Nanjing.
In the spring, Zhengzhou is around the same temperature as Nanjing. Typically, the spring temperatures in Zhengzhou in April average around 16°C (61°F), and Nanjing averages at about 15°C (60°F).
It's quite rainy in Nanjing. Zhengzhou usually gets less rain in April than Nanjing. Zhengzhou gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Nanjing receives 101 mm (4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilZhengzhou 16°C (61°F)Nanjing 15°C (60°F)
Typical Weather for Nanjing and Zhengzhou
| Zhengzhou | Nanjing | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 1°C (34°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) | 3°C (37°F) | 27 mm (1.1 in) |
| Feb | 3°C (38°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) | 4°C (40°F) | 52 mm (2 in) |
| Mar | 9°C (48°F) | 27 mm (1.1 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) |
| Apr | 16°C (61°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) | 15°C (60°F) | 101 mm (4 in) |
| May | 22°C (71°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) | 21°C (69°F) | 88 mm (3.5 in) |
| Jun | 27°C (80°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 114 mm (4.5 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (83°F) | 137 mm (5.4 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 174 mm (6.9 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (81°F) | 121 mm (4.8 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 158 mm (6.2 in) |
| Sep | 22°C (71°F) | 116 mm (4.6 in) | 23°C (74°F) | 105 mm (4.1 in) |
| Oct | 16°C (61°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) |
| Nov | 9°C (49°F) | 25 mm (1 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) |
| Dec | 3°C (38°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 25 mm (1 in) |
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.