Which place is cheaper, Xiamen or Zhengzhou?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Zhengzhou or Xiamen?
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 Xiamen can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Zhengzhou or Xiamen?
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.
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 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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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayZhengzhou $98Xiamen $64
The average daily cost (per person) in Zhengzhou is $98, while the average daily cost in Xiamen is $64. 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 Xiamen in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personZhengzhou $36Xiamen $31
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomZhengzhou $72Xiamen $62
Compare Hotels in Zhengzhou and Xiamen
Looking for a hotel in Zhengzhou 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.
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 $63Xiamen $5.99
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Zhengzhou
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Zhengzhou:
- [Airport Transfer] Zhengzhou Xinjiang International Airport Zhengzhou City Transfer There is a reputation for high service! : $27
- Private Guided Tour/Transfer to Shaolin Temple: $98
- Zhengzhou Xinzheng Airport Chauffeur Transfer, Zhengzhou Airport Transfer: $27
- Zhengzhou Xinzheng Airport Chauffeur Transfer, Zhengzhou Airport Transfer: $31
- Zhengzhou Xinzheng Airport Chauffeur Transfer , Zhengzhou Airport Transfer : $53
- Zhengzhou Xinzheng Airport Chauffeur Transfer , Zhengzhou Airport Transfer : $65
- Zhengzhou Special Car Service, Zhengzhou Airport Transfer: $27
- Zhengzhou Airport Transfer( Hotel to Airport): $59
- Private transfer to Shaolin Temple from Zhengzhou: $108
- Private Transfer to Shaolin Temple or Dengfeng from Zhengzhou Train station: $132
- Private Transfer to Guoliang Village and Tunnel from Zhengzhou: $160
- Private Transfer from Zhengzhou to Luoyang Longmen Grottoes : $95
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Xiamen
Also for Xiamen, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Arrival Transfer from Gaoqi Airport to Xiamen City Hotel: $10
- Private Transfer Between Xiamen City and HongKeng Hakka Tulou Cluster: $89
- Private Transfer Service between Xiamen and Anxi : $89
- Private Transfer between Riyue Gu Hotspring Resort and Xiamen City : $32
- Private Transfer between Xiamen City and Hua’an Earth Building: $89
- Private Transfer between Xiamen City and Tianluokeng Tulou Cluster : $89
- Private Transfer between Xiamen City and Tianluokeng Tulou Village: $115
- 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 Xiamen Gaoqi Airport Arrival Transfer to City Area: $30
- Private Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport Transfers in Xiamen City: $12
- Xiamen Gaoqi Airport Private Transfer to Local Railway Station : $19
Is it cheaper to fly into Zhengzhou or Xiamen?
Prices for flights to both Xiamen 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 $28Xiamen $26
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Zhengzhou
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Zhengzhou.
- Zhengzhou Erqi Square and Night Markets Private Tour including Dinner: $145
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Zhengzhou $8.20Xiamen $16
Tours and Activities in Zhengzhou
Here are a few actual costs in Zhengzhou for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- All Inclusive Private Day Tour to Guoliangcun from Zhengzhou: $265
- All Inclusive Private Day Tour to Shaolin Temple and Longmen Grottoes from Zhengzhou: $275
- All Inclusive Private Day Tour to Yuntai Mountain from Zhengzhou: $265
- All inclusive Anyang Yin Xu ruins and Character Museum day tour from Zhengzhou: $209
- Full-Day Private Kaifeng Highlight Tour from Zhengzhou: $248
- Independent Tour to Shaolin Temple and Longmen Grottoes from Zhengzhou: $188
- Kaifeng City Highlights Independant Tour from Zhengzhou: $80
- Private Day Tour to Guoliang from Zhengzhou: $268
- Private Day Tour to Luoyang Longmen Grottoes from Zhengzhou: $210
- Private Day Tour to Shaolin Temple and Songyang Academy from Zhengzhou: $233
- Private Day Tour to Shaolin Temple from Zhengzhou with Flexiable Departure Time: $198
- Private Day Tour to Shaolin Temple with Kungfu Class from Zhengzhou: $287
Tours and Activities in Xiamen
For Xiamen, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Xiamen Private English Tour Guide Service: $93
- Xiamen Private Half Day Tour of Gulangyu Island and Shuzhuang Garden: $97
- Private Xiamen Half Day Tour to Gulangyu Island and the Hi Heaven Villa: $97
- A Night Tour to Xiamen Gulang Island: $100
- Flexible Xiamen Private Half Day Tour to Experience Xiamen Botanical Garden: $105
- Private Xiamen Sea Food Market & Zhongshan Road Shopping and Eating Experience: $107
- Flexible Xiamen Private Half Day Tour with Meal Option: $109
- Flexible Private Half-Day Tour to Visit the Top Attraction Xiamen Yuanbo Garden: $110
- Day Tour to Admire the Panorama of Gulangyu Island and Visit the Precious Birds: $110
- 4-hour Xiamen Private Flexible Tour in Your Way: $113
- Xiamen Half-Day Private Tour include Gulang Yu Island and Garden : $119
- 4-Hour Xiamen Private Shore Excursion Tour in Your Way: $121
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayZhengzhou $6.32Xiamen $17
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Zhengzhou and Xiamen, we can see that Zhengzhou is more expensive. And not only is Xiamen much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Xiamen would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Xiamen 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 Zhengzhou would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Zhengzhou than you might in Xiamen.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Zhengzhou Expensive? and Is Xiamen Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Zhengzhou or Xiamen?
Zhengzhou has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Xiamen. When comparing the sizes of Zhengzhou 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.
When is the best time to visit Zhengzhou or Xiamen?
Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.
Should I visit Zhengzhou or Xiamen in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Zhengzhou as well as Xiamen.
In July, Zhengzhou is generally around the same temperature as Xiamen. Daily temperatures in Zhengzhou average around 28°C (83°F), and Xiamen fluctuates around 30°C (86°F).
It's quite rainy in Xiamen. Zhengzhou receives a lot of rain in the summer. Zhengzhou usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Xiamen. Zhengzhou gets 137 mm (5.4 in) of rain, while Xiamen receives 140 mm (5.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyZhengzhou 28°C (83°F)Xiamen 30°C (86°F)
Should I visit Zhengzhou or Xiamen in the Autumn?
Both Xiamen and Zhengzhou are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities.
Zhengzhou is much colder than Xiamen in the autumn. The daily temperature in Zhengzhou averages around 16°C (61°F) in October, and Xiamen fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).
In October, Zhengzhou usually receives more rain than Xiamen. Zhengzhou gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Xiamen receives 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberZhengzhou 16°C (61°F)Xiamen 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Zhengzhou or Xiamen in the Winter?
Both Xiamen and Zhengzhou during the winter are popular places to visit.
Zhengzhou can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Zhengzhou is much colder than Xiamen. Typically, the winter temperatures in Zhengzhou in January average around 1°C (34°F), and Xiamen averages at about 14°C (58°F).
Zhengzhou usually gets less rain in January than Xiamen. Zhengzhou gets 15 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Xiamen receives 37 mm (1.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryZhengzhou 1°C (34°F)Xiamen 14°C (58°F)
Should I visit Zhengzhou or Xiamen in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Zhengzhou and Xiamen.
In April, Zhengzhou is generally cooler than Xiamen. Daily temperatures in Zhengzhou average around 16°C (61°F), and Xiamen fluctuates around 20°C (69°F).
Xiamen receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Zhengzhou usually receives less rain than Xiamen. Zhengzhou gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Xiamen receives 147 mm (5.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilZhengzhou 16°C (61°F)Xiamen 20°C (69°F)
Typical Weather for Xiamen and Zhengzhou
| Zhengzhou | Xiamen | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 1°C (34°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) | 14°C (58°F) | 37 mm (1.4 in) |
| Feb | 3°C (38°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) |
| Mar | 9°C (48°F) | 27 mm (1.1 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 99 mm (3.9 in) |
| Apr | 16°C (61°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) | 20°C (69°F) | 147 mm (5.8 in) |
| May | 22°C (71°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) | 24°C (76°F) | 152 mm (6 in) |
| Jun | 27°C (80°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 197 mm (7.7 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (83°F) | 137 mm (5.4 in) | 30°C (86°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (81°F) | 121 mm (4.8 in) | 30°C (85°F) | 149 mm (5.9 in) |
| Sep | 22°C (71°F) | 116 mm (4.6 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 116 mm (4.6 in) |
| Oct | 16°C (61°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) |
| Nov | 9°C (49°F) | 25 mm (1 in) | 21°C (69°F) | 37 mm (1.4 in) |
| Dec | 3°C (38°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) | 16°C (61°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.