Which place is cheaper, Xi'an 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 Xi'an?
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 Xi'an can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Zhengzhou or Xi'an?
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.
Xi'an
Xi'an is an ancient city in the Shaanxi Province in China. Today it is most notable as the location of the Terracotta Warriors, but for visitors who choose to linger, there is so much more to see and do in the area. The city itself is more than 3,000 years old and for about one thousand years, through 13 dynasties and 73 emperors, it was the capital. Because of its rich history there are many historical ruins and a strong culture in the city. Today the city is a pleasant place to visit, although much of it's influence and power has dwindled. The city has both cosmopolitan and modern areas as well as historic and culturally rich areas. The neighborhoods are diverse and by exploring the city in depth you can learn a little more about what China really has to offer.
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 PricesXi'an Prices
China Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayZhengzhou $68Xi'an $110
The average daily cost (per person) in Zhengzhou is $68, while the average daily cost in Xi'an is $110. 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 Xi'an in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personZhengzhou $22Xi'an $64
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomZhengzhou $44Xi'an $128
Compare Hotels in Zhengzhou and Xi'an
Looking for a hotel in Zhengzhou or Xi'an? 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.
Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Zhengzhou Hotel Prices and Xi'an Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Zhengzhou $15Xi'an $13
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 from Zhengzhou to Luoyang Longmen Grottoes: $95
- 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
- Private Guided Tour/Transfer to Shaolin Temple: $98
- Private Transfer to Shaolin Temple & Longmen Grottoes: $98
- [Airport Transfer] Zhengzhou Xinjiang International Airport Zhengzhou City Transfer There is a reputation for high service!: $27
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Xi'an
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Xi'an:
- 1-Day Xi'an Layover Tour: Terracotta Army with Round Airport transfers(XIY): $100
- 1-way Private Transfer: Xi'an City Hotel to Airport/Train Station: $55
- Essential Xian Tour with Airport Train Station or Hotel Transfer: $229
- From Xian: Terracotta Army and City Wall Tour with Airport Transfer: $245
- Full-Day Layover Private Tour: Essence of Xi'an With Airport Transfer: $229
- One-Way Airport Transfer From Xi'an Xianyang International Airport to Xi'an Hotel: $75
- Private 1-way Transfer: Xi'an North Station/Airport to City Hotel: $58
- Private Airport Transfer: Xi'an Hotel to Xianyang International Airport: $29
- Private Airport Transfer:Xi'an Xianyang International Airport to Xi'an Hotel: $29
- Private Arrival Transfer Xi'an Railway Stations to Hotel: $32
- Private Arrival Transfer:Any Xi'an Railway Station to Xi'an City Hotel: $30
- Private Arrival Transfer:Xi'an Xianyang International Airport(XIY) to City Hotel: $46
Is it cheaper to fly into Zhengzhou or Xi'an?
Prices for flights to both Xi'an 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 $38Xi'an $23
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
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Xi'an
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Xi'an.
- Xi’an：City Wall Multi-Entry or Night Food Tour with Show: $21
- Xi'An: Tang Dynasty Show Ticket w/ Transfer or Dinner: $33
- Top 3 Xian Sites to Terracotta Army & Dinner Show w/ Options: $35
- Xi'an Tang Dynasty Show Ticket Optional Dumplings or Royal Dinner: $37
- Tang Dynasty Royal Show Optinal Dinner With Round-trip Transfers: $38
- Xian Tang Dynasty Show -Optional Dumpling Dinner or Royal Banquet: $38
- Xi'an Tang Dynasty Music Dance Show or Dinner Show with Transfer: $39
- Skip The Line Xi'an Tang Dynasty Show Or Dinner With Transfer: $39
- Xi'an: Tang Dynasty Music and Dance Show with Dinner Option: $40
- Tang Dynasty Dinner Show with Private transfer: $55
- Xi'an Tang Dynasty Show Ticket with Optional Dinner: $57
- Xi’an: Market Tour and Cooking Class with Local Family: $59
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Zhengzhou $5.28Xi'an $38
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
- 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
- Private Independent Tour to Yuntai Mountain from Zhengzhou: $169
- Zhengzhou Private Day Tour to Shaolin Temple and Longmen Grottoes: $175
- Zhengzhou private day tour to Shaolin Temple with Kungfu show: $180
- Shaolin Temple and Longmen Grottoes Tour: $180
Tours and Activities in Xi'an
Here are a few actual costs in Xi'an for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Xi'an: Daci'en Temple(Great Wild Goose Pagoda) E-ticket: $9.99
- Xi'an: City Wall & Old Town Walking Tour w/ 10+ Food Tasting: $14
- Xi’an City Wall – E-Ticket: $15
- Xi'an: Xi’an City Wall South Gate(Yongningmen) Entry Ticket: $15
- Terracotta Army+Gaint Goose Pagoda+City Wall Bus Tour with Option: $17
- Xi'an: City Wall Moat Smart Boat Tour: $17
- Huaqing Palace Tickets with Optional show of Xi'an incident: $19
- Xian: Terracotta Army Ticket & Guided Bus Tour with Options: $20
- Morning Tour to Terracotta Warriors Museum with Lunch: $20
- Shaanxi History Museum Admission Tickets: $20
- Terracotta Army, Big Wild Goose Pagoda&City Wall Full Day Tour: $20
- Huaqing Palace Adult Ticket[Direct Subway Access]: $20
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayZhengzhou $4.24Xi'an $7.70
Sample the Local Flavors in Xi'an
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Xi'an:
- Xi'an Bar Crawl: Drink, Gaming, Snacks & Meet with Locals: $29
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Zhengzhou and Xi'an, we can see that Xi'an 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 Xi'an would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Xi'an 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 Xi'an Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Zhengzhou or Xi'an?
Xi'an has a larger population, and is about 60% larger than the population of Zhengzhou. When comparing the sizes of Zhengzhou and Xi'an, 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.