Xiamen is a cultural destination known for its beauty, culture, food, and exciting activities. In this travel cost guide, we'll cover everything you need to know to plan your travel budget and have an amazing trip without spending too much. This guide includes average trip costs from previous travelers, typical hotel prices, food and dining costs, entertainment and sightseeing prices, and information about transportation.
How much does it cost to travel to Xiamen?
A typical traveler spends $84 (¥601) per day on a trip to Xiamen. This is the average daily price for a vacation in Xiamen based on the expenses of other visitors.
Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:
- $46 (¥330) on meals
- $6.08 (¥43) on local transportation
- $62 (¥441) on hotels
A one-week trip to Xiamen for two people costs, on average, $1,179 (¥8,414). This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
All of these average travel prices have been collected from other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.
-
One Week
Per person
$590
¥4,207
-
2 Weeks
Per person
$1,179
¥8,414
-
One Month
Per person
$2,527
¥18,030
-
One Week
For a couple
$1,179
¥8,414
-
2 Weeks
For a couple
$2,359
¥16,828
-
One Month
For a couple
$5,055
¥36,060
How much does a one week, two week, or one month trip to Xiamen cost?
A one week trip to Xiamen usually costs around $590 (¥4,207) for one person and $1,179 (¥8,414) for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
A two week trip to Xiamen on average costs around $1,179 (¥8,414) for one person and $2,359 (¥16,828) for two people. This cost includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
Please note, prices can vary based on your travel style, speed, and other variables. If you're traveling as a family of three or four people, the price per person often goes down because kid's tickets are cheaper and hotel rooms can be shared. If you travel slower over a longer period of time then your daily budget will also go down. Two people traveling together for one month in Xiamen will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.
A one month trip to Xiamen on average costs around $2,527 (¥18,030) for one person and $5,055 (¥36,060) for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.
Is Xiamen expensive to visit?
In Xiamen, budget travelers spend $37 (¥262) per day on average, mid-range travelers spend $84 (¥601) per day, and luxury travelers spend around $163 (¥1,161) per day. These costs are calculated from the reported expenses of previous travelers to Xiamen.
Xiamen is a smaller place that appeals to a wide spectrum of travelers, featuring different styles, expenditure habits, and budget ranges. Visitors can find a range of options for accommodation from high-end luxury hotels to mid-range places to budget-friendly hostels.
Xiamen can definitely get expensive if you let it, but you have options to reduce costs, including looking for discounts and coupons.
Within Asia, Xiamen is a moderately priced destination compared to other places. The overall cost of travel here is fair for the region and comparable to Cheju (Jeju) or Guilin.
For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is Xiamen Expensive?
How much money do I need for a trip to Xiamen?
The average Xiamen trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Xiamen travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Xiamen cost?
Xiamen on a Budget
|
Category
|
Budget
|
Mid-Range
|
Luxury
|
Accommodation1
For 1 person in double occupancy
|
$14
(¥97)
|
$31
(¥221)
|
$59
(¥422)
|
|
Local Transportation1
|
$2
(¥17)
|
$6
(¥43)
|
$16
(¥111)
|
|
Food2
|
$20
(¥144)
|
$46
(¥330)
|
$88
(¥630)
|
|
Entertainment1
|
$7
(¥50)
|
$16
(¥113)
|
$30
(¥212)
|
|
Alcohol2
|
$4-11
(¥26-79)
|
$8-25
(¥60-181)
|
$16-48
(¥113-340)
|
Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget
It's important to set realistic expectations for your travel budget. Many assume they can get by cheaply in Xiamen, but most people don't enjoy traveling on a very tight budget. Think about how you like to travel, and whether you prefer resorts, hostels, or vacation rentals. Do activities like sightseeing and dining out matter to you? These factors will help shape your travel budget.
Who are Budget Travelers?
You might think you're a budget traveler, but unless you're willing to sacrifice many comforts, expect to spend a lot more than the average of $37 per day that backpackers typically manage.
Younger budget travelers sometimes stick to a shoestring budget, which usually means staying in hostel dorms, eating at budget restaurants or fast food, relying on public transportation or walking, and limiting activities to free attractions.
Luckily, Xiamen offers plenty of hostels, including Backpacker Village Hostel and Xiamen Desti Youth Park Hostel Zhongshan Road. Staying at hostels like these means you can enjoy affordable dorm accommodation along with a lively social vibe, though amenities might be minimal.
Could You Be an Average Traveler?
If you're a family or couple enjoying a vacation, you'll probably want to stay in a mid-range hotel, eat at well-liked restaurants, and check out significant museums and attractions that charge entry fees. It's common for visitors to Xiamen to seek out the major attractions, museums, and significant landmarks. Most activities aren't free. So, you should realistically expect your daily budget to be around $84 per person, per day.
Looking to Travel in Luxury?
If you're looking for a high-end escape with every amenity and high-quality service, be prepared for daily expenses around $163. Staying in upscale hotels, enjoying meals at award-winning restaurants, indulging in lavish excursions, and utilizing taxis or private drivers in the destination will entail a more premium price tag. Many luxury travelers also enjoy unique experiences such as Private Day Tour To Tianluokeng Tulou from Xiamen Including Lunch - offered by Viator.
Accommodation Budget in Xiamen
In Xiamen, hotel prices can be quite surprising. Higher-end hotels offer more amenities and luxury, but come at a higher price tag, especially during the peak season. Off-season prices average around $, but in peak season, they can average around $. Prices generally range from $ to $, and hostels remain the cheaper option. Booking early or traveling during the low season can save you money, and you might find special deals along the way.
Calculated from travelers like you
The average price paid in Xiamen for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $62 (¥441). For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $31 (¥221) per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.
Looking for a hotel in Xiamen? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.
By avoiding the peak season and traveling during the low or shoulder seasons, you will be able to save on accommodation and avoid heavy tourist crowds.
Transportation Budget in Xiamen
Calculated from travelers like you
-
On average, past travelers have spent $6.08 (¥43) per person, per day, on local transportation in Xiamen. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Xiamen is significantly more than public transportation.
-
Transportation1
Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
$6.08
¥43
The international airport is near the downtown area, making it easy to fly in and out of the city. Bullet trains, regular train services, and buses are also great ways to get into the city.
Taxis one of the best ways to get around, just be sure to request a shorter route as they tend to take scenic, longer, routes to make the ride more expensive. During busy times, try to have a taxi called for you rather than trying to flag one down as they do become hard to catch. You can easily navigate the city on bicycle or by local bus, although street signs and bus stops tend to be listed only in Chinese.
Some of the standard hotel transfers and transport options include:
- Private Xiamen Gaoqi Airport Arrival Transfer to City Area for $30 details
- Private Xiamen Gaoqi Airport Departure Transfer from City Areas for $33 details
- Private Transfer Service between Xiamen and Anxi for $89 details
How much does it cost to go to Xiamen? Naturally, it depends on the dates. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all airlines.
The price of renting a car in Xiamen will depends on dates, the type of car, the location, and your age. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all car rental companies.
Food Budget in Xiamen
Food is a major reason many people explore new destinations, so don't skip the chance to try local delicacies.
Calculated from travelers like you
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While restaurant and meal prices in Xiamen can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Xiamen is $46 (¥330) per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.
-
Food2
Meals for one day
$46
¥330
When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Xiamen is around $46 (¥330) per person, with previous travelers spending from $20 to $88. Generally, breakfast and lunch cost less than dinner, but this will depend on the type of restaurant and what you order.
Typical meal prices in Xiamen are as follows:
- Breakfast: $5 to $14
- Lunch: $7 to $19
- Dinner: $14 to $32
- Coffee: $4
- Fast Food or Street Food: $7
Xiamen is famous for their glass noodles, oyster omelets, fish balls, peanut soup, braised duck with ginger, and shacha noodles which are noddles mixed with seafood such as quid, oysters, and shrimp in a sesame-garlic soup. You'll find many restaurants on Zhongshan Road and LunDu, which is the harbor. Tea houses are very popular here and offer a chance to relax and enjoy the scenery. Many of these tea houses and other cafes can be found on Xidi Coffee Street.
Xiamen has a great nightlife scene, with many bars, clubs, and discos. Haiwan Park is known for their disco scene, although you can easily find quieter pubs throughout the area as well.
Numerous hotels provide breakfast as part of your stay, although others may charge you extra for it. The price and quality can vary from hotel to hotel. Being informed ahead of time can assist you in determining if you need to budget extra funds. The hotel buffet might be worth your money, or perhaps a cheaper option at a nearby bakery or cafe would suffice.
Instead of buying drinks, carry a water bottle with you. It's also a good choice for the planet.
Be sure to check which meals are part of your tour before you go. You might be responsible for some of your own food costs, which could stretch your budget further.
Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Xiamen
Calculated from travelers like you
-
Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Xiamen typically cost an average of $16 (¥113) per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.
-
Entertainment1
Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
$16
¥113
Xiamen offers stunning scenery during the day and night, thanks to the beautifully lit buildings, laser shows, and even lit up sculptures. There are also many night markets to explore, especially in Bailuzhou Park where there are vendors, music, and dancing in the evenings.
You can't visit Xiamen without a trip to Gulangyu Island, located just across the harbor from the Xiamen main land. The island is a lively place full of food vendors, craft makers selling their goods, cafes, and restaurants. The area is covered with old colonial style buildings inspired by some of the missionaries that came to visit in the 19th and 20th centuries. During the day, the entire island is hustling and bustling with lots of noise, while the evening brings about a calm and quiet atmosphere that's great for a long stroll.
Escape the noise of the city with a trip to the Nanputuo Temple, a Buddhist temple near the Xiamen University. After touring the temple, climb the mountain behind it to find beautiful views of the city along with a few enclaves and Buddhist statues along the mountainside.
Spend the day at one of Xiamen's beautiful beaches which offer plenty of sand and clear water to swim in. You'll find one of the most popular activities on the beach is kite surfing! There are a few different companies that operate on the beaches, especially on Haiyuntai beach where there's less swimmers and the wind conditions are ideal. For something a little less adrenaline-inducing, you can snorkel around the reef off Gulangyu Island.
Spend hours getting lost in the tranquility and beauty of the Xiamen Botanical Garden which has a variety of hiking trails and paths to explore.
Local tours that last a few hours can be a great way to explore Xiamen. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:
- Xiamen Layover Day Tour-Gulangyu,Shuzhuang Garden And Piano Museum for $132 details
- Xiamen Private English Tour Guide Service for $93 details
- 4-Hour Xiamen Private Local Food Market Experience for $103 details
Nightlife Budget in Xiamen
Calculated from travelers like you
-
The average person spends about $17 (¥120) on nightlife and alcoholic beverages in Xiamen per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.
-
Alcohol2
Drinks for one day
$17
¥120
Exploring the nightlife is often a fun part of any trip, but skipping a few drinks can make a big impact on your overall travel cost.
Travel cost data last updated: Aug 15, 2025
Traveling in Xiamen
Xiamen, China
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.
The city tends to be warm all year round, rarely dipping below 50 degrees Fahrenheit, even in the winter. Summers tend to get hot, rainy, and humid, especially in July and August when temperatures reach 90˚. Spring and Autumn tend to be the best times to visit, with Autumn being the drier of the two seasons.
Neighborhoods & Around
Xiamen is a fairly large city divided into five districts, some of which are more interesting to tourists than others:
Gulangyu Island: The scenic island located just a 5-minute ferry ride from downtown that is rich in historical sites, walking paths, and restaurants.
Jimei: This district is considered to be one of the most beautiful districts in the city, especially thanks to the architecture of the University of Jimei.
Huli: The industrial hub of the city and of little interest to tourists.
Siming: An area full of beaches and beautiful shorelines with a lot of shopping.
Tong'an: A coastal area with a lot of natural resources, it is best known for its hot springs.
Related:
Looking for a hostel in China?
Traveling alone to Beijing or Hong Kong or want to party in Shanghai?
We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works.
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.