Which place is cheaper, Nanjing or Bangkok?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
Jump to 
Should you visit Bangkok or Nanjing?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Bangkok and Nanjing 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: Bangkok or Nanjing?
Bangkok
Bangkok: a name synonymous with all things exotic. The vibrant and exciting capital of Thailand is not just a hub for Southeast Asia, but also a destination into itself. Known for an active nightlife and party scene, as well as great food, historic temples, and busy markets, Bangkok offers a diversity to entertain even the most experienced travelers.
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 Family-Friendly Tours to Thailand, The Best Wildlife Tours to Thailand, The Best Historical Tours in China, and The Best 10-Day Tours in China.
-
Bangkok Prices
Thailand PricesNanjing Prices
China Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayBangkok $105Nanjing $118
The average daily cost (per person) in Bangkok is $105, while the average daily cost in Nanjing is $118. 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 Bangkok and Nanjing in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personBangkok $50Nanjing $47
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomBangkok $100Nanjing $94
Compare Hotels in Bangkok and Nanjing
Looking for a hotel in Bangkok 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.
Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Bangkok Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Bangkok $6.57Nanjing $39
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Bangkok
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Bangkok are as follows:
-
Tuk Tuk to bus station$2.51
-
Skytrain Ticket$5.02
-
Chao Phraya River Express Ticket$1.00
-
Ferry Ride$0.82
-
Taxi From Airport$7.85
-
Short Taxi Ride$2.83
-
Boat Taxi$1.57
-
Trains to airport$5.02
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bangkok
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Bangkok:
- Affordable Bangkok Airport Transfer: $22
- Airport Private Transfers from Suvarnabhumi BKK to Bangkok City: $33
- Airport Transfer Camry/Fortuner or Similar : $45
- Airport Transfer Luxury Sedan Mercedes E Class BMW 5 Series: $98
- Airport Transfer to or from Hotel in Bangkok (Private Transport): $58
- Airport Transfer: Bangkok Airport BKK to Bangkok by Luxury Van: $107
- Airport transfer to Bangkok downtown: $26
- Arrival Bangkok Airport Private Transfer : Trat/ Koh Chang: $135
- Arrival Transfer Bangkok Airport BKK to Bangkok City by Sedan: $71
- Arrival Transfer from BKK Airport to Bangkok Hotel: $15
- Ayutthaya Day Tour from Bangkok with Hotel Transfers: $85
- Ayutthaya Floating Market Admission Ticket with Transfer: $40
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Nanjing
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Nanjing:
- Nanjing Airport (NKG) to Nanjing - Arrival Private Transfer : $45
- Nanjing Airport (NKG) to Nanjing - Round-Trip Private Transfer : $91
- Nanjing Downtown hotels to Lukou Intl Airport (NKG) - Departure Private Transfer: $47
- Nanjing Lukou Airport Chauffeur Service, Nanjing Airport Transfer, Pickup: $30
- Nanjing Lukou International Airport (NKG) to Nanjing - Arrival Private Transfer : $47
- Nanjing Lukou International Airport Private Arrival Transfer to City Center: $45
- Nanjing Private Round Trip Transfer to Niushoushan Cultural Park: $67
- Nanjing Private Transfer from Nanjing Lukou Airport (NKG) to central Nanjing: $125
- Nanjing Railway Station Private Arrival Transfer to City Hotels: $35
- Nanjing To Huangshan Bullet Train Ticket with Local Private Transfers: $129
- Nanjing to Hangzhou Bullet Train Ticket with Train Station Transfer: $52
- Nanjing to Shanghai Bullet Train Ticket with Train Station Transfer: $60
Is it cheaper to fly into Bangkok or Nanjing?
Prices for flights to both Nanjing and Bangkok 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 dayBangkok $36Nanjing $49
Typical Food Prices in Bangkok
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Bangkok:
-
Dinner at Hard Rock Cafe (for Two)$28
-
Casual Lunch of Prawns (for Two)$6.28
-
2 Rotis (Bread)$1.41
-
Mango & Sticky Rice$0.94
-
Lunch at KFC (for Two)$6.28
-
Pad Thai$2.20
-
Airport Lunch for 2$17
-
Lunch for 2$23
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Bangkok
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Bangkok.
- Baiyoke Sky Hotel Observation Deck Ticket with Lunch or Dinner : $22
- Meridian Dinner and Sunset Cruise in Bangkok: $23
- Royal Princess Dinner Cruise in Bangkok: $25
- Chao Phraya Princess Sunset and Dinner Cruise: $27
- Twilight Dinner Cruise Along Chao Phraya River in Bangkok: $29
- Calypso Cabaret Show with Thai Set Dinner: $29
- Baiyoke Sky Dinner Experience with Observation Deck Access: $29
- Baiyoke Sky Observation Deck With Buffet Dinner or Lunch: $29
- Bangkok Amazing Chaophraya River Dinner Cruise with Live Music: $32
- Nopparat’s Traditional Thai Dinner & Dance: $32
- Chao Phraya River Serenade: VIVA Alangka Dinner Cruise, Bangkok: $32
- Riverside Bangkok Dinner Cruise with Buffet and City Views: $32
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
- Private Amazing Nanjing Airport Layover Tour with Lunch or Dinner: $181
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Bangkok $18Nanjing $9.41
Typical Entertainment Prices in Bangkok
Here are a few typical costs in Bangkok for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
-
Movie Ticket$5.02
-
Grand Palace Entrance Ticket$11
-
Wat Pho (Reclining Buddha) Ticket$1.57
-
Dusit Zoo Entrance Fee (for Two)$6.28
-
Club Cover Charge$12
-
Thai Boxing Tickets (for Two)$75
-
Fish Pedicure$4.71
-
Wat Pho entrance ticket$3.14
-
Siriraj Museum (2)$13
Tours and Activities in Bangkok
Here are a few actual costs in Bangkok for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Road to Democracy: A Self-Guided Audio Tour of Thailand's Modern Politics: $5.00
- Bangkok Noi Canal: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.20
- Bangkok's Old Town: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $6.99
- Bangkok City Session Walking Tour: $8.18
- Grand Palace Self-Guided Walking Tour (entry not incl.): $9.00
- Space and Time Cube Tickets in Bangkok: $9.66
- Ancient City Bangkok and Erawan Museum Tickets: $10
- Erawan Museum Ticket (NON THAI): $10
- Half Day Coral Island Tour from Pattaya With Lunch: $11
- Erawan Museum at Bangkok Admission Ticket: $13
- Explore Brilliant Self-Guided Audio Walking Tour: $14
- Bangkok Grand Palace and Emerald Buddha Tour: $14
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
- Private Amazing Nanjing City Day Tour in Your Way: $75
- Nanjing Professional English Tour Guide Service: $91
- 3-Hour Local Food Tasting Tour: $93
- Nanjing Private Day Tour With Must-Visit Attractions: $100
- Half-Day Nanjing City Private Flexible Tour : $109
- 4-Hour Nanjing City Private Tailor-Made Tour in Your Way : $109
- 6-Hour Private Tour of Xiaoling Tomb,City Wall & Memorial Hall : $115
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayBangkok $5.65Nanjing $9.61
Typical Alcohol Prices in Bangkok
Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Bangkok are as follows:
-
Beer$1.26
Sample the Local Flavors in Bangkok
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Bangkok:
- Bangkok Pub Crawl: $17
- The Original Bangkok Pub Crawl: $32
When comparing the travel costs between Bangkok and Nanjing, we can see that Nanjing 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 Bangkok Expensive? and Is Nanjing Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Bangkok or Nanjing?
Bangkok has a larger population, and is about 65% larger than the population of Nanjing. When comparing the sizes of Bangkok 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 Bangkok or Nanjing?
Nanjing has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Bangkok experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Bangkok or Nanjing in the Summer?
Both Nanjing and Bangkok are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Bangkok throughout the year.
In the summer, Bangkok is around the same temperature as Nanjing. Typically, the summer temperatures in Bangkok in July average around 29°C (84°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 Bangkok. In July, Bangkok usually receives less rain than Nanjing. Bangkok gets 155 mm (6.1 in) of rain, while Nanjing receives 174 mm (6.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyBangkok 29°C (84°F)Nanjing 28°C (83°F)
Should I visit Bangkok or Nanjing in the Autumn?
Both Nanjing and Bangkok during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Bangkok because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In October, Bangkok is generally much warmer than Nanjing. Daily temperatures in Bangkok average around 28°C (83°F), and Nanjing fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Bangkok. Bangkok usually gets more rain in October than Nanjing. Bangkok gets 242 mm (9.5 in) of rain, while Nanjing receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year. November to February is the dry season in Bangkok. May to October is the rainy season in Bangkok.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberBangkok 28°C (83°F)Nanjing 17°C (63°F)
Should I visit Bangkok or Nanjing in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Bangkok and Nanjing. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Bangkok year-round.
The weather in Nanjing can be very cold. Bangkok is much warmer than Nanjing in the winter. The daily temperature in Bangkok averages around 27°C (80°F) in January, and Nanjing fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).
In January, Bangkok usually receives less rain than Nanjing. Bangkok gets 9 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Nanjing receives 27 mm (1.1 in) of rain each month for the winter. November to February in Bangkok is the dry season.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryBangkok 27°C (80°F)Nanjing 3°C (37°F)
Should I visit Bangkok or Nanjing in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Bangkok as well as Nanjing. Bangkok attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In the spring, Bangkok is much warmer than Nanjing. Typically, the spring temperatures in Bangkok in April average around 31°C (87°F), and Nanjing averages at about 15°C (60°F).
It's quite rainy in Nanjing. Bangkok usually gets less rain in April than Nanjing. Bangkok gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Nanjing receives 101 mm (4 in) of rain this time of the year. May to October in Bangkok is the rainy season.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilBangkok 31°C (87°F)Nanjing 15°C (60°F)
Typical Weather for Nanjing and Bangkok
| Bangkok | Nanjing | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 27°C (80°F) | 9 mm (0.4 in) | 3°C (37°F) | 27 mm (1.1 in) |
| Feb | 28°C (82°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 4°C (40°F) | 52 mm (2 in) |
| Mar | 29°C (85°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) |
| Apr | 31°C (87°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) | 15°C (60°F) | 101 mm (4 in) |
| May | 30°C (86°F) | 220 mm (8.7 in) | 21°C (69°F) | 88 mm (3.5 in) |
| Jun | 29°C (85°F) | 149 mm (5.9 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 114 mm (4.5 in) |
| Jul | 29°C (84°F) | 155 mm (6.1 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 174 mm (6.9 in) |
| Aug | 29°C (84°F) | 197 mm (7.8 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 158 mm (6.2 in) |
| Sep | 28°C (83°F) | 344 mm (13.5 in) | 23°C (74°F) | 105 mm (4.1 in) |
| Oct | 28°C (83°F) | 242 mm (9.5 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (81°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) |
| Dec | 26°C (79°F) | 10 mm (0.4 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.