A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Beijing vs. Plzen for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Beijing or Plzen?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Beijing and Plzen 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: Beijing or Plzen?

Beijing

Beijing is the capital of China and, with 21.5 million people, it is the second most populated city in the world after Shanghai. It is a city that keeps pockets of its history hidden in old neighborhoods or back alleys, despite the constant change and modernization that goes on around it. As the capital city of China, there is plenty of history and culture. You can still get yourself lost in one of the last remaining hutongs, which are old neighborhoods that remain untouched by the city's modernization. The alleys that weave between the old homes are lined with drying clothes, corner markets, and people going about their daily lives the way they have for centuries. Surrounding these hutongs you'll find modern buildings and a booming economy, all threatening to destroying these last bits of Beijing's history. Beijing offers a glimpse into a microcosm that represents the entire country of China. Make sure you give yourself enough time in China to truly experience Beijing. You can pass a lot of time soaking up life in the city, which remains as diverse as the country it resides within.

Plzen

Renowned as the home of the pilsner beer, Plzen is a city located in the West Bohemia region of the Czech Republic. Beyond beer, it also features a number of impressive landmarks some of which include St. Bartholomew's Cathedral and the Great Synagogue.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Beijing, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to China, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Czech Republic, and The Best Cultural Tours in Czech Republic.


Which place is cheaper, Plzen or Beijing?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in Beijing is $91, while the average daily cost in Plzen is $142. 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 Beijing and Plzen in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Beijing $40
    Plzen $70
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Beijing $80
    Plzen $140
Compare Hotels in Beijing and Plzen

Looking for a hotel in Beijing or Plzen? 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.

Hotels in Beijing


Hotels in Plzen


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: Plzen Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Beijing $7.83
    Plzen $9.51
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Beijing

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Beijing:


  • Taxi
    $4.78
  • Train from Airport for Two
    $7.01
  • Taxi to Hotel
    $8.41
  • 2 Metro Passes
    $2.24
  • Metro
    $0.56

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Beijing

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Beijing:

  • Private Transfers for City, Suburbs & Airport/Train: $1.46
  • Ming Tombs Entrance Ticket with Optional Guided &Transfer Service: $8.20
  • Beijing Great Wall Badaling or Mutianyu with Transfer[Optional]: $12
  • Private Mutianyu Great Wall Day Tour w/ Optional Guide/Transfer: $15
  • From Mutianyu Great Wall Transfer with Pick-Up: $19
  • Beijing Private Railway Station Arrival/Departure Transfers: $20
  • Beijing Mutianyu Great Wall Sightseeing Full-day Bus Transfer: $20
  • Beijing Airport:Private One-Way Transfer from Beijing City Center: $20
  • Afternoon Bus Transfer to Mutianyu Great Wall + Entry Ticket: $20
  • Morning Bus Transfer to Mutianyu Great Wall + Entry Ticket: $20
  • Mutianyu Great Wall Round-Trip Transfer with Driver & Ticket: $20
  • Beijing Airport Transfer: $21

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Plzen

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Plzen:

  • Private Transfer from Pilsen to Prague: $96
  • Private Transfer from Pilsen to Prague with 2 hours for sightseeing: $127
  • Private Transfer from Pilsen(Plzen) to Prague: $296

Is it cheaper to fly into Beijing or Plzen?

Prices for flights to both Plzen and Beijing 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 day
    Beijing $34
    Plzen $61
Typical Food Prices in Beijing

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Beijing:


  • Popcorn
    $0.84
  • Hot Pot Dinner
    $7.01
  • Dumpling Breakfast for Two
    $2.80
  • Watermelon
    $1.96
  • Peking Duck Dinner for 2
    $17
  • Two Popsicles
    $0.84

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Beijing

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Beijing.

  • Online Cooking Class Handmade Noodles by Sunflower Li: $20
  • Online Cooking Class Kungpao Chicken: $20
  • Hutong Breakfast Food Tour: $45
  • Beijing Hutong Breakfast Food Tour: $45
  • 3.5-Hour Walking Food Tour: A Bite of History at Beijing Niujie Street: $49
  • Temple of Heaven Private Tour w/Option Show &Dinner: $54
  • Beijing Hutong Breakfast Food Tour: $55
  • China's Favourite Street Food Cooking Workshop: $55
  • Experience Beijing Walking Food Tour Private : $55
  • Private Local Food Tour in Beijing with a Local Guide: $59
  • Beijing Walking Food Tour with a Local Friend: $60
  • Beijing Shichahai Hutong Dinner and Beer Walking Tour: $68

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Beijing $24
    Plzen $25
Typical Entertainment Prices in Beijing

Here are a few typical costs in Beijing for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:


  • Entry to Summer Palace for Two
    $8.41
  • Two Opera Tickets
    $60
  • Temple of Heaven Park Entrance (for 2)
    $9.81
  • Forbidden City (for 2)
    $17
  • Forbidden City Tickets
    $17
  • Audio Guides at Forbidden City
    $11

Tours and Activities in Beijing

Here are a few actual costs in Beijing for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Capital Museum tour includes Ticket: $2.78
  • Tian’anmenSquare or Forbidden City Online Ticket Booking: $2.92
  • Beijing:Tiananmen Square tickets with guide(optional): $3.19
  • Forbidden City Walking Guided Tour w/ Entry Tickets: $3.60
  • Tiananmen Square Registration Service(Ticket): $3.79
  • Tiananmen Square - Registration Ticket: $3.79
  • Tiananmen Square Forbidden City and Jingshan Park Ticket or Tours: $4.00
  • Beijing Forbidden City,Tianmen Square Admission Tickets: $4.00
  • Tickets to all Beijing attractions (Forbidden City optional): $4.21
  • Tianmen Square, Forbidden City & Royal Museum Tours: $4.38
  • The Forbidden City or Tiananmen Square Entry Ticket: $4.38
  • Forbidden City and Tian’anmen Square Walking Tour: $4.38

Tours and Activities in Plzen

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Plzen are as follows:

  • An Audio Tour of the City of Beer: Pilsen's History and Legends: $8.99
  • Experience Pilsen through Digital Audio Guide in English: $11
  • Pilsen Private Walking Tour: $250

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Beijing $12
    Plzen $27

Sample the Local Flavors in Beijing

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Beijing:

  • Private Beijing Hutong Night Foodie and Bar Crawl Tour: $98
  • Evening Food Private Tour with Brewery Taproom Hopping at Slow Boat in Beijing: $110
  • Private Tour-Drum Tower, Hutong Food Taste and Local Brewery Beer: $150
  • Tipsy Travel: Beijing Local Food and Bar Crawl night in Hutong: $158
  • 5-Hour Private Changyu Chateau Wine Tasting Tour from Beijing: $178
  • Beijing Brewery Bike Tour: $199
  • Private Changyu Chateau Wine Tasting Tour and Mutianyu Great Wall Visit: $238

Sample the Local Flavors in Plzen

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Plzen:

  • Pilsen Highlights Small-Group Tour and Pilsner Brewery Tour including Lunch and Beer Tasting: $118


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Beijing and Plzen, we can see that Plzen is more expensive. And not only is Beijing much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Beijing is in Asia and Plzen is in Europe, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Beijing would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Beijing 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 Plzen would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Plzen than you might in Beijing.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Beijing Expensive? and Is Plzen Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Beijing or Plzen?

Beijing has a larger population, and is about 50 times larger than the population of Plzen. When comparing the sizes of Beijing and Plzen, 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 Beijing or Plzen?

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 Beijing or Plzen in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Beijing and Plzen. The summer months attract visitors to Beijing because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Beijing is a little warmer than Plzen. Typically, the summer temperatures in Beijing in July average around 27°C (80°F), and Plzen averages at about 20°C (67°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Plzen this time of the year. In Beijing, it's very sunny this time of the year. Beijing usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Plzen during summer. Beijing gets 224 hours of sunny skies, while Plzen receives 212 hours of full sun in the summer.

Beijing gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Beijing usually receives more rain than Plzen. Beijing gets 176 mm (6.9 in) of rain, while Plzen receives 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Beijing 27°C (80°F) 
    Plzen 20°C (67°F)

Should I visit Beijing or Plzen in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Beijing as well as Plzen. The city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Beijing this time of year.

In October, Beijing is generally a little warmer than Plzen. Daily temperatures in Beijing average around 14°C (56°F), and Plzen fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Beijing this time of the year. In the autumn, Beijing often gets more sunshine than Plzen. Beijing gets 227 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Plzen receives 120 hours of full sun.

Beijing usually gets less rain in October than Plzen. Beijing gets 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Plzen receives 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Beijing 14°C (56°F) 
    Plzen 11°C (51°F)

Should I visit Beijing or Plzen in the Winter?

Both Plzen and Beijing are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Beijing for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Plzen can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Beijing. Beijing is much colder than Plzen in the winter. The daily temperature in Beijing averages around -4°C (26°F) in January, and Plzen fluctuates around -1°C (31°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Beijing. Beijing usually receives more sunshine than Plzen during winter. Beijing gets 201 hours of sunny skies, while Plzen receives 45 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Beijing usually receives less rain than Plzen. Beijing gets 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Plzen receives 25 mm (1 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Beijing -4°C (26°F) 
    Plzen -1°C (31°F)

Should I visit Beijing or Plzen in the Spring?

Both Plzen and Beijing during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Beijing in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Beijing is a little warmer than Plzen. Typically, the spring temperatures in Beijing in April average around 14°C (57°F), and Plzen averages at about 11°C (51°F).

It's quite sunny in Beijing. In the spring, Beijing often gets more sunshine than Plzen. Beijing gets 247 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Plzen receives 164 hours of full sun.

Beijing usually gets less rain in April than Plzen. Beijing gets 26 mm (1 in) of rain, while Plzen receives 35 mm (1.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Beijing 14°C (57°F) 
    Plzen 11°C (51°F)

Typical Weather for Plzen and Beijing

Beijing Plzen
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -4°C (26°F) 3 mm (0.1 in) -1°C (31°F) 25 mm (1 in)
Feb -1°C (30°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 2°C (35°F) 20 mm (0.8 in)
Mar 6°C (42°F) 9 mm (0.4 in) 6°C (42°F) 27 mm (1.1 in)
Apr 14°C (57°F) 26 mm (1 in) 11°C (51°F) 35 mm (1.4 in)
May 20°C (68°F) 29 mm (1.1 in) 15°C (59°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Jun 25°C (76°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 18°C (64°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Jul 27°C (80°F) 176 mm (6.9 in) 20°C (67°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Aug 25°C (78°F) 182 mm (7.2 in) 19°C (67°F) 73 mm (2.9 in)
Sep 20°C (69°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 16°C (61°F) 47 mm (1.9 in)
Oct 14°C (56°F) 19 mm (0.7 in) 11°C (51°F) 30 mm (1.2 in)
Nov 5°C (41°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 5°C (41°F) 32 mm (1.3 in)
Dec -1°C (29°F) 2 mm (0.1 in) 1°C (34°F) 23 mm (0.9 in)