Which place is cheaper, Kunming or Hue?
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 Hue or Kunming?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Hue and Kunming 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: Hue or Kunming?
Hue
Hue is a major city in central Vietnam and was historically the imperial capital. The city was the base for the imperial Nguyen Dynasty, which ruled from 1802 to 1945. During the Vietnam War the city faced many challenges. It was conquered by the Viet Cong and held for 24 days. During this time about 3,000 people were slaughtered for their political views, education level, or religious affiliation.
Kunming
Kunming, located in southern China, is the modern capital city of the Yunnan province. It is a transportation hub for visitors entering the region, and good transfer point to just about everywhere else in the province by train or bus. Within the city itself there are many things to see and do with a full range of parks and zoos, museums, temples, theatres, and scenic areas.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Sightseeing Tours in Vietnam, The Best Cultural Tours in Vietnam, The Best 2-Week Tours from Beijing, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to China.
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Hue Prices
Vietnam PricesKunming Prices
China Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayHue $56Kunming $85
The average daily cost (per person) in Hue is $56, while the average daily cost in Kunming is $85. 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 Hue and Kunming in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personHue $22Kunming $33
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomHue $44Kunming $66
Compare Hotels in Hue and Kunming
Looking for a hotel in Hue or Kunming? 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: Hue Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Hue $12Kunming $14
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Hue
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Hue:
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Cyclo$0.45
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Short Taxi Ride$0.83
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Taxi Ride to Tombs$13
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Hue
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Hue:
- Full-Day Hue Tour by Military Jeep Including One-Way Transfer to Hoi An: $190
- Golden Bridge Trip with Guide, Lunch &transfer from Chan May Port: $159
- Private Transfer From Hue To Phong Nha: $135
- Hue to Hoi An Jeep Tour Private Transfer via Hai Van Pass 1 Way: $125
- Private transfer from Hue to Hoi An with fabulous stops: $125
- Hoi An: Hue Transfer stop An Bang Ghost town, Hai Van Pass: $122
- Hue Transfer to Hoi An Via Hai Van Pass & Golden Bridge: $114
- Private Transfer from Hue Phu Bai Airport (HUI) to Chan May Port: $101
- Private Transfer: Hoi An City Center - Hue City Center: $100
- Private car transfer from Hue to Da nang or Hoi An via Hai van Pass: $98
- Hue to Hoi An Private Transfer: Sightseeing with English Driver: $96
- Da Nang Airport: Private Transfer to/from Hue City: $94
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Kunming
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Kunming:
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Taxi Ride$1.54
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kunming
Also for Kunming, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- [Airport Transfer] Kunming Changshui Airport ⇔ Kunming City Transfer ☆ High reputation for service! <Charter charter>: $36
- Kunming Airport Private Transfer - Charge by Vehicle: $48
- Kunming Changshui Airport Chauffeur Service, Kunming Airport Transfer, Pickup: $83
- Kunming Private Round Trip Transfer to Fuxianhu Lake: $90
Is it cheaper to fly into Hue or Kunming?
Prices for flights to both Kunming and Hue 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 dayHue $25Kunming $39
Typical Food Prices in Hue
Some typical examples of dining costs in Hue are as follows:
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River Night Market Dinner (for Two)$7.58
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Two Sugarcane Drinks$0.76
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Quick Lunch (for Two)$2.08
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Sitdown Dinner (for Two)$4.17
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Hue
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Hue.
- Hue Food Tour by Walking or Cyclo or Motorbike with Driver: $21
- Walking Street Food tour in Hue: $26
- Hue Walking Street Food Tour: $27
- Hue City: Cyclo, Market Tour & Cooking Class at Madam Thu: $27
- Eat Like a Local with a Local Hue Food Tour : $30
- Home Cooking Class and Dinner with Local Chef in Hue City: $31
- HUE : NIGHT WALKING AND STREET FOOD TOUR: $31
- Hue : Cooking Class with Local Family: $33
- Street Food Tour with a Local Guide: $33
- Cooking Class with Local Family: $33
- Hue : Night Street Food Tour with a Local Guide: $33
- Guided Local Food Tour with Tastings: $33
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Kunming
For Kunming, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Discovery more Kunming evening Food Tour with Local Guide: $78
- Private Kunming Night Tour with Dinner: $88
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Hue $11Kunming $18
Typical Entertainment Prices in Hue
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Hue are as follows:
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Boat Ride$7.39
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Bicycle Rental (One Day)$1.06
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Imperial Citadel Entrance$3.03
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Massage at Institute for the Blind$1.52
Tours and Activities in Hue
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Hue are as follows:
- Bach Ma National Park Adventure Trekking Day Trip from Hue: $56
- Hoi An Guided Bus Tour via 4 Stops from Hue with entry ticket : $18
- 12 Hours Experience Different Hue: $179
- 13 Days Private Tour Highlights of Cambodia & Vietnam: $4,980
- 2 Day Nature Tour in Tam Giang Lagoon & Bach Ma National Park: $245
- 2025 Journey to Paradise Cave — An Adventure's Paradise : $57
- 3,5-Hours Hue Imperial Walking Tour with Guide with Local Gifts: $28
- 3-Hour Hue Royal Palace Small Group Guided Walking Tour: $23
- 6 Hours All Inclusive Hue Green Biking Private Tour: $98
- All Inclusive Deluxe Hue City Group Tour - Max 12 pax: $63
- Bach Ma National Park Day Trek Private Tour from Hue: $95
- Bach Ma National Park Tour From Hue City : $39
Tours and Activities in Kunming
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Kunming.
- Kunming City & Cultural Walking tour: $26
- Yunnan University & Culture Alley Guided Tour: $26
- Half Day Private Tour with Customizable Itinerary: $43
- Kunming City Tour with Private Guide: $44
- Kunming Western Hills Scenic Area Private Tour: $64
- Old Town Private Tour (Half Day): $66
- Guandu Ancient Town Private Tour (Half-Day): $66
- Kunming Western Hills Scenic Area Private Tour (Half Day): $66
- Private Tour with Customizable Itinerary: $66
- Stone Forest + Yiliang Roast Duck + Kunming City Private Tour: $68
- Stone Forest, Roast Duck Lunch and City Tour: $70
- Lijiang: Jade Dragon Snow Mountain with Scenic Train Tour: $74
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayHue $5.49Kunming $18
Typical Alcohol Prices in Hue
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Hue:
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Beer$0.95
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Hue and Kunming, we can see that Kunming is more expensive. And not only is Hue much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Hue would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Hue 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 Kunming would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Kunming than you might in Hue.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Hue Expensive? and Is Kunming Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Hue or Kunming?
Kunming has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Hue. When comparing the sizes of Hue and Kunming, 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.