A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Hue vs. Nanjing for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Hue 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 Hue 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: Hue or Nanjing?

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.

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 Sightseeing Tours in Vietnam, The Best Cultural Tours in Vietnam, The Best Historical Tours in China, and The Best 10-Day Tours in China.


Which place is cheaper, Nanjing or Hue?

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 Hue is $56, 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 Hue and Nanjing in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Hue $22
    Nanjing $47
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Hue $44
    Nanjing $94
Compare Hotels in Hue and Nanjing

Looking for a hotel in Hue 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.

Hotels in Hue


Hotels in Nanjing


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
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Hue $12
    Nanjing $39
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Hue

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


  • Cyclo
    $0.45
  • Short Taxi Ride
    $0.83
  • Taxi Ride to Tombs
    $13

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Hue

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Hue:

  • Bus Transfer From Hue to Phong Nha 1 Way: $19
  • Bus Transfer From Hue - Phong Nha: $16
  • Da Nang Airport: Private Transfer to/from Hue City: $94
  • Deluxe Transfer Hue to Hoi An by Amazing way: $25
  • From Hue : Transfer Hue To Hoi An with Sightseeing Stops: $16
  • From Hue to Golden Bridge - Ba Na Via Hai Van Pass (Private Roundtrip Transfer): $85
  • From Bus Transfer to Hoi An with Sightseeing Stops: $15
  • From Hoi An Bus Transfer with 4 Sightseeing Stops: $13
  • From Hoi An Bus Transfer with Hai Van Pass & Marble …: $15
  • From Hoi An Bus Transfer with Hai Van Pass & Marble …: $16
  • From One-Way Shared Bus Transfer to Da Nang: $12
  • From Private Car Transfer to Da Nang: $45

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Nanjing

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Nanjing:

  • [Airport transfer] Nanjing Lukou International Airport ⇔ Nanjing city transfer ☆ High reputation for service! <Charter charter>: $27
  • Nanjing Lukou Airport Chauffeur Service, Nanjing Airport Transfer, Pickup: $30
  • Private Arrival Transfer to Nanjing City from Railway Station : $32
  • Nanjing Railway Station Private Arrival Transfer to City Hotels: $35
  • Tangshan Hot Spring Spa Resorts Private Transfer from Nanjing City : $44
  • Private Departure Transfer from Nanjing City Center to Lukou Int'l Airport: $45
  • Private Transfer to Nanjing Railway Station from Lukou Airport : $45
  • Nanjing Lukou International Airport Private Arrival Transfer to City Center: $45
  • Private Nanjing Airport Transfer from City Hotels or Tangshan Hot Spring Resorts: $45
  • Nanjing Airport (NKG) to Nanjing - Arrival Private Transfer : $45
  • Private Nanjing Airport Transfer to City Center or Tangshan Hot Spring Resorts: $46
  • Nanjing Downtown hotels to Lukou Intl Airport (NKG) - Departure Private Transfer: $47

Is it cheaper to fly into Hue or Nanjing?

Prices for flights to both Nanjing 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
  • Food Meals for one day
    Hue $25
    Nanjing $49
Typical Food Prices in Hue

Some typical examples of dining costs in Hue are as follows:


  • River Night Market Dinner (for Two)
    $7.58
  • Two Sugarcane Drinks
    $0.76
  • Quick Lunch (for Two)
    $2.08
  • 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 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.
    Hue $11
    Nanjing $9.41
Typical Entertainment Prices in Hue

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Hue are as follows:


  • Boat Ride
    $7.39
  • Bicycle Rental (One Day)
    $1.06
  • Imperial Citadel Entrance
    $3.03
  • 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:

  • Eat like a local with a local - Walking Tour: $2.00
  • Hue Imperial Ancient City Walking Tour: $2.00
  • Traditional Singing on Huong River Ticket: $4.03
  • Private City Tour By Car - English Speaking Driver: $4.72
  • Vietnam Song Lab Digital Art Center Entry Ticket: $7.66
  • Hue Imperial City 3 Hour Walking Tour for Budget Travelers: $8.00
  • City Tour with Driver - Customized Your Own Itinerary: $8.66
  • Experience Paper Flower Making in Hue for a Cause: $10
  • Private City Tour by Car with English-Speaking Driver: $10
  • Imperial City Walk, Motorbike Tour & Private Car Options: $10
  • Hue Royal Tombs Tour Visit 3 Best Tombs & Pagoda: $13
  • Royal Tombs Private Tour with 3 Best Tombs & Pagoda: $13

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 day
    Hue $5.49
    Nanjing $9.61
Typical Alcohol Prices in Hue

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Hue:


  • Beer
    $0.95


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Hue and Nanjing, we can see that Nanjing 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 Nanjing would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Nanjing 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 Nanjing Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Hue or Nanjing?

Nanjing has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Hue. When comparing the sizes of Hue 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 Hue or Nanjing?

Nanjing has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Hue experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Hue or Nanjing in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Hue and Nanjing. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Hue year-round.

In July, Hue is generally around the same temperature as Nanjing. Daily temperatures in Hue average around 29°C (85°F), and Nanjing fluctuates around 28°C (83°F).

Nanjing receives a lot of rain in the summer. In July, Hue usually receives less rain than Nanjing. Hue gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Nanjing receives 174 mm (6.9 in) of rain each month for the summer. March to August in Hue is the dry season. Also, September to December is the rainy season in Hue.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Hue 29°C (85°F) 
    Nanjing 28°C (83°F)

Should I visit Hue or Nanjing in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Hue as well as Nanjing. Hue attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

Hue is a little warmer than Nanjing in the autumn. The daily temperature in Hue averages around 25°C (78°F) in October, and Nanjing fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

Hue receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Hue usually gets more rain in October than Nanjing. Hue gets 613 mm (24.1 in) of rain, while Nanjing receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year. September to December in Hue is the rainy season.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Hue 25°C (78°F) 
    Nanjing 17°C (63°F)

Should I visit Hue or Nanjing in the Winter?

Both Nanjing and Hue are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Hue throughout the year.

The weather in Nanjing can be very cold. In the winter, Hue is much warmer than Nanjing. Typically, the winter temperatures in Hue in January average around 22°C (71°F), and Nanjing averages at about 3°C (37°F).

It's quite rainy in Hue. In January, Hue usually receives more rain than Nanjing. Hue gets 112 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Nanjing receives 27 mm (1.1 in) of rain each month for the winter. The dry season in Hue is March to August.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Hue 22°C (71°F) 
    Nanjing 3°C (37°F)

Should I visit Hue or Nanjing in the Spring?

Both Nanjing and Hue during the spring are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Hue because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

In April, Hue is generally much warmer than Nanjing. Daily temperatures in Hue average around 26°C (80°F), and Nanjing fluctuates around 15°C (60°F).

Nanjing gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Hue usually gets less rain in April than Nanjing. Hue gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Nanjing receives 101 mm (4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Hue 26°C (80°F) 
    Nanjing 15°C (60°F)

Typical Weather for Nanjing and Hue

Hue Nanjing
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 22°C (71°F) 112 mm (4.4 in) 3°C (37°F) 27 mm (1.1 in)
Feb 23°C (73°F) 34 mm (1.3 in) 4°C (40°F) 52 mm (2 in)
Mar 24°C (75°F) 29 mm (1.1 in) 9°C (48°F) 69 mm (2.7 in)
Apr 26°C (80°F) 33 mm (1.3 in) 15°C (60°F) 101 mm (4 in)
May 29°C (83°F) 67 mm (2.6 in) 21°C (69°F) 88 mm (3.5 in)
Jun 30°C (85°F) 87 mm (3.4 in) 25°C (77°F) 114 mm (4.5 in)
Jul 29°C (85°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 28°C (83°F) 174 mm (6.9 in)
Aug 29°C (85°F) 110 mm (4.3 in) 28°C (83°F) 158 mm (6.2 in)
Sep 28°C (82°F) 331 mm (13 in) 23°C (74°F) 105 mm (4.1 in)
Oct 25°C (78°F) 613 mm (24.1 in) 17°C (63°F) 44 mm (1.7 in)
Nov 24°C (76°F) 376 mm (14.8 in) 11°C (52°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)
Dec 23°C (73°F) 223 mm (8.8 in) 5°C (41°F) 25 mm (1 in)