Which place is cheaper, Kunming or Kao-hsiung?
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 Kao-hsiung 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 Kao-hsiung 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: Kao-hsiung or Kunming?
Kao-hsiung
Kaohsiung is the second-most populated city and also the largest port city in the country, located in the south of Taiwan. Compared to Taipei, the lifestyle in Kaohsiung is laid-back and noticeably slower, populated with friendly locals. However, with Taipei in the spotlight, Kaohsiung is often overlooked, though it offers so much in the way of art and culture, history, and delicious food.
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 Historical Tours in Taiwan, The Best Adventure Tours to Taiwan, The Best 2-Week Tours from Beijing, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to China.
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Kao-hsiung Prices
Taiwan PricesKunming Prices
China Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayKao-hsiung $134Kunming $85
The average daily cost (per person) in Kao-hsiung is $134, 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 Kao-hsiung and Kunming in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personKao-hsiung $60Kunming $33
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomKao-hsiung $120Kunming $66
Compare Hotels in Kao-hsiung and Kunming
Looking for a hotel in Kao-hsiung 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: Kao-hsiung Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Kao-hsiung $12Kunming $14
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kao-hsiung
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Kao-hsiung:
- Private Kaohsiung Airport to Taitung Resorts Arrival Transfer: $192
- Private Transfer from Kaohsiung Airport to Kenting: $138
- Guanziling Resorts to Kaohsiung Airport KHH Departure Transfer: $134
- Kaohsiung Airport (KHH) to Guanziling Resorts - Arrival Transfer: $134
- Private Transfer from Kaohsiung Airport (KHH) to Kaohsiung Port : $75
- Kaohsiung Airport Chauffeur service , Kaohsiung Airport Transfer : $50
- Kaohsiung Airport -> Kaohsiung Hotel Private Transfer (Large room for luggage) : $35
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 Kao-hsiung or Kunming?
Prices for flights to both Kunming and Kao-hsiung 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 dayKao-hsiung $59Kunming $39
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Kao-hsiung
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Kao-hsiung.
- Sunset Dinner on Monkey Mountain : $100
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Kunming
For Kunming, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Private Kunming Night Tour with Dinner: $88
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Kao-hsiung $22Kunming $18
Tours and Activities in Kao-hsiung
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Kao-hsiung are as follows:
- 1 day tour - Kaohsiung: $200
- Alishan Day Tour from Kaohsiung (Incl. Park Entrance): $90
- Buddha Museum- Half Day Tour : $90
- Classic Northern Kaohsiung Day Tour: $60
- Classic Southern Kaohsiung Day Tour: $60
- Food and Culture Walking Tour in Tainan: $78
- Kaohsiung Area Classic Tour: $255
- Kaohsiung City Walking Day Tour: $70
- Kaohsiung Departure - Tainan City Day Tour: $220
- Kaohsiung Like a Local: Customized Private Tour: $48
- Kaohsiung Private Tour with Transportation : $249
- Kaohsiung Suburbs Full-Day Tour: $220
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
- Lijiang: Jade Dragon Snow Mountain with Scenic Train Tour: $51
- Kunming Western Hills Scenic Area Private Tour: $64
- Kunming Western Hills Scenic Area Private Tour (Half Day): $66
- Private Tour with Customizable Itinerary: $66
- Guandu Ancient Town Private Tour (Half-Day): $66
- Old Town Private Tour (Half Day): $66
- Stone Forest + Yiliang Roast Duck + Kunming City Private Tour: $68
- Stone Forest, Roast Duck Lunch and City Tour: $70
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayKao-hsiung $11Kunming $18
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Kao-hsiung and Kunming, we can see that Kao-hsiung is more expensive. And not only is Kunming much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Kunming would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Kunming 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 Kao-hsiung would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Kao-hsiung than you might in Kunming.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Kao-hsiung Expensive? and Is Kunming Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Kao-hsiung or Kunming?
Kao-hsiung has a larger population, and is about 48% larger than the population of Kunming. When comparing the sizes of Kao-hsiung 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.