A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Tel Aviv vs. Xi'an for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Tel Aviv or Xi'an?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Tel Aviv or Xi'an, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Where Should I go: Tel Aviv or Xi'an?

Tel Aviv

Tel Aviv is the second largest city in Israel and is situated on the Mediterranean coast 60 kilometers north of Jerusalem. It's a rapidly growing city and is one of the most modern and cosmopolitan cities in Israel. The official name is Tel Aviv-Yafo because the city has grown to include the ancient port city of Yafo. If you're looking for an embassy, you are likely to find it in Tel Aviv, despite Jerusalem being the official capital of Israel.

Xi'an

Xi'an is an ancient city in the Shaanxi Province in China. Today it is most notable as the location of the Terracotta Warriors, but for visitors who choose to linger, there is so much more to see and do in the area. The city itself is more than 3,000 years old and for about one thousand years, through 13 dynasties and 73 emperors, it was the capital. Because of its rich history there are many historical ruins and a strong culture in the city. Today the city is a pleasant place to visit, although much of it's influence and power has dwindled. The city has both cosmopolitan and modern areas as well as historic and culturally rich areas. The neighborhoods are diverse and by exploring the city in depth you can learn a little more about what China really has to offer.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to Israel, The Best 3-Day Tours from Jerusalem, The Best 10-Day Tours in China, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in China.


Which place is cheaper, Xi'an or Tel Aviv?

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 Tel Aviv is $179, while the average daily cost in Xi'an is $105. 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 Tel Aviv and Xi'an in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Tel Aviv $97
    Xi'an $61
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Tel Aviv $194
    Xi'an $122
Compare Hotels in Tel Aviv and Xi'an

Looking for a hotel in Tel Aviv or Xi'an? 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 Tel Aviv


Hotels in Xian


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: Tel Aviv Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Tel Aviv $9.78
    Xi'an $12
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Tel Aviv

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Tel Aviv are as follows:


  • Local Bus to Central Bus Station
    $1.77
  • Taxi to Airport
    $45

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Tel Aviv

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Tel Aviv:

  • Tel Aviv to Tel Aviv Ben Gurion Airport (TLV) - Departure Private Transfer: $54
  • Comfortable Private Transfer: Jerusalem to Ben Gurion Airport: $180
  • Haifa to Tel Aviv or (TLV) Airport Transfers (Arrival/Departure): $239
  • Herzliya to Tel Aviv Ben Gurion Airport Private Departure Transfer: $56
  • Private Airport Transfer - Dead Sea Hotels from or to Tel Aviv (TLV) Airport: $165
  • Private Arrival Transfer: From Ben Gurion Airport to Tel Aviv City Center: $48
  • Private Ben Gurion Airport Transfer To/From TelAviv: $70
  • Private Round trip Airport Transfers - Airport to Tel Aviv Area and return: $174
  • Private Transfer from Herzlia to Ben Gurion Airport: $116
  • Private Transfer from Herzlia to Jerusalem: $247
  • Private Transfer from Jerusalem to Ben Gurion Airport: $172
  • Private Transfer from Netanya to Ben Gurion Airport: $172

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Xi'an

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Xi'an:

  • Xi’an Xianyang International Airport Private Arrival Transfer to City Area: $29
  • 1-way Private Transfer: Xi'an City Hotel to Airport/Train Station: $55
  • 2-Day Customized Private Tour With Transfer in Historical Xi'an: $269
  • Bullet Train Station Transfer Service: $31
  • Essential Xian Tour with Airport Train Station or Hotel Transfer: $229
  • From Xian: Terracotta Army and City Wall Tour with Airport Transfer: $245
  • Full-Day Layover Private Tour: Essence of Xi'an With Airport Transfer: $229
  • Mt. Huashan Private Roundtrip Transfer with Driver's Tickets Help: $113
  • One Day Private Xian Tour to Terracotta Warriors with Airport Transfers: $149
  • One-Way Airport Transfer From Xi'an Xianyang International Airport to Xi'an Hotel: $75
  • Private 1-way Transfer: Xi'an North Station/Airport to City Hotel: $58
  • Private Airport Transfer: Xi'an Hotel to Xianyang International Airport: $29

Is it cheaper to fly into Tel Aviv or Xi'an?

Prices for flights to both Xi'an and Tel Aviv 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
    Tel Aviv $54
    Xi'an $22
Typical Food Prices in Tel Aviv

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


  • Dinner for Two
    $25
  • Dinner for 2 at Vatroshka
    $146
  • Lunch at Segev Sarona
    $38
  • Aroma Iced Coffee
    $4.20
  • Lunch at the airport
    $35

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Tel Aviv

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

  • Private Jaffa Flea Market Hapishpeshim Food Tour: $60
  • Levinsky Market Food Tour : $130

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Xi'an

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Xi'an.

  • Xi’an:City Wall Multi-Entry or Night Food Tour with Show: $21
  • Xi'An: Tang Dynasty Show Ticket w/ Transfer or Dinner: $33
  • Top 3 Xian Sites to Terracotta Army & Dinner Show w/ Options: $35
  • Xi'an Tang Dynasty Show Ticket Optional Dumplings or Royal Dinner: $37
  • Skip the Line: Xi'an Tang Dynasty Show Ticket & Dumpling Dinner or Royal Banquet: $37
  • Xi'an: Tang Dynasty Music and Dance Show with Dinner Option: $40
  • Xi'an Homemade Food Cooking Dumplings / BIANGBIANGNoodles: $58
  • Xi’an: Market Tour and Cooking Class with Local Family: $59
  • Xi'an Vegetarian Food Tour: $60
  • Xi'an Muslim Quarter Walking Food Tour: $61
  • Private Xi'an Food Tour: $65
  • Xian: Morning Food Tour of the Muslim Quarter: $67

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Tel Aviv $26
    Xi'an $36
Typical Entertainment Prices in Tel Aviv

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


  • Masada tour from Tel Aviv
    $88
  • Etzel museum
    $4.50

Tours and Activities in Tel Aviv

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

  • Trail of Independence Quest Experience: $8.35
  • The White City: A Self-Guided Audio Tour of the History of the Bauhaus Style: $9.99
  • Self-guided Graffiti tour in Tel Aviv in your own time and your own pace: $24
  • 30-minute Sightseeing Cruise of Tel Aviv and Jaffa Skyline : $29
  • Exclusive Private Tour in The Israel Diamond Exchange: $40
  • Hatikvah Market Interactive Behind-the-Scenes Tour: $50
  • Tel Aviv; Jaffa Old City, Port & Shuk Hapishpishim Walking Tour : $50
  • Discover Jaffa in a Private Guided Walking Tour : $50
  • Jaffa Sunset Skyline Walking Tour : $50
  • Highlights of Central Tel Aviv Walking Tour : $50
  • Explore Modern Contemporary Tour in Jerusalem New City : $53
  • Jerusalem Half-Day Tour from Holy Sepulchre and Western Wall: $60

Tours and Activities in Xi'an

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

  • Xi'an: Daci'en Temple(Great Wild Goose Pagoda) E-ticket: $9.99
  • Xi'an: City Wall & Old Town Walking Tour w/ 10+ Food Tasting: $14
  • Xi’an City Wall – E-Ticket: $15
  • Xi'an: Xi’an City Wall South Gate(Yongningmen) Entry Ticket: $15
  • Xi'an Virtual Tour: Emperor Qin Shi Huang and His Terracotta Army: $15
  • Xi'an: City Wall Moat Smart Boat Tour: $17
  • Xian: Terracotta Army Ticket & Guided Bus Tour with Options: $20
  • Private Car Tour to Terra-cotta Army and Xi'an Ctiy Attrations: $22
  • Xian Day Tour, Terracotta Army, City Wall, Pagoda, Muslim Bazaar: $24
  • Xi'an Exclusive Terracotta Army Tour with Local Family Lunch: $24
  • Terracotta Army Ticket Booking - Optional Guide Service: $25
  • Private Half Day Tour to See The Tomb of Emperor Jingdi: $25

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Tel Aviv $24
    Xi'an $7.34

Sample the Local Flavors in Tel Aviv

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Tel Aviv:

  • Guided Pub Crawl Night Tour at Tel Aviv: $24

Sample the Local Flavors in Xi'an

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Xi'an:

  • Xi'an Bar Crawl: Drink, Gaming, Snacks & Meet with Locals: $29


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Tel Aviv and Xi'an, we can see that Tel Aviv is more expensive. And not only is Xi'an much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Tel Aviv is in Middle East and Xi'an is in Asia, 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 Xi'an would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Xi'an 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 Tel Aviv would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Tel Aviv than you might in Xi'an.

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


Which is Bigger, Tel Aviv or Xi'an?

Xi'an has a larger population, and is about 9 times larger than the population of Tel Aviv. When comparing the sizes of Tel Aviv and Xi'an, 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.