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

Should you visit Udaipur or Xi'an?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Udaipur and Xi'an. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Where Should I go: Udaipur or Xi'an?

Udaipur

Udaipur, also known as the "Venice of the East," is becoming increasingly popular as an Indian wedding destination as well as with travelers searching for a romantic and picturesque city, rich with history, scenic areas, and palaces.

The "City of Lakes" is located in south of Rajasthan. There are a total of ten lakes in the lake system, which are connected and sustain water for drinking, irrigation and industrial use, which contributes to another reason for Udaipur's booming tourism: alcohol.

Udaipur has ideal climate and available water to support a liquor plant while a number of other Indian states ban the consumption of liquor altogether. Many local tourists, such as those from the neighboring dry state of Gujarat on the west, visit Udaipur specifically for this reason, especially considering that Gujarati alcohol prices are much higher and liquor must be purchased through the black market. It's no wonder why Udaipur is the destination for celebrations and vacation.

Udaipur has tropical weather and three main seasons, which are summer, monsoon, and winter. Winter, which takes place between September to March, is the most pleasant time to visit for sunny and warm days and cool nights.

Udaipur was also made famous in the James Bond film Octopussy. Several local hotels show the film nightly.

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 Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in India, The Best Adventure Tours to India, The Best 10-Day Tours in China, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in China.


Which place is cheaper, Xi'an or Udaipur?

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 Udaipur is $39, 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 Udaipur and Xi'an in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Udaipur $15
    Xi'an $61
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Udaipur $30
    Xi'an $122
Compare Hotels in Udaipur and Xi'an

Looking for a hotel in Udaipur 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 Udaipur


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: Udaipur Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Udaipur $6.71
    Xi'an $12
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Udaipur

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Udaipur:


  • Tuk Tuk Ride
    $0.45

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Udaipur

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Udaipur:

  • Airport Transfer: Maharana Pratap Airport to Hotels in Udaipur: $21
  • From Jaisalmer : Private One Way Udaipur Transfer in AC Car: $134
  • From Private Transfers Cab To Jodhpur with Sightseeing: $46
  • Jagmandir Island And Sunset Boat Ride On Lake Pichola, Udaipur Without Transfers: $134
  • Jodhpur To Udaipur Transfer: $85
  • Jodhpur to Udaipur one Way Transfer: $46
  • Kumbhalgarh Fort & Ranakpur Tour With One Way Transfer From Udaipur To Jodhpur: $99
  • One Way Transfer To/From Udaipur & Jaipur: $92
  • One Way Udaipur To Jaipur Transfer: $81
  • One way City Transfer To/From Udaipur and Jaipur: $100
  • Private A/c Transfer Udaipur To Mount Abu ( 6 Seat A/c Suv ): $81
  • Private Departure Transfer: Hotel to Udaipur Airport: $23

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 Udaipur or Xi'an?

Prices for flights to both Xi'an and Udaipur 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
    Udaipur $18
    Xi'an $22

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Udaipur

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

  • Cooking class and dinner with Rekha family with full meals: $16
  • Durga Cooking Class: $16
  • Learn Cooking class + Meals with Spice & Veg Market visits: $28
  • Kusum's Cooking lesson : $57
  • Jag Mandir Island Dinner with Boat Ride transfers: $104

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.
    Udaipur $6.80
    Xi'an $36
Typical Entertainment Prices in Udaipur

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


  • Palace Entrance Fee
    $1.14
  • Lake Boat Tour
    $2.27

Tours and Activities in Udaipur

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

  • Sunrise Taj Mahal Tour from Delhi By Car- All Inclusive.: $4.96
  • Delwara Handicraft Experience: $8.67
  • Jaipur City Full Day Tour By Tuk-Tuk: $9.24
  • Udaipur Walking Tour(2 Hours Guided Walk): $9.24
  • Full-Day Private Udaipur Three wheeled Tuk Tuk Sightseeing : $10
  • Savor a Handcrafted Indian Meal at Home The Dining Experience: $11
  • Udaipur Heritage City and Local Market Walking tour: $11
  • Private Udaipur Sightseeing Tour by Tuk-Tuk or Car with Driver: $12
  • Heritage & Cultural Walk of Udaipur (2 Hours Guided Walking Tour): $13
  • Agra: Baby Taj and Mehtab Bagh Sunset Viewpoint Tour: $14
  • Udaipur Full Day Sightseeing Tour By Tuk Tuk: $15
  • Udaipur Half Day City Tour by Tuk Tuk: $16

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
    Udaipur $8.46
    Xi'an $7.34

Sample the Local Flavors in Udaipur

Also in Udaipur, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Pub Crawl Udaipur: $37

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 Udaipur and Xi'an, we can see that Xi'an is more expensive. And not only is Udaipur much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Udaipur would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Udaipur 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 Xi'an would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Xi'an than you might in Udaipur.

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


Which is Bigger, Udaipur or Xi'an?

Xi'an has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Udaipur. When comparing the sizes of Udaipur 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.