Which place is cheaper, Chongqing or Xi'an?
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 Xi'an or Chongqing?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Xi'an and Chongqing 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: Xi'an or Chongqing?
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.
Chongqing
Chongqing, China is a large city in central China and one of only four cities in the country that are not part of a province. While Chongqing is famous for being an economically important city, brush away its industrial surface and you'll find a naturally beautiful city with plenty of hidden wonders. Although you'll find many expats in the city, English is rarely spoken, meaning knowing some basic Mandarin will come in handy.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in China, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in China, The Best 2-Week Tours in China, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in China.
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Xi'an Prices
China PricesChongqing Prices
China Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayXi'an $105Chongqing $106
The average daily cost (per person) in Xi'an is $105, while the average daily cost in Chongqing is $106. 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 Xi'an and Chongqing in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personXi'an $61Chongqing $50
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomXi'an $122Chongqing $100
Compare Hotels in Xi'an and Chongqing
Looking for a hotel in Xi'an or Chongqing? 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.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Xi'an $12Chongqing $19
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
- Essential Xian Tour with Airport Train Station or Hotel Transfer: $229
- From Xian: Terracotta Army and City Wall Tour with Airport Transfer: $245
- Mt. Huashan Private Roundtrip Transfer with Driver's Tickets Help: $113
- One Day Private Xian Tour to Terracotta Warriors with Airport Transfers: $149
- Private 1-way Transfer: Xi'an North Station/Airport to City Hotel: $58
- Private Arrival Transfer: Xi'an Central Train Station to Hotel: $21
- Private Arrival Transfer:Any Xi'an Railway Station to Xi'an City Hotel: $30
- Private Arrival Transfer:Xi'an Xianyang International Airport(XIY) to City Hotel: $46
- Private Departure Transfer to Xi'an International Airport from City Hotels: $22
- Private Departure Transfer: Hotel to Xi'an Central Train Station: $21
- Private Departure Transfer: Xi'an Hotels to Xi'an Airport (XIY): $49
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Chongqing
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Chongqing:
- Chongqing Airport Private Transfer : $22
- Chongqing Jiangbei Airport (CKG) private round-trip transfer: $25
- Chongqing Private Round Trip Transfer to Dazu Rock Carvings: $134
- Chongqing Private Round Trip Transfer to Wulong National Park: $156
- 5-Day Private Tour with Hotel & Transfers: $497
- Wulong 3-Day Tour with Hotel & Transfers: $497
- Wulong 5-Day Tour with Hotel & Transfers: $687
- Datong Yungang Airport Chauffeur Service , to Datong Transfer: $40
- Private Arrival Transfer: Chongqing Chaotianmen Cruise Pier to Hotel: $39
- Private Arrival Transfer: Chongqing Jiangbei Airport (CKG) to Hotel: $27
- Private Departure Transfer: Hotel to Any Railway Station in Chongqing: $24
- Private Departure Transfer: Hotel to Chongqing Chaotianmen Cruise Pier: $39
Is it cheaper to fly into Xi'an or Chongqing?
Prices for flights to both Chongqing and Xi'an 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 dayXi'an $22Chongqing $43
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
- Xian Tang Dynasty Show -Optional Dumpling Dinner or Royal Banquet: $38
- 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
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Chongqing
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Chongqing.
- Qingyu Banquet Experience with Show and Dinner: $51
- Half-Day Cultural Immersion with Cooking Class: $80
- Food Tour with Old Town and Magical Night Views: $93
- Chongqing Food Tour: $93
- 3 HR Chongqing Food Tour: $110
- Chongqing City Private Night Tour with Hot Pot Dinner: $158
- Magical Chongqing Art Performance and Food Tour: $297
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Xi'an $36Chongqing $14
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
- Terracotta Warriors Tickets Booking: $24
- 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
Tours and Activities in Chongqing
Here are a few actual costs in Chongqing for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Chongqing private luxury city tour: Must-sees All in One: $10
- Chongqing Private Tour Pandas City Must See Hot Pot All in one: $10
- Chongqing Luxury Hot Spring and Massage Luxury Meal Private Tour: $10
- Chongqing Wulong National Park Private Nature Tour: $10
- 520m-high Eye Skyview Deck Ticket for Adult: $26
- Two Rivers Night Cruise- Yangtze & Jialing Rivers: $40
- Chongqing 1949 Ticket Epic Historical Spectacle: $41
- Historical Blocks, Temple, and Mountain Tour: $69
- Magic Night View and Secret Viewing Spots Tour: $71
- ChongQing Guanyinqiao: A 3-Hour Urban Adventure: $80
- Hidden City Walking Tour with Local Guide: $80
- Baduanjin Qigong Experience in a Serene Temple: $81
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayXi'an $7.34Chongqing $7.01
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 comparing the travel costs between Xi'an and Chongqing, we can see that Chongqing is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Asia, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Xi'an Expensive? and Is Chongqing Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Xi'an or Chongqing?
Chongqing has a larger population, and is about 23% larger than the population of Xi'an. When comparing the sizes of Xi'an and Chongqing, 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.